Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thankgiving


A day for giving thanks, not that it shouldn't be part of every day. We have so much to be thankful for.
Lian is doing well. Despite needing additional surgery to say most consonants, (she is limited to m,n and h right now) she is picking up vocabulary and language. That still allows her to say, "Mine!" and "No" very clearly. This morning when Jamie got out a jacket for her she said, "not mine" recognizing it as Lela's. Then when given another coat, she handed it back saying,"not match." Puleze Papa, I'm wearing pink today. Another little fashionista is born. She starts speech next Monday. Her first surgery for lip/nose reconstruction, ear tubes and a tooth removal is now scheduled for January 4.
Lela is adapting to her new sister. She likes the status of big sister and has taken on the mantle of bossing with a regal air. They fight, but that's what sisters do sometimes. They also play and conspire, build pillow tents, hold elaborate tea services, (no one without a tiara admitted.) and consider napping on Lela's bed together as the best treat there is.
So we offer thanks for our darling, beloved girls. They are home forever, free to blossom, discover their talents, grow and find their own paths. Thanks for our family and friends who have supported us in our journey, through the downs and the ups. Thanks for this beautiful place where we live. Thanks for a sunny day with a few last roses blooming to grace our dinner table.
The tears and trials that lead us here are in the past. Our hearts and arms are full. The guiding hand that brought these two little miracles to us has given a blessing that can never be repaid, and for that we give thanks, now and forever.

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Mother's Day

Last spring while riding the train home from the city where I had just handed in the last of Lian's paperwork, I had nothing to do since I had gone through all my reading material while waiting at the Chinese Embassy. I got out a notepad and this poem started to flow and practically wrote itself. Adoption can be bittersweet as there is no gain without a loss.
http://www.emkpress.com/mothersday.html

Lian on left in yellow

Lian on left in yellow
about 14 months, with her friend Hailey

Lian at 6 months

Lian at 6 months
Who could resist that smile?

Lian at 4 months

Lian at 4 months
Right after surgery for her lip

Sha'anxi Province Map

Sha'anxi Province Map
HanZhong in lower left

China Map

China Map
Sha'anxi Province in center