Let the picture flood begin...

Wow, thank you so much to everyone who is cheering for Abbey and I!! Yesterday was wild and wonderful and one photo was all we could swing last night. I don't want to post all the ones of her red swollen eyes and tear streamed face, but we now have a much calmer subject to take pictures of. Bless her little heart, it was very hard for her. I was also still very afraid about her medical issues and talked with the guide about going to the hospital, but each moment that passes I am feeling better about it. In the craziness last night I really couldn't talk much to the director or nannies, but I did get to ask a few questions and had him sign her special book, Mama's Wish, Daughter's Wish. I am going to have lots of people here sign it for her. I will get another chance to see the director and the nannies when I travel to the orphanage. Only a few families will be making the trip because it is so far to haul the babies, but it is really important to me.
She slept through the night without a peep and I did what every new parent does, just sat and stared at her. She plays with her clothes and things with her fingers when she sleeps and she also sucks her first three fingers, it's very cute. She did great in the morning, scarfed down her bottle and watched Chinese cartoons while I got ready and then we went to breakfast. All the Chinese people were staring at me with her. I don't think they really know about all the orphanages and seem to be wondering where all these babies are coming from. She tried a bite of yogurt and got a very startled look on her face and then we tried eggs and a tiny piece of banana. She doesn't know how to chew or really swallow but she likes sucking on it. I haven't had to cut the hole on her fast flow nipple, she is able to suck it out and I am really happy because I think that's important for speech. Her nannies say that she doesn't talk in clear words yet, just baby talk. She makes very sweet little noises. I was very proud of myself managing getting everything ready, carrying her in the Hip Hammock with loaded back pack, and navigating a very crowded breakfast buffet. We met up with Gene and our group at 8:30 and went back to the Civil Affairs Office for interviews, pictures, filling out paperwork, and paying fees. They asked me what I would do if I meet someone I want to marry and he doesn't want the baby, I let them know I would not be marrying him. They also wanted to know how I was going to manage being so busy as a single person, and I explained that to them about all of you in my support system, and they were happy with that.
Zhuozhuo seems to know that she can trust me, but her emotions still feel very delicate. The orpanage director tried to tell her to walk but she started crying. I don't think she wants me to give her back, even though they are all nice people. I left her for the first time for a few moments to walk down the hall to pay a fee. Gene had her in a walker and was wheeling her around and evidently he got her first smiles. I haven't seen one yet but am really looking forward to it. I am glad that she feels comfortable with Gene too. Of course I am the only one to hold her, feed her, etc. She is very attached to two items. One is the cap to her bottle and the other is a little jingle bell ball. The night before I left for China I got inspired to go to PetsMart and get a little cat toy. It's a little caged ball with a jingle bell in it and it is perfect to fit in her hand. She loves it and has not let go. She likes to feel the holes, watch the bell roll, and bang it with the bottle cap. You will see it in her hand in the pictures. I bought a couple of them and highly recommend them.
The size 12 month clothing is too big for her, even though she is 18 months, but I think it was the right size to bring and she will grow into it. The diapers I bought here are too big, so we will go get others today. She is acting very limp and floppy but I can tell that she is capable of standing and they've said she can walk so I think it's just because she is in shock. Her head is very sweaty which can be a symptom of rickets. We come back on a Friday night and her Dr.'s appt. is Monday morning at 9 a.m. My mom will be coming from the airport home with me for a few days and will help me get through the jet lag and that first appt. If we are up to it we have a National Adoption Day picnic to attend and see friends the morning after we fly in.
This is one very sweet little girl. Although she was sad yesterday she wasn't arching or back or kicking, she was just wimpering. She looks at me with those big eyes and my heart just melts.