Update for Mei Mei

We got an envelope with a bit more info this weekend. No new pictures but I wasn't expecting any so I wasn't too disappointed. I did send a care package a few weeks ago with a disposable camera so I hope to get that when we pick her up.

We now know that Fu Jiu Xin was found abandoned at the door of a villager's home in the Chengxi Township on September 25th, 2009. She was 7 months old. The villager placed her under the care of the orphanage. A doctor examined her and deemed her to be in good physical health and estimated her date of birth to be February 18, 2009. The orphanage named her. She has been in foster care almost the entire time. She is attached to her foster mom and calls her mama. Her nickname is Xin Xin.

It appears that she enjoys a variety of food and has a good appetite. She plays with toys and likes to watch t.v. I was surprised to find that she had a t.v. She likes to play games with older children. Likes to bathe. I was glad to hear this. It should make bath time more fun. She loves to talk and laugh. She can say one- to two-word phrases such as "eat, mommy, daddy, " etc. (In Chinese I'm sure.)

She is relatively outgoing, active and lively. Mischievous! :D Likes to play outside and likes to play with water. Sometimes a bit stubborn and impatient, relatively headstrong and wants adults to obey her. Ha! She can be a bit shy, but once she gets familiar with a new person she is no longer scared.

I just want to squeeze her and tickle her. "The waiting is the hardest part!"

China Adoption and Ladybugs

You may not know that ladybugs have a special meaning to those of us in the Chinese adoption community. The Chinese adoption myth is that ladybugs are a sign of good luck. I am not one that believes in luck but I do appreciate the symbols ladybugs represent. The other day I was trying (I say "trying" because as Cate will tell you I bawled through the whole thing.) to read the kids this book called Shaoey and Dot by Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman. Great book that gives kids a little insight into how the babies come to be in need of adoption. The main characters are Shaoey (the first little girl that the Chapman's adopted) and Dot (the cute little ladybug that befriends her and stays to keep an eye on her). The illustrations by Jim Chapman are inspired.This morning as I was preparing a special breakfast for the kids (a bowl of Reece's peanut butter and chocolate cereal!), I found a little ladybug sitting on the cabinet. It probably means nothing, but with all the stress of trying to get last-minute paperwork done so our travel is not delayed, I sure needed that smile. Just as Dot watched over Shaoey in the book, I know that God is watching over our adoption journey. It is in His hands and no matter how long this takes or what hurdles we have to jump, it will happen in God's perfect timing.

Kids on 4th of July

Gran's Visit

Gran came for a visit and the sunflower bloomed for her.

She worked so hard getting Cate and Mei Ling's room ready.

Kindred Spirits

I love how the room turned out.

Thanks Gran!!!

Cookout and Neighborhood Fireworks

Airshow and Fireworks

New Pictures!

(We totally didn't expect new pictures!)

Weight about 20 lbs.) Wonder if I should get some 18 month clothes. I was thinking 12 month. What do you think?

She's in foster care. That can be a good thing because she is more likely to learn how to form attachments. It may make it more traumatic when she has to leave them. Often the foster family has such a hard time saying good-bye. Please pray for them. They have had her 8.5 months. These pictures may have been taken at the foster family's home. She looks so much more grown up in these pics that the last ones. That smile melts my heart and makes my eyes leak.

(In hindsight I deleted some info for privacy and to protect our agency.)