Party Time
When we went to China, we went with 13 other families whom I now refer to collectively as our "China Family". We were thrown together as a family because our paperwork came to our agency around the same time and we all wanted to adopt a child (or two) from China. We did not choose this family, but isn't that how most families come together? Anyway, for the last 2 years, we've had a reunion and it's something I've looked forward to each year. We were thrown together by chance and grew into a family in the span of 2 weeks in China. We met our children together, waited for delayed airplanes together, we've watched each other's children while we were sick and just plain helped one another on the journey of a lifetime.
Yesterday was our fantastic reunion and one of the families hosted at a wonderful old house with a pool that Buttons flipped over. We didn't have everyone there due to distance, vacations and sickness, but we had lots of people, food and good times. I'm certain Buttons jumped in the pool at least 80 times with her mouth and eyes wide open. She played with the other kids and we talked with the adults about milestones. I talked with one of the dads there and we decided that the second year has been much easier than the first. We've all settled in a bit with parenting as there was an easiness yesterday from the group that I hadn't seen before. I helped change a diaper for someone else, someone helped with Buttons in the pool, different parents were helping with the children on the swing set. It truly was a family reunion.
It's very important for us to keep coming back to these people, our China Family, and luckily it seems to be important for them too. Buttons and I like to look at pictures we've downloaded to the computer. If we come across a picture of a girl from our China family, Buttons will often ask "is that me?" and it makes me stop and think. I want her to see other children who have similar features and be able to understand she's not the only child who has almond shaped dark brown eyes and straight dark brown hair. I also want her to see other families like ours and understand while each family is different and special, there are other also similarities we share. This reunion is a joy in so many ways and I look forward to next year!
P.S. Happy Birthday to our niece "S"!!!
Labels: Buttons, China Family, Reunion
posted by Katie J @ 1:46 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
What fun! When it finally happens - this China Adoption experience - can be such a beautiful thing. It is lovely to hear how much your family has grown and evolved. Your community - a garden that keeps giving.
Sounds like you all had a wonderful time! Are plans already underway for next year's reunion? :)
Awww, beautifully said. Ditto to everyting you wrote. We had a fantastic time and it certainly feels more like a family reunion than a friendly get together.
When starting our adoption we never realized that in addition to being blessed with a daughter, we would be blessed with a new extended family. What a wonderful surprise! Like an unexpected gift - one that just keeps giving. We treasure our 'China family' and like you guys, realize the importance of creating/maintaining these bonds - not just because we have a great time together, but for the relationship opportunites for our daughters. They will always have 'cousins' who understand.
How did we get so lucky?
Hugs to you my friend. (We're looking forward to getting together again soon. Mmmmm smores.)
BTW, that picture of Buttons jumping into the pool is awesome! LOOOOOVE the expression of pure joy on her face.
Did you ever put that camera down yesterday? (I've got callouses from mine. Ha!)
Awww. It's just so cool that you all remain so close. What a wonderful family indeed! :-)
Lovely post and so true. I was hoping to see the "twins"...... their mommy is a doll. Of course you already knew that.
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