Hello, friends. Jordan said that she would write a post for today to give an update on how the adoption is going. Well, needless to say, her hands are full, both figuratively and literally. So, I will give you all an update from my perspective. Keep in mind that Jordan and Yankee are in Thailand which is 11 time zones away. They are half way around the world from me, so I can only tell you what I have learned through texting, photos, and Skype. This post is heavy on the words with zero pictures. At this point in the adoption process they are not able to share photos on social media, and they need to respect the country’s wishes. So, here goes…….
Jordan and Yankee arrived in Bangkok, Thailand last Tuesday evening knowing that they would meet Little Miss the next morning. They are staying in a large hotel, and there are two other American families there to meet their children, also. One of the girls and Jordan became friends through emails which means they will have each other for moral support.
Wednesday morning started out with an orientation from the social workers, and they met their babies at 10:30. The children, two boys and one girl, entered the room. Little Miss had a photo book with her that Jordan and Yankee sent to her last year. She looked at the photos and then at them. When she saw that the other children were crying, then she started crying, too. She has cried a lot since then.
They tried to play with her a while, but she just sat and was very observant. Then they took her to lunch where they learned that she has really good manners and likes strawberries and watermelon. After lunch, they showed her their hotel room, and the social worker explained to her that this is where she would be sleeping and a bathtub where she would be getting baths. Then Jordan, Yankee, and Little Miss traveled by van one and a half hours to meet the foster mother. Little Miss slept the entire way while Yankee held her.
The foster mother, whom we will always feel so much love and respect for, is a lovely grandmotherly type, and Little Miss is very fond of her. This is her first international adoption, and it was just she and Little Miss living in her home. There are family members as neighbors and a few other children who are there for support, etc. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for her to hand over this little girl whom she has raised since infancy. Little Miss remained with the foster mother, and the social workers brought an exhausted Jordan and Yankee back to their hotel.
On Thursday morning, Little Miss was returned to them, and they went to lunch and shopping for clothes and incidentals that she would need. She slept for about 15 minutes in the bed and woke up crying. She didn’t eat much that day. At the end of their time together, the social worker took Little Miss back to her foster mother for one last night together.
Friday was the day Little Miss would live with her new family. You can imagine how difficult this must be for the children who go through this. They are taken from a home that they know and love and begin living with people who do not look like them, smell like them, talk like them, etc. Jordan and Yankee have been reading, learning, watching videos, and talking to people so they would know what to expect and how to react. Little Miss is reacting pretty much the way they had expected. She is sleeping well, but there are lots of tears. At first she wasn’t eating much, but the last report we received is that her appetite is picking up, and she smiled. They were thrilled. They didn’t expect to see a smile for at least a week.
They learned from the foster mom that she is a happy little girl who talks a lot. She loves music and loves to dance, and she loves flowers. Jordan said she will hold onto a blossom for hours at a time and even fall asleep with a flower clutched in her fingers.
We have seen her on Skype, and she has the face of an angel. She has lots of hair that is cut in a short bob and has been wearing it gathered on top like Pebbles Flintstone. So cute……. They were happy to learn that the clothes they took (size 2T) fit. She is in the top percentile for her height and weighs about 20 – 22 pounds. She is healthy.
They have an adoption meeting for some paperwork with Thai officials on Wednesday, and then they are going to leave Bangkok and go to a resort for a few days. They can’t leave the country until they get her travel visa from the US government which will happen on May 10 or 11. They thought it would be best to get out of busy, crowded, hot Bangkok and rest in the peace and luxury of a vacation resort. They will be away from distractions. Right now it is all about bonding and letting Little Miss know she is safe and that she can trust them. Trust is necessary before anything else can happen. They will be back in Charlotte on May 12.
I think this is the first post we have ever done without pictures, and if you have made it this far, thank you. This is a huge event for all of us in our family, and we really appreciate your interest and prayers.
Take care.
Teri says
SO happy for all of them!!!!
Marita says
Congratulations to all of you! Very difficult time as well as happy and exciting.
Karen says
A wonderful blessing for your family and for Lirtle Miss…may the blessings continue!
Mary Ann says
What a great update! Can’t wait until you are able to post pictures. As a Grandma to 4 granddaughters I know your arms are itching to hold your little Miss.
Rita C at Panoply says
This is so beautiful. I have an adopted niece (now 9, Guatemala) and nephew (now 25, Peru), both whose parents traveled to the country of origin when the children were 1 yr and newborn, respectively. The stays were much longer than Yankee & Jordan’s, by the country’s requirements. I know they must be relieved to have come this far. What a joy for her to love dance, music and flowers, and to be talkative by nature. 🙂 Well wishes to all!
Donnamae says
Thank you Janette for this update. Blessings to you all! 😉
Rose says
I am so happy for all of you
Your post made me smile in many places, but when you said she smiled I had tears in my eyes.
Can’t wait to see picture of Little Miss.
God Bless you all
Much love,
Rose
Mary Crain says
I bet you are excited to meet your granddaughter! So much change for Little Miss. As well as Jordan and Yankee. Sounds like they are already being great parents.
classic•casual•home says
Such an emotional and exciting time. My older sister and brother were adopted. I am so grateful for them.
Mary Ann
Rosalie says
Hugs and patience to all involved with this loving action.
Susan B. Jones says
Aww, I love this story and will pray that successes continue to happen!
Donna says
Wonderful update. She sounds absolutely precious. And though I know it’s so sad to see her cry, take comfort knowing she has a loving bond to her foster mother. With Time and patience that bond and love will be shared with her forever family. I am so happy for all of you. Blessings!
Raymond Chew says
Very happy for all of you on the adoption of Little Miss.
Cindy Kline says
So happy for all of you. What wonderful parents and grandparents you will be!
Katherine says
My love and prayers are with you all! Thank you for sharing your family’s journey with all of us!
Karen says
Such an exciting event for your family. Special prayers going out for the new family of 3.
Peace & Blessings
Karen
Gail says
Prayers for a smooth transition for Little Miss. I am sure there will be many happy years ahead for all.
Janette says
Thank you to everyone for taking the time today to make a comment or send a prayer our way. They feel your love all the way over in Bangkok.
Cindy says
I really hope she makes the transition well. What an adjustment for all 3 of them. The pictures can wait but it will be great to see them when everyone is ready.
Lauren says
Thank you so much for the detailed update! Amazing story and I am so overjoyed for your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie says
Such good news to hear they are starting their new life together as a family. As a grandmother (Cookie!) to two little girls, ages 2 1/2 and 8 months, I understand how the tears can be frequent at Little Miss’ young age. As they spend more time together and establish their own routine, she will adapt to her new life and start to feel secure with her new mama and daddy. I am very happy for all of you and will enjoy following your updates in the time ahead. Best wishes and safe travels for Jordan, Yankee, and Little Miss.
Vicki and Jennifer 2 Bees in a Pod says
Thank you so much for this wonderful update. Our prayers and positive thoughts are with all of you during this very exciting (and trying) time.
Stephanie says
Congrats to the whole family! Sending good vibes for a smooth transition.
Nicki Parrish says
Thanks for the update, I have been keeping them in my thoughts and prayers. Much luck to them in their journey to bring her home!
kathy says
Little Miss has no idea what a wonderful life is in store for her. I am happy they are working to make such a smooth transition for her but how scary it must also be for her. I know you are beyond excited to meet her.