TODAY'S DIARY

This morning we finally managed to make it to the swimming pool between lessons - something I've been aiming for for weeks and weeks! Alice was much better, she relaxed much more quickly and was happy for the vast majority of the time in the water. She is still very clingy in the water, but I take it as good 'bonding' time! I even managed to get a CONNECTING kiss!! Very happy Mummy!

Special afternoon today - a visit from fellow APs, whose daughter is a few years older than Alice and from a province just to the north. I hadn't met them before, they were lovely, so were their children, their daughter E was fab - beautiful, kind, friendly - I hope that Alice will grow up similarly. Another lovely afternoon.

TRADEGY AND STRENGTH

The internet was a great source of knowledge and support while I was researching, completing paperwork, waiting, waiting, waiting, receiving paperwork, doing more paperwork, waiting to travel, travelling, adopting and even now we're home it continues to be an incredible network for adoptive parents.

This week, via 'The Net', I've read about an American couple who were in China. They recently met and adopted their daughter, several days later the father suffered problems with his diabetes, was hospitalised and then died. A tragic situation. To make matters even worse, the US then refused some of the family's paperwork - stating that their situation had changed and so paperwork needed updating. The virtual internet communities started to learn about this problem - they posted the problem and suggested a solution. 1,000s of people bombarded American politicians with phonecalls, they made such a fuss that the politicians would have been daft to ignore the situation, a solution was found and very soon the widow and her daughter will be home.

My heart goes out to this family, my thanks go to all those who took action - the Net has created some wonderful, caring communities.

NEW COUNTRY

. . . but not a new visitor - greetings to Shawn in Taiwan, have a safe trip and bring the referrals back with you please!

FAB WEEKEND, NOW I'M SHATTERED!

Yesterday I drove to London - taking R home on the way - we gossiped so much that we missed the exit from the M25!

I stayed last night with W and J - they've done even more to the house (can't believe how much they've done in 18 months and still worked!) I didn't see them over Christmas so it was great to catch up with them. We talked about all sorts of things, including Clara.

Today I drove into central London [major achievement, thank God for Sat Nav!] to meet up with other people from the UK whose papers went to China in November 05. I caught up with 3rd Culture Mum and met lots of new faces too. We had Dim Sum at the Royal China - good food and great company. There were several families there who are on their second adoption - I find it very moving to be around adopted Chinese children, very moving. It's great to spend time with other people who are also in the process of adopting internationally, especially if they're also adopting from China, because they immediately understand so much of the process and the emotions. [Don't get me wrong - it's great when anyone shows an interest!] Not only will these people hopefully become friends but if they receive referrals at the same time as me then there's a good chance that their children and mine may come from the same province or maybe even SWI (orphanage sisters).

I had another of those 'Flip Out' moments - "OH MY GOD, I'M GOING TO BE A MUM" - it's an incredible feeling when it happens, but I'm back in the usual position - I know that it's going to happen (and probably soonish) but it's taken so long that I can't believe that it might become a reality (with the usual proviso - they can still say 'No').

WOO HOO!

I had a lovely day - but it didn't compare to this evening.

A friend of old (not an OLD friend - there's an important difference!) came to supper. We haven't seen each other properly for 6 or more years, but, as good friends can, we were able to pick our friendship up as though it had only been 6 days. Both our lives have changed alot since we last caught up, but it didn't matter.

I had a fab evening - I think she might have enjoyed it too - we had so much to say I don't think we managed to finish most of the lines of conversation!!

I know that she reads the blog, so R - it was great to see you, we mustn't leave it nearly so long - but it's nice to know that if we do it won't be the end of our friendship. x