NanNing Day 5

I love my new shades! I picked them out all by myself.

Fun in the tub!

She loves bath time

Helping mommy wash her favorite outfit

Getting them REALLY clean

It really rained a lot today so we were not able to do to much outside. We watched cartoon movies in Chinese and played inside the hotel. The guys brought back McDonalds take out and we ate on the floor elevator lobby! We have "claimed" that area as our play area and really look like crazy Americans now! Everyone enjoyed it though. We also had lunch at a great Chinese restaurant and it was extremely cheap. We also went to Walmart for like the 3rd time since we have been in NanNing. Sydney enjoyed picking out cartoons and movies.

She also picked out a new pair of glasses. SHE LOVES THEM but they are sooo big on her. It is cute though.

I have not blogged about this but I will now since things are getting better.

It is taking Sydney a long time to warm up to me and trust me. She always comes to me for bath time, dressing, and teeth brushing but has shied away from any real affection. Our guide talked to the orphanage about it and was told that Sydney's foster father was the one who was affectionate with her and was the one who played with her. Her foster mother did not show her much affection. Se just took care of the house duties. They also said that it may take her a while to trust another female caretaker since she has had many non-constant female relationships in the past. I wonder if she remembers on some level of being left by her mother at 15 months old? She is really clingy to Daddy and big brother when we are outside the hotel which tells me that she is a very scared little girl. Also, I have had many people tell me that their older adopted children were very scared in China and afraid that they would be left there. It is interesting to see how she "clams up" when we leave our hotel and are around many Chinese people. She is also VERY reluctant to talk to other Chinese. She usually turns her head away.

Today we played together a lot in the hotel. Daddy even left to go get McDonald's and she stayed and played with her mama. She had fun brushing my hair and painting my nails. We always have fun together at bath time but last night we were really connecting. She loves showing me pictures of her mama! So I think she is starting to trust me but it will take time for her to realize that I will not leave her.

Some things we have learned about Sydney:

Her favorite color is NOT yellow, it is BLUE! (oh well)

Her favorite thing is a camera so we bought her one to have. She carries it everywhere and takes pictures constantly!

She loves toy guns!

She also loves long socks pulled up really high.

She loves long shorts and even helped me wash the one long pair she has so that she can continue to wear them!

She knows how to hand wash clothes extremely well.

She knows how to wash dishes and is used to doing them.

She lines up her little shoes very neatly and places her socks in them.

She is used to wearing clothes several days in a row.

She has NEVER worn panties and we are still trying to get her used to the concept.

She can brush her teeth, wash her hands and use the restroom by herself but she still likes mama to be there just in case.

She likes to wash her hair and body at least 3 times during bath time.

Her teeth look great so she has done a good job brushing.

She is a tomboy but also like some girlie things.

She has more energy than we could ever imagine!

She is a future soccer player and gymnast.

SHE IS VERY SMART and not developmentally behind.

We are very surprised how bright she is and how easily she is picking up new things.

It took her one day to figure out how to operate the elevator and what floor we are on.

She can write English numbers up to 8. She knows everyone by name and can say some English words.

She knows how to use a computer.

We will try to get her singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" on tape.

We love her so much and can't wait for everyone to meet her!