Maneekarn Day p.1

Hi Everyone. What a day! I have to apologize for the lack of pictures of Jeff. The needs of the situation ruled our activity.
We were not allowed to take pictures of our initial meeting so we wouldn't scare the kids. There was another family present adopting a little girl about the same age.
Initially the other family's daughter was distraught and crying. Maneekarn was alert
but did everything in her power not to look at us. She was concerned about the other child. We coaxed her into playing with a ball and some stacking rings and eventually got some eye contact and a smile. That is until it was time to try and hold her. By this time the other child had worn herself out from crying and was nearly asleep. When I picked Maneekarn up, she began crying and screaming out to her foster mom. She got so worked up she vomited (as did the other little girl) which I know our social workers have seen before because they had barf-bags immediately available.
We went to lunch and I tried to make friends with food. No go. But, Maneekarn did let me touch her and offer food with no fuss. Time to hold her again and the tears were there immediately. A walk in the gardens soothed her and she fell asleep in my arms.
Our visit with the foster family was amazing and allowed us to see her personality. She lit up and chattered like crazy. They are lively and loving people. What a privilege. We found out that some of her favorite activities are walking in the garden, playing with a tea set, robots, bath time and riding to the market on a motorcycle.
There is another foster child just over a year old in the home and they are buddies. Jeff wants to take both girls home. (Me too!) They love each other and tumble around together. We're so glad we'll have Logan and Bethita around! This kid loves people and play. I could go on, but we're bushed!
Trying to upload a video. Still running. Hope it works. May have to wait til tomorrow to post it.

Love you all. Gotta get ready for tomorrow. I think we're in love!
Gretchen and Jeff