Tuesday, March 7, 2006

Hi...this is Jeff.... Day 2 with Hannah was our first full day with Hannah and was full of many smiles, laughs, trials, and tears. The day started with Hannah, having gone to sleep early, waking at 3:00 AM and wanting to play, so we ended up giving her what became her first bath. That was a bonding time for her and Pam. After breakfast, we had to go back to the Civil Affairs Office and finish paperwork there on the adoption. This was where we were handed our new daughter just a day before. It was a traumatic event for Hannah and she reverted back to her original behavior she had when we first got her. Undoubtedly it triggered painful memories. You'll see a picture of all of us with the Director of the Civil Affairs Office from the area where Hannah was found.

There was a lot of noise and activity at the office and Hannah was in a very upset mood for the rest of the day. She would scream if either myself, Pam, or Kristin left the room. She really has me under control. She points to where she wants to go and I walk there and we interact with whatever she was interested in. She is cutting teeth, her nose is running, and she didn't feel that well yesterday. In spite of how bad she felt, every once in a while, she gave us her "Hollywood smile" and waved. She can really ham it up when she wants to. As the day wore on, she really enjoyed the stroller and walking around the city a little bit. Kristin has been the stroller pilot and has put many hours on the stroller to entertain her new sister. Donna Reed has been a big help and has assisted us in responding to every whim or desire that Hannah has. She prefers my lap when upset....I feel like a human chair. The favorite eating position is me holding and Pam spooning it in.

We have developed a camaraderie with the other adoptive families and their screaming babies. These babies are in shock for the first several days because their whole world has changed suddenly. We are all so burnt out on Chinese food, but that's mostly what we have here. We asked our guide, Peter, to give us some variety, and we got it.....last night was "noodle night"....more of the same only with noodles. We are all threatening mutiny and a secret trip to McDonald's. The plates at this restaurant are the size of saucers, so I have to have about 99 helpings and then we're hungry an hour later.

Throughout the night, Hannah has nightmares and fusses and we have to get her back to sleep. This is a 24 hour a day commitment. Boy, do we feel committed! Thanks for following our story and keeping us in your prayers......until tomorrow.....goodbye from the Burkes.