A Step Forward

We had a really good day today. We were a little concerned because Dexter hadn't seemed to do any grieving, which is usually normal amongst adopted children. Now we think that he just handles things a little differently that we expected. Today we realized that he was actually being really reserved and he now has started to open up and show a lot more of his personality.

He seems to have started to become somewhat attached to each of us and is realizing that we should be there and doesn't like it if we are not. He even cried for the first time tonight when we were trying to lay him down for bed when we tried to leave the room. We of course couldn't let him cry, so Missy held him until he fell asleep.

Otherwise, today was more of a slow, relaxing day. This morning after breakfast we went for a walk and let Dexter feel some of the plants that are growing in the park area. He seemed very intrigued by them. We stopped at Starbucks for a little treat and then headed back to the hotel for some play time. This is when he really started to open up and was really enjoying himself. He is staring to "talk" a lot, which is more like making noises and he did quite a bit of laughing today. He is such a joy. He is also still quite a cuddler, which we also love.

After lunch, we had our one adoption task for the day. We had to go to the Police Department to have his picture taken for his passport. It was about a 20 minute drive in the crazy traffic. Dexter fell asleep on the way and slept until we woke him up for the picture. We are really starting to get to know the two other families in our group and they are both very nice.

When we got back, it was time to start thinking about supper. We decided to venture out of the norm a little and ate at the Thai restaurant. Being a somewhat picky eater, I was a little nervous going into it but was actually even more adventurous than Missy. I had the roasted chicken which sounds boring but when the chicken comes with the head still attached it definitely gets more interesting. Missy wouldn't even try a bite. I can't say I would get it again, but it wasn't too bad. It was a very scrawny chicken with very little meat.

After supper we did a little shopping. Things are pretty cheap here. Some of the shops do some little things for free for adoptive families, which is a nice little gift.

Tomorrow is going to be a big day. We get to go to Dexter's orphanage. We won't get to see the areas where he slept and played because of the swine flu scare, but we will get to go into the main building and talk with the Director again. The Director is also planning to bring out Dexter's best friend so we can get some pictures. That will be a great thing to have for Dexter. After the orphanage, our agency guide is going to take all three families to the Pearl Market and then she is taking us to her house and her husband is going to make us a traditional Chinese meal. Lots to look forward to.