We had a wonderful visit with Greta this afternoon. We were able to watch her group in music class. Robert took some videos. I have been so impressed by the people who work at this orphanage. Greta has been more subdued today but she was happier this afternoon than this morning. We will visit with her tomorrow morning before leaving for Vilnius. We will return to Klaipeda on Friday, but I don't know what time yet. So I'm not sure if we'll pick her up on Friday or on Saturday. I'm not sure how much internet access we will have while we are in Vilnius. We will be staying at an apartment rather than a hotel, so we will probably have to go to a cafe to use the internet. As cold as it's been, we will probably not go if it is much of a walk! Wednesday we meet with the attorney and then we go to court on Thursday. I'll be so glad when we are through with court. I was reassured today when I found out that Dr. Genyte (orphange director) told Elona (our adoption worker here) that the visits were going well and that Greta understands as well as she can. I have a new appreciation for the fear adoptive parents have until their adoptions are finalized! I have been so afraid that we would do something to offend Dr. Genyte and she'd decide I shouldn't adopt Greta. Such an emotional roller coaster!

We just got back from our morning visit. We weren't able to bring Greta with us because it is too cold. It has now warmed up to 1 degree F. This was a hard visit. Greta did not want to leave her group to go to the play room with us. At first we all stayed with the group, which is fine with us. The children didn't get as wild today. I guess we're getting to be familiar. I enjoy watching Greta play with the other children. After a while we were encouraged to take Greta to the play room. She was not happy! After a while, they brought another child from her group to play with her, which made her happy. This worked out fine since he was not as demanding for attention as the little girl from a few days ago. He is, however, ALL BOY! He was constantly getting into things he shouldn't!

I wonder what is going on in Greta's mind. This has to be so confusing for her. Although I was tempted to take her back to the group when she wasn't happy, I know that in a few days that won't be an option - hopefully, at least! I know that Robert and I miss home already, so I can't imagine what it will be like for her.

I'm ready to go back to visit Greta. I'm waiting for a call from Elona - hoping she'll tell me that Greta can leave with me for a day visit today. Tomorrow afternoon I'll have to leave her for a few days to go back to Vilnius to go to court. I'll be back here on Friday.

I've started getting nervous about court. What if they tell me I can't adopt her? Or even that I have to wait for the 40 day appeal period. I'll be so glad when court is over on Thursday!

Today is the first day I have felt "normal" since we've been here. I slept well last night. Our visits are going very well. We are having a lot of time alone with Greta. She has enjoyed play dough. She squeezes it between her fingers. She tries to figure out how I make logs with it. She'll make a ball with it and toss it in the air (copying her brother). We have also been having fun with bubbles. She has a picture book that she enjoys. Robert will point to the picture and she will push the button with the same picture that says the word. So far the only English she has said has been to copy me when I said "goodness gracious!" - after she splashed water all over the bathroom and herself (I'm going to have to learn to move faster again!). Greta has a sense of humor. She likes to tease and she laughs easily. There have been very few tears so far. I know she starts missing her group after a while. Although I want to spend every minute I can with her, I also want her to be comfortable. So we're taking it slowly. As much as I would have been happy to take her with me the first day, I know this process is much better for her. I am still excited and nervous!

Greta was jumping off the chair into Robert's arms. Robert won't need a gym with Greta around. She gives his arms a good workout!

Greta

seems so comfortable with Robert. The caregivers at the baby house are touched by how she runs to him. Of course I melt when she greets me by running with outstretched arms yelling "mano mama! mano mama!". Hopefully we'll get a picture of the 3 of us soon.