Sorry to not write in a while.
On Monday I met my 3rd child.
The one I waited 5+ years for.
She felt like my child the instant she was in my arms.
I was ready - she is magnificent
She started to panic & cry after a few moments in my arms.
She cried for @ an hour & then slept.
I felt the bonding really take hold the next day.
Although she was "shut down" for a while
She did not eat much the first day but has slowly improved each day.
Did mention that I am deeply in love with her?
Adley Mei Qian:
she is very sweet
Friendly - not aggressive
Laughs and giggles
Loves food
Can slurp a noodle like a champ
Can roll to 1 side a sit up with someone there to soften a fall
Has great use of her hands
Can walk confidently with a walker but not much strength in her legs when standing on her own
She has a large Mongolian stain on her tush & from shoulder to shoulder
Perfectly chubby!!!
Loves to babble
Very observant - can cause her anxiety - does not love strangers
Loves her grandpa - often checks that he is STILL in a room
Likes a pacifier - but did not have one in the orphanage
yesterday we visited her orphanage
It was such a tough day for me
We are so very fortunate in the US
We have so much comfort in our lives
The room she was in had no color & nothing plush
The bed and cribs were planks of wood
Nothing soft to sit on - just turned over containers
No toys - just 2 building blocks
2 walkers for 6 kids
No high chairs
No AC - & it is very hot & humid here - just a fan
Very few clothes
BUT - Adley's nanny was a wonderful woman!
HUGE smile - captivating laugh
So much love and joy in her face and arms
I know why Adley is so happy - this extraordinary woman loved her, cared for her, taught her how to be happy - all so that I could raise her
I will think of her often - with gratitude
We also visited the place where Adley was found
I have tears just thinking about it:(
It was a cold november morning
She was bundled in a few blankets
Her parents left her where they knew she would be found - quickly
They knew she would be safe until someone came
I suspect they watched from a distance
They knew she would be taken to the local orphanage
& I am sure they would be happy to see her with me
I see them in her face
I imagine that her serious stare is her father
But her unbelievable beauty & laughter comes from her mom
I will honor them always
I will teach her to respect & love their memory
She will never meet them but will always wonder...
The orphanage director gave me photos of Adley the day she was found
She is 2 days old in the photos all bundled up as her mom left her
They are precious
They will mean so much to her one day
As for me - I am good
I feel a calm inside
I have dreamed about this for so long & it is better than any dream
Adley was meant for me & David to raise
She is perfect for our family
They say that the Chinese match the babies by looks & personality
I know exactly which photo they used when choosing us for Adley
It is of Maya & Holden on my in-laws bed
Both have big smiles - round faces & dark skin
That is the one - I am sure if it
I miss David, Maya & Holden terribly!
This trip is very tough
I look forward to next week - when can be together - a family of 5 for the first time
I don't like to be this far away from my kids
Or David
Hope that you enjoyed this (far too long) post
Thank you for following our journey!
Eve - mom to 2 daughters, 1 son & 1puppy
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Last day in Nanchang
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