In China
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Sunday, March 3, 2013 Introducing...Lillian!!!! We just knew today was going to be good. This morning I heard a little cooing coming from her crib while Tim was in the shower. He wouldn't believe me and thought she must have been sleeping still. She laid in her bed on her belly for the longest time just looking around. That was big since normally the room scares her and she never wants to take too much of it in (or any person/place for that matter). She ate good for breakfast and she was really looking around at all the people. Overall, she just seemed less scared and more observant. Our group decided to go Shamian Island today. This island is very old and was given to France and the United Kingdom by the Qing Dynasty. This is why all the buildings look western and very similar to Savannah, GA. It isn't really an island but is bordered by the Pearl River. This island was where you used to find all the adoptive parents. The main hotel for adoptive families used to be The White Swan. This hotel is now closed as the entire building is under a complete renovation. The pictures of this island are famous in the adoption world. It was filled with bustling shops and restaurants but now most are closed since the families are not staying there anymore. Some of these same store owners have been there 30-35 years. We were the only American families on the island...so weird and very sad. One of the most famous tourist sites is a restaurant called Lucy's. Here you will find American food and is a must stop for all adoptive families in my book. Anyway, while we were there...something miraculous happened. I picked up Lily and...wait for it...a smile!!!! And then...a giggle!!!! I had tears in my eyes and would have bawled had I not been in front of so many people. It has just been heart wrenching watching someone grieve so hard to not even smile for 7 days. It was music to our ears. And then as we were walking around, lots of smiles, giggles and happiness. We are Thrilled!!!!! She kept mimicking sounds I was making. She was so playful. We went to the playground there and she loved the slide. Just kept wanting to slide again and again...and laughing! When I was standing there holding her she would bend her back backwards wanting me to swing her down like she had seen some of the other children doing. Oh.my.word....beautiful!! It was literally like she snapped out of an emotional coma. We went back to the hotel and she took a good nap. Went to a new Chinese restaurant which was very good. We got a few more smiles out of her tonight. Wow!! We can't begin to tell everyone how excited we are. Thank you for your prayers...they worked!! Hayden, Grady, Declan: 3 more days!!! Hope you have fun at Uncle Andy and Aunt Karen's! Can't wait for you to meet this new little girl!

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