Life with Yan Yan II

Things seems to be going very well. Hannah Dong En (usually called "Yan Yan" or "Hannah Yan Yan" [pronounced "yun yun", "-un" as in "fun"]) is so smart and strong and sweet and cute and fun and funny!

We think she is bonding to us well. She is most comfortable with us, and wants our attention almost constantly. She often wants us to hold her, especially Mama. In fact, most days she wants Mama around all the time and wants Mama to hold her 75% of that time. Some days she will relax this "requirement" and play more freely or hang out with Baba. She enjoys Baba most of the time, but definitely prefers Mama. We are trying to help her bond more with me (Baba) and accept comfort from me more of the time, in preparation for Rebecca's return to work in February. (I will continue to stay home with the kids.)

We know her need to be close is so very good for her, especially right now. Most of the time it's great. Sometimes, it can get a little overbearing, especially for poor Rebecca, who could use a few more breaks from the frequent 抱抱! 抱抱! — "Póuh póuh!" "Póuh póuh!", i.e., "Hold, hold" or "Hug, hug."

When we encounter new family or friends or strangers, Hannah Yan Yan is not fearful, but she is cautious and shy and sticks with us. Depending on the person, and the amount of preparation for the visit, she warms up to visitors gradually. She even took a "horsey ride" on Aunt Lin's back, and like to call (for real and pretend) 阿婆 — a pòh — and 阿公 — a gung —, that is, grandma and grandpa. Of course, other than "hello," she speaks to them in Cantonese, so that doesn't help them much.

We think that her clinging to us, with increasing moments of independence, and her caution with new people are very good signs about her bonding.

She is sharing more with Benjamin now, and they now play together a little bit each day, raucously, with lots of laughs and smiles. Lately it is games about how they have a house (which is really a room in our house) that they go in and do stuff, sometimes "locking" us out; that's a switch! Often, Yan Yan has them both caring for baby dolls or pretending to eat. Sometimes they all "sleep" and then a minute later they "wake up" and run through the house shouting 早晨! 早晨! 早晨! — "Jó sàhn!" "Jó sàhn!" "Jó sàhn!" (Good morning!! ...)

We can tell she loves her "gòh go" (big brother), and we think she loves us, too!