Category: Adoption

So much life has happened in the four months since we first laid eyes on our precious Little Man. Four months ago, yesterday. Though we carefully washed and tucked away the clothing he arrived in on that memorable day, we placed his well-worn shoes in his toy box. Every few weeks he unearths one or…

In China, everyone turns a year older during Chinese New Year, not on their actual birth date. But Little Man is two today. Twenty-four months ago another woman laboriously welcomed him into the world. I can only imagine the raw sting this anniversary brings her, each year. Of course she remembers. Surely she must ponder his health and whereabouts……

Nothing could have fully prepared us for the delightful, complex and unique individual that is our son. He is everything we hoped for, and much more. He fits seamlessly into our family, as if he’s always been here. Still, he’s brought with him a fair share of genuine surprises. For instance, birth marks. Our son (and,…

Yes, Little Man is already a true-blue American citizen. Not all international adoptions work this way, but when he stepped foot on US soil, in April, he was official. We are grateful he now resides in the land of the free. Speaking of nationality, call him Chinese or call him American. Call him Chinese-American, or Asian, or…

Today marks one week post-op for Little Man; he is doing remarkably well. He’s a champ… except at night. Handsome Husband and I have accepted that we may never sleep again. No worries, though, I’ve decided to stop being a martyr and just drink my fully caffeinated coffee each morning, without remorse, like a good…

We just returned home after Griswoldin’ it up in the family minivan for the last two weeks. At last count, we traversed over 2,906 miles, during most of which I acted the part of Front Seat Contortionist– doling out snacks, and later administering medication. If you’ve been following along, you’re aware that Little Man underwent a…

First of all, this isn’t who you think it is. No, her blog hasn’t actually been hacked…although after my post she’ll probably change the password. Badum-ching! My name is Elissa, I make bad jokes, and my dear friend and superior-to-me fellow blogger (who is sans computer access for the time being) has asked me to update everyone to let them know how…

Yesterday, Handsome Hubs and I celebrated thirteen years of wedded bliss. We are parents, so this is how we spent the day… Little Man met a lot of extended family for the first time. At one point, at the trampoline place, he stopped in his tracks and cocked his head, observing my sister and I…

Our pilgrimage to our home state, for Little Man’s surgery, is this weekend. As it will be his first overnight stay away from home, we wanted to gently remind well-meaning loved ones of the Rules of Engagement for interacting with our precious son. Please do not pick him up. Though it will seem an impossibility, do not…