Emma is so stinkin' cute!

We received an update today from Ann at Red Thread China ( redthreadchina@yahoo.com ).  We had requested pictures, video and for some questions we had about Emma to be answered. We are thankful we received an update and pictures. No video, we knew it was a long shot.

Pictures first.......

She is just so cute. I could just squeeze her! She has 2 cheek dimples and the cutest little nose. At age 3 she weighs 32 pounds. Yikes. Lily at age 5 weighs 34 pounds. I think we have a chunky one on our hands! As many know Emma has Spina Bifida. She had surgery in China when she was 9 months old to repair the lesion on her back. Mobility and bladder/bowel function can be impaired, among other things, with SB. We had asked many questions with this update for specifics regarding her functions. She can walk, run and climb stairs. She is "potty trained" during the day and wears a diaper at night. We do have concerns with her bladder function which will have to be evaluated once home. There are also some concerns regarding her gait which we noticed in a video we received back in January from a family that had visited her orphanage in August 2011. The orphanage did state "her posture looks a little strange, because her heel touches the ground first" and "her big movement is a little slow compares to same age children" (a little is lost in translation in those statements). We just want her home so she can receive the medical attention she needs regardless of her functions.

I had asked what her favorite food was and the reply I received was......LOLLIPOPS! LOL. I guess I will be bringing many lollipops to China with us. Maybe we can win her over with a lollipop. I must admit. It did work with Lily. We have pictures of those first moments with Lily (after the screaming) with a lollipop in her mouth. What ever works. Emma likes to "play dolls, balls, gymnastics and dance". Her personality is "outgoing, sense of self respect is very strong and she cries when she gets criticism from her teacher". She has a best friend and a favorite nanny. So cute. We want her home NOW!!!! I never wish the summer to come to an end, especially living on Cape Cod. But this year I want the summer's end to be closer. I want to be on that plane to China!