More paperwork

Hey there! Gene posting here tonight. Wednesday in China was more paperwork, including a trip to the doctor for a routine medical exam required before a visa is issued for Zoey to return home with us. Zoey is eating great and very agreeable. She is starting to warm up to Keri and let me carry her a few times today as well (though Keri so far is getting the big smiles and outstretched arms to hold her).

One thing that disturbed us today was when Zoey got a shot for a TB test, required for exit to the U.S. She did not cry. She did not even flinch. Like it didn't even happen. That's very unusual for a child, and indicative of detachment that is common in many orphanage environments. So Zoey is mostly docile and can just sit and play on her own, though she absolutely loves being engaged one-on-one. However, if we get her excited, it's just too much--she starts throwing toys around and getting kinda "wild". There's really no in-between. It will definitely be a learning process with her as we engage her and help her to bond with us as her parents.

She's getting lots of hisses and hugs and hand-holding and eye contact--all of which is very good for her. I wish we could do something about the over-stimulation, but we're in the middle of "Times Square" in this part of the city, with giant TV screens, and buildings that light up, and people and traffic everywhere--even the hotel is a giant sparkly wonder. That's when she gets in what I'm calling the "Zoey-zone". She literally spaces out and just stares off into the distance until things calm down. So it'll have to wait a bit until we get home to settle down and find a routine that's healthy for Zoey.

Thursday will be some down time and sight-seeing. Oh--we're 12 hours ahead of Atlanta, so we're just headed to bead now as you guys are starting your day. Then on Friday we head to Maoming to visit Zoey's orphanage, which will be a very long day, but well worth the effort. Saturday we should receive the rest of our paperwork in advance of Monday's U.S. Consulate appointment--the final step before heading home.

Eden is such a trooper. I swear she's grown a year before my eyes. She's such a great big sister--has all the motherly instincts and gentle but firm bossy-pants. Plenty of pics posted over at www.facebook.com/eugenelmason. Thanks to everyone for your continued support and prayers.