
So I’m in.
I know that in the next few days I’ll learn about my next child and look into her eyes (via a photo) for the first time.
Now is a good time to reflect on the amazing experience that is about to happen to me.
I’ve complained as much as anyone about the wait to complete this adoption. I’ve been frustrated about information and misinformation from Chinese authorities. I’ve griped, I’ve moaned. I’ve groaned.
But with all that said I am blown away by the notion that China is going to allow me to raise one more of her precious children.
What an honor. What an awesome responsibility. I don’t feel completely worthy of this privilege.
I freely admit I’m not a perfect parent. I make mistakes. I lose my patience sometimes. I’m not as consistent with rules as I should be.
But I do love Little Zo Peep more than words can describe. I know I will feel the same about Libby Doodle Doo.
And despite my flaws, I do try to learn from my mistakes and be better the next time. Every day I shoot for continuous improvement. Perhaps by the time they go off to college, I’ll have this parenting thing down pat.
And I also think a lot about the additional responsibilities I have to parent daughters who are from China.
I want to have both my girls to understand and celebrate their Chinese heritage. It’s not the only thing that defines them, but it is an important aspect about who they were, who they are, and who they will be.
I sadly realize that they will never be truly Chinese again. I'm not Chinese. I can’t raise them in China where their culture will surround them like the air they breathe and permeate their skin to become one with them.
I also realize that they may not be exactly like many other Chinese Americans - because they don’t have a Chinese parent at home who can really teach the nuances of their culture and raise them in the Chinese way.
But China will always play a prominent role in our entire family – not just in their lives but in mine too. We – all three – will forever be a Chinese American family.
And to China I promise to do my best to make you as proud of these girls as I will be.
So as I stand at the beginning of this new path of mothering a 2nd child I want to thank those who have helped me get here and those that will help me in the future.
I’m humbly grateful for the opportunity to do this a second time.
I know that in the next few days I’ll learn about my next child and look into her eyes (via a photo) for the first time.
Now is a good time to reflect on the amazing experience that is about to happen to me.
I’ve complained as much as anyone about the wait to complete this adoption. I’ve been frustrated about information and misinformation from Chinese authorities. I’ve griped, I’ve moaned. I’ve groaned.
But with all that said I am blown away by the notion that China is going to allow me to raise one more of her precious children.
What an honor. What an awesome responsibility. I don’t feel completely worthy of this privilege.
I freely admit I’m not a perfect parent. I make mistakes. I lose my patience sometimes. I’m not as consistent with rules as I should be.
But I do love Little Zo Peep more than words can describe. I know I will feel the same about Libby Doodle Doo.
And despite my flaws, I do try to learn from my mistakes and be better the next time. Every day I shoot for continuous improvement. Perhaps by the time they go off to college, I’ll have this parenting thing down pat.
And I also think a lot about the additional responsibilities I have to parent daughters who are from China.
I want to have both my girls to understand and celebrate their Chinese heritage. It’s not the only thing that defines them, but it is an important aspect about who they were, who they are, and who they will be.
I sadly realize that they will never be truly Chinese again. I'm not Chinese. I can’t raise them in China where their culture will surround them like the air they breathe and permeate their skin to become one with them.
I also realize that they may not be exactly like many other Chinese Americans - because they don’t have a Chinese parent at home who can really teach the nuances of their culture and raise them in the Chinese way.
But China will always play a prominent role in our entire family – not just in their lives but in mine too. We – all three – will forever be a Chinese American family.
And to China I promise to do my best to make you as proud of these girls as I will be.
So as I stand at the beginning of this new path of mothering a 2nd child I want to thank those who have helped me get here and those that will help me in the future.
I’m humbly grateful for the opportunity to do this a second time.
1 comment:
Congratulations on the news. So, so exciting.
Also, much better chicks and hen photo.
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