Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The Lucky One

Wow, how has it been 3 weeks since I last posted?  Margot is the great big stealer of time for us! 

I've been wanting to post these videos from our last few days in China.  Margot has taken quite a while to decide that she is okay with bath time, so we weren't sure how she would feel about pool time.  Apparently, she likes it!  It helped that a lot of other children were playing around her, she loves seeing other kids!









I've been going back and forth on whether or not I wanted to talk about the whole "lucky baby" thing with adoption.  A lot of people in the community get very upset when their children are told they are "lucky" and I can certainly see why.  Yes, I think they are fortunate that they are no longer living in an orphanage but it's hard for me to call someone who has lost their birth family, country and culture, "lucky".  I usually tell people when offered this comment that "no, we are the lucky ones" and I truly believe it.  We spent a great deal of time and effort in preparing and making this adoption happen and we are so lucky to have been matched with a child that we feel is such a perfect fit for our family.  As for Margot, I hope someday when she understands her situation she feels lucky to have been matched with us, but for now we are the lucky ones!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Happier times!

As much as visiting Margot's city and orphanage was emotionally draining, our time in China was really amazing.  Getting to know her and her personality is still a joy every day!  She is quite literally our dream come true.

These are videos from Sunday, September 18th.  We had a free day and decided to venture out on our own to a buddhist temple close to the hotel.  It was really interesting and I got a ton of photos, but have had no time to edit through them yet.  The weather was sooooo hot that we only stayed out about an hour and Margot got a little crabby from the heat.  This is after we got back - note Margot's elephant tunic!



Margot's Finding Spot

After visiting the orphanage, we wanted to visit Margot's finding spot.  We got back in the van only to drive about half a block to the back entrance of Bei Shan Park.  I knew it was close by but had no idea it would be that close!  We have to wonder if her birth parents chose this spot based on how close to the orphanage it was or if they only chose it hoping their daughter would be discovered quickly.  Margot was believed to be 2 days old when when she was found, her birthday was based on the state of her umbilical cord at the time. 

China's one child policy is still in place, you are not allowed to give up a child for adoption and it is illegal to abandon your child.  Parents that abandon a child will usually place them in a spot where they will be discovered almost immediately.  If you are interested in reading more, these are a good couple of links to check out.   






Chris & Margot waiting for our driver Mr. Li to pick us up from the orphanage entrance.







Entrance to Bei Shan Park, where Margot was found.  


Wenxi, Chris and Margot waiting for me at the van.