Homework

Ben's first homework assignment is due tomorrow. Yes, apparently kindergarteners do have homework. His assignment was to find out how long he was when he was born, and to bring in a baby photo and a baby outfit he wore. I am sending the cute little yellow onesie with the monkey on it. I always loved that one, and he thought it was funny that he used to fit into it. (This isn't the picture I sent, but I couldn't find a digital copy.)
Anyway, Ben and I had some laughs getting this together, but as I thought about it, I got kind of sad. Yes, I was sad about how much Ben had grown, but that's not really what I mean. I was sad because I realized that I won't be able to do this assignment with Kate in quite the same way. Although I do know how long she was when she was born, I don't have any "baby" pictures of her. The oldest one I have was taken at about 17 months (we think). I don't have any baby clothes. There is a big chunk of her life that we don't share. There is so much that I won't be able to tell her about because I wasn't there.

At some point in her life, she will probably grieve that loss (and others). All I can do is love her and talk to her honestly about what we do know. Which isn't much. I pray God will give me the strength and wisdom to answer these questions well. To walk with her through whatever she goes through, supporting and encouraging her. All of this is one of the reasons that I wanted the boys to go with us to China. I wanted us to have family memories with her as early as possible. I want my boys to remember her birth country and be able to tell her stories about what it is like. I want her to have a positive connection with China. I want her to be proud of her heritage and birth culture.

J&A

On another note, we got to talk with Jacob and Alison today. We miss them so much, and I was so glad to talk to them. They seem to be doing well, and are adjusting to all of the changes. Pray for them to learn the language. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be. I am very proud of them:)