CNY

We talk a lot about her experiences in China. I cannot believe how much she actually remembers. We 'read' the photo album of our trip over and over. She knows the story by heart. We read 'Shoey and Dot' regularly, as well. We do not go to any Chinese cultural classes because she still has an aversion to Chinese adults. We did, however, attend a Chinese New Year party for families who have adopted Chinese children. This photo shows Annalyn participating in the Lion Dance. She would not get close to the head, but she was giddy under the tail.

September 6, 2012

I've intended to post at least every gotcha anniversary, but I couldn't this time. I still don't know what I'm about to type. As we were being handed our beautiful daughter two years ago, our precious nephew Corban was being born into our lives. We thought this would always be a special date that they would share. The day came around as usual this year. We wished her a happy gotcha and him a happy birthday, but in the end it wasn't a happy day after all. Annalyn keeps retelling the story..."Baby Corban went swimming all by herself? He need big people help? He hurt herself in the water? Baby Corban dead? Still?" Yeah, still.

Longer here than there

Annalyn's lived at home now for more time than she spent in the orphanage, and she's suddenly taken an interest in our trip to get her. When we came home , I put together an album with about 150 photos from the trip. I use it when I occasionally speak in public, and I keep it out as a coffee table book for visitors to peruse. It's just tidbits from the trip. Recently, Annalyn has been looking through it by herself and having us 'read' it to her often. The other day, Patrick noticed it was in a lower kitchen cabinet, which she often crawls in to play. It was lying there with a blanket and flashlight. He asked if he should put it away, and although she's rather hard on books and I'd like to protect this one, I think she needs complete access to it. It's as though she's beginning to piece together her story.

The other day, she found the key chain I had carried in China. It had her referral picture on one side and the one of our family leaving to get her on the other. She showed us her picture. She explained, 'That baby cry. That baby want her momma. That baby me.'

Anniversary

Tomorrow will be our Gotcha Anniversary. It seems too monumental of a task to blog all that has transpired in the past year. Annalyn has a family. She's a nice, normal two-year-old. She's not quite to the point of speaking English well, but she communicates fabulously in her own creative way. She tenderly cares for anyone in need of compassion. She enjoys life as a farm girl. She always reminds us to pray before meals. She's happy and healthy and blessed. So are we.

Half a Year

It's been half of a year since she joined our family. Six months since Gotcha! I keep recounting the months and checking the calendar because that just can't be right. Hasn't she always been with us? Didn't we just get back from China? I haven't even unpacked. Really. I haven't. In the past six months, Annalyn has been with her family constantly. She has stayed close to her parents, her bubbas, or her grandparents every moment. Maybe it's time to check out the church nursery. She seems as attached as any homegrown child could be. She fits in perfectly. She's just one of the kids. We'll have another visit from the social worker this week. We're still finishing up paperwork. There's still quite a bit to do, but we're on the home stretch. At least, our baby girl is home.

New Year

We were invited to attend a Chinese New Year celebration at a church in the city. We debated about whether Annalyn would be comfortable being there or not. She avoided Chinese people in China, and she acts tense at Chinese restaurants when waitresses talk to her. So, we didn't know but what CNY might be just too stressful, but we decided to try it anyway. We could always leave if need be. My hubby had to work, so the kids and I ventured out in the snow to see what this CNY was all about. The celebration took place in the church's fellowship hall with a kitchen and a stage. Real Chinese food was served and various acts were performed for over three hours. Hymns were sung, prayers were said, a goofy skit of the parable of the seeds was done in both Mandarin and English, and both modern and traditional dances were interpersed throughout. Annalyn LOVED it. She was thrilled by the thousand year eggs (yuck) and some freaky sesame covered ball that had beans inside. She went around the table eating everyone's. Apparently, these holiday foods had been served at the orphanage. She was so excited by the performances that she tried several times to run up on stage with the dancers. She finally settled for singing at the bottom of the steps. Most importantly, Annalyn seemed to be comfortable being with her family in a Chinese environment. I was so glad to see her enjoy the celebration.

First Snowfall

The kids are out playing in the snow. You might call it just a heavy dusting, but it's enough for a tiny snowman. It's Annalyn's first time to see snow. She's bundled up so she can hardly move. She refuses to leave the mittens on. She's just walking around carefully. I think she's wondering what this stuff all over her yard is and why we're making her dress in a pillow with arms.