Giant Strides

DDylan surprises us more and more each day.  When we first met her on Monday she was very listless, didn't move much, didn't respond much.   So of course i was secretly worried and feared all unimaginable things.  But we noticed by the second day, and a few good bottles of formula, she started to perk up.  she'd move about the bed and look around seemingly curious.  She did much better taking a bottle, with significantly less stress each time.  Then today when we woke up it's as if she turned a corner, as soon as she was up i made her a bottle and she happily sat there and gulped it down.  This from the child that had to be forced fed two days ago and i had to pry her tiny mouth open to get the nipple in.  I guess she figured out what's what and took it with no problems.  of course we both were so excited with her!

The day progressed well.  we took her out to the Ethnic Minority Museum today.  it was a good short outing and it gave her a chance to get outside the hotel for a bit.  it was pretty cool there and of course i bought some very overpriced items.  Dylan has a tendency to arch her back as much as she can when i have her in the carrier.  she seems fascinated with the lights above and no matter how many times i try to straighten her out, she just pushes her way back. so i did the best i could maintaining my balance with me trying to keep straight and her arching way way back.  she's a tiger that one!

she has made no poopies yet.  so i gave her some prune juice earlier.  i thought it would work out perfectly a big old poopy followed by her bath.  but she had other plans for today.  I was greeting very worried when she didn't tinkle either.  her last diaper check was just before bath time and she finally peed.  i had given her some more prune juice in the afternoon ( just a bit in her formula) thinking it would help her.  I'm fairly certain the new recipe of high formula to little or no rice powder is messing with her system.  they were giving her 2 scoops of formula to 9 scoops of rice powder.  yes they were doing whatever they could to spread their resources but that is just too little food for her.  We're pretty positive that's why she's starting to act more and more alert each day.  And she's getting used to us too!
She doesn't speak but has a good set of pipes as she's let us know when she's not happy.  a super baby human strength to push or kick and she can really clamp down on her lips and teeth when she doesn't want her bottle.  because of her cleft palate she can suckle but she does her best to hold the bottle's nipple in her both and with an even pressure we can squeeze the formula into her mouth and she guzzles it down.  I'm really hoping when i see the specialists then can teach me the best way of feeding her.  We've had a few mishaps with the formula not flowing enough to satisfy her or too much where she got a good squirt full up her nose or in her eye.  all this and yet she continues to put up with us!  I can't wait to introduce her to semi solid foods.  i bought some of those food packs and put a bit on her lips, she smacked them around a little but not enough interest to try more.  i offered her some ice cream later and she seemed to enjoy it but again, not enough to try more.  she's pretty set in her ways!

Dylan has a way of playing with her fingers all the time.  they seem to fascinate her.  we think they were her only play things so she's learned to soothe and entertain herself with them.  today, after stripping her down to just the fewest layers possible, she pushed her sleeve up and seemed to be shocked she had an arm attached to her hand.  she was cooing after it and pulled it towards her head.  when we were sure she'd start crying she surprised us again, but laughing.  (her first laugh1)  so she's starting to amuse herself and explore her surroundings.  she's becoming more mobile and starting to sit up more and is excellent at rolling all over the bed and staring at us as we walk past her.  it seems the more food and mental stimulation she gets the greater the leaps in her development.  So really, she's just doing amazingly!

Gave her her first bath today and finally got a chance to do a full body inspection.  she has ridiculously tiny hips.  a sizable mongolian spot right on her butt crack!  and the very beginnings of a full belly.  she's been nothing more than some flesh over bones and you can jsut barely see her belly rounding out.  i can't wait to compare her in a month when she's had a good steady diet.  Even at two, she'll still need to be on high quality formula for a while.  she really needs those calories!

well my two room mates are fast asleep and we have a big day planned tomorrow.  going to drive out of the city to the Asian Village where all the local Minority Groups gather, worship, eat and live.  should be a really great day!  Then on Friday we get Dylan's passport and off we fly to Guangzhou.  the last city in China before we make our way home.  I have big concerns on how we're going to manage the flight.  she's way too tiny to put in the seat and have the buckle stay around her.  Shannon lent me an infant restraint, which is great, but i really wish i had a full 5 point harness to hold her in.  will have to figure this out before Friday!