Seems like time for a multi-addition update.
1. Addition to our family unit: Jon told me today that a January DTC (Dossier to China) family got their referral within the last week. We are a March DTC family. That means we might might might get the information about our daughter in early November. That would put us in China around Christmas time.
Tom, I read your post about the woman in your office who didn't think abandonned girls were a problem in China. Our friend Sarah had a similar experience at a Gift of Love picnic where a couple from China asked her why she was "taking another one." She was quite shocked by the question and by their follow up question, "Why don't you have your own." I wonder if it is an even more hidden social issue than we realize, or maybe there are certain more priviledged segments of the society there that strictly follow the rules and simply aren't aware of this particular consequence of public health policy.
Certainly we could say the same thing about awareness of rural and urban poverty in this country - it's hard to fathom unless you've seen it, gotten close to it or experienced it. It will make your hair stand on end, but no one ever really draws attention to it, or maybe didn't until the past week or so.... How many people in this country know about the off-grid lives of the many people who eke out an existence with bartering, or working for food or housing? How many know about the underground economy in states like Vermont and Maine? 2. Addition to the extended family: We're thrilled to know our baby girl will have an Aunt Kate a year from now! A beautiful lady, a beautiful relationship and a beautiful wedding location you've chosen. We can't wait, and we've started practicing our sailing knots.
3. Addition to the house: It's going on. We've moved out of the kitchen and dining room and the living-room-as-kitchen idea was short lived. So much for a nursery. We won't need one for the first few months anyway... she'll just be in with us in our mammoth room while the yellow room poses as our funny upstairs kitchen cafe (the green room is housing our art collection and excess furniture). The yellow room has great light, a great view and proximity to water, it's all good. They're taking out the back door and starting the roof tomorrow. Click the photos for a closer view.
