Day 8-We made it one week!

It is hard to believe that we received Siena one week ago today.  In some ways it seems like a really long week and in many ways it has flown by.  She has definitely changed a bit since we first met her a week ago.  She was at first hysterical, angry, scared and very loud.  Then for 2 days she was quite reserved.  Now she is completely out of her shell and is a typical 19 month old.  She is very independent, not shy about what she wants and when she wants it and if she doesn't get her way she throws herself on the floor and flails about screaming at the top of her lungs.  It makes for an interesting day!

Today we ate breakfast and met Minhau at 9:30a.m. to go get Siena's visa pictures taken and then off to the medical examination.  There are signs posted throughout the medical facility that say, "Keep Quiet", which I found very funny since the place was packed with kids lining up for their adoption exams. 

As expected Siena didn't disappoint us at the medical exam.  First she dropped what seemed like a thousand Cheerios on the floor that went flying in every direction.  You have to imagine a hallway with people sitting on both sides and people walking up down the aisle stepping all over the Cheerios.  At the time I was embarrassed and annoyed because I was on my hands and knees trying to pick them up off the gross floor without much success.  Now I get a little chuckle out of it. 

In the first exam room they measured her head and chest circumference and listened to her heart.  She was OK with that and actually was interested in the stethoscope.  In the second room she was laid down on the table so the Doctor could examine her further and that is when he got a full dose of Siena's lungs.  She screamed bloody murder and kicked violently.  It took Justin and the Doctor to hold her down.  Then it was off to the third room to have her height and weight taken, then her eyes and hearing checked.  We were only there 45 minutes but Justin looked like he had run a marathon once it was all over.  We were happy to leave and have the rest of the day to ourselves. 

We ended up having a pretty low key but nice day.  It rained a bit today but we walked along the river front where there is a nice park.  In the park there were several groups of Chinese couples taking dancing lessons which Siena loved to watch.  The Chinese woman all love to come up to Siena and talk to her and touch her.  She doesn't care for the touching part and usually gives them a dirty look.  It is very funny how different our cultures are when it comes to touching and giving people space.  We are so used to not being, "space invaders" that it really does take you aback with how close their comfort zones are. 

We also did some shopping on Shamian Island.  We found a great little local folk artist who had some fun prints that we picked up for Siena's room.  We ate dinner at La Dolce Vita with two of our travel couples and had a very nice time.  Food was good and the company was great!