The Little Girl in Pink

Today we leave Hefei. It is bittersweet. Of course we are happy to be one step closer to home, but it will mean one more loss for RunYi. She continues to do well, although yesterday brought some "testing" of our love in some behaviors at naptime (which didn't happen) and bedtime last night. Although expected, it is still hard to see her so frustrated and maybe even angry with us. I should probably be thankful I don't understand Chinese. I am sure she will wake happy with us again. Yesterday Fang left to go back to California. I think this may have been what triggered the testing. RunYi was very upset when Fang said goodbye, which again, is a good sign for us with future bonding and attachment, but also sad to watch. At least she will be able to talk to Fang on the phone and we will hopefully be able to visit each other once we are all back in the same country.

I have not had the time to write down my thoughts on a deep level yet. It may not happen until we are home. Our stay in Hefei has been very emotional on so many levels. My mom and friend Kim have both commented on the fact that I look exhausted. That is a good description of how I feel. Not necessarily in the physical sense, but all of this has been emotionally draining. It is a process we must go through, and it is taking its toll on me. I had a little cry last night when RunYi was going through the bedtime process. I think this will help me get through today, as RunYi will have another loss of her Ayi Jane. Jane said she will try to make the parting a light hearted event with happiness. I hope it works, because RunYi is a smart little thing.

I just cannot say enough about Jane and her expertise and knowledge of how to handle each event of RunYi's adjustment to us. We are forever grateful to her for everything she has done for RunYi and our family.

Now enjoy the pictures and the next post will be from Guangzhou.

Fish RunYi's ShuShu Wang gave her yesterday.
He wrote on it, "Lu Run Yi: I wish for you to continue to grow up beautiful!"

View from our hotel room on the 20th floor

Gavin thinks the person that invented these solar water heaters is very rich.

Sipping yogurt with gege

One last story with Fang, book from her ShuShu

Smiles for Fang

Fang explaining to her about her coming to America, and RunYi coming to America with us

Fang holding back the tears, RunYi's about to start :(

Our hotel is close to a fireworks testing facility (we think). They shoot them off in the middle of the day?

We decided the pool would be a good distraction from Fang's leaving

A wink from Gavin

Testing the water...

So far, so good. She actually loved it. I have some great video I will upload later. So sweet!

Welcome sight in the skyline as we traveled to a flea market/wholesale market

See the flower on the dash? These are solar powered things that move. They get them from having their car washed at the same place for many times, like 100. Jane actually got a driver to sell him his for 40 yuan ($5). He was very excited. His is only grass, no flower.

At the market

More of the market. It was great to shop where the local people actually shop. Very busy. Can you believe that they actually drive cars down this alley with all the people, scooters and bicycles, too?

Jane bargaining for a bag. This couple told us their daughter is a nurse in England. They are very proud of their only child.