More details from last night

This is a sort of continuation of the last post as I could not really concentrate with everything going on in the room (children running wildly around).

I was told by our social worker that tantruming and crying from Daniel is actually a good thing and that he should be doing these things. If he is too easy going and goes along with everything, he is not really grieving and that this behavior is actually not good. He should be having a bad time for 3 to 4 days at least to start with. So far he has been a little too happy. But it has really only been about 6 hours. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

He and MaryCatherine took a bath after dinner. Daniel had the absolute time of his life. He kept pouring water over MaryCatherine's head and laughing hysterically. She is someone who hates even a drop of water in her face and normally would have gotten very upset. But she just sat there and let him do it but eventually looked at me like, Mom tell him to stop, please. The two of them played so well together . Daniel is definitely all boy, there's no question about it. He plays rougher, and likes to be roughed up. Evan was the same way; there was no play that was ever too rough. Evan, you'll finally be able to rough someone up in the house without getting in trouble for it!

We were able to get a few big smiles out of him tonight. These were the times when I grabbed him quickly and very roughly kissed him and planted some raspberries on his cheeks. He always tried to get away but laughed all the same.

We were told Daniel's bedtime is 10 PM. Well, that certainly would not stay the same. We all went to bed about 8:30 (still suffering from jetlag) and he fell asleep very quickly. He also went to bed without a diaper and is still dry at 4 AM.

Daniel, I think, has the potential to be big trouble! He has a very impish personality and likes to touch everything and get into things. I already told Bill tonight to start baby-proofing the house. He is very strong-willed (we were told this by the orphanage worker, as well) and will put up a fight if something he has is taken from him (like the electrical converter!) He really does not seem like he's 3 and a half. If I had to guess, I would say he acts more like a just-3-year old; definitely younger than MaryCatherine. He most definitely looks and acts younger than her.

Again, I have to thank all our friends for their kindess and their prayers while I have been away. Bill has had the luxury of receiving meals from some concerned friends (and they should be as he can't even boil a hotdog) so I thank you for it all. Your prayers seem also to be working as our initial time together has been very positive. Thank you, too, Joanne, for your awesome idea concerning Our Lady. It has been consoling to have her beautiful image with us here in China.


-Liz