Yesterday I left Shane and Lina at the hotel and boarded a bus to Tonggu, the place Lina was born and lived in foster care for the first eight months of her life. We had hoped to make the journey as a family, but didn’t like the sound of Lina’s coughing the night before, so [...]
I haven’t posted since we got Lina because I just don’t know how to describe the experience of becoming her mother. What I can say is this: I am blown away by how natural it feels to take care of this child. All my senses are effortlessly tuned into her. We’re still figuring out some [...]
Good morning, little Lina. Mama is on her way. I have held you in my heart for such a long time, and starting today I get to hold you in my arms. Just nine hours to go!
Today (Saturday) was our last full day in Beijing. We’re all very ready to fly off tomorrow to meet our children. Though seeing the Great Wall was quite something today, my main objective there was to wear myself out so I’d have some chance of sleeping tonight. A few of us went as far as [...]
I just scanned the photos that Shane posted about our day yesterday (Temple of Heaven, hutong tour, glamorous lunch) and I think this is obvious: we’re loving our time in China. I did not expect to feel so at home so quickly here. The people are incredibly open and warm. Folks are generally happy, curious, [...]
At the end of our guided stuff (Summer Palace, pandas at the Beijing zoo that reminded me way too much of our cat Talullah), we were dropped off at the Pearl Market. What a place! I had SO much fun bargaining that at times I was actually disappointed when they decided to sell me the [...]
As someone who loves cities in general, I’m having a wonderful time playing in Beijing. The Forbidden City yesterday was overwhelming and so incredibly gorgeous at the same time. I tried to focus on details so I could have some chance of absorbing the experience. I’m not even sure what to say about it other [...]
My alarm went off at 4:30 am this morning. I was already somewhat awake, anticipating the alarm that would lead to the shower that would lead to being ready to get in the cab at 6 am. We drove away from the quiet darkness of our neighborhood, and I looked back at my home as [...]
We’re packed! The house is vacuumed. The kitchen is sparkling. When I get nervous, I clean. I still need to make Lina’s room tidy, then shut the door so the cats don’t cover it with fur while we’re gone. Only very recently have we been thinking about the fact that we’ll need diapers, bottles and [...]
I am alone, waiting for the noise and energy that will be Shane coming home with the atomic pug. Lately I’ve been noticing these moments, afraid of living without them once I have a child. I have a pretty high need for alone. Folks with kids have been telling me to enjoy my solitude, opportunity [...]