A Mother's Reflections - Tuesday Part 1

I woke up early this morning for several reasons...we are still adjusting to the 13 hour time change and my mind was so full of the events of the day before. I lay in bed for an hour or so, just reflecting and praying...praise for so many answered prayers. We had the joy of unwrapping a bunch of blessings yesterday. There had been so much emotion as we traveled to the Civil Affairs office and waited patiently to see her precious little face and hold her in our arms. As we walked in the building we watched as a group of children were being brought in from their van. I have to say I was not prepared for the emotion that arose....their little faces... There were many other families there...the room was a flurry of parents all eagerly awaiting this moment. We were the only family from our group with American World. Our guide, Lee, was with us. She told us to sit tight and try to relax as Zhong Feng Cai, soon to be Kylie Grace, and her caregivers were not there yet. We watched as the other families began to be united with their children. Wow, it was overwhelming to see that.

"For I know the plans I have for you" , declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11


This verse was on my heart as I woke up this morning, as it applies to my entire family. Yesterday was a significant and life-changing day for us all. It was part of a "birthing process" if you will. Kylie Grace has spent the first 3 years of her life in a place were she was nurtured and loved...but never intended to stay. As she was led in the room yesterday, we saw her walking toward us... I do believe that my heart skipped a beat or two and I had to remind myself to breath. I recognized her right away. She walked over, holding the hand of her nanny/caregiver. I can't even imagine what she must have been thinking. Hank and I knelt down and "introduced" ourselves....it was a surreal moment. She was very quiet and let me hold her...the moment was a tender one. Our hearts were full. Some of the time seems like a dream as I think back. She just stared at us and was taking in the entire situation. There came a moment when she suddenly realized that her caregiver was no longer there...that was when the painful part of this "birthing process" began. It is a necessary part, but a painful and difficult one for her to go through and for us to experience. She did not seem frightened by us...just that she wanted her nanny. To us this was an answered prayer for it showed that she has the ability to attach and that she was loved. It was hard to endure, but we had been praying for that in particular. She was inconsolable for what seemed like quite a while although it was probably only 20-30 minutes. But, just as suddenly as she became upset, she seemed to transition out of it. Hank and I finished some paperwork while Kelsey held her and she sucked on a lollipop. Thus we begin the adventure of getting to know one another.

We returned back to our hotel and had fun pulling out some toys that we brought. She was very quiet and watched with great interest as bubbles were blown, stacking cups were stacked and a few other items were played with. But, she really brightened up when we pulled out a steamed roll that we had saved from breakfast that morning. She gobbled it down! We decided that she was doing well enough to venture out to a hotel restaurant for dinner. She did great! We definitely have a good eater on our hands. She sat in my lap and Hank fed her dumplings, fried rice and another steamed bun. She even loved my jasmine tea! After dinner she walked over to the fish tanks in the restaurant with Kelsey and Kennan. These fish tanks were housing dinner for other customers...but, Kylie sure did like watching the fish swim around. After dinner we walked down the street to the 7-Eleven...yes, they are even in China. We picked up a few things and returned to our room for tubby time. She loved her bath! We had brought two tiny rubber duckies...these were a big hit and she would not let go of them for the rest of the evening. It was only appropriate that Daddy brushed her teeth for the first time...it was a success. Gratefully, she had a wonderful night's sleep and is still resting as I type.

Please continue to pray for this process of transition for us all. She has left all she has ever known. We have been blessed beyond measure....all praise and glory to our Father.

Today we go back to the Civil Affairs office at 9:00 am for our appointment to finalize our adoption in the eyes of the Chinese government. We will write again later with pictures and update from our day.

A Mommy with a grateful heart,
Cheryl