Ellen instantly took to him-- no hesitation at all. They compared scars from surgery (Ellen has had a double tendon release) and decided Jer was the winner. From then on they've been thick as thieves.
We spent quite a bit of time at the hotel today, which is where she's most comfortable. I don't think she'd spent a lot of time out in the city before this, so the streets of Bangkok are pretty overwhelming for her. But now that Jer's here she seems a bit more confident about trying new things.
So this morning while the two of them bonded over Ellen's ukulele (I told you this kid was awesome), I ventured out to try and do some laundry. Bangkok has this permeating smell that gets into your clothes very quickly, and so you really can't wear things more than once. And also I had several pairs of my underwear stolen out of my checked bag on the flight over, so I was running a bit low. I didn't want to have the laundry done at the hotel room as it's extremely expensive there, so a friend found us a laundry mat within walking distance and I set off to try and navigate my first transaction almost completely in Thai. It actually wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be; I was surprised at just how much I understood.
Ellen has been a big help in boosting my Thai vocabulary; she's able to correct my pronunciation and help me out with what I'm trying to say. She thinks Jer's attempts at Thai are hilarious. Since he's been in school or studying about 70 hours a week, he hasn't been able to learn more than a couple of phrases. He can say "Hello," "Thank you," and sort of count to ten-- we're still working on that. His attempts to learn more have prompted a whole lot of giggling. It's really great to see them getting along so well!
Tomorrow we're hopefully going to have Ellen's passport, and we'll be getting her medical testing done for her visa. Keep your fingers crossed that we'll be able to get the results back in time to have her visa before Christmas!
~Jess
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13 comments:
What a great picture of them holding hands! :)
If someone would've told me in high school that the guy eating raw potatoes on the bus ride to football games would one day be holding hands with his newly adopted daughter, I don't know that I would've believed it. I am so happy for all of you! Daddy's are really special to little girls. I'm glad she finally gets one of her own.
I'm so glad that they're getting along so well. I'm not surprised at all, but glad. I love that photo.
Oh Jess, I am so happy for you, Jer, Connor and Ellen, and for your future together as a new family. After such a long wait, I am relieved and overjoyed for all of you that this part of the adventure is moving so smoothly along. You continue to be an inspiration!
What a beautiful picture! No words necessary
I am so thrilled for all of you Jess. And as a Mama to two girls, I can confirm that Daddies and their girls have a very special relationship. I am glad Jer and Ellen are discovering that.
I know you can't show her face yet, but I sure love that pic of her and her dad holding hands :D
Julie
What a special recap of a priceless time! Love these updates and learning more about your new daughter. I know you have so much to think about in Thailand, but I have to ask...how is Connor doing at home?
Longtime lurker. Popped up to say congratulations that things are going well. Even with the bumps that are bound to come up, you all seem like you will handle them with grace. Kudos!
I am another long time lurker.. been reading your blog for years. I had to pop in to tell you how happy I am for you. What a wonderful story to follow.
so happy for you all, lovely photo! thanks for sharing your journey, makes this time of year even more fabulous.
I just wanted to say how happy I am things are going well, and wish you all the best. I am so excited for you and your family. Pretty soon you will all be together for Christmas :-)
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