Hattie Day

We finally met the girl we have been waiting for since we saw her face in February! It was a much more low key meeting than the one we had with Naomi. We were one of the first to arrive at the Civil Affairs building about 2pm Monday. It was much less crowded than last time. There were probably 4 families there this time versus 30 last time. It filled up as the afternoon progressed to a good 15 families I would say. Again, when we walked in the door we could see Hattie back in the kids room. Within 5 minutes they called our name. She was a little hesitant at first but didn't fight me picking her up to take her back to our area. She didn't cry, in fact she did not make a sound the entire time we were there or on the van ride back to our hotel. Drastic contrast between this...

And this....

Same room, same exact place, two different girls and reactions. We weren't necessarily surprised by this given Naomi was foster family and Hattie was orphanage. We met with orphanage staff and found out more about her routine and life there. Found out who her best friend was. She was described as very easy to take care of and quiet. She doesn't understand how to be carried very well. She keeps her legs straight and doesn't wrap her arms around you much when you pick her up. I'm guessing she walked and crawled most places in her orphanage. Tried to hold her to rock her a bit before putting her to bed and she clearly didn't understand that either. She just wanted to be put in the crib. It's going to take awhile longer for her to understand affection. She's slept so far from 8:30pm to 5:30am here, and still asleep. Eating really well. Had a super cute outfit on. Big feet, I think my shoes I brought may be too small! Not too far off from Naomi height.

She hadn't made a sound until when we got back to our room and were playing with colors, she let out a huge, happy yell. From that point on she's been talking and clapping and playing and laughing. We understand little of
what she is saying but did hear thank you, hello, and her counting to three in Mandarin. We shall see as time goes but right now things are going great! Will post more tomorrow. Sorry for the rambling, stream of conciousness post just so much to tell! Here are more photos which is really what you want to see!