Finally an Update!!!

Well, the girls are playing together and I thought I would steal some time and blog for just a bit. Elizabeth is learning how to play without constraining Haiyan, and has been such a blessing throughout this trip. Elizabeth finally had her first blowout this morning. She sat in timeout for quite some time while I talked her through it. I was very impressed with her as she actually calmed herself down from a major fit. Good stuff! Haiyan quietly watched the action, it didn't seem to bother her. Haiyan also knows what "timeout" means, as she has been in it a number of times. When she misbehaves, she knows that the timeout chair is ready, and she usually quickly corrects. Again, good stuff! Haiyan throws a fit anytime she does not get her way. It can be the smallest of things, but she goes nuts like she's dying. Then she continues for about ten minutes. So, we'll take the bad with the good and work with it. She's already beginning to learn the "Tanner Tao". One may throw a fit, but the fit will get one nowhere.

I am learning that attachment is a two way street. I guess I had read and heard that before, but do not think it totally registered with me. Now that I am here and working with Haiyan and her fits, I have found love to be an unnatural choice at times, which affects my attachment to her. I have experienced a tighter attachment to her throughout the second week in China.

My parents have been such a blessing. They are always patient with me. And believe me I'm not the easiest to deal with when sleep deprived and after listening to screaming children all day. I think I drew a disappointed fatherly look from my father once when I snapped at one of the kind guides that was trying to help me (oops). They've taken all of the pictures and have documented the experience well. They have also been respectful of my parenting and have asked before acting with my children. It's been difficult for me to not have them feed, change, or hold Haiyan, but I believe it is the best thing for Haiyan in order mitigate parent confusion, but it sure wears me out.

It really may be a blessing for me to be here with Haiyan and without Amy as Haiyan has been primarily cared for by women. I think she will have no problem attaching to Amy.

A few things I have noticed Haiyan likes:
-anything Elizabeth does
-baths (with Elizabeth)
-reading/reading to others
-eating
-buns, rice, watermelon, congee, chocolate, cookies, and noodles
-coloring

A few things she does not like:
-American food (including pizza)
-liquid egg yolks (pretty vocal about this one)
-not getting her way
-timeout
-being messed with while sleeping (like me keeping her from falling off the bed)

Okay, I hope this has helped to share the experience. If you have any questions, then ask away and I will post.

Cheers from China,
James