Why China?
Chris and I discussed adoption before we got married. We both believed that adoption would be the best way for us to grow our family. On Valentine’s Day, 2006, I began to research international adoption. We both immediately decided that we would pursue the China adoption program. This decision was a no-brainer for us. We just felt that China was where we would begin our family. The choice seemed so natural and perfect, and we’ve never regretted our decision despite the many obstacles we have faced along the way.

The adoption path has not been as easy one for us. Almost everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong along the way. I don’t want to dwell on all the struggles, because without them, we may have never found Oscar. In many ways, the challenges helped us become stronger and reaffirmed our determination to bring home our son. We are so appreciative of the opportunity to adopt this amazing little boy. We truly feel blessed and lucky.

Why a boy from China?
Many people are surprised when I tell them we are adopting a son from China. Most people hear about the adoption of girls from China, but very little is ever mentioned about the boys.

Initially we decided to pursue adopting a daughter. I had always dreamed of a little girl. I thought about her for years, and I even remember telling my mother that one day I would have a daughter. My mom would smile and say, “No, I don’t think so. I think you are going to have a son and he is going to be one special little boy.” I only wish so dearly that my beloved mother was here to rejoice in the homecoming of her grandson. I do know that if she were still alive she would say, “I told you so!!!” I guess mothers are always right!

We thought with our second child we would pursue a special needs boy. Well we decided to reverse the order! When we began looking at the waiting child lists, we noticed an abundance of little boys needing homes. I also met online an amazing mom (Hi Shelby!) to a son from China (soon to be 2 sons!) who really helped me in finding Oscar. She encouraged me to look at the waiting child list of her agency and said that there were several sweet little boys still waiting. She also helped me learn about cleft lip and palate issues along with another very special mom (Hi Linda!). Both of these moms gave me the encouragement and support I needed during this time of transition to a new agency and a new program (SN). I don’t think I can ever thank them enough! I have been fortunate to meet some wonderful online friends, and I thank each of them for their support and understanding.
 

“East West”

East West
Over the ocean
Perpetual motion
Traveling around
No rest
Singing and playing
Night out and day in
Doing the rounds
What a great life this must seem!

Swelled joints
Everything classy
Nothing is tacky
Only the best
Lush girls
Older and dying
Sighing and crying
“This is success!”
What a great life this must seem!

But when I hear your voice
Singing out
The Bells of Home
Are ringing out
And I feel all alone
(And I think of my home)

Cold times
A wind through the houses
The bleakness arouses
A longing to leave
Time flew
I wanted to see you
Somehow I could not do
Because of success
What a strange life this can be!
But when I hear your voice
Singing out
The Bells of Home
Are ringing out
And I feel all alone
(And I think of my home)
~As sung by Morrissey (original written by Graham Gouldman)