Dear Leslie: Your package was delivered ,love, Ann

I finally received confirmation the care package was delivered to the orphanage.  Sadly, no new pictures.  It seems that everyone else with children in other facilities have received updated photos.  I admit that I am a little jealous.  Luckily, everyone loves to share their photos with the rest of us and we've learned to live vicariously through others (over the years).   Congrats to those parents!

I've joined a Yahoo group for parents of children from Fuzhou SWI (Social Welfare Institute).   I have been given the name of a gentleman that has had great success obtaining photos of children and foster parents if applicable.  The other good news I've found is that even if she is still in the SWI, she should be in the Half the Sky program funded by donations/grants.  This will allow for more one on one care, physical/emotional development, and resources.  All good.

Care Package

I sent a care package to Baby Fu thru Ann at Red Thread China.  Here are a few pictures of the items I chose.  I hope she receives the baby blanket in time to find some enjoyment and comfort before family day.  I also hope to get the disposable camera back with pictures taken over the next 6 - 8 weeks. 

I've already made one of my first "mistakes" as a new first time mom.  Here is a quote from an email sent by Ann, "The carved tiger jade bracelet is very dangerous for your child age,so I bought a jade bangle for her instead ,it will be safer and more traditional."  Thank goodness someone is monitoring my parenting skills!  I might have hurt Baby Fu before we met one another!  I'm very thankful to Ann for her diligence.

I was hoping to get updated pictures from the orphanage after sending the care package but this particular SWI doesn't send updates very often (according to Ann). I'm quite disappointed. Other facilities in the same province have sent new pictures immediately upon receiving care packages for their children. Just a little bump in the road. We will meet soon enough.

So Many Wonderful New Friends in the June 06' Room

Sometimes I find it incredible the number of truly wonderful, giving people I have met through my adoption journey.  Just last week I was complaining in the June room on RQ how I could not find a bedding set for the crib.   I spent half a day, visited 6 or 7 stores and traveled all over town looking for bedding.  I even looked at a baby boutique with no luck.  Nada.  Nothing....

2Poodles, a very dear adoptive parent read my "sad" story and offered a beautiful brand new, custom made set.  Complete with the diaper holder, toy holder, bumpers, comforter, bed skirt, pillow, two sets of sheets, the cutest ladybug night light, and sweet sign for the wall.  Imagine my surprise when I opened a tissue wrapped gift and found a beautifully framed picture of Baby Fu!  My coworkers were quite surprised by my squeals of delight.

I might add that 2Poodles (not sure if she wants her real name listed) was referred a gorgeous set of twins in April.  She has been doubly blessed and she passed some of that blessing on to my baby Fu.   I can not thank you enough for your kindness.

I have one more extraordinary person from RQ, BioFrog.  She has been diligently making the cutest buttons for each person in the June 06' room as they receive their referrals.  I asked for two extra buttons, one for my mom and the other for my agency.  She replied that she would be happy to send them my way.  See, wonderful people.   Thank you BioFrog. 

Mom's been playing around on the computer...

 

 Please, Baby Fu needs a name!!

 

Flower Power!!

My baby doesn't look very happy and her eye is awfully red.

 

 We seem to have a footwear problem!

Fedex Made a Visit...

When the FedEx woman came to drop off my adoption packet today, I was extremely busy telling clients about my new little one.  I even had a 10 x 12 photo in my hand!  I told her, "You have my baby" and proudly showed her the picture I was holding.  She read the return address of Chinese Children Adoption and immediately understood.  I think she would have been happy to pose for a picture but I was caught totally unprepared.  I thought she would be hours later.  No camera on hand.  Oh well, I'll always remember the moment. 

I tore into the package to find the other three pictures.  She seems to have more hair in one and doesn't look quite as happy as she does in her referral picture.  I worry that she has been in the orphanage for the full time and not in foster care.  I had always hoped she would have more one on one care while she was a baby.   There's nothing I can do about it from here but pray for good health, protection and love from her caregivers. 

I'll have my acceptance papers in the mail tomorrow.  I hope you like the new pictures!

This Is The Face I've Been Dreaming Of...

I would like to introduce:

Baby Fu

                                                 

Fuzhou SWI, Jiangxi Province

She's healthy, beautiful and I can not wait to meet her this summer.

 

More information to follow...