What an amazing and resilient child! This baby who took her first trip in a car yesterday, left everything and everyone she knows behind is so incredibly strong. Tess was brought to us yesterday morning by her orphanage director and her favorite nanny, who spent about 45 minutes with us answering our questions. It was obvious she was a little scared. The first thing we observed about Niu Niu (pronounced new-new) is girl can EAT! Her nanny had brought a snack for her, a bag of Prawn Crackers. Yes, that's right shrimp crackers! She spent her first half an hour with us eating cracker after cracker after cracker, until they were gone. She was kind enough to share one with me. Right then and there I knew we needed to bring out the cheerios. She has now discovered where we keep the snacks and points to that counter when she is hungry or wants more. Thank goodness she eats free at the buffet because she enjoys a buffet as much as her daddy.
Tess is letting us know what it is she wants or needs by pointing to it. She will also let us know what she doesn't like by shaking her head no. The first time we saw her do this was when her nanny told her we were her Mama and Baba. She was not having it! Some things she does like are birds and dogs, one blue stacking cup she never let go of last night, apple juice (she's a Gierach kid alright) and the remote. Things she isn't to crazy about are, Mama with a ponytail in her hair, her new shoes, and wearing a diaper during the day. We were quite surprised that she is day time potty trained and she is great about going when I put her on the potty!
Our first day together went incredibly well and we pray we see more and more of this girl's spirit as the week goes on. Today we received a life book from the orphanage that is filled with priceless pictures of Tess's first years. One of my most cherished moments from the day is when Tess's nanny opened the book to the very last page. On it she had written:
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling, God sets the lonely in families.
Psalm 68:5-6
Tessa Joy JingQiao you will never be lonely again.
Omg...She is Beautiful. I am glad to hear all is going well for Tess with her new Mama and Baba. (The kids informed us that is What kids call their Dads in China). She looks very healthy and happy. We had fun at the farm, but missed you guys. It will be great to have one more addition next year on our trip!!!! Love you guys!!!
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