Bye bye specific baby product brand (buzz buzz)

Jude is still fighting ear and respiratory infections, so we were back at the doctor this morning. The doctor noted Jude has some eczema on her face. When I was redressing her I saw pin point red spots on her neck and arms and showed those to the doc.

The doctor commented that it looked like an allergic reaction, which is interesting, as I've been fighting the same thing on my neck and chest for a few days.

Likely culprit - Jude's baby wash and moisturizer. So bye bye Burt's Bees products and hello super sensitive stuffs.

Bummers - I love the way that stuff smells.

About that name

It was brought to my attention that I didn't formally announce the baby's name, nor explain its origin.

I apologize; I pieced my blog posts of the trip together from my travel diary and I thought I'd included that information.

I called the baby Beach Baby in this blog from the beginning. I decided on her name a few years into the adoption journey. The night before I met Jude the guide came to my room with a form to complete to start the adoption processing. The form asked for the child's English name. I hadn't intended to give out her name until I met her in person. I even had a 'back up' name in mind, just in case she didn't really match her intended name. Oh well, plans change.

Her name is Jude Frances Jie Connelly.

I named her after her grandparents. I was named after my grandmothers, so it seemed right.

Jie was her Chinese middle name. I wanted to retain part of her history.

Frances is the feminized version of my father's middle name.

Jude is for my mother, Geraldine. Her family called her Jed, and I thought Jude was very similar. I've also considered St. Jude to be my patron saint through this adoption so I liked that connection.

So that explains her name. It looks like we will have to wait until this summer to have Jude baptized but she officially Jude Frances Jie, in the eyes of China and the U.S., for now.

First Mass

Jude attended her first church service this morning. She was so well behaved all the way to communion. Then she got frustrated and it was time to leave.

She wore a dress I bought in Nanning. It was also the first time I'd had my St. Jude medal on since leaving for China. I carried a little chaplet with me on the trip, hidden in my diaper bag/ backpack.

Time for a nap!

Week 2 - Out and Sort of About

In our second week home Jude was feeling better, and I was on my second round of antibiotics. So, we ventured outside.

We met the neighbors and even ventured out to the zoo. It wasn't the best weather but it afforded us good views of the exhibits. We also did quite a bit of shopping, picking up things like sippy cups and food bowls. Jude has to be off bottles and walking on her own before she enters the daycare I want to get her in.

We've been to a few parks in the neighborhood but I still haven't found my ideal spot. Jude only plays on the swings for a few minutes, and as she isn't walking on her own yet she's easy for the other kids to knock down. For me, there isn't the right kind of walking track combined with swings for her.

Assessment at Children's Hospital International Adoption Clinic

The first Friday after we arrived home I took Jude for her assessment at Children's Hospital International Adoption Clinic.  This is a fantastic option for families bringing home children adopted of the US.  We met with pediatricians, physical therapists, speech therapists, a dietitian, even a psychologist.  Jude is in great shape.

It was so helpful to discuss concerns with multiple experts.  My biggest issues are her diet and sleep habits and the Children's staff gave me some great advice and guidance.  We will receive a complete assessment shortly and be able to use that as the basis for treatment with her regular pediatrician.

Using the hints they were able to provide, I had Jude sleeping in her own bed by that Sunday.  It's been going well and gets better every night.  Big relief for me, as having a pushy baby sharing my sick bed was not a good thing.

Thank you Children's!

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First Week Home - House Bound

We spent the first week back in the US at home in sick mode.  Other than a trip to Target for medicine and another to the grocery for essentials, we just stayed in.  Kudos to my friends who graciously came over in the evenings to keep us company.  They brought food, comfort, and attempts at giving me time to sleep.  Thank you can't be said enough.

Jude slept in my bed each night and napped with me there as well.  It wasn't what I wanted but I didn't have the energy to fight it.  I'm pretty unpleasant without sleep, and even more so when sick so I chose to avoid conflict at all costs.  We didn't even bother to dress, just hung out in jammies, communing with our tissues, bad TV, and medicine.

Jude refused all baby food and has been eating table food from the get go.  She still refused fruit, except in her yogurt, and wasn't too keen on juice or water.  I did discover she prefers her food spicy; not bland morsels for her.

Half the Sky

If I didn't mention it before, Jude was fortunate to participate in a program sponsored by Half the Sky.  She benefited from the special attention, love, and development almost from the day she entered the BeiHai SWI.  I received a memory book put together by this program with photos, and development updates on Gotcha Day.  

It is obvious to me that Jude is as healthy, well adjusted, and developmentally on track as she is because of the extraordinary care she received through this organization.  

Please take the time to check out their website and consider donating to one of their programs.  If one more little girl can have the benefits of this level of care then that is the best gift Jude could ever receive.

http://halfthesky.org/en 

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