Our Journey To Katie: December 2005

LONG Mei Xiu’s Growth and Development (Note: This report was written on Sept. 5, 2005 when Katie was 16 weeks old. It was then sent to the CCAA where Katie was matched to our family. lbt)

Long Mei Xiu, female, born on May 14, 2005, was found on May 15, 2005. When being found, she looked quite thin with thick black hair. After the investigation of the Public Security Bureau, her birth parents could not be located and she was sent to our welfare institute for care. During admission, she received a thorough medical check up, without being found any abnormalities. According to the wound and gauze covered on her umbilical cord, her birth date was then estimated. We gave her the name as Long Mei Xiu, wishing her good health and beauty when growing up.

After admission, she cried when being hungry but after being fed, she cried less or stopped crying. With good appetite and strong sucking ability, she grew well and gained much weight. Now, she became a chubby little baby. Before one month old, except for crying and eating, she slept most of the time. She clenched her fists while sleeping and her sleep was sound comparatively. At two months old, when hearing some loud sound, she would stop moving her limbs till it disappeared. She could lift up her head slightly when lying prone. When being happy, she occasionally made “a, o” sounds. She gradually opened her hands when they were touched. At 3 months old, little Mei Xiu loved wiggling her small hands which became more agile. She would try to take away the small handkerchief covered on her eyes. She could turn from prone to lateral position flexibly. Reaching 4 months old, Mei Xiu was very curious about external environment. Starting to differentiate strangers, she stared at them with fear and alertness but happy when seeing familiar people. At this time, she could sit steadily for a short while when holding her armpits and hips. She giggled loudly and moved her limbs restlessly when someone touched her abdomen. She responded and smiled to the person who called her name.

Being introvert, she is quiet and loves smiling. She sometimes is stubborn and will throw temper, cry or shout when being unhappy. She can also express her emotions such as anger and fear. She starts to respond to “no”. She enjoys playing games with her peers.

Now, little Mei Xiu is mainly fed formula and rice cereal. She takes meal 5 times per day, each at 250 ml. (Her feeding time: 6:00 am, 10:20 am, 2:50 pm, 6:20 pm and 10:20 pm). She sleeps 3 times per day, including 2 naps, each for about 1 hour. She sleeps about 12 hours at night. Little Mei Xiu has normal bowel movements and urination. Her vaccinations are current. She is now thriving under our excellent care.