One week down, one to go!

We have reached the halfway mark of our trip.  It is incredible to see how Lauren is now compared to the first day we got her and even more so comparing her to the other babies we saw at the orphanage.  I have heard about how quickly the transformation can take place given love and security, but it is truly a miracle.  Everyday she is becoming more confident and picks up new skills. 

Today's agenda was going back to the Medical Office to get her TB test read.  We headed there in the morning, only to be told that we were hours too early.  Because the test was administered at 1:00 pm, they did not want to read it until after 1:00 pm.  So our guide took us to the Pearl Market and we shopped until it was time to return.  Lauren was cleared for TB and as well I was allowed to opt out getting her vaccinated here in China.  I did have to sign something that said that I will do it within 30 days of returning to the states.

Boarding back on the bus, the crazy traffic makes me carsick!

The waiting room of the Medical Exam Office

Lauren's favorite position is being upside down!

Lauren helping to pick out pearls for Erin

We are also seeing more and more of her personality coming through each day.  Although she is not yet speaking, she will definitely let you know what she wants.  This is especially true when it comes time to eat.  And boy, can she eat!  Sadly this is true with many of the babies in our group.  As they may have not gotten enough to eat, they are really hungry and can eat an adult portion.  Today she is becoming more confident in self feeding.  She will still only sit in my lap, but will now feed herself.  At dinner we gave her pieces of chicken and rice and she happily fed herself.  She is trying new foods and as long as she does not have to chew it she seems willing to try.  We are still working on chewing.  She does not seem to like sweets.  Given the choice of plain cheerios vs. sugar stars or chocolate cereal, the cheerios win every time.  In fact I mixed some in a bowl and she picked out the cheerios to eat and picked out the stars and threw them out!

At breakfast eating a dumpling by herself.  This is after a big bowl of congee.

She now lets Dad feed her.  

Still refusing the high chair.