I've got a little sister!

I went to pick up Hannah at school before going to the agency to get the referral. She happened to be in the bathroom when I got there, so I had a chance to take her aside in the hallway, and show her the referral photo in private. I had told her we might get it, so it wasn't a huge surprise to her. I was a little worried about her reaction, because she has been an only child for 3 1/2 years. However, she came through, and had the most amazing reaction. I wish I had the forethought to have taken the video camera with me. When she saw the photo, an instant grin appeared on her face. Then the giggle started. Then she took the picture out of my hand and ran down the hall at full speed back into her classroom shouting "I have a little sister!"

I don't think I have ever been so proud, both of her, and of our new daughter. What a priceless moment.

The stork has landed -- we have a daughter!

It never happens as you imagine, does it? Of course, I was just pulling out of a gas station after spending $42 to fill up (ahhhh), when the phone rang at 12:12pm (PST). It was Marci from ASIA, and I instantly turned into a noodle head! Thankfully, I had the composure to pull over, which seemed like an eternity, and was, in reality, only about 20 yards.

So I find a pen and the paper I had brought with me just in case (yes, at one point today, I could actually think), and Marci starts to fill me in.

Her name is Zhuang Lu Qing. She was born on March 23, 2005, so just over six months old!!! I got my wish...she is a young one! She is in the Jiangxi Province of China a the Yifeng Social Welfare Institute. At her checkup in July, she was 66cm tall (25.94 inches) and weighed 7 kg (15.4 pounds). Marci told me she has chubby cheeks. Would I like her to e-mail me her picture? Are you kidding me????? I drove home as quickly as I could (within the speed limit, of course) Luckily, I was only about 1.5 miles from home.

So then the wait begins in front of my computer. No picture yet, when I got home. So I surf the internet to look for her SWI and find a Yahoo group to join. Then I look at information for her Province. Finally, 45 minutes later, the e-mail arrives, and I have a face to put with my new daughter. She is beautiful.

This is what I am calling her election pose. She looks very dignified, and like a politician. Still, she could use a hug, and some cuddling, don't you think?

In a way, it's harder now that I do have a picture. I just want to go over to get her NOW! (yes, I am an impatient American, but I am doing the best I can. I promise not to wear tennis shoes in China, and I will eat the local food as often as I can).




This photo must be for her drivers license. Look at that hair?

There are actually many similiarities between her and her big sister, Hannah, at the same age. The shape of the face, the small rosebud mouth, and the hair! I don't know when these photos were taken, but I think they are fairly recent.

So I called Roger at work, and gave him the good news, e-mailing the photos as soon as I got them. We are both in a bit of shock right now...it's finally real, although I must say a bit surreal at this point.

This is the third and final picture we have of her. ASIA won't have our referral packet ready until 4PM, so the torturous wait continues. I am going to pick up Hannah at school first, and take her with me. I will be very curious to see her reaction. I'm not sure what she is really comprehending about all this so far, though she is a genius you know. My little precocious 3 1/2-year-old going on 30.