Dianjiang

If we had any doubt about how we feel about our little man (and I don't think we did), the trip to the orphanage today made it very clear. We left the hotel a little before 9:00 for the 2 hour drive. The second we got out of the car, at the orphanage David started to cry. He cried longer, louder and harder than we have ever heard him. (I realize that's only a couple of days, but they've been pretty traumatic days.) He was absolutely inconsolable. We found out that he left foster care a week before Gotcha Day and was returned to the orphanage. I'm sure he thought we were bringing him back again. It was heartbreaking. He didn't stop screaming until we were several miles down the road and his tummy was full of milk. Still, I'm glad we had the chance to see where he spent his first months and take pictures for him to have as he gets older and has questions about where he is from. The orphange also gave us a cd with children's songs they play for the babies, so we're happy to have some familiar music to play for him at home.

We made up for the traumatic morning with a really great afternoon. He learned to play ball today--actually roll/throw it back and forth. His accuracy could still use some work, but this is a big improvement from licking the ball, which is all he's done up to this point. He was very proud of some of his throws and even clapped for himself a couple of times. He is also loving pulling to a stand and walking with his hands held. He's making more sounds every day. Sometimes when he wants something he will shout "eh!" like he's from Brooklyn, and when he wants someone's attention he screams "yo!" It's pretty hilarious.

Kevin feels my thank you yesterday was insufficient and would like me to say thanks again for all the comments. We really enjoy reading them every day when we check the blog. We're glad we can share this with everyone at home.

On the road to Dianjiang

Enjoying some lunch

Playroom in the hotel