Whoopie!

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  It has come as such as relief to us...We recently learned the pediatrician, that we have long hoped would take our child on as a patient, has kindly agreed to squeeze us into her practice. It is very hard to find a pediatrician that specializes in internationally adopted children in the Boston area, let alone locally, but we're in luck! For years, we have heard great things about a particular doctor, who's practice is minutes from our house, who is also a parent of a child adopted from China, and who has a focused interest in internationally adopted children. JACKPOT!!! ....Or so we thought - until I looked into it and found out that she was not taking on new patients. On an impulse, I mailed a letter that had a hint of groveling and a dash of flattery to it. I asked the doctor to provide a consultation for us. This means, when we are presented with the medical summaries of a child that we may consider for adoption, she would review the file and make recommendations (this is a standard practice). We also asked her to keep us in mind, if a slot should open up within her practice. The doctor's secretary sent us correspondence relaying that the doctor was out on maternity leave until November, but that she would advocate for our request. Well, long story not so short (sorry), after many months of finger-crossing, the doctor responded that she would add us into her patient care. Yippee! It may not seem like such a big deal to many, but for us, it means that our pediatrician will be attuned to the unique needs of a child that:
• has received institutional care
• may come home with skin rashes and/or other illnesses typically found in orphanages
• will have transitional needs/struggles once we are home
• may need assistance catching up with developmental norms
• may experience issues at school that relate to adoption
• will have no known medical history
• etc.. I'm sure we'll learn them as we go :)

Dr. K has come highly recommended by our homestudy social worker and several adoption experts. It is comforting to have this important piece of the puzzle in place.

Special Needs Workshop

We participated in a workshop with CAWLI (China Adoptions With Love, Inc.) today on the topic of Special Needs and Older Child Adoptions. It was great meeting Lillian, founder and director of the agency, and Meg, the primary social worker, once again. Several adoptive parents, some with their children present, provided us with information based on their own experiences in China and back home. We consider ourselves to be truly fortunate to have these resources open and available to us. Meg, Lillian, and so many of the families touched by this agency are always so willing to extend themselves to waiting families. They are candid and open about the process and the factors and treatment of each medical need. They invite you to ask questions and freely share their own personal stories. Meg is so knowledgeable in the area of Chinese adoption, but her personal grasp of the specific needs and interests of each family that has completed and/or is in the process of adoption, is positively astounding. This organization provides parents with knowledge and awareness and it fosters a sense of community among the families that it supports. We always feel refreshed and nurtured by their powerful words and friendly faces. The next time we meet with the agency, it will be to discuss the details of traveling to China (in the event that we are matched with our child in the months to come) and then again, with our own parents, to learn about Chinese culture. I guess that's all for now...I'm heading off, out of doors to enjoy a beautiful autumn afternoon in New England! I luv fall!!!

p.s. that's Lillian in the photo

Trivia Time

Here are some interesting facts about China...

• The Great Wall stretches for about 4,500 miles across North China.


• Twenty percent of China's plants are used in medicine.


• Ice cream was invented in China around 2000BC when the Chinese packed a soft milk and rice mixture in the snow.


• Long ago, silk making was a closely guarded secret. Anyone who gave the secret away could be killed.


• Paper was first invented in China in 105 AD. It was a closely guarded secret and didn’t reach Eurupe until the 8th century.


• China has only about 200 different family names.


• There are about 40000 characters in Chinese language; An Adult is only expected to know 5000 of them.


• Tian’anmen Square is the largest public plaza in the world.

Time to Wok!

Remember "Yan Can Cook"? Well, I recently came across one of his more recent books. I loved watching Yan's show when I was a kid; he was so animated and humorous. He made cooking fun long before the Food Network dominated the t.v. This book has some beautiful photography and interesting narratives chronicling his travels across China. His recipes are simple to follow and highlight cuisine from many of the provinces. I haven't fired up the wok yet, but I hope to add to my dinner repertoire soon.