Day 4

Olivia had a hard time last night when she went to bed. She cried more than normal. She kept repeating something that I didn't understand. I really felt that God gave me a revalation about what is going on. When Lili died and I was grieving I didn't want anyone to tell me to stop crying or try to get me to move on with my life. I needed to grieve and I needed comfort. That's exactly what Olivia needs. I've been very careful not to try to have a "mother/daughter" relationship right away. I'm meeting her basic needs and trying to meet some of her wants....the ones she will let me meet. I think this has really helped in her not feeling threatened by me. She needs time to process the loss of her former life and accept her new one.
This morning she woke up happy and smiling at me! After putting her crocs back on she went to the computer and pointed. She knows that she is supposed to talk to Daddy in the morning.She really enjoys talking to the boys. When the screen saver comes on she has already learned to tap the pad to make it go away! Joe said that he really likes seeing her and talking to her. Jackson will sit for a long time and talk to her too. Ben is not sure what to say to her. Some of his friends got to see her this morning.
She LOVES to ride the elevator. She says Up and Down. She is now starting to press the buttons.
She still hasn't had a bath. Every time I try she starts screaming. I asked Mary to contact the foster mother to find out how she bathes her. She said that Olivia always screams when she takes a bath. PoPo puts her in the water, scrubs her quickly then dries her quickly. There is obviously an issue here and it's not worth forcing it right now. So, I guess I will just continue to sponge bathe her until we get home. Her head was really itching after her nap so I washed it with it with a wash cloth. She was fine with me doing that. And of course I made a Video of it for your viewing pleasure! She does love when I put lotion on her. She woke up scratching the scar on her stomach so I put some lotion on it. Her eyes lit up and she started pointing to all different parts of her body for more lotion. It was so sweet.
This afternoon we went to the upper level of the lobby to watch some dancers practice for the perfomance at a wedding this evening. Christine, Raymond and Nicole were there. I saw a side of Olivia that just melted my heart. Nicole is having a VERY difficult time and does lots of screaming and crying. Each time this happened, Olivia would go to her and try to comfort her. She patted her head (which actually made Nicole scream louder), and she gave her the ball to try to make her happy. She was very concerned about her.


Olivia's English vocabulary is expanding each day. Today she is saying "bye bye" and "more cracker". I just love hearing her voice.
The adoption photographer came by today with the commerative crystal that I ordered. The picture is our official Family picture for the adoption. It says "Happy Family"
When Mary came to our room tonight she told me that everyone at the orphange continued to say what a miracle Olivia is. They cannot believe how she is now happy and healthy and in a good family. They never thought it would happen. They believe that God brought her to us. And so do we! Today has been an awesome day with her. She is initating play with me and seems to have made a huge step in bonding. Tomorrow we will leave for Guanzhou so I don't know if I will be able to post. There may be two days worth on Saturday. I usually leave Blogger open and add things as they happen. That way it only takes a few minutes at a time. Say a prayer for Olivia on the flight. I hope she does well.