The First Few Days

So, on Sunday, November 7th, Betsy was placed in our arms and we knew nothing would ever be the same.

Joe and his girls inside Tengwan Pavilion

Her transition has been so wonderful so far. At first, she cried very hard, which as many of you know, is not at all unusual. Let's face it, being handed off to people you've never seen before who look absolutely nothing like anyone you've ever seen or sound like anyone you've ever seen before can be pretty stressful for a little one. The two directors from her SWI who brought her expressed surprise because she is so outgoing and they didn't know that she was scared of strangers, but then thought about it and said that she also didn't get out much, so she had never met many strangers either. Our guide, Jenny, was quite impressed by her "strong lungs." However, much of her distress we now know was hunger--Betsy is used to a very routine and very hearty eating schedule and she hadn't had her lunch or snack when they brought her. So, with the wisdom that comes from doing this before, we were heavily fortified with snacks and a drink for her and once we broke out the Cheerios (the universal language of "you must be good folks" for all toddlers) then she quickly calmed and began munching pretty happily and all was good.

Joe and a stylin' Betsy at Tengwang Pavilion

Of course, I would love to show you the video of this and will when I can get home and edit the few poignant moments out of what turned out to be several minutes of the camera aimed at mine and Joe's knees. Our 5 year old budding cinematographer decided that would be a much better angle on the proceedings. And if that isn't a great illustration of life with two kids, I don't know what is.
Really, aside from taking a few days to figure out that no matter how we fix it or in what vessel it is delivered, Betsy isn't going to drink her formula no way no how, it has been easy. And thanks to our wonderful guide, Jenny, we found that Betsy is quite happy drinking these "baby yogurts" and that is okay for now until we get home.

Jenny has been fantastic at helping us get to know Nanchang and the culture of China. Jiangxi is the birthplace of porcelain and I have been blown away by the intricate and beautiful pieces we have seen (some of which are coming home with us for sure.) Of course, we went to WalMart to get our supplies. WalMart and Carrefour are definitely your friends when you are over here on this trip. As is KFC. (Did you know that KFC's biggest opening day in the history of the company was in Nanchang?) Well, now you do. It was a nice touch of home. The cuisine here in Nanchang is wonderful, but really spicy. But Betsy seems to love those spicy noodles!