Doctor visit

Today we went to the doctor, a requirement of the adoption process. Guohao needed four vaccines and a TB test, which is another injection. The vaccines are mandatory in order for us to proceed with the adoption procedures. I am not a fan of all of the vaccines at once, but it was completely out of our control. Guohao told us (in charades fashion) that he was going to cry, and he did. I cannot say enough about our facilitator Bill here in China. He was amazing on our first trip here with Avery, and we could not have survived this trip without him. He ended up holding Guohao for the last three shots (I held him for the first two) as he was fighting everyone, because Guohao said that the shots were too painful for him. We felt so bad for him. Bill told Guohao in Chinese, "I'm sorry." Guohao told him in the midst of being traumatized with injections, "It's okay." Again, we are amazed at the character that our son has displayed at the age of seven, and Bill even commented on that. Once it was over, we gave him Pez candy. And yes, he got another hamburger. Oh, and by the way, he is doing great so far, with no fever or adverse reactions to the shots.

Last night, we took Guohao for a vanilla ice cream cone, which he loved. Eric got a brochure from the store with a bunch of cakes on it. Guohao saw it and wanted to put it in his backpack. He keeps most of this toys and important things in his backpack. Gaohao asked Bill when his birthday was (it broke my heart that he didn't even know his birthday) and that he wanted a really big cake on his birthday to share with everyone. He is such a compassionate little boy. Guess who's getting a really big cake on his 8th birthday? :)

We have had Guohao for two days so far, and somehow it seems longer. As I type this, the boys are playing the Nintendo DS system together and cracking up. I am so glad that Eric has a son. It is a wonderful thing. God has given us a beautiful boy inside and out, and we are so thankful.

So far, Guohao is saying yes, no, and okay to us a lot. It is amazing the way that kids can pick up a language so quickly. He repeated the phrase "bounce the ball" a few times and even used "Oh brother" appropriately.

We went to the police station today to apply for Guohao's passport. Tomorrow is a free day and we plan on taking Guohao to the pool. Another first.

I'm not sure who is enjoying these "firsts" more, Guohao, or his parents.

One more thing - just wanted to give a shout out to my brother Joe to have a very Happy Birthday!!!

Sheri