Every day gets better!!!!

Hello again from Chongqing. We had another great day here with Ava. The day is not over yet, and I may post again tonight when she goes to bed, but I thought I would try to update again since I had the chance. It is about 3:30pm here, so about 2:30am for all of you. We have adjusted very well to the time change here. The first couple days were rought, but I think it was more of the anticipation of meeting Ava and the unknown of what was ahead of us. Eric was always looking at his watch and would tell me what time it was at home.....he would say, "wow, it is 4:30 in the morning at home and we are eating dinner now!" It was driving me crazy!!
We have been sleeping well, but still wake up several times during the night. Ava sleeps like a champ! Last night she went to bed at 8:00pm and slept until 6:45. We got ready and then went down to have breakfast. I think that Ava has eaten more since we have had her on Monday, than she has in her entire life. She had pears, and apple blintz, scrambled eggs and banana porridge. She still takes bottles throughout the day. The schedule we recieved for her from the orphanage is not accurate at all, but that does not surprise us.
I don't mean that in a bad way, but after going and seeing it first hand, we think that they just do the best that they can. The girls are all good, but developmentally not on track. We think that Ava is at about 9 month age level. The visit to the orpahange was one of the most difficult things we have ever witnessed. And to my understanding, Fuling is one of the better ones. It makes me so sad to think what other ones may be like. It is amazing that the girls are as healthy as they are, considering the conditions they come from. We only saw about 20 babies...where were the other 380 in the orphanage? The place was not real clean, but like I said, I think they do the best they can. They truly care for those girls and you can see it in the way they look at them. I will have to write more about it another time.
Things have been great with Ava so far, but today was truly a breakthrough for her. She has laughed and smiled so much today and is begining to like Eric. It is not that she does not like him, she just prefers me. It is so funny, this morning while we were waiting for her to wake up, we were in the bathroom talking about all of our aches and pains from holding her so much...Eric said, "I think we are getting too old for this!" I know we requested a younger child and received a 15 month old, but God really knew what he was doing when he gave us Ava.
The other girls are doing so well too. It is neat to see there reaction to one another. Lucera and Ava were talking to eachother and touching one another...it is so sweet! Mara has really blossomed and has the sweetest smile and personality that is coming through. Lucera(Lucy) is starting to like Matt and that makes him so happy. She is just perfect for them and seems to have the same personalities as them. They are great parents and it is neat for Eric and I to witness and be a part of them becoming parents for the first time. Nikalya was a little under the weather today, so we did not spend much time with Jen and her mom.
Today after breakfast we went to an ancient city and walked around there for an hour or so. It is so neat to see how the people of Chongqing really live. Eric and I were both so fascinated by it and could have spent much longer there. The heat and humidity is very intense, but it does not seem to bother the girls as much as us. Several women came up to me and took Ava to hold. Once they took her, she looked at me and reached out for me to take her back. That was great!! We have bonded so well and quickly, and for that Eric and I are so thankful. Another man approached me and asked me if she was an orphan(he spoke English) and I told him yes but not any longer. He said that is so sad but was happy we were taking her to America. He said to me, "you and your husband have done a good thing." He was currently living in Montana and worked for Dupont. We got a few things there, but ware waiting to do most of our shopping in Guangzhou.
We came back and made Ava Cinnamon Roll oatmeal...you guessed it, she loved it. She had a bottle and took a 2 1/2 hour nap. I got room service and Eric went to the restaurant. And now here we are posting.
Tonight we are going to a Hot Pot restaurant and then will walk around the city a little. I just wish I could say more, there is so much to tell everyone. I will try to post again tonight, but if not, for sure tomorrow. Tomorrow is our last day in Chongqing before we head to Guangzhou on Friday morning. The trip is going by so quickly. I hope the time is going quick for our children at home too. Mom and Dad love you guys and we will all be home together in our "boys dorm" before you know it!!! Daddy shows Ava your pictures and tells her how much she will love her brothers and sister. She is awesome!! God has truly blessed us with another amazing child to love! Maria...Ava wore the outfit you gave her with the star on it today!!
It looks like we can't post pics from here. Wendy tried for almost an hour last night but no luck. We will try in Guangzhou. Well, I better go. We send our love to everyone. Please continue to pray for us! Your prayers are being answered...we are all well, safe and having a fantastic time. Please continue to pray for safe travels as we prepare to fly again on Friday. Ava's sore is just about healed. She just has a bit of chest congestion and a clear runny nose. She is great though! Well that is all for now! I will post again later!