Day 7: Changes

This morning we head out for some more sightseeing. First up, the Tran Quoc Pagoda; built in the 6th century, it is the oldest in Hanoi. Want more information about it? http://www.google.com/

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Ummm, okay...

Juneau's Grandpa and Grandma Stickley at the pagoda

Next we hit the Museum of Natural History. This provides for some amazing sights. Unlike museums in the U.S. where an item that is 500 years old is considered ancient, this museum contains items from the 4th century and older.

Outside the museum of natural history

Sandstone sculptures from the 4th century

Skull from the 5th century

Remains of skull from between 3,000-4,000 B.C.

(Give me a break, I'm an anatomy teacher)

Juneau getting her first anatomy lesson

The weather has been rainy in the evenings so tonight we take in an Italian themed dinner. For the second night in a row Juneau eats a bit of vegetable soup from a big girl spoon and loves it. It is rainy so we turn in early. (I neglected to mention last nights dining at the very famous Green Tangerine. The chef himself made a spectular recommendation and we thoroughly enjoyed the place).

The most important events of the day involve the daily changes that are happening with Juneau. She had become very vocal and jabbers almost constantly. Today at the museum she realized she could hear her own voice echoing in the nearly silent hallways so, of course, her volume continued to escalate. After a good nap and afternoon snack, she was in the mood to play. She sat on the bed for the longest time playing with toys, jabbering and even smiling. She likes sitting on my lap and playing with my necklace and putting her fingers in my mouth. From that position I also found a prime tickle spot and she let out the biggest squealing giggle. At the restaurant tonight, she was completely wound up and playful. The differences a few days have made is remarkable. Lilian commented tonight that she can see the little by little difference in her face everyday.

Today was also important for me because it was the first time that I truly felt like this little girls daddy. Emilie and I have talked alot over the last 2 years (and especially more since Nova arrived) about whether or not it would come easy to feel naturally like Juneau's dad/mom. I never had a doubt that I would feel exactly toward Juneau the way I would for a biological child, but that feeling hadn't dawned on me yet until today. Don't get me wrong; I have been totally enthralled since the first time I held her on Sunday. But I think the combination of worries for her adjustment and the physical busyness of caring for her and trying to win her over had prevented much introspection. I think the progess she had made over the last 2 days finally allowed me to relax enough to think about being her daddy...and it feels great.

Enough talking; more pictures:
Playing with Grandma Stickley

Soup at the Green Tangerine

Juneau loves daddy's necklace; Everytime I hold her she digs under my shirt looking for it.

Happy Girl!!

First documented smile :)