Day 9 (6/27)—Emma

Emma slept late and woke up a little lethargic and coughing some. She also seemed a bit sad, clutching her foster mom's picture. We went down to have some Chinese breakfast but she didn't want anything to eat or drink except some Yakult. We went to a little park nearby. Evan and Emma both played a little bit. After we got back, she was still coughing a bit and making sounds like she was going to throw up again. We decided to take her to see a doctor. Fortunately, Ah-gong's friend, the Hong's, were generous enough to recommend and take us to their family doctor. 

I haven't been to a Taiwanese clinic in just about forever. I had no idea what the process was. I had to fill out a brief form, in Chinese, which is rather rusty. I couldn't even remember how to write Emma's Chinese last name. The clinic wasn't very big, had a spacious waiting room, then the next room is the consultation room which anyone could just walk in. The doctor sat at his desk while patients walk up to him. There's no privacy, anyone who cared to listen can hear about your business. Interesting. I heard him gave advice to a 15-year-old girl who wanted to be taller, asking if Chinese medicine would help. He recommended a good diet, plenty of sleep, don't go to bed on a full stomach, a lots of activities and exercise. Emma sat quietly while we waited. I let her play on my iPhone a little bit. Everyone who passed by commented on how cute she was. When it was our turn, Emma sat on the stool. I explained what's been happening and that we're going on a plane the next day. It turned out she's got a little bit of a fever and a cold. We were prescribed some medicine. The office visit and medication was only NT$500 (less than $20US). Try and get that back in the States.

Mr. and Mrs. Hong brought us home. 謝謝洪伯伯洪媽媽!!! Ah-gong had gone and brought home some eel rice which Evan was chomping happily on (eating all the eel first and looking for more). She had a few bites to eat at lunch, got her medicine, then we all took a 2-hour nap. Later in the afternoon, Ah-gu (my brother) arrived. He's here on business. They went out and got food for us (oyster omelet and squid soup) while Hubby and I stayed home with the little ones. Emma got sad and cried for a bit. I feel so helpless. She kept asking why and I didn't have any answers for her. All I could do was hold her and try to distract her. I gave her a bath and let her play in the tub till she had raisin fingers Her mood brightened a bit. When we went to bed, Emma, Evan, and I bounced on it for a while. Poor bed is really really old, I wasn't sure it would hold up. They giggled a lot. Hope this helps with the bonding.

I'm only able to get my blogging done between the games, YouTube videos, and DVD movies on the laptop. It's a very popular laptop these days. Usually, I only get to use it early in the morning before they get up. Evan seems to realize this and gets up early to keep me company the last couple of days. Thanks for all the support, everyone. I am so grateful!