Maybe when I wake up, they'll be gone!!!!

This is depression at its best. Here is a typical part of the day for Xiao E right now. She wants to get up on the bed and just forget about what is going on. She has to stay in her coat and shoes, of course. We aren't sure why she chooses to sleep that way on the edge. Perhaps it is so there is no room for mommy or maybe just she can get down quickly when she wants. She does sleep in the same bed with mama at night, no problem.

Our days are full of highs and lows right now. Today wasn't bad. Xiao E definitely is feeling more comfortable with baba. We went on an outing to Hunan University with our guide, Susan. Xiao E did a good job of holding both of our hands, and she did not seem quite as attached to Susan. When we got back and Susan was gone, she went into her crying/pouting/sleeping routine. After she slept awhile and got bored, we went out for a nice walk. That went very well. She held both our hands again. We watched some kids playing and bought some treats/snacks. We actually got to sit and have a casual cup of coffee and sweet milk. Of course, Xiao E had to sit with baba and kept mama at a watchful distance. :)

After coming back to the room, Xiao E allowed mama to give her a bath again. Never even asks baba to do that. She seems to relax a bit. After she has mama rub lotion on her and get her in her pj's, she has to have mama put her hair back up just they way she always wears it. She will put her hand up there to check to make sure I'm doing it the same! What a hoot! Good thing it isn't too complicated. Baba decided to go out for a bit tonight to see how she would do without him here. She decided she was going to sleep if he wasn't going to be here. She did just get up to go to the bathroom and did get caught up in the moment having a little fun! We brushed her teeth, etc. Then, back to bed she goes. Of course, it really is way too early for her to go down for the night, so I am waiting to see how long it takes for her to get up.

Please pray as tomorrow morning at 9, we go to meet the orphanage director and staff. We feel like it would be good for her to see them one last time, have her see us with them, and to be reassured by them that this is going to be ok. Yes, we anticipate a bunch of crying, etc., but we really see that anyway!!:) We are going shopping with the staff, as they have picked out a "filter" of some sort for us to purchase for the orphanage. They want to host us for lunch. We are not allowed in the orphanage, as it is not open to the public. I do believe they will take some pictures for us. They are very accomodating.

On Sunday, we fly to Guangzhou!!!! I think leaving this hotel and all will do Xiao E wonders. This place gives all of us some bad memories. The weather should be nice enough to do a bunch more outdoors. We love to shop there, too. Hoping we get a chance. We are grateful to all of you keeping us in your prayers. Sounds like our brood at home is doing well. We are so proud of them!!!! Until next time!