3 Years Together!!!

November 7, 2014 was the third anniversary of our Family Day.  The wonderful day that Gary and I met our amazing daughter, Natalie Wanhan, in the Jiangxi province of China. I knew from the very first moment I met her I would do anything for Natalie including giving my life for hers without hesitation. Since then I have seen this beautiful (inside and out) child touch the lives of so many others. Recently I was asked on a form to list at least one strength of my child. I could have written for hours, but I just wrote the first few words that came to mind: focused, detail oriented, curious, compassionate and wise. When I read the words back to myself I seemed like I was talking about someone in their 40s or 50s. Natalie Wanhan is an old soul. It is mind boggling how a four year old girl is changing the world through her deep love and compassion. In the last 12 months I have lost Gary and three other friends. All four of those people had life altering moments with Natalie prior to their deaths. She inspires so many others, including me, to be their best selves. I am so excited to see what the future holds with this phenomenal child in my life and on our planet. 

When I asked Natalie what she wanted to do to celebrate our 4th Family Day she said she wanted to climb Pinnacle Mountain.  In the picture below you can see the sign that says it is a 1 1/2 mile trip that is steep, rugged and strenuous.  I wasn’t anticipating going all the way to the top because I thought Natalie would tire out before then, but she surprised me (as she frequently does).  Once when I stopped for a rest Natalie said “Come on Mama, we can’t stop until we get to the top.”  

 

On top of our little corner of the world.

Words can not express how much I love this child.  I am the luckiest mama!

After our hike Natalie wanted to wear one of her Chinese dresses and have dinner at a Chinese restaurant.  Happy Family Day to my delightful Natalie Wanhan.

2 Years Ago Today...The Greatest Gift Was Given

Two years ago today, Gary, Natalie and I were given the gift of each other as we became Daddy, Mommy and Daughter.  My sister Leah gained a precious niece while Natalie gained the most loving Aunt Sissy.  Marm, Papa, Greatgrandmother, Grandmommy and Granddaddy were given the gift of a sweet grandchild while Natalie was given the gift adoring grandparents.  Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends were blessed by this feisty Jiangxi girl and in return blessed the life of our little firecracker from China.  Katie and Louie the Newfoundlands got a little girl of their very own to lick and love; Natalie gained two zealous protectors who will always do their best to keep her safe from harm.

Natalie has touched so many hearts and lives and in return she has been so very loved.  In China so many people would give us the thumbs up sign and say in Chinese "lucky baby".  I believe it is more accurate to say "Lucky everyone whose life is touched by Natalie, and lucky Natalie to be the giver and receiver of an enormous circle of love."

On November 7th, I lifted a screaming, terrified little stranger into my arms.  Now Natalie and I share a bond which is so tight that at times it feels that we can read each other's minds.

My darling daughter, Natalie Wanhan, thank you for filling my heart and soul with more love than I ever dreamed possible.  I will always love you, and not even death can stop your Daddy's deep, indelible love for you.

One Year Ago Today: What Wanhan Was Wearing

When we met Natalie she was wearing over 2 pounds of clothing.  That is a lot for a rail thin little girl who only weighed 18 pounds at 21 months old.  I never previously published these photos, so I thought it would be interesting to show what Natalie's Family Day clothing looked like.

Chinese people believe in dressing much warmer than we do in the U.S.  Because Gary and I were warned before travel about the unofficial "clothes police" we tried to be very careful to keep Natalie well covered while we were in public.  However, we still had a few ladies come over to us and tug Natalie's pant legs down where they had ridden up.  I think it's interesting that they don't seem to be big on wearing hats in China.  Maybe they don't know that a lot of body heat can escape through an uncovered head.

Outside layer - The overalls, the only new article of clothing, were donated to the orphanage by a Families with Children from China organization in Spain I believe.




Second layer


Third layer


Fourth layer (including split pants and undershirt both with multiple repairs visible)




Underneath all of that was a dry diaper which was likely put on Natalie just for travel purposes. In the orphanage the children wear split pants and have bare bottoms to provide easy access for using the potty.  Natalie was about 95% potty trained when we met her.

When I took Natalie's diaper off I discovered one final layer. A big white bandage had been taped to her abdomen.  When I saw it I remember feeling a moment of panic.  I was scared to take the bandage off because I was expecting to find a large wound underneath.  Instead I found a muddy looking poultice that had been covering up her belly button.  What a relief! I found out later that this was an herbal remedy likely meant to prevent colds or digestive problems.