Falling for Heidi

We have had the joy of visiting with Heidi (yes, that will be her name!) several times over the last few days. She is a little doll and we have had such fun getting to know her. She is sweet, quick to laugh, spunky, and curious. I have wondered what she must think of these strangers that have suddenly become a part of her life. The first night, she was happy and enjoyed our play time very much. She would quickly go from staring at us, to a full out laugh when she got tickled. The next morning when we entered the room in her group, she smiled when she saw us and came right to me. We told the nanny that we wanted to go outside, so they dressed her up in a snowsuit (good thing, it is freezing!) and brought her out to us. We were not all ready with our coats on, so the nanny took Heidi's hat off. She was VERY disappointed and instantly burst into tears until we put the hat back on and started for outside! The video below is from that first outing.

We have been able to visit twice a day, and this morning was our best time so far. We spent an hour outside, pushing her in the stroller and letting her explore. Every once in a while, she will look back to make sure we are still around and even motions with her hand for us to follow. When we went in, I gave her the slinky which she loves! She has no interest in "girly" toys, but loves to throw everything- and she has quite an arm! She is very, very small, and does not seem to be talking at all. She is serious much of the time, but if we tickle her, or do something amazing with a toy (like throwing a ball really high) she will just start to really laugh. I love the way her face lights up when she laughs.

When we walked into the room this morning, another of the children in the room saw us and said "Mama! Ludvaba Mama!" (Ludvaba is her given name) It really breaks my heart that she is the only one in the room with a mama. I wish there was someone coming for each of them! The children are very well-behaved, sweet and smiling whenever we see them. The nannies are kind, but how much better would it be to know that it was your mama coming through the door? I am so grateful to God that he has brought us here for her.

I hope you enjoy the videos! We have one more time with her tonight, then we move to the town where the boys live. We will stay there until we find out about our court date. I hate that we may not see Heidi again for a long time! I am excited to get to know the boys better, and I am praying that our court date is soon and we can get these little ones home where they belong!!