Lately, Shaling has been telling us all about the differences between her Chinese parents and us. Using gestures, she told me last night that her Chinese mom was skinny, not big and that her Chinese dad was small not big. For those who may not remember, when she first spotted our wedding photo upon arrival home in January, she made it clear that Mom & Dad aren't quite the same size as they were 17 years ago.
Based on her descriptions, I believe she is referring to her life at the simulated family home (which is an extension of the orphanage), but she may be referring to a foster family. I won't know for sure until her English gets a bit better. I suspect this because she told us she had 6 brothers and 3 sisters. We know that roughly 10 kids were assigned to each simulated family home and I suspect that foster families in China don't typically have 10 kids at a time (though it is possible).
She has also pointed out that she didn't attend church in China, that she got to sleep with other children in China (she doesn't like sleeping by herself at all), and various other differences. Most of the time, she is not complaining (or trying to be derogatory with the weight references). She is merely verbalizing her observations.
She still seems quite happy. She loves her volleyball group. She is requesting certain CDs/songs when we're in the car. She is spontaneously hugging us more and more often. Since last weekend, she has been counting down the days until this Friday when we leave for Florida. She is excited about visiting Grandma & Grandpa Reynolds.
Speaking of travels, Brock ventured to Mokena with both kids by himself this past weekend. It's just under 3 hours each way. They visited his brother's family (Uncle Scott, Aunt Michelle, Cooper & Chase) and delivered our nephews' birthday presents. They all survived, but I heard a harrowing tale of poor Shaling being forced to wear one of her brother's Cubs shirts. I really had to sanitize her upon return.
All in all, things feel more "normal" all of the time. Both kids have their challenging momemts, both with us and with each other. They tattle on each other, but then seem sympathetic when the other gets in trouble. Oh, the stupid stuff they fight about...like which side of the car they ride on...Ugh. I'm certain I wasn't that difficult as a child (he-he).
This blog began as a place to share Shaling's journey from rice in China to popcorn in Illinois. However, it has evolved to include all sorts of happenings in the Reynolds family.
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