Kari is hanging in there. Last night, she went to bed early with Christopher, so my phone call woke her up and I only got a brief report on the day.

Yesterday's business included completing the Chinese adoption papers so that now, in China's eyes at least, Kari is officially Christopher's mother. Christopher seems to be coming to the same realization, although he's taking his time about it. After Kari finished signing the documents, Christopher began cheerfully yelling at her in Chinese, “Come on, Ma-ma, let's go!” After a few unsuccessful attempts, he said something that set the other ladies in the room tittering and covering their mouths. When Kari asked, someone finally translated Christopher's indignation: “I don't know why I'm talking to Ma-ma. She doesn't understand anything I say!”

After returning to the hotel, likely triggered by further communication frustration, Christopher had a meltdown and started crying for his “Auntie” (Kari's travel guide) and his Chinese mother. Kari held him and tried to soothe him and he eventually caved in. Shortly thereafter, Kari's jet lag kicked in (and probably some emotional exhaustion as well) and she decided to take him to a nearby park to tire him out.¹ Her plan seemed to work and they soon returned to the hotel room for a quick dinner and then bedtime.

Kari's efforts were ultimately rewarded when Christopher, nearly asleep, climbed into Kari's arms, snuggled against her neck and gave her a kiss on the cheek--a moment that I'm sure Kari will cherish forever.