The Latest

While I now have a face, I'm still wrestling with the name. I'm pretty sure it's down to Charlotte or Jillian. I ruled out Elliot and Elyse for the fear someone might call her Ellie Mei. While I love my southern heritage, I have to draw the line somewhere.

Jiang Mei Jiao is currently residing at the Dianjiang Social Welfare institute in Sichuan Province, Chongqing municipality. 2 hrs from the city of Chongqing itself. The municipality has a population of 30 million people. It is southwest of Beijing and northwest of Guangzhou, our checkout point and location of the US Consulate. She is no where near the coast, but is very close to the ancient Yangtze River. Cynthia and I will be covering a lot of ground. A quick shout out and thank you to Cynthia for joining me on this adventure, one of my greatest friends, for 22 years.

Other news - I received translated exam records on Friday, Feb 2. The report is from the end of October 2006. Here's what I know about my little girl from this report...she weighed just over 17lbs, had 5 teeth, was crawling between 7 and 9 months and could walk some distance while holding onto furniture by 11 months. She could clap her hands and wave for bye bye. The report indicated that they had already taught her Ma Ma. They referred to her as Jiao Jiao and not Mei, so I think I will keep Mei Jiao as her U.S. legal middle name. I love the name Mei and it is also my mother's middle name (Mae). Oh and they checked off deep sleeper, but I'm not counting on that. Of course, if she is a deep sleeper then that would be a first for our family. Seriously crossing my fingers on that one.

I also loved that they checked off that she could tear paper. While it's probably a standard check, if true, then this is evidence that she and Luray will get along just fine. Probably a future bonding moment. Word to the wise, never teach your dog to unwrap gifts. Anything with paper around it is fair game in her book. Luray's an ultra laid back 10 year old Golden so I haven't been too worried about her adjustment. But I still suspect Rosebud will spend the first few weeks in the closet. Poor dog has no idea what's coming her way. I'll be watching her like a hawk.

That's all for now.....Anne