March 15: Much Progress

Today was a much better day than yesterday. We started with a bath and breakfast and then went to visit a park with a big tower with hundreds of steps that we all climbed. It was a great view. We also fed some fish (carp to be specific - I know this will be important to Rick), who went crazy fighting for the food. We then went to a famous Buddhist temple. In the afternoon, we walked with Doug, Joanne, and Sara to another park not far from our hotel. This place was gorgeous - it had a nice little lake, lots of flowers, and bridges. Norah slept through the whole thing. We also bought some squeaky shoes for her - these are worn by Chinese children - they squeak when the children walk, which they love. Good news for adults - you can remove the squeaker at any time and put it back in when you want.

Tomorrow promises to be perhaps the most significant so far. We will travel to Norah's orphanage in Guiping and visit there. We may get to meet the nanny(ies) who cared for her and we will also visit her finding spot and Guiping City. This is a 3-hour bus ride each way, so it will be a very long and emotional day for all the families.

Here's a list of what we've learned about Norah so far:
Things she hates: Having a bath, getting her diaper changed, laying on her back, laying on her stomach, getting dressed
Things she loves: The outside, other children, the water fountain in the hotel, her little piggy toy, her bottle, chicken (yes, you read that right) congee, cheerios, playing with spoons and chopsticks
Personality: People have commented that she is "shy" or "quiet". This is in contrast to many of the babies who smile a lot and squeal and like to be tickled and cajoled. We just think that she has discerning taste. She likes to take her time and size up a situation. She is very observant and is always watching others. Once she warms up though, she can be quite a little charmer. It's amazing how this matching process works, because I'm well aware that I've been described the same way (minus the charming part!). And certainly Doug is typically described as quiet. It's also neat that she loves people watching so much - very apropos for the daughter of two psychologists.
Progress Report: Norah smiled at us today - at us and not at someone else (unless there was someone behind us!); Norah sat by herself without crying - she played with us like this for a good half an hour; Norah ate mashed banana, peaches and chicken congee in addition to drinking her bottle; Norah made it for an entire day in the same outfit; we all ate outside the hotel together for the first time (Doug needed to take her for a few spins in the stroller, but we managed); Norah and I took a spin in the HipPanda (the carrier we bought for her - my back says thank you!); Norah let us put shoes on her (OK - she screamed the whole time, but once they were on, she seemed to enjoy them and played with her feet all day)

Just a few pictures - not sure of the order or if they are even posted - the Chinese is throwing me off tonight! One is of Norah in her JLo outfit, one of her on the bus, one of Doug and Norah at the top of the tower we climbed, and one of Doug H. and Joanne and Sara getting swarmed by a group of young girls asking questions and admiring Sara.