Happy Days

This morning, Ivy Xue (shoo-ay) woke with no tears, but a smile.  Let's just say it made this mama very happy.  She still doesn't talk a whole lot.  I think she is intimidated by the language barrier.  But, even my guide said she was shy and quiet.  My kind of gal!  But, she spoke more today and tried new words.  She's using my picture cards I made, and I notice that she understands certain commands, like "go to the bathroom" or "brush your teeth".  So, we've made progress.  Besides all of that, she is a very happy girl, quite the contrast from Monday.

After breakfast and before our passport appointment, we ventured off the island with a map in my hand and Chinese directions to the pedestrian street.  My intentions were to find Ivy Xue some tennis shoes of some sort.  The girl did not want tennis shoes, it was obvious.  She was looking at rhinestone Mary Janes?!  She's flashy.  I've notice that the past 2 outfits she picked out are ones with some kind of rhinestones on the shirts.  Sorry, but I'm out of those types of shirts until we do some laundry.  She'll have to settle for mundane.

I took Ivy to McDonald's for lunch.  She eats well; she always has.  After that, we took a taxi back to the hotel to wait for our passport appointment.  That was very quick and informal.  Later, we headed out to the Italian restaurant, which was tasty, but overpriced.  They do have a huge selection to choose from, though.  We did some more walking, and I bought Ivy 2 summer dresses, which she really liked.

Corn at McDonald's

 

 

Ivy enjoying her steamed milk with sugar.

Last night, we skyped the family.  Ivy took a picture of her father and sister, Jordan with her camera.  She kept looking at it throughout the day.  She proudly showed the picture of baba to our guide.

We're hoping to meet one of her friends from the orphanage tomorrow for dinner.  They leave for home on Friday.  Ivy recognized her when I showed her the picture.  I'm not sure if she understands that we will see her, though.  I'm sure I'll see a different side to her.

We have a pretty good routine going between us.  She uses the room key card and takes care of things on that end.  She always turns out all the lights before we leave the room, pushes the elevator buttons, showers every night.  She sleeps well, also.  I never hear a peep from her after the lights go out.  She is such a joy.  She always has a bright smile ready for me.  I do feel that she is becoming attached to me.  This is so much more than I could hope for.  I am so excited for everyone to meet her.