Got an Update

I sent a care package to Jaida about a week ago.  I didn't send to much but wanted to send something mostly in the hopes of getting an update.  My care package included a letter to the SWI Taihe, some candy, a disposible camera in hopes to get the camera filled with pictures when we get her and a panda bear.  there are many companies that offer the service of sending gift and this time I went with To China With Love.

I was received this email tonight:

Hi Paula, Look waht I received! An update on your daughter! It is a terrific update...I'd say one of the best I've seen! We haven't received pics yet, but I am still hopeful. Have a great night!

Sheri
Here is your message:

Dear DongFang MingYue's  adoptive parents:
First, please accept the greetings from   Jiangxi Taihe SWI ! And we  extend pure gratitude to you! When we  learned that our lively, lovely, beautiful Dongfang MingYue will be adopted by your adoptive family, a sense of happiness wells up.  We blessing and good wishes to Dong Fang Ming Yue and your sweet family! We are looking forward to meeting you !. MingYue finally have her own happy home, and her father, mother.

 Her height 71 cm
weight 7 kg
13 cm long feet
She is outgoing, active, lively, lovely. She has a lot of good friends , such as DongFang HongWen, Dong Fang ErLin  .ErLin is just like her older sister ,She  often play with MingYue  and hold her. We all send her mother's care, she also loves these nannies. When  MingYue see the nannies always with  the crack mouth and laughing!
Welcome you to   visit the orphanage, take a look at our MingYue  grew up. Our  SWI is a comprehensive welfare, all aspects of facility conditions under the care of the community of caring people continue to improve, but some facilities need to be further improved. Currently children still lack food preservation   cabinet , if your support, be grateful!

Taihe County Social Welfare Institute
Director: Li-Hua Zhou
October 25, 2011

PS,DONG FANG MING YUE MEANS EASTERN MOON.--

Katherine 凯琳
美国爱的礼物
GIFTS TO CHINA WITH LOVE


I was sobbing when I read this.  How great to hear about her life in her orphanage.  She sounds very happy and loved.  thanks to "Gift to China with Love"

TA!!!!

Our travel approval came in so at lunch today I walked to the social worker`s office to get it.  Even though we knew we were going in the Nov travel group and the TA would be coming-there is still something very emotional to hold that piece of paper that says DongFang MingYue is ours and we can come get her.  21 more sleeps and I will have her in my arms.

I am very lucky to have experienced giving birth to my three wonderful boys and adopting my daughter.  I have never had a doubt that I wouldn`t be able to love her equally to my birth children although I do have more worries with parenting.  Parenting has come very easy to me for my boys.  I have been blessed that my boys are loving and don`t seem to have any issues we have needed to address.  I never had to read any books on how to parent and common sense seems to always be the best bet.  I do worry about parenting Jaida as there are so many issues and concerns with international adoptions, institutional care, and attachment.  Love is important but is not enough.  I have tried to read as much as I can and still have so much to learn.  Also, nine months of pregnancy is a piece of cake compared to the rollercoaster ride of emotions I have had the past six years waiting for Jaida.  But as with pregnancy the pain is soon forgotten and all that is left is  the joy in my heart.

Jaida`s Big Girl Room

I have been busy shopping since I have been back.  Even more than usual.  I have bought lots of clothes to fit her now instead of in 3 yrs time - even though I have read to wait and buy in China, I want to have everything with me.  We also had to change her room from a little girl`s room to a baby room.  Love Kijiji, it made it much more affordable

Jaida`s New Room

 the room is small so it fits much better and more room for dolls (soon to follow)

I am thankful for...

Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on all what we have and to be so thankful.  I am always so thankful for my healthy, my amazing family, and the great life I have been so blessed with.  This year I am most thankful for my daughter who will be home very soon.

After being away for 7 weeks I am very thankful for the simple things in life I enjoy everyday, until I sent to StJean in Aug-my baileys and coffee (okay, not everyday, try and hold back on work days), watching TV, sitting in a comfortable chair, having internet on a something bigger than a phone, having my amazing husband call me up when the blueberry pancakes are ready :)

I am very busy since I have been home, lots of shopping, kijiji for baby furniture, visiting friends and concert with the two older boys to see Avril Lavigne tonight.  I am happy I enjoy the same music as my teenage boys and look forward to taking Jaida to concerts when she is older.  Although I do wonder since I will be that much older if retired people still like Katy Perry and Pink :) I guess we will see.

Quintin and Tristan knew about us getting Jaida but we waited until I got home to tell Hayden that we are going in Nov to get Jaida and show him a picture.  I wanted to tell him in person because I knew he would be so excited to see a picture of her and find out that she was only 1yr old so he would be a really big brother- I had got him a tshirt that said big brother on it and had Quintin videotape the moment because I knew it was going to be a special moment to alway remember.  At some point I will know my children and not be surprised by their reactions.  He did not seem that excited and after said "You gave me lots of presents since you came back and my favourite was the cars suckers" Oh well I`m sure he is excited on the inside -haha