Yesterday was pretty hectic, once we got back from our visit with Aunt Sandy, the kids were exhausted. We quickly got them in the tub, washed, pj'ed and tucked in bed, but not before a few meltdowns which verged on hilarity. What can you do when two small children are wailing simultaneously, mouths open wide enough for us to see breakfast. Pete, needing to release a tiny of pressure, also succumbed to a small meltdown and again my parents came to the rescue by sharing their quiet room and a cold Tsingtao. I've already scheduled my melt-down for tonight : )
After huge naps enjoyed by all this afternoon, we feel much better. We also put the last big emotional hurdle behind us this morning when we went to the "Pink Castle" (Xi'an Childrens Welfare Institute) for Lu to say good-bye. It is an impressive place, everyone knew Lu and wanted to meet his new Momma, Babba and big sister. It was touching to see how much this little boy means to his family here in Xi'an. Lulu's primary caregiver is a tiny, beautiful young woman who seems full energy and life and adores Lu. She noticed his new bruise right away and I feel terrible that her first impressions of us include a new shiner. She asked our guide to translate to us that he has a birthday coming up, could we send her some photos? I wanted her to be assured we will send many photos of Lu and keep in touch with her always, she is as much Lu's Momma as I am at this point. Throughout our visit there, waves of gratitude kept rolling in as we saw how much care and love Lu has gotten. I believe it is a very good place, very likely one of the best, yet it is immediately apparent that homes and families are vital for these kids. Knowing this fact must be the only way the Aunties can bring themselves to say good-bye.
As Lu's Auntie held him, and he clung to her, she had him blow me kisses, trying to help him understand that I was his Momma now. He did not want to let her go and quick as lightning, she put him down, distracted him and dashed out of the room and down the hall. She was still caring for Lu in the best way she could. I did get a chance to hug her and give her a photo album that has photos of Lu's new home and life in Minneapolis. There are plenty of blank pages for her to add more photos to.
Tomorrow we'll get Lu's Chinese passport so we can fly to Guangzhou on Saturday. We'll have 5 days there and then board our flight for home. I bet my parents are counting down by the minute, I think they've heard enough crying to last them a good long while. I only hope they don't skip town on us before that 24 hour flight back the U.S.
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