One day at a time

Hello everyone,
Our day started with us sleeping late and eating a light breakfast before going to the orphanage (Detsky Dom) to visit Yana/Emma. We played outside with her for awhile in one of the play areas. She seemed happy to see us this morning but she remains somewhat shy and reserved. after about an hour, Luba and Ruslan arrived to take us to an open market to buy Yana/Emma some clothes. Luba had asked permission to take Yana/Emma with us and they graciously agreed.
We arrived at a large outdoor market with many stalls filled with clothes, shoes, toys and other such things. We searched for stalls with children's clothes and managed to find 3 outfits, 2 pairs of shoes and underwear...for about 150 hrv (grivna)...which is about $30. Yana was quite excited to get new clothes and she was beaming when she was trying on a new dress to check for size. She was a little awestruck with all of the people and commotion going on. I believe this was her first experience in a market and she was taking it all in.
We then drove to a lake located in Nikopol, which is a local beach area where many people go to swim and lay in the sun. We stopped at a restaurant for lunch. We were told that Yana does not have much of an appetite which is why she is so thin...well...she had no problem eating more than Lucas...which in itself is quite a feat!! We should have no trouble putting a little meat on her bones! We had the opportunity to ask Yana some questions since we had Luba with us. One thing she said was that she has never been to a restaurant and that she was enjoying it very much. It is so overwhelming to imagine how much this little girl has not experienced. She smiled, and laughed...and even burped...after tasting her first Coca Cola! We will have many firsts with her in the near future but this first was very special to us.
We then went back to the market to get some meat, fruit and vegetables to last us for a few days. Then we drove down to the beach and the kids went swimming in this man-made lake that was cool and inviting. It is hot...so the cool water was very refreshing. We didn't have our bathing suits so the kids went swimming in their underwear while we waded near the shore. Ruslan, had his bathing suit with him so he took the kids out further than the shore and splashed around with them. I think it was the first time we'd seen him smile...I think he's got a soft spot for both the kids...though I doubt he'd ever admit it...haha.
It was time to take Yana back to the Detsky Dom and during our drive back, Luba asked her if she was happy to be going to America with a new Mama, Papa, & brother. She smiled, looked at each of us and said "Da". I think she's worried that we will change our minds but we've tried to have Luba explain to her that we will not leave her here. She nods her head in understanding but I don't think she really believes it yet. She seemed so sad when we dropped her off but I could tell she was trying hard to be brave. We've got many more days to earn her trust before taking her with us for good. She really is such a sweet little girl. We are extremely blessed!!!
Well, that's all for today. I'm tired from our busy day and am going to take a nap...or read. We miss you all.
Love,
Lisa, Chris, Lucas & Yana/Emma