Friday, October 06, 2006

Here she is!

Meet Ba Shu Ting, soon to be known as Rachel Shu-Ting (or "Ting Ting").

These photos were taken in July, when Rachel was about six months old. At that time she weighed 18.7 pounds and was 24.82 inches long.

Ting Ting has been in foster care since she was one day old. The referral report describes her as healthy, and it's no wonder -- we are told she eats six times a day. Mostly she drinks milk "with glucose, bone-strengthening powder and cod-liver oil as supplements," but she also sometimes eats steamed egg or fruit paste. At six months, she's described
as "very lovely and active."

The report says, "she is a sensible child, not crying frequently unless she is hungry or has a wet diaper." That does seem sensible, doesn't it? It says she "loves to play with kids older than herself" (whew!). "When seeing little kids dancing she will also learn to do so," it says, so Brandon is getting ready to teach her some of his moves. When she is happy "she will clap her hands and kick her feet." It says she is trying to stand. "She loves to move around in the walking-assisting-cart," we learned.

And she's already taking after her Daddy: "With toys in her hand, she will try to observe them carefully as though doing some research." (Watch out, Uncle Jerry! She's going to be in your garage looking for help with some broken-down piece of electronics held together with Band-aids).

This is their translation of her name: "Ba is the first character of the ancient name (Ba Ling) of her birth place -- Yueyang County. Shu Ting means to hope that she will have a comfortable environment and a beautiful mind when she grows up."

We won't know our exact travel dates for a few weeks, but we're hoping to spend Thanksgiving in China. Just think how thankful we'll be to pinch those chubby cheecks!

Meanwhile, I'll be at Costco stocking up on bone-strenghening powder and fruit paste.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

YIPEEE....she is just adorable! I am so happy for you! Can you believe this is real? Before we know it we both will be home with our little girls! How wonderful is that?
I am so happy for you guys. I hope time flies until you reach the day when you are holding Rachel in your arms.

Gigi said...

Susan and Lance,
WOW! She is incredible! She sounds adorable and like she will fit right into your family. I can only imagine how excited you all are to make this last leg of your journey. We are so very excited for you and for sweet little Rachel.

The wait from now until travel will alternate between the longest period of your life and as fast as the blink of an eye! The roller coaster is now approaching the grand finale of twists, turns, and drops; just hold on and enjoy the ride!

Congratulations on the beautiful addition to your family,

Michelle I & Family
(Especially Gigi who can't wait to meet her soon-to-be friend Rachel!)

Jacquie said...

Awesome Susan and Lance - she is beautiful!! Congratulations.

Lisa~~ said...

Oh, so cute!!!

Shannon said...

She is beautiful!! And I love her name and name story. Wow! Wishing a quick TA/CA for your family.

Anonymous said...

She is beautiful! We are also adopting from China and hope to travel early November. Much luck and happiness to your family.

M. Rhude

Lisa and Shane said...

Congratulations - what a beautiful girl.

Lisa

Anonymous said...

Yeah, she does win a cutie award! Congrats and all the best.