J U N E 2 0 0 7
In the world of China adoptions
there is a period of
time immediately after receiving your child on 'Gotcha
day' called the 'harmonious period'. This period
usually lasts about 24 hours or so, and then you
attend and agree in a swearing in ceremony of sorts in
front of the Chinese Adoption officials powers that be
that you will love, never abandon, etc.. your child.
I'm always amused when I think of the 'harmonious'
period. How can you take an 11 month old child away
from the only family she has ever known, place her in
the arms of total strangers who look different, smell
different, sound different, and turn on the air
conditioning back in a strange small hotel room to
have a harmonious period? I can think of many more
adjectives that would be more suited to describe this
period. Almost anything but harmonious! lol.
Our "harmonious" period at home wasn't a piece of
cake, but looking back, all of this was a wonderful
sign of good things to come. Elizabeth was very
attached to her foster family in China and after a bit
of research, we understand why. They were a precious
dear family and we can't thank them enough for giving
our daughter the love and security she needed during
those very early days and months of her life. Having
attached so well with her Foster Family in China
usually is an excellent sign that she will attach and
bond well to us eventually.
And attach and bond she DID!! What an amazing
transformation we have witnessed over the past year
and a half. Our lives are so blessed by the addition
of Elizabeth into our family. She adores her big
brother John. Everything John does, she is right there
to attempt the same. They are great buddies but also
have the typical brother/ sister moments.
We are at a loss to describe our incredible experience
with the adoption of Elizabeth from China. Every step
of the way our prayers were answered and it is as if
she has always been with us. She is pure joy when
Mommy does her part keeping her fed, well rested, and
healthy!
Our son John will start school Kindergarten in August
(GULP) and it was decided that we wanted to be closer
to the school he will attend. So, a few months ago, we
moved into a new home that is almost walking distance
from the school. We look forward to a new chapter in
our lives as our 'babies' become a bit more
independent of us, but at the same time, can't believe
time has passed so quickly.
Originally, I had visions of homeschooling, making
whole grain bread from scratch (still do a little of
that).. and raising chickens.. (Dave nixed that one
and moved to a neighborhood that wouldn't allow
chickens)- but I guess my intentions were far greater
than my actions. So for now, we have a loose structure
of 'fun' home-school, bird feeders instead of chickens
and Pepperidge Farm whole wheat bread for almond
butter and jelly sandwiches when there isn't time to
grind the grain :)
This Summer we will head West and North to the Arctic
edge. We will be taking a trip to Alaska. I'd love for
that plane to keep on heading over the Bering Sea once
more but Dave says if we adopt again, we would need to
put in a request for an 18-35 yr old with a good job
and a love for old folks...
Until the next update- whenever that might be
Here are the stars of our lives..
Enjoy the pictures!
~Susan
A very blessed Mom to John David age 5.75 (homemade)
and
Elizabeth age 2.5 (made in China)
Both created by the same omniscient Heavenly Father |
Sweet Elizabeth
Brother and Sister!
"Papa" goes everywhere with us.
Did my Mom and Dad
*really* think I'd like this
hat?
Mothers day flowers!! |
