24 hours later...

Mike's about to make a run to Walmart with Grandpa, Lola, et al while I stay behind with the little ones so figured I'd take a few moments to post a quick note to the blog.

For the most part Zoe's currently a Mama's girl, although she's warmed up to Dad somewhat. He was able to soothe her to sleep last night. [As an aside she slept great - straight through to ~6AM and probably would have slept another hour if we weren't rustling around getting ready for the day. She hates the crib (and the hotel bed) so she slept on the floor most of the night.] She's also had some very playful moments with Mike, but she seems to have an internal time clock and when Dad's time is up she's back to Mama. However, I don't think anything compares to the affection that she has for Avery - she absolutely adores him and does what she can to be just like him.

Things we've learned Zoe doesn't like... Nap/bed time - as above it's clear she doesn't want anything to do with cribs/beds and to some degree blankets so it takes some soothing to get her to fall asleep (the good news is that once asleep - she sleeps great). Fruit - we've tried a few different things at breakfast and so far everything comes right back out of her mouth or she refuses to try it outright. Getting her diaper changed - initially she screamed and fought the whole time, now that I've changed several she will lay down for me and gently whimper through the whole ordeal. Elevators - although she's getting used to these since we go up & down them several times a day. Being confined - she walks pretty independently and wants to exercise that skill frequently so she has gotten restless in the hotel room and on our bus rides. Not looking forward to those long plane rides home...

We'll save the things she likes/loves for another post.

Like Zoe has exceed all of our expectations, Avery has too in the way he has assumed the role of big brother - he's been absolutely terrific. I can't imagine it going any better from his perspective, although I'm sure we're in some sort of sibling honeymoon period.

So far Zoe is a girl of few words. She's giggled and babbled a wee bit, but primarily relies on her facial expressions and hand gestures to communicate much of what she needs/wants to. She has expressive eyes and a smile that lights up her whole face and melts your heart.

On the official front, as far as the Chinese government is concerned as of this morning we formally adopted Zoe. :o)