Day 3 - Back in Cebu

Michella slept great last night. Mommy didn't. I hovered around that half asleep/half awake phase for most of the night. I kept replaying the events of the day in my mind and looking over at Michella to see how she was.  Every time I did, she was asleep. I did manage to fall asleep more deeply after about 4am. The next thing I knew it was 6:30 am and Michella was lying awake in bed. I'm not sure how long she was like that.

It took her some time in the morning to warm up. Okay, it was several hours. I'm glad we didn't have to rush anywhere. Once she was up she let Mommy cuddle her for a while. She felt back asleep and I was able to lay her down long enough to get a shower. But while I was getting dressed she awoke and started crying. It was an audible cry this time. She just laid face down on the bed and cried. Andrey rubbed her back but that wasn't what she wanted. I rushed to get my clothes on and then picked her up and she calmed immediately. I was glad that she was at least communicating with us. I am already getting better at doing things one-handed as I pretty much carry her all the time (I don't mind one bit).

Little by little she warmed up enough to eat a bit and let me give her a shower and get her dressed. We decided to try and change our ticket to this afternoon instead of tomorrow. Thankfully we were able to do it without much trouble. We informed the orphanage staff and they agreed to come meet us and bring Michella's belongings and some paperwork we needed to sign.

The staff took us to the airport. We picked up a few other orphanage staff on the way because they forgot to bring us Michella's welcome book.





 










These two "mamas" clearly loved Michella and really started tearing up on the way.

They said their goodbyes and drove away...

Michella watched as the van drove off.

We had a late lunch at the airport. So far, Michella's best, most open times have been when she's eating. She amazed us with how much she ate and drank today! She even accepted food from Andrey (not spoon fed but if handed to her to hold). She also is making more eye contact with Andrey and not tensing up as much when he touches her.

Iloilo countryside from the airport

Walking to the plane - it was a bit rainy and windy. Michella sat up straight for a bit and looked around with this concerned look on her face.

I was SO glad to be coming home today so we can get to a stable place and just stay put and lay low for a while. It was really hard for Michella, who looked very stressed and sad for the first hour or so in our home. After showing her around the house and attempting to play a little, I carried her in the ergo as I got a little something together for dinner but she just seemed so disturbed the whole time and couldn't relax.

As soon as I could, I just sat on the couch with her with soft music, held her close and sang to her. Within minutes she relaxed. After a little while something amazing happened. She lifted her head looked at me, gave me a lighthearted half-smile and put her hand on my face. I kissed her hand and she buried her head again. She did this one more time. I was in shock and so happy. Seems like such a milestone, and way sooner than I expected. We had a bit more cuddle time then bedtime routine (I must remember to get advice on how to brush a 2-year-old's teeth when they refuse to let you. I opted for surrender, try again tomorrow). She listened as Andrey read her a book. She fell asleep around 8. Success! Here she is on a mattress next to our bed. Now it's my turn to get some sleep. We are so thankful for the progress from today. And thankful to all of you who are praying and reading and sending emails. Thank you THANK YOU!!