Heads Up

It's hard to know what to expect when you meet a newly adopted child. Movies and television shows often make it out as if a child can undergo some pretty trying circumstances and it never come out in any form. That might be possible, but I think it's a good thing to give a heads up to family and friends as they meet our little girl and get to know her in the coming months.
Because of Camila's little interaction, and being confined to a crib, she is not socially like a 3 1/2 year old. We have noticed that when Camila realizes a lot of people, or someone new is watching her, she can react in an unpredictable way. So far, that hasn't been a bad thing. But if she grins really big and turns her eyes sharply to the side or up, and won't seem to look at you, that's what we have seen her do nearly any time she is in a new area, around new people, or being watched. She is totally there when she does that, but it's a behavioral habit she has picked up when she's unsure or even excited about a new circumstance. I am able to tell her to look at me, and she immediately does. She's learning she doesn't have to hide from new faces or circumstances, and she covers her face less and less. Camila also walks with her head down as far as she can keep it and still look up where she is going at the same time. She especially does this in an unfamiliar environment. All of the above behavior is completely nonexistent when it's just us with Camila.
Camila loves to giggle, be chased and play with anyone who will play with her. If you play with her, she'll probably love you to pieces.
When a child has not been taught certain behaviors are not appropriate (like the aforementioned, grabbing food off of everyone's plates) than the child has to learn what is appropriate and mannerly. Please be patient with us and Camila as we begin the process of teaching our little girl how to interact with others.
Everything is new for her. Even the buildings are dramatically different in the US compared to Peru. When Camila enters these new environments, her head is turning in a million directions, and it's as if she can't absorb it all at once. New noises can be really scary for her, but she's getting less and less unsure. She's learning so much and these things take time. Thanks so much for praying for our little girl. We are so excited to finally get her home! I can't wait to see her reaction!