China Doll!

To really love these pictures as much as I do, you must hear a bit of the story.

Baby L's parents, who had been working on adopting from China for over 2 years were understandably frustrated to find out they were going home from China empty handed. See, they had already been there for a couple of weeks, and the baby they were supposed to take home was taken back to the orphanage (another story for another day). So, when they got the call saying there was another that they could possibly have, they were ecstatic. They knew she would come with heart problems, they had signed up for that. The orphange brought her to the hotel with grungy clothes, and pants that have an open crotch area. They tie elastic around the waist, since there are so many babies, and then they just put a large pad up and tuck it under the elastic. Then just pull it off to change her. She had been in the care of 4 or 5 different "homes" by this time. Her natural Mom was forced to leave her on the porch of the orphanage. Her new Mom and Dad (the greatest people) were so excited to finally get their baby girl~ miraculously, when they finally got her home, they had her checked with a clean bill of health!

I loved going to her home for some of the pics, her older sisters had decorated a darling "princess" room for her, complete with a closet full of the cutest clothes, bows, boots, and blankies. They are such an amazing family and everyone is head over heels in love with this darling baby!

These images were taken 3 weeks after she had been brought home here with her new family. She still had marks on her ankles where she was tied down to the crib in her orphanage. They tie them down so they don't roll over the other 2 babies that they share the crib with. She has taken the normal time to adjust, but I was in awe at how she responded with the biggest grins for her Mom (mom is standing right behind me for these shots), and how calm and peaceful and just contented this new baby was. I am so impressed with the parents, and am still dying over how beautiful she is! Mom wanted to do a session just for her, since she has no photos of her first year. They literally had to guess her birthday. Mom didn't mind me sharing, in hopes that her story might be an inspiration to anyone else out there looking to adopt... enjoy!