Monday August 23, 2010 7:30pm China time

I cannot explain why I had so much peace as we prepared to go to the provincial office. It was a strange because I totally knew what she was going to do. I really knew it would be exactly as is was. I guess that is why I had peace.
She took one look at me and turned her head away in a huff. She punched the doll in the face and totally rejected the poodle. She wanted absolutely nothing we had to offer. I simply continued to talk and offer her things but she would have none of it. The ladies who brought her and our guide talked to her, but I did not even try to pick her up or touch her. I knew she would reject it all. We took some pictures and I cannot wait until you see the strong will she displayed even there, like, "If you want a picture that is just tough."
I filled out the paperwork and the ladies left. They did not bring her quilt square or shirt. They said the dress was too small....but it was a shirt. So, I assume some other little one is wearing it as a dress. That is just fine. She did have the photo album and we talked to her about it. Mad face.
When we were finally finished I picked her up and it was screeching and wiggling. It was very emotional as I knew that she knew what was happening. You can just tell that she knows. She screamed in the van but eventually quieted down. She pulled away from my every touch and then closed her eyes. When we got to the hotel it was the same. I am sorry to say that the cameras were left behind in the extreme emotion and confusion. We have called Vicky and she will contact the driver. He is with us this week for all rides. How I wish we could send the pictures to you. Imagine 10 times more beautiful that the pictures with a million times more personality and a temper like an Italian. That is our Hua Hua.
She walked into the hotel with us but was not happy. Thank God for the toy room on our hall. I decided we would go there first and that Grace and I would play with the toys. I forgot to mention that she had a things of Starburst she clung to for dear life. It was her lifeline.
She was intractable. She watched us play ball and build with blocks. Then, by God's plan, two Chinese girls came in to play. Grace ran back to the room for a minute and I gave her the chance to ride one of the bikes they were on. We put the Starburst in the basket and I began to push her around all the halls of the hotel. Grace came running in the hall and she laughed out loud! Then, while Grace was away, I gave her a little piano. She smiled at me! Grace brought her a sippy cup of water. She eventually was so engaged that she trusted me with her starburst. Then more children came into the room. Three little toddler boys with Italian parents. She played with the blocks we had been using. She is very exact and particular about how they go together. Once we came back to the room she was very excited about the Playmobil, until she found out they were not blocks. We showed her the farm animals you squeeze for noise. She liked them all but was angry and pushed away the rooster! Go figure!
She has a thousand faces and wants to do everything herself. I don't think she has decided she wants to live with us, but she thinks we are showing her loads of fun. Tonight for cleaning, bathroom, and bed may be a different matter, but I am in heaven.
She is doing well now. We are going to go eat. She like goldfish and might be content with that, but we are going to try a restaurant anyway.
By the way, the Italians think I am either a super woman or an idiot. They asked about how many children....I was able to show them Jena's before and after. They have two boys with cleft lip and palate. When they saw her face they said, "Bella!" They think Cori is lovely too.

She let me tickle her and pretend to bit her and she giggled. She is getting tired while I am on top of the world.