My morning started with thinking, well, it's friday, we probably will have to wait to get the call next week. I then went to work were I was taking my ACLS certification class and checked in on my email from a computer in the library. I saw a message from Stephanie and froze. She said people were getting calls! Oh my gosh! My body started to tremble, I felt nauseous, and grabbed my phone to make sure I hadn't missed a call. nothing. I then went into my class, told the instructor right away that I was expecting a phone call and If I got it I would be leaving!! Well at 0930 I got the call! I went into the hospital Lobby where a pianist was playing "How Greath Thou Art" in the background and I asked as many questions as I could think of about our daughter.
I then called Dan and we went through a whole spectrum of emotions on the phone together. Dan was driving to work and yelled out "I can't teach now!" :)
I then called my mom and talked like a chipmunk on speed I was so excited to tell her all I knew.
Then I went back into the classroom numb and in shock and the whole room stopped and cheered and clapped. I entered the classroom thinking I was getting my stuff and going home, but then just sat down! I knew Dan wasn't going to be home until later and I thought, well, I guess I'll finish this certification now, I need to right? As I sat there I thought, am I a bad mom! It felt all so surreal! I've heard of so many other's getting their call...but I got MY call!!! Lauren swirled through my mind and I couldn't eat lunch or think of anything else but... I am a mom!!
I just got home, Dan called and is on his way and we will then open our email together and see Lauren's face for the first time.
Here is what I know so far:
Her Chinese Name: Zhen Yu Yao
Birthday: August 5, 2007 (19 months old)
Providence: Guizhou
Orphanage: Social Welfare Institute of ZhenFeng county
Height: 27.6 inches
Weight: 15.6 pounds
The CHI social worker said she was looking at her picture and she looked "sad", but that I would bring a smile to her face soon. (this makes my heart cry). I noticed that her weight is well below the normal for her age, but I also know that the growth charts are different for asian girls and also that she will pick up her weight once we get her home.
The biggest heartbreak is that she is 19 months old. Since we had said as young as possible and no older than 12 months, I was expecting a little one who hadn't been waiting so long. I think of all I have done and all she has gone through without my being with her. Her first birthday, etc. I love her soo much. I want to be in China right now.
As soon as Danny gets home we will look at our daugher for the first time. I have the most amazing husband and I can't wait to see him be a daddy.
I will post her picture tonight.
I am filled with love, and tears, and wonder....
11 comments:
Lauren's coming home!
CONGRATULATIONS MOM AND DAD!
Congrats Mom!!!
I cant wait to see Lauren's pic! Our Hannah and Lauren will only
be only 2 months apart, I hope
to see you at a Panda Friends
gathering soon with your daughter
God Bless Your Family!!!
The Ost Family :-)
Congratulations!!!!! Mommy and Daddy!! Enjoy your evening and weekend of gazing at Lauren's beautiful face. She will be in your arms in a matter of weeks! She is on her way home. All of you are in our prayers.
My head is spinning. My heart is spinning too. I just keep reading your post over and over again. Although happy tears have been shed for you today, I think I'm in shock! Is this really happening???!!! YOU ARE A MOM!!!! Seeing Lauren's face for the first time is going to be such a thrill. Post as soon as you can!
Thank you so much for calling me today. Hearing the joy in your voice is something I will remember for a long time.
I think I'm going to go shed a few more happy tears for you......
Mary
My heart is filled with so many emotions for you & Lauren. Tears of joy...... Congratulations! You are a Mommy! Big hugs to you!!!!!
I am so happy for you! Congrats!
Keep smilin!
Just reading your referral experience made me teary! It does break your heart to think of all the time you missed away from each other. I still have a difficult time looking at photos I was able to get of Miya (age 3 from Hunan) in foster care before she was with me. My heart hurts that we were apart at those times. It works out ok though, in the end being together at last is all the matters. Congrats on your beautiful baby girl!
I don't know you but, I have a daughter from Guangxi. She was 16 mos old when we got her and I was pretty devastated (I just knew I would get a 5 mos old).
When we got home though, I knew why... She was ours. So clearly our daughter. For whatever reason, God's best was older. Lauren is YOURS! She was always intended for you... and that's why you all waited so long. :) Take courage. You have a lovely daughter and she's a rare blossom from Guizhou. :)
Our daughter was 15 1/2 months old when they placed her in our arms...but she still carried the vesitges of babyhood with her :)
Terrye in FL
Hi Mardi,
I just popped over to your blog from RQ...it caught my eye since our daughter is Lauren too. We have been home since January.
Our Lauren was also 19 months at referral and I had a moment when my heart dropped a little when I heard her birth date. We were expecting and hoping for under 12 months. I was so concerned about the extra challenge of getting a toddler and all the extra time she spent at the orphanage.
If you have some time, you may want to read through some of our posts from China during our first week (early January). It was quite a challenge since our daughter was very attached to her caregivers. She really gave us a run for the money while in China, but now we know that she is the exact right child for us and the exact right age. Her hard grieving was a very good sign of her ability to form strong attachments and that is just what she has done with us. She is amazing and we wouldn't have it any other way! She is also doing incredibly well with language (which was a huge concern of mine) and just soaks everything up like a sponge.
I just thought I'd give you some assurance that even though your Lauren may be a little older than expected, she is definitely the exact right child for you!
Donna :)
www.waitingforlaurenelizabeth.blogspot.com
PS...you can e-mail me through my blog if you have any questions at all. :)
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