2 days of updates

Sorry for no post yesterday! We were all exhausted. Yesterday went went well. We got up early to visit Viktorija before church. She still keeps her distance some, but is starting to talk and interact with us earlier in the visit. She can talk up a storm. Thank goodness B and the boys know as much as they do. I told B is not allowed to go to work. LOL! He had a long conversation with her about sitting at the table and finishing her snack. She has been showing defiance which B sees as a good thing because it shows she is comfortable with us and is testing her boundaries. Her favorite word is "ne" no and "mano" mine. Our morning visit was a short one so we could go to church, which we couldn't find. In our haste to get out the door, B forgot his map and he couldn't find the road that the church was on. He was pretty bummed when we got home and found out we were only 1 block away.

Our second visit, Viktorija decided to show us a tantrum....fun! It wasn't a big one, but she can scream. We told her a firm no and put the boys in another room because they couldn't stop laughing. She stopped immediately. I think it made a big impression when we took the boys out of the room. She changed her attitude and we had a great visit. I think it was a breakthrough. I think she needed to know that we had boundaries and we weren't going to get scared off.  We spend most of our visits coloring and playing with stickers. Yesterday, I brought watercolor sheets that she let me paint with her. Usually she wants to do everything independently. She is a very creative little girl.

Today it got colder. Our morning visit was much better then yesterday. She seems to be warming up to us. I just wish so much she would allow me to scoop her up and hug her. It kills me that she's not ready for that yet. She has this really annoying rocking horse that makes tons of noise when you press it's ear and she loves it. It makes it hard to interact with her, so B asked her to quiet the horse and she listened and got off the horse and came to play with us. We both looked at each other shocked but very happy. She still tests us, but seems happy when we don't accept bad behavior. B also had a conversation with the directress of the orphanage and their social worker. He was told that they spoke with Viktorija and asked her what she thought of her new family. She told them all kinds of stories of the things we do together. That she thinks her brothers are funny. She likes that her dad has a beard and she is very excited to have us as her family. They say that we are doing a great job at connecting with her. They explained that her "mine, mine" attitude comes from more than being a kid, but she has never had anything that was just hers until now. So she has become very territorial of those things. Imagine being 1 of 13 kids under the age of 5 and having to share everything.

After our first visit of the day we decided to stay on "the mall" that we talk down and eat in a restaurant and do a little shopping. The kids of course wanted to buy everything. B bought Viktorija a stuffed dog that looks a bit like our Rascal. Both of us are worried about leaving her for the couple of days we have to be gone for court. We don't want to lose any of the progress we have been working so hard on. B ordered a little of everything and we ate a smorgishborg. I have found that I really like Lithuanian food. I can do with out the sauerkraut, but the rest is yummy! After that we found a yarn shop and I found a couple of skeins that I really liked. Have no idea what I will make but it will be cool. :-)  Then we went to a book store and found some great books for Viktorija and the boys. And then to the boys favorite shop...candy. We found some cool, fun, candy to bring back to the apartment and try.

Our second visit the temperature dropped and we walked in snow and hail! Now that's love! It was also the best visit yet. She has a caregiver that was there tonight that we absolutely adore! She is so encouraging of Viktorija to interact with us and gets her to engage right away. I asked B if we could afford her to come live with us for a few months. LOL! I have learned several words so that I can talk to her more and that has helped a ton! We played puzzles, had a snack, and once again more coloring. Tonight she was very willing to share her crayons...progress. She also noticed my nose piercing tonight and said it was beautiful. When we left, she blew me kisses at the door. Melted my heart and kept me warm all the way home.

I just have to tell you what a wonderful orphanage she is staying in. I continue to be impressed. I know it's no family, but the caregivers really care for the children. Everything is very clean and VERY organized. I guess you would have to be with 13 kids. When we show up in the afternoon they are getting up from their nap. Viktorijaolds waiting at a doorway while one of them is allowed to leave and none of them follow. Amazing! I also understand why they have been keeping Viktorija's hair short. Can you imagine brushing and fixing the hair of 7 girls 2 or 3 times a day? We have been shown pictures of "plays" the children have put on dressed up like birds or flowers. We have seen different artwork that she has done and secretly hope they will let us take home. I appreciate what they have done for my daughter so much, but am ready to take it from here.

Also, we have become quite accustomed to the European lifestyle. After we leave the orphanage at 6 we walk to the market and pick up a couple of things for dinner or food for the next day. By the time we get home, we prepare dinner together in the kitchen and eat it's almost 7 - 7:30. We are all so tired from all the walking and the emotions that we all crash soon after dinner. We have also worked in Lithuanian words into our everyday talking. We are learning so much so quickly...well at least I am. We are all saying please and thank you and common household items in Lithuanian. Today I asked Ethan if I could try a piece of his candy and he said "only if you ask me in Lithuanian."  Hahaha. I used to walk the streets a little nervous, but we've walked the same stretch so many times that I know that it's safe. It's amazing how many people walk, but yet it's so quiet. Almost surreal. I wonder if it will be very different in Vilnius which is a bigger city. Well that's all I have for tonight. I'm too tired to edit, so I apologize for any typos...LOL! I'll check it tomorrow. Viso Gero! (Goodbye)