I noted yesterday I'd change some names to provide some privacy. It occurred to me that the wife's been bandying them about a little bit. Some of the cast of characters are government officials or acting in a manner that is on public record. The director of the Central Adoption Agency, for example, Claudia, is a government employee in a pretty prominent role, and I think is listed on the agency's website. Grace, as will probably become public knowledge, is the little girl we're adopting; and we've kept that name, so that should help identify her, too.

We woke bright and bushy at about 8AM. The trip and busy arrival day had taken its toll. We got ready and meandered to the restaurant for breakfast. While we'd purchased some things yesterday, we realized that we hadn't been provided any plates or bowls or cutlery.

The restaurant has been empty each time we've been, and today was no different. We'd noticed the other times we'd been there that they were planning a big Sunday brunch starting about 10:30, which we were kind of glad to miss, wanting instead just a low-key meal and some coffee to start the day. I ordered the “island breakfast,” which is basically the same breakfast I get wherever we eat out: eggs, breakfast meat, and pancakes. The wife got a breakfast burrito. Of course, we both got coffee.

Nearly done with breakfast, the other family we'd met happened by, so they stopped in to see how our day before had finished. They, too, met the little boy they were adopting, and found him to be wonderful. We traded stories about our minor adventures away from the hotel, and our understanding for the next days' events. They went about their day, and we promised to try to run into each other more. We also pledged to the other adopting mom that we'd be around to help after her husband and daughter returned home sometime next week. She was thrilled, and I expect before the end of the trip we'll have another life-long connection, this time in Maine. (I'm not sure I know anyone else from Maine.)

We ventured to the other general store down the street, Formosa. Like the Payless, it's filled with a little bit of everything. For both, imagine a big convenience store, or a very small department store. They've got groceries, and mattresses, and shoes, and beer. What more could you need? Prices didn't strike us as outrageous, either. We were seeking some simple flatware and table settings for two. We got a few more basic foodstuffs, and another, smaller jug of water to make some sun-brewed tea in. We didn't have any luck finding plates, bowls, or forks, but did settle on some sturdy plastic spoons, figuring that'd work for making our PB&J anyway.

We lazily lounged in the room for the afternoon. Our meanderings and lunch had brought us close to the “maybe same time tomorrow” that we had been told to expect visitors, so we thought it bet to stay put. A couple goofy movies were on the goofy movie channel, so we just let them play. It was almost more amusing when the movies would skip and repeat scenes, or switch between other movies spontaneously.

About an hour after we expected visitors, we got a text message on the phone apologizing, and saying to expect them in another half-hour. “Island time,” we said to each other. About an hour later, they showed up.

Grace was bundled for winter, relatively speaking. She was in a newborn one-piece, inside a footed-pajama sleeper meant for a little older infant, and wrapped in a blanket, wearing mittens. The day before we had had a few comments on how cold the room was. It's air conditioned, and reads about 24C degrees, which is a bit cooler than the 85F degrees outside. More importantly, it's a lot less humid. I'd turned off the air some time earlier, and even opened the glass door to the patio. There's no screen, or I'd leave it open and acclimate. We've seen a few bugs outside that we don't want inside, if we can help it. Nonetheless, it's hardly cold in here, at least to us winter-hardened Minnesotans.

The girls came in for a few minutes, all smiles and apologies. We were not put off at all, which I think was appreciated. Our birthmother handed Grace over, and sat down. Claudia had also brought her daughter, who was a bit shy. After a little chatter, the girls took off and we were alone with Grace.

We weren't quite sure what to do, so of course we broke out the cameras and took a few minutes of video and pictures of her looking around and kicking, and generally being an infant (they don't do too much). She fussed a little, so we checked and changed her wet diaper, took turns holding her, fed her a little. She fell asleep a little, fussed and ate a little more, slept a little more...you know, infant stuff.

Yesterday we'd learned they're not necessarily very hands-on here. Feed and coddle a little, but mostly kids are left laying around when they're so little. You know, so your hands are free. It was apparent that while she liked being held some, she also liked just laying nearby.

After a few hours, the girls returned. Another birthmother was with them. Grace fussed a little more than she had the whole time she was with us alone, and a few diaper toots later, I was sure why. Claire changed her, and declared her a diaper trooper. She was much happier with a fresh wrap. After a little more chattering, the women excused themselves, and left. Our birthmother lingered a little longer than the others, and then followed out. I wish we could say more to each other, but, alas, wishing doesn't help.

The quiet room quieter, we decided to retire to the restaurant for some dinner, and turned in early before the long day ahead. We probably need to branch out from the restaurant at the hotel, but the food's good, fairly priced (about $10 each per meal), and we get to see Grace's grandma from time-to-time as she works there!