Lulu updates . . .

Lulu's good luck continues!
the most miraculous thing yet is her reunion with her dear friend from the Behai orphanage! When Lulu's caretakers brought her to us in Nanning, they told us about her good friend XingXing, who had been adopted several months earlier by an American family. We had wanted to find them ever since, and . . . we did!!!! Even more wonderful, they live in Conneticut--they could have been anywhere, but they are relatively close. And more amazing still, their adoption group was meeting in the Boston area this past weekend, so we got to meet them, and Xing Xing and Lulu had a very special reunion! Lulu hung back at first, but soon was eating breakfast happily with "my Xing Xing." Of course, Lulu wept piteously when we left, calling for Xing Xing . . . but we promised her we would meet again, hopefully soon! We're going to plan an excursion to Mystic, which will be a good half-way point for both families to meet.

Translation of Lulu's special book continues . . . it appears to be a diary of her days at school, in the "Little Sisters" class. Much of Lulu's behavior--her desire to keep things and special people to herself, love of mischief, and opposition to things she doesn't want to do--is very recognizable! It's good to know that these things are part of her temperment, and not traumatic reactions to her adoption. Xing Xing has a book too, so these books must have been something the teacher prepared for them in preparation for their adoptions. Again, lucky, lucky Lulu.

Finally, Lulu has been baptized! She wore a gorgeous white qipao (traditional silk Chinese dress) which Kit searched high and low for in Chinatown. White is not a good color for children to wear, according to Chinese tradition, but Kit, a tenacious shopper, finally found one at Kim's "other"store in the Prudential. Libby, not to outdone in the fashion department, wore a gold qipao. Everyone else looked equally smart.

The baptism went well, and Lulu cooperated fully, beaming as Father Tony doused her head with water. Filled with the Holy Spirit, her behavior improved markedly throughout the day, and Father Tony gave us a bottle to sprinkle on her when needed.

thank you , thank you, to Lulu's godmom Gail, goddad Uncle Peter, and C.W. (Christian Witness, or as we smart-alecks say, Christian Witless) Sass! Note two godmothers! Again Lulu lucks out!!!! They are both awesome, smart, fun, strong women, and probably the two most nurturing moms I know! Uncle Peter is no slouch either--a great dad, and nephew-in-law. Thank you also to the dear friends and family who celebrated with us, in person, or in spirit!