During the wait, information is key. For Type A personalities like my own, it is very difficult to be mired in a process over which I have so little control. Thus, checking emails for updates and instructions for next steps can become an obsession. And although I largely disdain many of the various Chinese adoption newsgroups that are out there because their focus on Christianity in relationship to adopting a child from China makes me uncomfortable (and at times, downright angry -- but that's another post) I know that if I can bring myself to just lurk and keep my mouth shut, there's all kinds of valuable information out there. Like hotel recommendations and travel suggestions. Packing lists. Dealing with attachment issues. And how to get updated information on your little one.
So for nominal fee, a former adoption liaison who lives in China called the Chenzhou SWI asked a series of questions on our behalf in the hopes of getting a better sense of who this little Qing Tong/Katie really is. We also sent over a photo album with pictures of us and a brief letter. These small chunks of communication are satisfying enough to put me more at ease for a few extra days (but her nannies said that her fear of strangers and unfamiliar places is a defining characteristic -- got to think strategies on this one instead of panicking too much) and my research tells me that she is receiving excellent care at this SW, in large part due to the wonderful Half the Sky organization. Something to hold on to.
1. What does she like to do the
best?
Her favorite thing to do is visit others.
She likes to play with her little friends in the yard.
2. What is something that she does not
like?
She doesn’t like others grab her toy. She is
afraid of strangers.
3. What is her bedtime routine?
She gets up at 7:00am, Nap 11:30am –
12:30pm. Goes to bed at 7:00pm
4. What makes her
laugh/smile?
When she runs around with other children or
play games, she is very happy.
5. What makes her sad or
frustrated?
When she sees strangers, or in an unfamiliar
place.
6. What comforts her when she is
upset?
Take her walk around, sooth her and give her
some snacks.
7. What words does she say or
know?
She can say: Mama, A Yi. She can count
1,2,3. She understands most adults’ simple words or instructions, such as: walk,
go to play, come, bring a toy for little sister, etc
8. Can you tell us about her favorite
nanny or caregiver?
Names of the nannies she is close to are: Li
You and Li Fu Ying
9. What is her favorite thing to
eat?
She likes to eat mashed rice, crackers,
candy, apple, etc.
10. How would you describe her best
qualities?
She is very affectionate. When she is
familiar with a person, she will bond to you just like a “sticker”.
11. Her updated
measurements:
Height: 82cm; Weight: 11.5kg; Head: 45cm; Chest: 52cm; Foot: 14cm; Teeth: 8/8.
Even better, we got new pictures. She's a real little person now
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| I like this one in particular |
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| I wonder how they get dressed each day? Does she get to pick her favorite dress? |
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| With her friends. |
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| I think she's smiling a bit here! |
