Out and about

Well, we had a great afternoon and evening as well. Alana is a big animated ball of energy though! It was so funny going to dinner with Sam and Nancy, because their son Samuel is the most mellow child I've ever met. It was quite a contrast to Alana who is just like Dylan, but with a bow in her hair! :)

I guess I should go back to Alana waking up from nap. She definitely was confused when she first awoke, but she quickly perked up and started eating snacks again. I think as long as I keep the food coming she will be fine. I then gave her a bath which she loved. I don't really have any bath toys, but she played with the washcloth and an empty water bottle and still had fun. Then we got all dolled up in a new dress. She really wanted to wear these silky pj's I bought, but I was able to explain to her through hand gestures that they were for sleeping. She understood and went and put them on the bed to wear later.

Then we did a little paperwork with our guide Nancy, which only took a few minutes. I decided to go shopping and get Alana a new pair of shoes. Sam and Nancy didn't want to go, so I took out by myself. I thought I got a few looks before, but after getting Xin Yi I am getting full out stared at. Since I was by myself I avoided eye contact for the most part and just talked to Xin Yi. She kept pointing at everything and talking. She wanted to be carried and since she is so light I am happy to oblige. We did find a cute pair of shoes that looked darling with her pink dress. We met Sam, Nancy and Samuel for dinner in one of the hotel restaurants. It was a large buffet and Xin Yi was very clear about what she wanted and didn't want. She was so funny at the table. She was eating things and then putting them on my plate. Then she would take something off my plate and eat it. She was clanking her silverware on the table and plates and reaching and grabbing for things I was trying to keep away from her (the knife for example). She is certainly a handful. Victor -- get ready!

After dinner we came back to the room. She ate more snacks and drank this strawberry milk box that I bought for her earlier. She keeps putting her shoes on and has packed up her backpack, so I'm not entirely sure she realizes she is staying. She still seems happy though. I am waiting for Victor to call so I can put her to bed. I know Collin really wants to talk to Alana, but they must be sleeping in this morning.

I am so happy and relieved to finally have Alana. She is everything I dreamed of and more. I can't wait for everyone to meet her. She is certainly a handful, but she is very entertaining. I think she is just the perfect addition to our family and will fit in wonderfully. I don't have words to describe today, but I feel so happy and content right now. I am really going to enjoy getting to know her better over the next week and a half and experiencing her birth country. What an awesome experience this is.