just want to chat about a few things and post a few pictures. that OK with everybody?
we went to the Henan museum today. Henan (not pronounced like you think) is the province where Natalie is from. it was neat to read about the history of her hometown. something we can talk to her about later in life. the main thing that i wanted to say about our trip there was a conversation we had with some locals. they asked why we had a Chinese baby, of course. our guide explained that we were adopting her. as we started to walk away, one came back toward us and pointed at Natalie's brace (for her foot). apparently this lady asked why we would want a baby with this kind of problem. luckily i didn't know that is what she asked until we had walked away. our guide told her we wanted to help. the local lady responded that we were good people for helping her. had i had the opportunity or ability i would have forcefully said "becuase there is nothing wrong with her! just becuase she isn't valued by some here, doesn't mean we wont love her FOREVER!" maybe that would have caused a scene for them all to stare at.
i also wanted to let everyone know, as far as we know, Natalie's first two English words were "bye" and "apple."
just got done putting on the "special shoes" after a break from them. Natalie does not like to have her brace put on. once we tie them up, she is OK, but she HATES putting them on. big screams. big screams.
The Chinese lady was right about one thing, you and Amy are definitely good people. There is nothing wrong with Natalie, she is a beautiful and happy little girl. She will be loved forever by so many people. She has a bright future because she has incredible parents.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the remainder of your trip. Can't wait until you are all safely home and we can all meet Natalie.
I like this one!!
ReplyDeletePretty sure she said, "Buy apples." Not sure if she meant the fruit or the computer. Can't lose either way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a little angel. I can't imagine anything other than holy choruses being sung by that cherub.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying the fact you can't walk out on the street in China without a melee almost breaking out. I think you'll be left off the Away Team when we have First Contact with Klingons.
ReplyDeleteIt will be good when you are finally back in Kentucky. You won't run into anyone here that will make inane statements about Natalie (in English)based on cultural stereotypes and ignorant inferences. If it was that way here God knows I'd have to bail you out of jail every week.
Anyway, I love this baby, she's beautiful. I'm going out to buy her an I-Pod.
Try to enjoy the rest of your trip, Luther.
I love you both,
Tim
First of all, Natalie is a truly beautiful little girl, you are all so blessed. Secondly, I agree, it will surprise you how becoming a parent will release this inner tiger that will emerge without warning...even soft spoken Amy will find herself ready to rip someone's head off when it comes to your baby! I always thought that one of my children getting physically sick or hurt would be the hardest part of being a mom, I was wrong...the first time someone hurts their feelings and you see pain in their face is when you realize just how difficult it is to wear your heart outside of yourself : ) But as you already know, the reward is so, so sweet! (Enjoying all of the beautiful pictures too!) Love, Kimmy
ReplyDeleteoh April, you didn't hear her this morning. fussy baby. maybe when we get back, you can be the designated shoe attacher.
ReplyDeleteTim, just make sure Marty doesn't talk to me about her math skills.
Kimmy, maybe we can get the kids together and then if anyone is mean we can beat them up together.
Such a sweet picture!
ReplyDeleteStephen and Amy: She is beautiful. Can't wait to see her. Something about Asian children that mk them extra special at least to me, but that could be because I hv the greatest grandson and now great neice that share Asian heritage
ReplyDeleteLove you all
Aunt J
Each of these pictures melt my heart, and especially the more recent ones, were you can see her connection to you both growing. So happy for you!!! :)
ReplyDeleteJen