What a Joy!

Today started off pretty rough. Just like we suspected, when Meili woke up, reality hit hard one more time. She didn't cry much, but she was oh so sad and just didn't want to get out of bed. We thought that maybe if we skyped with the kids, it would give her something to make her want to get up. But it didn't. She shook her little arm...which we are fast learning means she doesn't want that and is getting very upset....so we back off quickly when the little arm starts shaking. The kids were sad to not see her up and it was hard for them to see her so sad. We had to be back at Civil Affairs at 8:00, so we had no choice but to pry her out of bed and get her dressed. She wasn't a happy camper but by the time we made it down to breakfast, she started to perk up just a little. She loved the eggs and ham fried rice. We tried to stick to her usual and give her congee (watery rice) but she wasn't having any of that. We then left for the civil affairs appt. Now mind you, this is the EXACT same place and room that all the drama happened yesterday....why they do this is a mystery to me. So we were a little nervous as we were walking down the long hallway of doors. You could sense a little restlessness in Meili but she did well. Once we got into the room, I wasn't sure what her reaction might be but it turns out she was a perfect angel. She played off by the windowsill with some books, etc. Every few minutes she would run over and hug my leg and then run back to play. What a sweetheart. At one point, I got up to throw something in the garbage by the door and she came running....crying...for me....probably reliving the whole scenario yesterday. I gave her a big hug and assured her I was here to stay.
After we came home, we decided to try to Skype again with the kids. Nick and J.D. loved it and she was very intrigued with what was going on. She waved at them and even perked up when grandma came on the scene. We then skyped with Abi. Josh will be sad as he was at a campout but we will catch him another day soon. She was absolutely onto the whole video thing once we got to talk with Abi. (Abi is in Logan right now and the little boys in Centerville). She was saying Abi's name and even said Ni hao Abi (hi abi). She blew kisses and waved. She even waved to the cousins and Aunt Sheri and Uncle Calvin. Abi was in tears as she shared such a special tender moment with her new little sister. We also know that it won't take long for Meili to be navigating the computer as she was pushing all the buttons and thinking she was all that. :)
This afternoon we took her to a big beautiful park. She had a really good time and started opening up a little more. We got to see that sweet playful personality come out just a little. She was still a little timid with Russel but he bought her some ice cream which she gobbled right up and even let him feed her. After the little (long) jaunt to the park, i felt like my arm was going to fall off so we stopped for dinner. They brought out this beautiful baby throne (pretty much like a high chair but seriously looked like a princess should sit it....which she did). Meili was totally thrilled with dinner. She was adorable and playful and even took bites of Russel's "ham bow bow." She was an absolute doll...feeding me french fries, giggling, and just entirely melting our hearts. Tonight we saw a few rare smiles as she let her little protective wall come down an inch at a time. We are so wrapped around her little finger......every moment we fall deeper and deeper in love with this little angel.
We came back to the room and decided we would get her bathed and ready for bed. At first she wasn't too keen on getting in the tub again. Last night went fine but she was still wondering if she liked it. Tonight I got her in and she gave in and played with some of the toys we brought for the tub. Well........one hour later and we still couldn't pry her out. She even let Russel stay in the bathroom and get her out of the tub while I wrote some emails. After we got her out and put on her PJs, she gave Russel a kiss on the cheek and melted his heart. Watching her today.....I think she is just waiting to see if Russel is really going to stay and tonight we saw her give a little trust as she opened her heart just a sliver.
As we laid her down, she seemed restless again. Naptime and nighttime seem to be the hardest for her. I got her out of bed to comfort her. As we laid on our bed looking at picture albums with her all cuddled up next to me with her cute little feet peeking out her pajamas, I felt truly blessed. Russel and I have said many times..."how did we get so lucky to get such a sweet little angel?" We are truly so grateful for the love that we feel from our Heavenly Father and for this tremendous blessing he has given us of raising not only the four beautiful sweet children we have waiting patiently at home for us but also for this new little sweetheart that will no doubt change our lives.