Monday, December 3, 2012
DAY EIGHT WITH OUR DAUGHTER (PARENT LESSON #18: PATIENCE AND WISDOM)

I think I can say with confidence that both Mommy and Daddy have the morning routine down. Having everything prepared and ready is the only way to go. It’s just like being in the Military – you have your check list and you work from it: (1) tomorrow clothes layout, check; (2) bottle ready with formula measured, check; (3) Water ready to boil, check; (4) wash cloth (her bib), check; (5) new diaper and wipes, check; and (6) toys ready for playtime. Now that Mommy and Daddy have their act together (per say), Mei-Li’s comfort has grown to the level that she is allowing us to see more and more of her personality. And what a personality, she has! She loves to play, laugh, play jokes and just have a good time. Mei-Li loves to play with Daddy; he’s funny, teaches new games on the computer and makes her laugh (Check out the pictures)! Oh, how we love to hear her laugh! She also knows what she wants and can convey it without using any words. The orphanage was “spot-on” when they stated that she can be obstinate. We have seen this at least three times today:

(1) As we prepared to go down stairs for breakfast, we told her we are getting ready to go bye-bye. So, Mei-Li climbed into the stoker. We said no, and so the tantrum began. We let her cry a little then pick her up and took her to the elevator and distracted her mind with the elevator buttons.

(2) During our morning walk, we stopped to buy a suitcase, which will be used for all Mei-Li stuff. She saw Daddy pulling the luggage, and she wanted to do it. First of all, we had to figure out, what she was trying to tell us, which was interesting to say the least. (Daddy – figured it out, first:)) She did not want anyone to help her; she wanted to do it by herself.

(3) Same scenario as in #2, but this time it was the stoker. She wanted to push the stoker without any help. She also wanted to be able to put her hand in the exact spot Mommy had her hands on the stoker. She could hardly reach it, but she did it.

We can see that she is strong headed, knows what she wants, want to do things on her own and if she can’t get her way, the tantrum starts.

So, the parenting lesson of the day:

(18) For the rest of our lives we need God help for patience and wisdom in how to channel these wonderful personality traits into positive future Mei-Li outcomes.

I can see where parents can get tried and frustrated. I pray that God will grant us the ability to be able to exercise patience each day, each tantrum and give us the ability to channel her stubbornness into a positive direction. These characteristics (knowing what you want, doing it yourself and going for it) are good ones when used in the right way. Lord, help us as parents to help/guide her and give us the ability to handle every circumstance with your patience and love!

Please allow us to update on Naomi and her family. The last time we blogged, we united Naomi’s family another family here that is adopting another albino baby. Turns out, that Naomi mother had tried to adopt another albino baby before they were matched with Naomi. Things did not work out (timing) and another family was selected. Naomi’s mother grieved – as if she had a miscarriage. Can you believe that this new family is the family that adopted that baby? Wow, God has allowed them to meet and now Naomi’s mother can heal and have closure! As Fel always says, you can’t make these things up or do these things – but GOD can! Naomi’s emotional condition is improving each day, Thank God! We saw her at breakfast, and she was actually sitting in a high chair eating and looking around. She did not react badly when we approached to say good morning. We are so excited and encouraged. This is the beginning of Naomi’s recovery. Please continue to pray for her and her family. God has many blessings for her and her family. The “God” moments and situations that have happened with this family here in China are evident of a blessed union.

Update on Uncle Frank – The family is waiting for his brother, (Uncle Jimmy) to arrive from out of town before any further decisions are made. Again, we are asking for prayers! Hugs to all our family – we will be back in NJ on Thursday – one day and a wake up!

Tomorrow we are heading to our US Consulate appointment then we are off to orphanage for a visit. We will also get to see the place Mei-Li was found and the hospital that treated her cleft lip. :)

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  ~1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV