Update #12: Day 12

Day 12 (Aug 4) – Church

 

Joanna WenYan went to church for the first time today!  We worshiped together with mostly Chinese nationals and a few other adoptive families.  The service went from 11:00am to 12:30pm and was in Chinese and English.  We stepped out around noon, before communion, so there would be no confusion for Joanna about food and drink that she couldn’t have.  It was a pleasant experience; the church was packed!  We especially enjoyed singing together!

 

Joanna is quite independent and doesn’t want to hold hands all the time.  We understand this, especially since it is so hot and sticky almost everywhere we go.  The problem is that the walkways are terribly uneven with frequent surface changes.  She took a bad fall twice in 3 hours, narrowly missing smacking her head both times.  It takes our breath away.   We have a new rule starting today, she HAS to hold at least one parent’s hand at all times when walking around outside.  This is necessary for both safety and bonding.

 

We bought her new shoes, and she likes them!  Thank you, “Dr. Kong”!  We immediately noticed an increase in her stability with these new shoes.  They are very supportive tennis shoes, a bit warm for the weather, but we have to think about risk versus benefit.

 

We saw a delightful fountain music show outside the mall!  It was beautiful, entertaining, and the mist felt good, too.

 

Joanna said, “Micah,” for the first time!  It sounds like “mee, KAW”.  Super-cute!

 

At bedtime, Joanna smiled at me for the first time after I said, "Wo ai ni." (I love you!) She normally stares at me expressionless when I say that while stroking her cheek.