Still in line...

The China Center of Adoption Affairs has sent referrals to families with log-in dates before May26th. The comprises of over 100 American families alone who have been matched with their child. Our dossier remains in this elusive "matching room" and we hope that it is making its way to the top. Our log-in date is 6/29 so we are getting close.
So, in the meantime, today we bought paint. We have some painting to do in the "baby's room" and decided that we should get on with it. Might make the time pass faster.
We have had a great week though with the birth of our friends' 3rd child, a not-so-little girl of 9+lbs, in addition to the first birthday of our godchild, Charlotte Grace. It has been a week of fun celebrating in these events. Soon we know they will celebrate with us!

When We Return Home

Thank you so much for your support and prayers during our adoption process. We appreciate it so much. On the advice of our agency, we're laying the groundwork for after our return from China. Bonding between the child and us is a very important and private thing. The limits we will have to place on how much time she spends with those outside of our household are important and they will be taken very seriously. Our time after we return home will be exclusively about our child. Our complete attention will be focused on her's or his well being. Since that absolutely is the case, we will limit the time we'll be able to have you over at the house until it is best for the baby. We know you've all been waiting to get to know this child just as long as we have, but you will have to wait until it is best for him or her to get to know you. Setting those limits is the responsible thing for us to do as parents. This is a unique situation, one as a family, we're not used to. We have discussed this with many other adoptive parents, read about it in books and talked with our social worker. I know that many of you are parents and have lots of advice and opinions but please recognize that this is a situation that you are not familiar with. We'll be glad to speak with you, to help you understand how the transition may go. It may be the case that she is fine with company; it may be that she is not. We'll see, and we'll definitely let you know when it is possible for you to come over because, of course, we want you to meet our child and begin that lifelong relationship. It may be the case that you come over for a short time and then have to leave, for the benefit of the baby. We'll let you know, and we know you'll understand when we insist. We must do what we can to make the transition for the baby a smooth one. We understand that this may be painful for you, since you've been dying to spend time with her. We apologize in advance for any hurt feelings, but she comes first. Being as wonderful as you are, we're sure you understand. Call with questions.

While we wait...

So during this warmish LONG January, Jim and I have been doing lots of reading. From travel books on China, Chinese history and adoption books, our house has become one big pile of books. We also have watched a few movies on China, both fiction and travel. So far, we recommend "The Lost Girls of China" a book that goes back and forth between a personal adoption story and a factual understanding of China's social policies and also liked "A Traveller's History of China." My next is "Attachment in Adoption." This comes highly reccommended from others who have adopted.

We received a very sweet and thoughtful care package today from Jim's cousin, Christy Spicer. She and her husband recently returned from China with an adopted daughter. They sent us some books, baby medications, a Chinese lullabye CD, DVD's and these sweet little cards to hand out in China. They say "We come to China to adopt a little Chinese girl. We will always love her and will teach her about beautiful China." That script is printed in English and Chinese as well. What a thoughtful gift. Thank you Spicers!