Questions Asked, Answers Given

(Photo taken June 10th in China...Gotcha Day)

We've had many questions asked about Esther Marie, so I thought I would post a few with the answers since the majority of you have not had a chance to see us or meet her yet since we returned from China.

1. What name will you call her?

Her Chinese name is Hai Mei (sounds like "hi" and "may"). We are calling her that right now because she responds to it. We have included her Chinese name in her new legal name but have combined it....HaiMei. We will transition to calling her Esther Marie as the weeks go by. When you meet her, you can call her Esther Marie.

2. How old is Esther Marie?

She is 26 months old. Her birth date is April 7th, which is more special to us because she shares the same birthday as her daddy.

3. How much does she weigh and how tall is she?

She weighs 23 lbs....sometimes a little more depending on how heavy her diaper is! She is about 32 inches tall.

4. What language does she speak?

The language from her area of China is Cantonese. We think she speaks a few words, but we are not really sure since we don't speak the language and her sounds are probably distorted because of her open palate. She does jabber away at times, wagging her little finger at the same time. She makes some of the same sounds over and over.

5. Will you teach her English or will you hire someone? (It was hard to keep from laughing when I was asked this.)

She will learn English from living within our family, just as any child does. She is a good imitator and a fast learner and already seems to know many things.

6. Do you know who her "real" mother is?

I have to be honest with you and tell you that this question is always offensive to an adoptive mother. I am her "real" mother...the one who is taking care of her and will for the rest of her growing up years. Her "birth mother" is not known to us and we will probably never know who she is. We do have a real love for her birth mother who chose life for her so she could be part of our family.

7. How many surgeries will Esther Marie need to have?

Only God knows the answer to this one. We do know right now that she will need one to repair her open palate. Later down the line as she grows, she may need to have another palate surgery. She will also have a bone graft surgery in her gum line when she is in elementary school. There are also dental issues with her teeth and missing teeth, so orthodontics is definitely required with possible tooth implants or bridges. Speech therapy will be ongoing for years.

8. What are those spots on her arms and face?

When Esther Marie was found, she had been attacked by ants...and from the scarring, we believe they were fire ants, which are prevalent in southern China. These scars from the wounds should diminish with time. A dermatologist's office told me they do not treat bug bite scars on children...and we are guessing because of the regenerative quality of youthful skin.

9. What is her favorite food to eat?

Right now, Esther Marie pretty much likes ALL food. She does seem to reject eating most solid foods, but we think that's because she is not used to the texture. She loves her bottle which she gets once or twice a day. We are continuing to give her a bottle to help promote bonding and to help make her feel secure. She really enjoys the different variety of baby foods she has been trying since most flavors are new to her. Cream of wheat, grits and oatmeal are favorites because they are similar to Chinese congee (watery rice soup).

10. What does Esther Marie like to play with?

She loves little books and dolls. She likes Joshua's police car that makes sounds and has lights. She has been playing "kitchen" with her sisters and brother. She likes little people and animals she can hold in her hands. She enjoys any electronic item that she can get her hands on. Pretty much, she is a VERY inquisitive child who wants to check out everything.

11. What is her personality like?

She is a cheerful child who smiles a lot....very smart, funny and inquisitive. The little expressions on her face are ever changing and often comical. We frequently break into laughter and she loves it and keeps doing funny stuff. Does that mean she is a "little ham" ?? When she smiles, it lights up the room and my heart. She loves to help and seems to like being part of the family. Sometimes she does withdraw when she is tired, laying on the floor quietly. But when you approach her and call her name and smile at her, she lights up. I feel such joy when she runs to me and wants to be picked up. When I am doing things in the kitchen, she pulls over the little stool and stands on it to watch me, jabbering away like she is giving me instructions. Sometimes she is bossy and wags her finger at me and jabbers. She is not shy around our family and she definitely lets you know what she wants. Bedtime is her least favorite time and she fights it by crying and then playing. I think she just doesn't want to miss one exciting new adventure in her life.

If you have more questions, just let us know. If they are appropriate, we will answer them on the blog site.