It’s 11am Tuesday morning our time (11pm EST) and Lydia is doing much better. Her temp is down to 98.9. We’re going to keep her on tylenol today to make sure it stays down and continue with the amoxicillin for the full 10 day regimen. I’ve appreciated all the comments and emails. Sounds like this isn’t uncommon for newly adopted children which comforts us. I was pretty upset when we thought we’d have to take her to the doctor. As our doctor told us last night in the midst of everything, “glistening doesn’t equate with competence.” I get that. But, clean would sure make me feel better. I just now got an email from Lisa who received her daughter Izabella in Xi’an. She told me about a decent clinic not far from here. So, I feel much better having that info in case we need it.
I will share a little more about yesterday now–though my typing is slow with Lydia snuggled on my lap.
We had an appointment back at the Civil Affairs office for more paperwork and for our adoption interview. The orphanage directors were both there, and we got to ask them some more questions. They told us that 7 or 8 nannies cared for Lydia (who they called Yue Yue) and that they have 100 kids in their care. They said diarrhea is normal for her (we think she has giardia–she went through two sleepers in the first hour back in our room). We were told we could come by and pick up the clothes she was found in (Thanks so much, Kim, for that suggestion! I did not think to ask for those things!). We plan to head to Baoji tomorrow to do that and see her hometown.
We sat at the desk of the civil affairs official while he reviewed all our paperwork. Then, he started asking some questions (through our interpreter): How many kids do you have already? What are their ages? If you have 3 kids already, why do you want to adopt? Describe your jobs. Are you prepared and able to handle another child? Describe the plan you have for her future education and medical needs? Did you get all the information you wanted about the child? Do you have any questions about her or about Chinese adoption laws? Is she acceptable to you? Finally, the official gave us a sort of blessing, saying that she will no longer live the life of an orphan but that she will have a family and that he is glad she will have a mother and father and have a happy life. It was a significant moment to hear those words. Then, we signed a bunch of papers (there were in Chinese, so not sure what exactly we were signing. But, we knew they meant she would be ours) and even had to put our fingerprint next to our signatures. Then, Lydia had to have her tiny footprint placed next to ours. She has been marked as our own. We gave our gifts to the official, the orphanage directors, and the notary (chocolate bars with an American flag on the wrapper and a pack of handmade stationery with American quotes about the family, etc. on them). Then, the directors said their goodbyes to Lydia. They were not emotional though they smiled and seemed pleased that we were so happy with the baby. We thanked them for taking such good care of her. I really do believe they care for their children well and enjoy seeing them adopted. We had brought pictures of another child from their orphanage who had been adopted back in 2006. The mother sent it to me before we left to give to them. They smiled and seemed pleased to have the updated pictures and know she is doing so well. And, they even brought their own camera and took a family picture of the three of us.
We applied for Lydia’s passport after that then went to a big store (the Chinese name translated means “everyone’s happy”) to pick up another toy for her and a couple other little things. Then, we were on our own. We were so proud of ourselves finding a place for lunch where those smiley pictures were taken on a little playground inside there (Angie, you’ll have to go to this place and let Emma play). And, after a nap, we even took a long walk and found a famous local dumpling place for dinner—quite the adventure as the English name of the restaurant was not on the sign outside and the menu had no English on it. But, we had a good meal and walk until Lydia then got sick.
I guess then we’re all caught up. She’s no longer snuggled on my lap but asleep in her crib. Hopefully, she’ll feel well enough after a little nap for us to venture outside and maybe walk on the city wall which looks sort of like a castle wall and is 600 years old. I also spotted a cute children’s boutique last night that I’d like to head back to at some point. I love kids’ clothes.
(Deep breath) So, all is well for now. She’s getting more used to us though she still cries a bit when she first wakes up and sees us and realizes we aren’t who she normally sees when she first wakes up. She definitely prefers Mark to me and quiets quite easily for him. In time, I’m sure she will soften to us and become quite secure in knowing we are never leaving her.
Dear Evan, Ashlyn, and Drew – sounds like you guys are having a ball at the beach! Nanma told us that Evan got a hole in one at mini golf and won a free game! We were so happy to hear that that both of us cried! Ashlyn, we can’t help but think of you often as we admire Lydia wearing the sweatshirt that you used to wear when you were a baby. And, Drew, you are going to love Lydia. She sucks two fingers all the time and loves her blankie. We are going to try to find out how to see “blankie” in Chinese.
Sounds like a typical busy adoption day! Hurray, she’s yours! I’m so relieved to hear she’s feeling better. Will continue to keep you all in prayer for health. Don’t drink water with ice, and avoid burgers with lettuce and tomatoes. Just my 2 cents after making that burger mistake on our first trip! Hugs!
*BIG SIGH* I’m so glad she is doing better. Praise the Lord. What a blessing so many were able to come along side and offer advice to you as well.
Her little foot is so precious!
Sounds like a wonderful time…so glad Lydia is doing better. Giarrdia is common in the Xi’an orphanage – both Izabella and our Isaac had it. So I wouldn’t be surprised if your Lydia has it too!
I am so glad you all are doing well. Each day you will see her come out of her shell more and more! It’s so fun to watch.
So enjoyed reading this update! Praying that Lydia’s fever stays down and that she’ll start feeling better soon!
Hugs,
M~
Kelly!!! So so excited for you. I am so thankful that Lydia is feeling better. We will be praying for all of you!! : )
Praying that Lydia is still feeling better! Love seeing your letters to the kids! You guys are awesome parents! Can’t wait until you are all under one roof again!
What a relief to hear she is feeling better. She is just precious! Congratulations!!! Thinking of you! Oh and Kelly, you like children’s clothes??? Now that is a shocker! :) Hee hee.
such wonderful news that her fever is down! we continue to keep you all in prayer.
i have been tearing up at every post since you received precious Lydia! to think she had noone to call mama and daddy just a few days ago…it just gives me such joy! :)
Kelly,
I was so happy to hear that Lydia is doing much better. I have been thinking about her! I am glad things are going so well!!
Tricia
WOW! I am loving reading all of this and can’t wait to see what you are seeing! I am so thankful that Lydia is feeling better and pray that she continues to improve.
What a moment when she was marked by love!
So glad Lydia is feeling better! Just take it one day at a time, and before you know it, she will feel completely comfortable with both of you. Praying for you!
Sarah
I am glad you titled the post “Phew” so I didn’t have to read anything to know things were better! Phew indeed! I am so glad to know she is better!
Sounds like you are quite the adventurous little family and doing quite well venturing out in China! You go!!!
Praying for you every day!
Oh Kelly this is the same civil affairs officer we had!!! and it looks like the same room as much of it as I can see. Did you sit on a black couch? Oh my goodness my heart just skipped a beat–you met your daughter in the very sam place we did…so we didn’t get to travel together to China–but we did meet our daughters in the same room with the same civil affairs officer. Is it true? Did you go to the big Civil Affairs building? I thought it was being renovated? Did they finish?
Love the pictures–you are so all over it! Awesome.
So happy Lydia is better–Praise God.
Can’t wait to hear about your visit to the orphanage! I imagine hat will be an amazing day in so many ways. Emotional of course, but amazing still. I so wish we could have visited!
And you will get her “finding clothes” oh my goodness that is precious beyond words. We asked for Izabella’s and they didn’t have them–and she wasn’t left with any items. UGH! So happy for you though–wow!
Praying for a good day my friend!
Love and God Bless–
Congrats sweetie, she is sooo perfect and so worth the long wait. Happy adoption day and glad little Lydia is feeling better.
Hugs,
Jonni