From Carrie
Hi everyone!! As Steve shared, yesterday proved to be very exciting! We finally have Grace Bai Lu. She's really ours. Pinch me. As we headed to the Civil Affairs Office yesterday I was a bundle of nerves, more so than when we got Abby and Lily. We just didn't know how it was going to go. What a surprise to see her come off the elevator, small and scared. Our faces lit up as we called out her named and then eagerly went to hug her. Although she didn't hug back, she had a smile on her face. It was great to finally hear her voice. Our guide told us that she was nervous but excited.
She has never hesitated in the process. Even today she eagerly sign her documents that officially made her ours, or should I say "officially made us hers." She is a brave girl. Our guide has told us several times that she is a very smart, mannerly girl. Rebecca, our guide, has been great with her. She is even helping us with learning some Cantonese words. We couldn't have done it without her translating. Although the language barrier has been somewhat difficult, for me the hardest has been not to spoil her with affection. I can tell she is somewhat uncomfortable with all the attention. I've hugged her and held her hand. I just don't want to overwhelm her or embarass her. She is still quite timid. Every day will get easier and more relaxed. I can't wait for the day she climbs on my lap or reaches for my hand.
Today we went to the mall and got her some tennis shoes (she chose pink ones), socks and underwear, and another pair of jeans (with pink rhinestones- the girl likes pink!) She seemed very happy when I bought her a bunch of books, all in Cantonese. Tomorrow we will buy her a journal so she can write all about these experiences.
Well, they are ready to use the laptop to watch the movie so I better finish up. Steve and I will probably be asleep 5 minutes into it. We have a big day tomorrow going to the zoo.
Seven more days and we'll be home.
Love to you all,
Carrie
FYI Bai Lu's favorite animal is a rabbit. She seems to like pink. She likes to write, draw, and play with Fashion Pollys. She wears about a size 10/12 and I think her shoe size is about a women's 4.
She has never hesitated in the process. Even today she eagerly sign her documents that officially made her ours, or should I say "officially made us hers." She is a brave girl. Our guide has told us several times that she is a very smart, mannerly girl. Rebecca, our guide, has been great with her. She is even helping us with learning some Cantonese words. We couldn't have done it without her translating. Although the language barrier has been somewhat difficult, for me the hardest has been not to spoil her with affection. I can tell she is somewhat uncomfortable with all the attention. I've hugged her and held her hand. I just don't want to overwhelm her or embarass her. She is still quite timid. Every day will get easier and more relaxed. I can't wait for the day she climbs on my lap or reaches for my hand.
Today we went to the mall and got her some tennis shoes (she chose pink ones), socks and underwear, and another pair of jeans (with pink rhinestones- the girl likes pink!) She seemed very happy when I bought her a bunch of books, all in Cantonese. Tomorrow we will buy her a journal so she can write all about these experiences.
Well, they are ready to use the laptop to watch the movie so I better finish up. Steve and I will probably be asleep 5 minutes into it. We have a big day tomorrow going to the zoo.
Seven more days and we'll be home.
Love to you all,
Carrie
FYI Bai Lu's favorite animal is a rabbit. She seems to like pink. She likes to write, draw, and play with Fashion Pollys. She wears about a size 10/12 and I think her shoe size is about a women's 4.
posted by Carrie Allen @ 3:24 AM
3 Comments:
At 7:18 AM,
Anonymous said…
Hey guys, she is beautiful. Carrie, in regards to the picture that Steve sent, I just have one thing to say. Chew your food and this wouldn't happen.
We are both so excited for you and wish we were there experiencing this with you as we have twice in the past. It seems strange. Thanks for setting the bar with the jewelry Steve. No really, I #$%@# appreciate it.
Did I here you say "Cantonese". What am I doing learning Mandarin? I hope all is well with you guys and you enjoy your special moments, but don't forget the true reason you travelled all the way to China was to get information on Cai Hong!!!! Now get on it. We love you guys (Steve, we love some of you more than others so don't be getting a big head).
Jeff and Renee
At 12:14 PM,
Anonymous said…
It is hard to believe that this is really happening. The pictures and e-mails are wonderful. We, too, wish we were there to share all of this first-hand. Every day we calculate what time it is and what we might be doing if we were there with you. Shopping????? We are so full of joy and can't wait to see you next week. Cantonese?? Does Bai Lu speak or understand Mandarin? We had the same question. Also, a gal I (Kristin) work with saw the squeaky shoes and was wondering if you (Carrie) could pick up some "girly" ones for her new grand-daughter. 2-3 of different sizes. I couldn't remeber how big they go...Sophie outgrew all the ones I bought. If you see some cute ones that would fit (she wears a US 5-5 1/2). Maybe you are sick of shopping. I'm sure you are busy swimming and enjoying your beautiful new daughter. Can't wait to hear more stories. We love and miss you!!!
The Tomlinsons
At 1:27 PM,
Anonymous said…
I have no idea what Cristi is talking about but if they have those cute litte slippers in a size 13 mens, I might be up for a pair...also how about an iPod and if you can pick up a 42" LCD HDTV for less then $400.00 bring it back to me...
OK, now on to the real business... How incredible is all of this. Thanks for taking the time to share and including us as you continue to walk through it all.
Post a Comment
<< Home