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June 12, 2005
Who says kids don't come with instructions?
Lara here. The care package we sent to Emma included a list of questions for the caregiver, and we got that back yesterday. It really is a bit like an instruction sheet - tells us what she eats when (formula plus lots of solid foods), how to prepare the formula, her sleep schedule, how to soothe her (take her outside), etc. Very bizarre and neat at the same time to get such info about your child. According to the sheet she is crawling but not walking yet, so we will get to see her first steps. Also found out her foster mother's name and that there were two babies in that foster home - both of which are being adopted by people in our travel group! She loves to play with the other baby (Xiao Tong) so it's good to know she will have a little friend with her during this next transition. It will be sad at the end of our trip when we leave though - we will definitely keep in touch with the other couple!
Latest name translation update: According to our guide, Xiao means dawn (which we were told originally before a couple other folks said little) and Kun means Jade, which we knew.
Another interesting thing the guide told us. The one-child policy isn't as strictly enforced in rural areas and having two children is common, which we knew. She said that the farmers will usually keep the first baby if it is a girl - if the second baby is also a girl, THAT'S the one that may get abandoned in hopes of getting a son on the next try. She said the majority of babies in the orphanage are second girls. So...Emma probably has a big sister somewhere. Awesome and very sad all at once.
Yesterday we climbed the Great Wall of China, which was grueling and hot and awesome. We toured a jade factory, had some REAL chinese food, and saw a show of Chinese acrobats. Brian will post more details about that later. In the meantime...12 hours and 30 minutes til Emma!
OK, I have to add something else. We requested a wake-up call for this morning, which we didn't need since we've been up for an hour already at least. The call just came in, and you can press * to get another call in 10 minutes. This is the first-ever wakeup call I've gotten with a snooze button!
Posted by brlittle at June 12, 2005 08:22 AM
Comments
CONGRATS!!!!
We love you guys!!!HI EMMA and WELCOME!!!!
We are so proud of you...you have come so far and been through so much to reach your daughter. She is very special to all of us and we haven't really even met her! You are now a family...parents...mom and dad...you have a daughter...amazing how quickly that changes. I am sure that you will just buzz with elation when those words come from your mouth. I know Jere and I still get a thrill from it.
Love, Jamie and Jer
Posted by: jamie at June 12, 2005 11:03 PM
Congratulations you guys! You must have her by now, and I'm sure you are feeling a range of emotions. I can't wait to read about it. Tell Rose Manzhen says hello. I hope she is well and you are well. It sounds like your Beijing experience was similar to ours - we really enjoyed it. Very happy for all three of you!
Kristen & Joe
Posted by: Kristen & Joe (& Grace) at June 13, 2005 12:35 AM
I get goosebumprs reading this stuff.
Posted by: notsancho at June 13, 2005 06:16 AM
Thanks so much for the beautiful pictures and keeping us up to date. I'm sure you guys are busy enjoying parenthood and preparing to return stateside... We're both sending you lots of love.
--Sue and Mike
Posted by: Sue K. at June 14, 2005 07:33 AM