7.29.2009

Children are a Common Denominator


Today, while Bei and I were out and about, we were approached by three different groups of people. A Japanese lady with her granddaughter, a Somali woman with her 3 year old son and a Vietnamese couple with their two grandsons. It is not that unusual for us to get approached by people who are curious about Bei. What is fascinating to me is that all the asian's that I meet regardless of their nationality, Vietnamese, Hmong, or Japanese, they all say the same thing to me. "Your boy has a very high forehead, sign of intelligence." It is almost without fail, that they say it. Now, I have a high forehead too, but most people just shake their head and say "poor girl has an extra long face." Not one comment about my super intelligence!

Most of the asian people I meet are unaware of the adoption process, but are intrigued and very supportive . When I told the Vietnamese lady that waxes my eyebrows that we were having a reunion with the other adoptee parents from China, she asked me "if Bei's birth parents were going to be there?" I appreciate her asking questions and learning more about him and the entire process.

The caucasians that inquire about Bei are usually parents or grandparents of internationally adopted children. Most have grown children, that were adopted from Korea.

Most of the blacks that approach me are from Eastern Africa and recent immigrants themselves. Usually, from Somali or Ethiopia. Once again, they are curious and supportive.
However, I recently had an experience with a young African American girl at the city library. They have a great play area. Bei and I had been there for at least a good hour when " Little Miss Attitude" with her posse came in and scoped out the joint. I took a big gulp and thought... it may be time to leave. Honestly, I'm 4 times her age and I could tell she had seen more and she would be able to chew me up and spit me out. Best I mosey on my way... Oh no...not so fast...guess who immediately came struttin over to me??? "He yo kid?" "Yes, he's my son". "Cool, I like him". Each of her posse came up and gave Bei a high five and told me "I like your kid". Wheww...I can breathe again...I passed the library posse initation.

I have just been amazed at peoples support, including the generosity of strangers who have a kind word to say about Bei. There is some talk in the adoption community about experiencing racism and I have to say we have not experienced it. It has been an opposite effect for us; people that would never have a reason to talk to me engage me in conversation. So that is why I say children are a common denominator, everybody loves them...even Little Miss Attitude.

7.26.2009

July 4th Pictures

Some boy time with his cousin Blake
Daddy Time





Tiger Woods watch out!


First tube ride...kinda...dad just pulled the rope back and forth from the boat...





Bei loves feeding the animals at the petting zoo.





Designated Driver!






Fireworks are Awesome!!! As long as he can't hear them!






Lots of boating time!








Bei's first fish! Caught by his cousin, but we let him think he caught it.







Once again, he is surrounded by his posse!










7.14.2009

Where oh Where has our Bei Bei been???

Had a man to man talk with Grandpa Builder Bob

Entertained Katherine with bubbles during her sisters graduation

Went to his cousin Elly's graduation party


Met Huckleberry's new dog named Fudd...their other dog is named Elmer...you figure it out...btw, it is a chihuahua.




Enjoyed S'mores around the campfire after working hard all day...




Visited Aunt Nanette's cabin




Helped Uncle John put up the shower curtain in the newly remodeled bathroom at the cabin.






Visited the Como Zoo with Friends Max and Curly Locks







He had a visit from his Aunt Nanette