While we waited (...and waited) to be approved for travel, I read a lot of books about adoption and attachment. I also spoke with many other adoptive families to see what their experiences were like when they first brought their little ones home.
One thing I learned is that some adoptive children initially "reject" one parent and only want to be held by mama (usually mama, but not always). So I was prepared for this, although I had a feeling that Sarah might not be this way, as she had lived with a loving foster grandma and grandpa.
But we really didn't know quite what to expect.
So we were overjoyed that while in China, Sarah would let both Dave and me hold her and comfort her, from Day One. She preferred mama, but would let Daddy play with her and hold her, too.
From the beginning, this daughter/daddy love has continued to grow and blossom... and it has been a very sweet experience for me to watch this love grow.
When we started the adoption process, we felt very blessed to be the parents of four wonderful sons. But we also longed for a daughter to complete our family.
One thing I learned is that some adoptive children initially "reject" one parent and only want to be held by mama (usually mama, but not always). So I was prepared for this, although I had a feeling that Sarah might not be this way, as she had lived with a loving foster grandma and grandpa.
But we really didn't know quite what to expect.
So we were overjoyed that while in China, Sarah would let both Dave and me hold her and comfort her, from Day One. She preferred mama, but would let Daddy play with her and hold her, too.
From the beginning, this daughter/daddy love has continued to grow and blossom... and it has been a very sweet experience for me to watch this love grow.
When we started the adoption process, we felt very blessed to be the parents of four wonderful sons. But we also longed for a daughter to complete our family.
I guess during the long wait I focused on how long I had waited for a daughter, and then, during those first days together as I watched Dave look at Sarah, I realized that he had been waiting for this sweet "daughter love" in his life, too...
One of my very favorite pictures of Daddy and Sarah in China (in Guangzhou). I also can't believe how much Sarah has grown... this purple shirt is short on her now!! (The Chinese laundry also helped shrink it a little, I think. :) 
Daddy lending a hand at the park in Guangzhou. Have we mentioned that Sarah is fearless, especially when it comes to climbing??
Helping Daddy on the computer
Sarah loves piggy back rides!
Sigh...
