Thursday, December 13, 2012
BLESSINGS FROM NEW JERSEY -
DAY 16-17 WITH OUR DAUGHTER

We just got home from being out and put Mei-Li down for the night.

Our doctor’s appointment was at 3:45, so we left the house about 3:10 with lunch done, a clean diaper on, two additional diapers in hand and plenty of snacks (crackers, baby puff things and water). In my mind, we were good to go! We got the doctor’s office a little late, and then we waited. The doctor asked about her medical files from China. I forgot them at home—bad mommy! During the visit, I changed one wet diaper. :)

The doctor said that she needs to conduct a complete exam to include blood work and stool samples however she will need the medical file for review first. Tomorrow we will need to deliver a copy of the medical document to her office since we went to the doctor with absolutely no paperwork. I guess when you travel with children you need to have a pre-flight checklist:).

We will also follow up with the lab in the next couple of days, and then she will schedule another appointment for a complete physical. She said that the "twitch" is common for little children and that it will likely go away with time. She did note that Mei-Li has a low grade fever and signs of a cold/congestion. However the doctor does not want to put her on any antibiotic at this time. After looking at the cleft palate, she stated that gap is pretty significant but saw no issue with getting this fixed with any lasting complications. Mei-Li’s lack for speech is probably partially due to the cleft palate and that the orphanage probably did not encourage or develop her speech. While we wait for the cleft repair, she wants us to continue to work with her daily to get her to make sounds and words.

The on-set of a cold is not a complete surprise, as all her cousins are sick with the same symptoms. Overall the doctor was very calm and not overly concerned about anything she saw at this point. Despite her calmness, we are still concerned about the twitch. We will keep you guys inform as we step through the doctor follow up examinations.

By the time we got back to my sister-in-laws house it was 1800. I had no bottle or formula so off to the store we went. We spent 20 minutes looking at the different formulas – the store had all the different brands but not the brand Mei-Li used in China. Finally, I decided to go with an “organic” (because we all know everything marked organic is the best….right?) Gerber formula. We also pick up bottles and fruit/yogurt to go pouch. I do not know who make these pouches, but this is a great idea. Mei-Li loves them and feeds herself. She ate the fruit/yogurt pouch on the way back to Aunt Deb’s house. That event is interesting to note, as before I was a mom – I said my kids will not eat in the car. Funny, right! After arriving back at Aunt Deb house, we quickly got Mei-Li bottle together and she down it record time.

At this point in the evening about 2000 the only one who had a full belly was Mei-Li. We all decided to go a local restaurant for a quick dinner. It’s also important to know that Mei-Li had not pooped all day. This was surprising since she ate Nona’s chicken vegetable and kale soup the night before. From the onset of dinner, Mei-Li was fidgety and would not sit still. At the end of the salads, it seemed like we had lift off….smell-wise:). That must be the reason she was so fidgety. Fel got the diaper bag however, I had no diapers, once again I refer to the lack of a pre-flight:). Thank God the Shop-Rite was within walking distance from the restaurant. We got diapers and I went directly to the bathroom to change Mei-Li and found a dry diaper. She must have tooted in the restaurant. So, all that was for nothing, so I thought!

Back at the restaurant, Mei-Li calmed down and ate a whole plate of pasta. Mommy and Aunt Deb also got to eat, as Daddy feed Mei-Li. Just as we were getting ready to go, cousin Lexi yelled out “I think Mei-Li is pooping!” Good thing at this time the restaurant was empty. Sure enough, Mei-Li was crouched down with that “poop-look” that we’ve seen before. I had to change her in the car before heading home. Yes, we can confirm that Nona’s vegetable; kale soup completed the task assigned:)! Now, Mei-Li was happy, quiet and content and within minutes of getting on the road she was fast asleep.

Okay, so we have a couple more parenting lessons from today.

Lesson #21: Never leave home without a complete daily diaper supply in your bag.

Lesson #22: When going to doctor’s appointment mommy must remember to bring all important paperwork!

Lesson #23: Always carry formula and bottle with you, even if you are not planning to be out all evening.

Lesson # 24: Plan dinner within Mei-Li schedule – even if you’re out for the evening.

Check out the pictures of Mei-Li‘s bath-times. She is no longer afraid of baths. She loves playing with all her toys. In addition I’ve added pictures of Mei-Li watching Barney with Daddy and relaxing on the couch. This is the first time they are watch this together and relaxing. Tonight looks like the first night; we are in-line with the EST. She woke up this morning at 0930, ate and played until 1230. Napped from 1230 to 1445 and fell asleep on the way home at 2200. :) Maybe mommy will be able to get her first run in three weeks tomorrow!

The next couple of days we will work to get our medical, passport and first post adoption social worker interview scheduled. On Saturday, we will be attending Arianna’s 4th Birthday party (Mei-Li’s cousin). So our next post will be on Sunday evening the 16th December 2012.

“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
Matthew 18:2-6 NIV