Medical Appointment

 Today we had Emily's medical appointment. The medical clinic is very nice. There is a section just for adoptive families. The floor made us laugh, Mickey Mouse and bear claws. Ok. It went really well considering there were so many of us. It was just a formality anyway. We learned that Em has gained 3 pounds since our last update in May.

 Here she is getting weighed. When she gets overstimulated, which happens easily and often, she focuses on her hand, and blocks everything else out. She will put her fingers in new and interesting positions, and study it. It's an institutional behavior that will disappear with time. It used to make me nervous, now I think it's sweet.

 This doctor did an over all check up. Em did great.

 We came home and napped, and went back to that awesome park and took the time to explore it. It is exhaustingly hot, and sooo humid! This park is amazing! It's built on a huge hill, over 100,000 acres. There are trees, plants, flowers, bamboo, hiking trails, paved trails, monuments, pavilions, lakes, waterfalls, pagodas, and an amusement park. That's just what we saw. There is so much more too. It's amazing. You really feel like you're walking through a rain forest. The birds and bugs are so loud, you have to talk over them. I love that so many Chinese people take time to stroll in parks. We saw it in Beijing, Zhengzhou, and here. Every age, every type of person. They walk slowly. They enjoy it. They enjoy whom they are with. They do some tai chi, or play bad mitten, or cards. They chat and laugh, they make music, or listen to music. It's such a lovely culture. I love China!

 Me and Em. You can see how huge the park is. You can sort of see the city through the smog and distance.

 I think this is their version of "keep of the grass". There was also a sign that read "no spit everywhere".

 This cool flower garden at the entrance.

 Tonight we went on a dinner cruise. It took us past the 3rd tallest building in the world. It once was the tallest building. Em loved  the wind outside, and the lights, and the noise. She has noticed a lot more today. She looked out the bus windows instead of snuggling into us and studying her hands. She looked around while we were on the boat and got big eyes and said "oooohh!" when she saw something she liked. She's coming out of her little shell when we leave the comfort and familiarity of our hotel room.

She is so much fun! She is getting stronger everyday. Every day, we notice little changes. She is so wonderful. We got to Skype with our girls tonight. We cannot wait to get home to them! We can't wait to be a family of 6!