What's in a Name?

Dear MeiMei -

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.

Kids. are. so. important. Wow.

"“Internationally adopted children feel more strongly and dramatically than other children the pressure to be good and do what is right because deep down they still fear that they did something wrong that resulted in their relinquishment.” (Raising Your Internationally Adopted Child by Patty Cogen).

Adopted children often feel it was their fault they were "given up" - that they weren't good enough to be wanted. I've heard this said about children of divorce too. Kids, poor things . . . because the adult world is a mystery of grand authority and power, they assume that adults always do the right thing. Therefore, who else would be at fault but little, powerless, mistake-prone me. (I speak from my own experience of being adopted.)

Ohhhhhhh, if we could constantly wrap our minds around the immense responsibility we carry for raising our children in truth and love. Reminding them always that they are immeasurably valuable, accepted, treasured, and forgiven. Because this is how our heavenly Father and the very Master of our design views us - and that acceptance and love need to be passed on out of gratitude. These little critters are right now in the process of replacing us here on earth. WHAT could be more important? What greater purpose could there be?

Thank God He made them cute, right? Ha. But while we do the best we can with our "own" children, the rest of the children of the world need His Love as well. Pray for them, my friends. And if a little critter crosses your path in the coming days, send a pulse of love his way - he probably needs it. Smile with a little extra genuineness, spend a few extra moments listening to a little person - heck, I don't know . . . just make goofy faces at the little kid in front of you at church! (That's what I did yesterday - nothing like a 9-month old baby girl grinning back at you!)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Mei Mei's pediatrician

Today, Emmi was a mostly-willing guinea pig to try out our new pediatrician. The doc seems really great, and is happy for us that we're adopting, and is excited to meet Mei Mei when we get her home. Of course China expects us to have a pediatrician ready for her. Poor little tyke, she'll probably be meeting the doc very soon after arriving.

Unfortunately for Emmi, she got poked, prodded & queried up one side and down the other - so to speak, and topped off the visit with 2 vaccinations! Not a happy guinea pig.

Vaccinations aren't required to travel to China, but according to the CDC, Hep A & B are prevalent in Asia. Respiratory infections seem to be quite common as well, so we'd rather be a little cautious. Maybe up to 2 more shots for Em. Oh, and don't mention this to Allie, Jenna or Doug - they don't know about the vaccinations yet! (jk, of course they'll see it here!)

Some thoughts on domestic vs. international adoption

Yesterday, Allie was telling someone about our adoption - and the person asked her why we chose to adopt internationally rather than domestically. These are our thoughts.

According to one source I found, there are more than 143 million orphans in the world; and every two seconds another child becomes an orphan. Every child deserves a family. Another way of saying that is, no child is more "worthy" to be adopted than any other. Which child out of 143,000,000 is the one for our family? Reeeeeally tough question! There is no one 'best' way to adopt, just a best way for each family.

One important factor that tipped us toward international adoption is our desire to adopt an older child. The reasons for children being orphans at an older age are various, and tend to be different according to different cultures. China's older children seem to be a good fit for us.

We're so excited about having a permanent connection to China in our family. Please join us in loving and praying for the people of China!