Penelope is doing great. We aren’t.
Jenn has been to the doctor for an unidentified pain in her side. An ultrasound was fruitless so the doctor sent her to get a CT scan. We’re waiting for the results, but they think it’s a kidney stone.
I’ve been feeling miserable and tired. I can’t get any sleep due to coughing which leads to me feeling run down all day. When I lost my voice I decided it was time to see the doctor. He thought it was an upper respiratory infection. Today I called the doctor back to let them know I was not better and my head hurt from all the sinus pressure. A few hours later they called me back and prescribed Amoxicillin.
Penelope in PJ’s checking out the tree.
Back to Penelope.
We are very thankful for all the gifts people are giving to Penelope. She’s going to receive so much Jenn and I will most likely hide a few things after unwrapping them and give them back to her through the year. A great way to extend the enjoyment of all those toys. We won’t be able to get away with it when she’s older.
It’s been tough staying upbeat for the last couple of weeks. Jenn can barely pick her up and I just want to get things done so I can sit back down. It’s as if we’ve aged thirty years in two weeks and she’s still a toddler. Penelope has her charms and manages to break through the gloom cast by our physical ailments. Last night she was sitting on the toilet reading a book and said “look away daddy”, grabbing my chin and redirecting my gaze to the wall. Once my head was turned she yelled “SAM’S BATH”, followed by hearty laughter. One time was not enough though. She repeated this again and again.
Penelope and her Best Bear.
I asked Jenn to record this moment of bliss. She obliged and sat in the doorway recording the show. For a few moments I forgot I wasn’t feeling well and laughed with Penelope while Jenn contained herself, silently recording everything for our future amusement.
Last weekend we brought the dogs to the vet for their yearly check up. The vet’s staff commented on how adorable Penelope is. While we waited she played with a squeaky duck toy the clinic was selling. Before we left I told Penelope she needed to put it back because it didn’t belong to us. “She can have it! We’ve had it for over a year, they aren’t selling.” I asked Penelope “what do we say?” as she stood at the counter. In her smallest voice she said “please”. “Thank you” I told her. “We say thank you.”
Penelope helping mama wrap presents. Casually.
During the visit Penelope watched as the vet examined our pups. We explained to her they have to see the doctor just like we do. Hopefully she doesn’t think our anal glands need expressed when we see the doctor! Penelope did great considering the controlled chaos in such a tiny room with four adults, one child, and two anxious dogs. Penelope sat with Jenn and watched as the vet did his work. She wasn’t scared and seemed interested in the proceedings.
Penelope reading “The Cat in the Hat” for the first time.
Tomorrow she may meet our former Chinese tutor. We’ll see how everyone is feeling in the afternoon.
I’ve got some big plans for the site, mainly aimed at our fellow Chinese adoptive parents. More details to come.
Until next time, “enjoy every sandwich“.
