Sunday, November 13, 2011

First Smiles and Laughter

I was beginning to think Natalie would forever be a solemn little girl, but slowly she is letting us see tiny glimpses of her true self.  Yesterday we had a few breakthrough moments which were so wonderful to see...her first smiles and laughter.  She is even more beautiful when she smiles :)

10 comments:

Just Ramblin' said...

So very very cool! She looks so intense, almost reluctant to truly let go and trust, yet she feels so safe with you two and is able to let her guard down bit by bit. What a blessing to see this...so glad you shared. Each little moment is a milestone. Each little milestone is a step. Each step is connected and will create an amazing journey for all of you.

Kim said...

Congratulations Charity & Gary!!! She is just beautiful! Can't wait to meet her!!

Wanted to remind you that "Boo" in Chinese means "No". We used "pee pie" instead of "peak-a-boo" with Savannah (17 months at placement). If we forgot and used "peak-a-boo" then she would almost cry, as she was so confused by us telling her "no" while playing.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us! :-)

JacksDad said...

That's so good to see her smile!

Truly Blessed said...

So sweet. She hasn't had much to smile about in the last week, but that will change.

You'll look at her in a week and think she couldn't be the same child. Then in 6 months, you'll look at the pictures and video you took a week from now and think "that can't be the same child."

But the process is so totally worth it, she's a beautiful little girl with or without the smile!

BTW, I was also going to tell you that "boo" means "no" -- we said "Peekers!" and our girls loved the game.

Charity, Katie, Louie & Natalie said...

Thanks so the advice on "Boo". I will definitely change the game to Peepeye to be sure.

I do have a question though. I have studied Mandarin for a while and I have always heard BO rhymes with NO as the negative word, not Boo that rhymes with Moo. Is Boo, in addition to to Bo, a negative word, or were you thinking of Bo?

Shannon said...

OMG I loved seeing that. She totally seems like she is opening up with you. I watched it with Cici on my lap and I thought she was going to try to climb through the computer to get to you. She was very curious. Interesting what Kim said about boo meaning no. We started with peekaboo with Cici but it has evolved to "where's mommy?" or "where's Cici?". Charity, I have a feeling that Natalie will find some comfort with the dogs and perhaps relax a bit. Cici was a bit apprehensive with Parker for the first few days but now the two are absolute best friends. Cici has take top notch with him over the rest of us. They have a terribly cute relationship. I love it.

Natalie is such a beautiful girl and I am so glad that she is giving you some smiles to warm your heart even before you've gotten to GZ. Every day there are little breakthroughs and milestones. Our babies are like little treasure chests that give you one pearl a day. Still each day Cici shows me something new. Sending all three of you lots of love and kisses!

Truly Blessed said...

"No" in pinyin is "Bu" and is pronounced "Boo" (this according to our Chinese exchange student).

Kathleen said...

How beautiful--Natalie is just so sweet!! Crying tears of happiness for you, Gary and your little girl.
Is that not the best feeling in the world - to see your precious daughter open up and smile and laugh. Brings me back to that special day with Aubrey. So Wonderful!!

Dawn S. said...

That's the best when they start to trust and relax! Enjoy her!

Sherri said...

Just beautiful, your photos take my breath away...absolutely gorgeous photos!