Much Better

Well the last 24 hours have been much better!  I was about at the end of my rope on Thursday night, but yesterday Natalie started going to Chad and letting him take care of her.  We also decided to start telling her no and be a little more firm with her and that seems to be working well.  She isn't throwing as many fits, but there are still some.  We boarded our flight for Guangzhou yesterday and then sat on the runway for at least 45 minutes before take off.  Natalie had a total meltdown.  She screamed and screamed like you would not believe and nothing would calm her down.  It was embarrassing but there was nothing we could do about it.  Finally when we were about to take off she fell asleep and then was a little princess the rest of the night.  That child does not do well when she is tired.  I feel for her, this trip has really been completely exhausting at times.  

Good news...we arrived at the China Hotel with all of the other adoptive families and it is so much fun to see everyone with their little kiddos!  All of the kids are doing so great considering what they have been through this week.  Our hotel here is AMAZING!!!
We  have a suite in between our room and Luke and mom's room, with a big desk, couch and living area, and even a third extra bathroom.  I am loving it.  I told everyone that there is a place for everything here and nothing needs to be thrown around!  There is even an entryway where we can leave shoes and jackets.  Natalie knows to put her shoes over by the door, she is super super smart and I don't think she is developmentally delayed one bit from living in an orphanage.  It is unbelievable all the things she knows.  She is also strong willed and wants to do everything herself, much like I was at her age.  She will sit forever trying to put on her own shoes and socks, which she actually can do at times.  She loves to make people laugh and is a playful little girl.  I am not very good at capturing her smiles on camera but she really does smile and laugh all the time.  I need to figure out how to get some videos posted.  
Here are some recent pictures, including a few from this morning's medical exams for 50 adoptive families.  It was hot and disgusting in there waiting, but Natalie was great thankfully.  Now we have most of the next three days free so we are greatly looking forward to that.  The weather is beautiful here, I might need to buy a pair of shorts.  We are headed across the street to McDonalds now and then to the market to stock up on snacks and drinks for the rooms.