Krauss Haus: 7-24, Day 5 in China

Thursday, September 20, 2012

7-24, Day 5 in China

Day 5; July 24, 2012; Wuhan, China

Emalie slept from about 2100 to 0700 today with only a few small cries in her sleep during the night. Sven and I had wished we’d slept that well! .....Nikolas was speaking Chinese in his sleep and holding out his arms, smiling and saying “Emalie”. She awoke in the morning very slowly and quietly. She did not cry and fuss. Very sweet. The remainder of the day was very overwhelming. Breakfast buffet in a 5-star hotel restaurant with a 15-month old baby you don’t know is just not fun. We met Joanna at 0900. We then went to the bank to exchange our fee money and wire funds to the orphanage account. It was 45 minutes of pure hell. Communication was not smooth, the line behind us was growing, Emalie was exhausted and throwing her head back, screaming and dropping cheerios everywhere. Sven had the money belt and could only hold Emalie so it was physically difficult. We finally accomplished it all and were able to leave. Joanna said, “Oh, she is sensitive.” Yes, she seems overly-stimulated by people and noises. We then arrived late to the C.A.B. office for the adoption registration appointment. The lady and Assistant Orphanage Director were waiting but very nice. Emalie happily played while we processed the paperwork. Today, she officially became a Krauss! We had to make a few stops on the way home to make deposits and get receipts (like the notary). .......Finally at the hotel, we ordered room service for lunch. Emalie liked the french fries, but was happy to wander and play about the room. We gave her a bottle. (She lets me feed her but only willingly goes to Sven) and put her down for a nap. Sven (who caught Emalie’s cold) took Nikolas to the pool so he could swim. I read by Emalie on the bed while she napped. Her nap was actually quite a bit later after lunch. She didn’t sleep when we thought she would so we played with her for quite awhile. It was so funny-- she laid her head on the tile floor and almost fell asleep in mid-play. She was exhausted! After her nap, we went to one of the hotel restaurants. What a mistake that was. It was obvious that we were not very welcome with a fussy baby. They seated us in a back corner all by ourselves so as not to disturb the other patrons. It was pretty obvious at one point that the manager told a waitress to come over and get the baby quiet or suggest we leave. It was very uncomfortable and Emalie was very fussy. That was an expensive, awful dining experience. We went back to our room (without Sven or I having eaten much, though Nikolas was thrilled with the sushi buffet) and prepared Emalie for bed. Her bonding with Sven and rejecting me became too much and I cried. Then Nikolas cried. Then Sven cried. Emalie just stared (and laughed a little) at all of us. It was quite a low point after a very long and hard day. .....Thankfully, surprisingly, Richard called just then. Sven explained the situation and I listened in to his response. She must first bond with one person as a foundation to learning to bond with others. It is very positive that she has taken to Sven. Had she refused us all (as happens more with kids in foster care). then this would be very bad. He said it is all OK and with time she will open up to me and Nikolas more. He also said that maybe a slow bond between her and me will make our bond more strong. Also, that maybe she was close to her nanny and it will be hard for her to accept another woman yet and that is why she went to Sven. He said to let it be with time or if this was really upsetting me then maybe try Sven and Nik leaving her and me alone today so she could learn that I am OK and can care for her. I truly felt that the timing of Richard’s call and his supportive words were divine intervention. When I was at my lowest, a hand was extended to pull me up. I was so grateful and went to bed with hope that it will all be OK.