We received our "Acceptance Packet" last week, containing several more forms to fill out, getting us ready to come to China to get you. It was a surprise that 2 of the forms had a blank for your American name. It seems that most adoptive parents give their international child a new name when they bring him/her home. We were hesitant, because you are losing so much - losing your name, as well, seems so sad. I had the opportunity to ask an adult adoptee from China if she was renamed and how she felt about it. She said she liked having a new name because Americans probably couldn't pronounce her Chinese name, let alone spell it! We wanted a name that is understood in both languages - we chose to give you the name that means "beautiful" in Chinese. Plus, we wanted you to keep your given name as a middle name. So on our forms, your American name is:
MeiLi ShiQiao Aldridge
愛 美丽 时俏
. . . pronounced "MayLee".
P.S. Friends: Her given name is Shi Qiao. Just for grins, let us know how you think you pronounce Shi Qiao - write it out phonetically so we can all laugh at you. (jk)
P.S.S. Our nickname for you right now is still MeiMei, because it's the first syllable of MeiLi, and it means "Little Sister". We've been calling you MeiMei since we began our process. Even our friends call you MeiMei! You're beautiful, and we love you.
5 comments:
that's so sweet! i'm so excited to meet her! i can't wait until she's here!
I know how to pronounce it! But that's probably not fair, is it? Love it. :o) I'm sure you know that Mei also means America.
Me too Amanda! :D
Mrs. Staggs, yes, America is derived from the "Mei" (meaning beautiful) put together with "guo" meaning country. Meiguo is America - but Mei is just beautiful :)
- Allie
I love it that you are writing to MeiMei. It is so wonderful and a gift to her. Here's my guess at how to say her chinese name:
Shi =She
Qiao = xchow
Thank you for sharing this incredibly wonderful and personal journey with us.
God bless you all and MeiLi. I love her new name.
love to all,
Andrea
Hello, Friends! I am just reading your blog for the first time because we got the internet only 3 weeks ago. I am delighted to hear all that has been happening with the process. It is thrilling what is happening, and I love her name. I am so happy for all of you! Hopefully we can get together and catch up. I will be praying for her and you. Love, Stephanie R.
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