We spent our last Sunday morning in Beijing walking the halls of Heartbridge praying over babies and thanking the many people who have cared for Evie. Her night nanny, who has always travelled with her on hospital visits, came to escort her with us to Nanjing. Evie has bonded intensely to this nanny, so she was clearly thrilled to see her. The nanny only spoke Mandarin, so this was quite the experience. The only things that she was able to communicate were that she cared very much for "Jen Jen" and that she thought she should be MUCH more bundled up. She was not happy with our clothing choices and quickly pulled out a giant quilted bodysuit to put her in. She held Evie in the airport, flew with her and then kept her overnight.
Evie was feverish and sick on that day, and to be honest, our emotions were all over the place, so it was probably best that we all got a good night's sleep. Our new guide, Nancy, had picked us up at the airport and gave us a LONG lecture about keeping Chinese babies in AT LEAST THREE LAYERS.
The next morning, the nanny brought her to us at 10:30. The nanny clearly looked sad, we were a mess and Evie was just traumatized. She screamed for quite a while and the nanny just kept picking her back up, hoping to leave her not crying.
We spent the next hour, just sitting near Evie and then eventually all laid down for the best cure for emotion....a good nap.
That afternoon we had to head to the Nanjing Civil Affairs office to sign guardianship papers.
Evelyn is originally from the Xuzhou Social Welfare Institute in Jiangsu Province, which was why we had to travel here. The city of Nanjing is this province's capitol. The orphanage director from her orphanage travelled 3-4 hours to meet us for paperwork as well. Madam Tang was a very kind woman and had pictures on her phone from when she took Evie to Heartbridge.
Our guide had obsessively told us to bundle Evie, so we had put her in big puffy suit. Not long into the meeting, she started to get fussy and feverish again.
We still had to wait and wait and wait through various steps of paperwork, so by the time we had to take a "family portrait" for the Chinese paperwork, we were not so cute. I'm sure someday we'll get quite a laugh out of this one!
We ended the day very low key, just trying to get our girl's temperature down with meds and a sponge bath. We chalk this day up to one of those super hard adoption days, when you celebrate surviving at the end of the day!
9 comments:
So glad that you are always able to find a reason to celebrate, even the little things. It sounds like your hearts, heads, and bodies have been put through the wringer. Praying that sleep, calm, trust,good health, and acceptance come your way. Jessica
We are going to have somuch in common to talk about. She looks just like my Evie on the day! Heart breaking but let me tell you it is good!!!!! That sadness is going to turn into the most beautiful love. I have loving proof. Love you friend!!!! Xoxoxo
Oh my goodness! Yes, I think after some tears and possibly some angst and wringing of hands you'll look back on this and have a bit of a laugh. Right now, though, I know there's nothing funny about it and you all need our prayers as you break down walls. The photo of Rebecca in bed with two new children is just precious! Getting home and entering the "hunker down" period will be a relief.
Thank you for sharing this trying but beautiful time with us. You have been through the wringer. I am in awe of the devotion you and your family have shown to these gorgeous little people! I can see many happy times happening in the not too distant future. We are sending lots of love your way. XXOO
Praying for your sweet Evie's adjustment into her forever family! Your pics from the civil affairs office bring back such memories of our time there. In one of them, I can see the exact spot where we sat watching out the window for them to bring Eva to us!! Stay strong and just keep loving on that beautiful girl...before you know it she'll be loving you all right back!
Praying for your sweet Evie's adjustment into her forever family! Your pics from the civil affairs office bring back such memories of our time there. In one of them, I can see the exact spot where we sat watching out the window for them to bring Eva to us!! Stay strong and just keep loving on that beautiful girl...before you know it she'll be loving you all right back!
Such a journey. Sending love and praying for rest, peace, comfort, and smoother days ahead. You are such incredible parents. Hugs from the north.
I know I'm making the same comments over and over, but every morning the first thing I do is pull out the IPod to look for you. Praying!
We are thinking of all of you. Especially Evie, one day she will know how much she is loved by all of us, and she will soon trust that her family is here to take care of her and love on her forever!!!
Love you all
Jenn
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