Caroline Kelley

Today Caroline officially became a Kelley! We spent the morning at the Civil Affairs office were we were questioned and fingerprinted, and officially adopted Caroline. She had her picture made and her foot stamped with red ink. Most of the other children were crying again today, but she seemed not to notice. She is attaching well to us and prefers Mommy and Daddy, but loves to play with Ben, Emily and Annie and Gongy. She is smiling and laughing more, and we've learned that the only time she really cries is when she wants to be put to bed. She loves congee (similar to oatmeal except with rice), cheerios, and chinese music. :)



We received her medical records today and found them difficult for our guide to translate due to the complex medical terms. However, we did learn that prior to meeting us yesterday morning, she had spent the previous 17 days in the hospital having her colostomy reversed, and was picked up by the orphanage director and brought directly to us! That explains why she was wearing a hospital "gown" when we met her. Poor baby has spent so much of her little life in hospitals, but seems to be in a healthy place now.

After leaving the CA office, we took a trip to Walmart. Walmarts are new in these parts and it was quite an experience! Though it was in a multi-level building with parking below, it had an "open air" feel with lots of fresh seafood, smoked pork, local produce, and fresh pastries sitting out on open displays. Fish and turtles swam in small tanks enjoying the last few hours before becoming someone's dinner. It was a fun and unique experience for all of us!

We are struggling to adjust to the time change - much harder this trip than the last four. We are ready for sleep around 4pm, fight to stay awake until 8pm, then awake many times during the night waiting for sun-up at 5am so we can get up. Yuk. BUT Caroline slept for 12 hours last night, so we are thankful!

Lindsey reports that the kids at home are doing well, and we would appreciate your continued prayer in that area. They are having a great week so far but are anxious to see Caroline! They love when we get to Skype for a brief time.

Well it's time for a game of spades, then off to bed...yes, we are struggling to stay awake!! Everyone (except for Gongy) is tired and cranky so this should be fun! LOL