handsful

We glanced up, while waiting for the elevator, when our guide casually said “and, here’s the baby from Bengbu”.

You were so brave, holding in your emotions, until we laid you down to change your diaper…and, you whimpered softly.

I looked at you on the way back to the hotel, and you looked at me. Both of us with looks of “okay, now what” on our faces.

Fast forward…

It’s been 4 years since that day we “met” you at the elevators. Since that day you were brave, and we were both unsure of the future.

Today, you’re very self-assured, very brave and VERY spunky. Back then, your “language” was 2 vowel-like utterances. Today, you’re a speech therapy rock star, working so hard and making HUGE progress. We understand you most of the time…amazing.

You have a very strong personality…most of the time, that’s great. Sometimes, it’s a challenge. But, we’re up for it. And, you’re worth it.

There are many things you love at age 5. Your bike, your gummy bear vitamins, Curious George, skinny jeans, the swingset, food (too many to narrow down…), running, and staying no more than 12 inches away from mom.

You know that mom and dad made a long trip to China to get you. You know that the big kids grew in my tummy. You know that you did not. One connection you’ve not quite made yet…so, where did you grow? How did you come to be?

This book should help her make that connection, and in a very beautiful and loving way. I’m looking forward to / nervous about – reading it. We’ll be reading it today.

Last night at her celebration dinner (she wanted Taco Bell, we convinced her to upgrade to a Mexican restaurant…), she flipped through the pages and pointed to the cast of characters. I told her “that’s you”, “that’s mommy”, and “that’s China mommy”. She asked no questions, just smiled at each page.

Her China mommy gave her her beauty, her laugh, her stinky feet. I’ll give her comfort when she’s sad, high-fives when she’s happy, love forever.

Happy 4 years, Lainey-girl. We love you. Always.