A Special Book for Lily

My New Life

by Mark and Stephanie (MaMa and BaBa)

*printed using Blurb software

I have spent the last month working a very important book for Lily.  This is a picture book that gives Lily a glimpse of what her new life will be like.  It is very informative and honest.

 I try to give her an idea of what to expect when we meet and during the first 2 weeks in China.  I tell her about the long plane ride, TB shot, jet lag, people greeting us at the airport, and all the fun things as well.  I use pictures to show examples of everything.

I explain what it means to have parents and to be a part of a family.  I show her all around our house, her school, and the neighborhood.  I introduced her new family, pets, and friends.  I also give an overview of the yearly schedule (school vs summer) and our daily routines.  Sydney also came home during the summer and it was a HUGE wake up call when the "school schedule" began.  She thought "summer" was how life was all the time in America.

I warned her that everything will be different.  Food, language, people, home, smells, etc. will not be familiar to her.  I also tell her that we will do our best to make her as comfortable as possible and will try to have her favorite foods available every day.  (I also show pictures of Chinese food, Chinese market, etc.)  We also have many Chinese friends so she will always have someone to talk to and help translate.

I reassure her of our love, how we would never hit her, and that we are proud to be her parents.

I did prepare her that she will receive many new toys and clothes at first but not to expect new things routinely.  We will not buy her something new every time we go to the store.  We will give her an allowance for doing simple chores at home and she can buy gifts with that money. 

I have heard of many stories where children are told by their caretakers in China that once adopted, they will get anything they want and can act any way they want.  Then when they are adopted, they are angry that having a family wasn't what they were told it would be.  (there are rules in a family)

I just want Lily to know that she is going to a wonderful home BUT she needs to have realistic expectations. 

The book is printed in Chinese, colorful, full of pictures, and is easy to read.  My friend has a 9 year old girl who was adopted from China in October.  She read the book and said it was very good.  She thought Lily would appreciate it.

She should get the book the end of this week or next.  I hope she is able to read it so that she may be prepared ahead of time.