Today was the BEST day yet with Ellie! We saw her twice today. She babbled a lot, moved around alot and was really active. I think she is used to us now. In fact, this afternoon she took steps all by herself, 4 to be exact! She wanted me to help her walk all over the room. We were in a different room today and there were little chairs along the wall. She would crawl over and pull herself up and stand up and bang the chairs with the empty water bottle I had. She loved the sound it made! I am falling in love with her! (So is Jim!) I put my head on her belly and made noises and she laughed and laughed. It is fun to see her light up. I can't wait to get her out of here and into our home where she will be stimulated and doted on! I am thrilled she seems to be so healthy and on target. God is great!

The caregivers have said she like purses, shoes and drapes...oh my, we are in trouble! She really enjoyed chewing on my purse handle and she kept wanting to walk over to the drapes that were in the room and touch them...which inevitably led to her pulling on them. We just re-directed her to something else.

She loved the file folder again today, it was so cute! All in all, we felt like we are getting a glimpse of who she really is. It took two days of being with us, I can't imagine how much she will blossom when we have her home. It was so encouraging and so much fun! I love to hear her laugh...and it was a real bonding experience for us to make each other laugh. I am not so sure she is really behind that much in speech after hearing her today. I think it is a lack of stimulation. I am sure after being with us a few days she will find her voice, probably just in time for the long plane ride home!

Jim and I went to dinner this evening and I was already teary-eyed about having to leave her here. I just can't stand that she will be here not getting the attention we want her to have. Don't get me wrong, she is well cared for, it just isn't the same as mommy and daddy!

Tomorrow we get to see her twice, celebrate her first b-day (thank God) and say our tearful goodbyes. I hope and pray we get to come back soon.

The orphanage is on the other side of Moscow and the traffic her is unbelievably terrible! It takes almost an hour and a half to get there and much if it is spent sitting in traffic. They drive like total maniacs here. All I can do is shut my eyes and pray. It is simply wild!

More tomorrow...we are off to bed with smiles on our faces...it was a wonderful day with our beautiful daughter!