Our situation is a little different from everyone else's here in Changsha because I happen to have a ton of family who live here who are all vying for our time. My father was born in a town just outside of Yi Yang where Emma was also born. We like musing that she's probably a blood relative because of the area she's from and her similar features. You know, all Chinese are probably distantly related somehow when traced far back enough. And in a greater divine sense, we as humans are all brothers and sisters and are all somehow related.
My father came from a family of 9 brothers and 3 sisters. Many of his immediate family live in or around Changsha. This is the first time for me and Stephen to meet our relatives in Hunan so it's an experience we would never want to miss out on. And how amazing for them to also get to meet Emma! We felt very torn from wanting to spend alone time with Emma to bond and let her get acclimated and spending more time with my relatives. The trick was to balance quality time with them with quality time with Emma. And we also very much wanted to spend time with the other families and their babies in our group.
In the end, we made things work out and everything worked out for the best. It seemed a little crazy at first to drag Emma out to meet relatives who were also strange to us but they soon made us feel extremely at home. They all went crazy for Emma and it was so wonderful to be able to have her meet so many members of her family. She is surrounded by loving doting relatives who all immediately welcomed her into the family.
I spent some quality time with Emma today playing in bed, singing to her, helping her stand and get her bearings. She LOVES music, singing and dancing. She can sit up from a laying position to flipping on her tummy and then rolling over and sitting up and then stand herself up from sitting. Emma is also incredibly limber--she can do splits and lift up her legs in split position in the air and put her feet behind her ears!!! Most likely a gymnast or ballerina or Cirque de Soleil performer/acrobat-to-be! She has very long legs and is very tall and skinny (future model!)
6 comments:
How great to get your news!
Karin from C33
Emma is a delightful little girl! Such a happy baby! It's really exciting that you've had so much family living near her all this time! Did CCAA know that?
Donna
Our blog: Double Happiness!
She's so happy and what a beautiful smile!
Krista
USAA Group 123
Thank you for sharing your journey. We had a similar situation with our adoption. My daughter was from the same city as my former hometown and my parents still live there part-time (along with many, many aunts, uncles, and cousins). Thus, we also had to balance visits with relatives along with adoption-related business. Congrats on your new family.
Hi Guys!
Welcome home! I have so enjoyed following your blog and hearing all the news. Sounds like you had a totally awesome time in China.
Give my new grandbaby a big hug and kiss from me. Talk to you soon.
Love always, Mom
Emma is so adorable, thanks for your post on my blog. I got the shirt made at Mandys Moon. We followed your journey while you where in China, just didnt post, so a late Congratulations!
Anna
gr 93.5
gr 115
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