SHE SMILES!!!

We have had a great day today.

When Vivi woke up this morning she was sad but did not cry like yesterday.  She was still clinging to me but was not as upset when Rob took her.  When I get ready in the morning he takes her and walks her around the hotel.  She cries at first, but once she doesn't see me for a few minutes, she settles in and does fine with Rob.

After breakfast we decided to take a walk to the park.  We wanted to see more of the sights and sounds of Nanning.

that is our hotel in the distance

The park was a great idea.  At first, Vivian was hesitant.  I got her to swing with me and she seemed OK with that

Then we had our first major breakthrough.  We got her to stand!!  This girl has not put weight on her legs since the day we got her, and so we were so excited to see her standing!  She was a little wobbly at first...

  but then was fine on her own

Then, SHE STARTED WALKING!!! And let me tell you, she didn't stop for almost an hour after she started!!  Rob and I are convinced that Vivian is missing her friends from the orphanage.  Every time she saw a child she would walk right up to them.  We felt like it was almost as if she was looking for someone she knew.

walking ALL over the park

She was enjoying herself at the park and I was able to snap some cute pictures

We were on such a roll that when we got back to the hotel we decided to give the pool a try.  She didn't love it, but she didn't hate it either

Back to the room for lunch.  During lunch we noticed she was being much more animated than usual.  She was raising her eyebrows at her food, looking toward the food she wanted and just interacting more with us (in a non-verbal way) than she has yet.

Then, it happened.  I was playing "Patty cakes" with her feet when all of the sudden.....SHE SMILED!!!!! She is SO cute when she smiles!!! She gave us a few:)

Rob and I are both expecting to take a few steps backwards tomorrow.  Tomorrow we will be going back to Vivian's orphanage. We feel it is important to go visit, even if it sets her back.  We want to see where she spent the first 2 1/2 years of her life, and more importantly, we think SHE will want to see one day.  We want more of a chance to thank her caregivers for taking such good care of her.  We will have the opportunity to visit her "finding spot" (the place she was abandoned) and I'm sure the day is going to be hard and emotional for us all.  We are headed out this afternoon to collect the items the orphanage has requested for our donations.  They are in need of toys for the older children.  Sadly, there are evidently a number of older kids in the orphanage.  We are so happy to be able to do this for them, as they have much less of a chance than the young babies to be adopted.  Thanks again to everyone who donated.  OK, we'll be back tomorrow.