Thursday, June 26, 2008

More about our little guy...


I've received many questions about William Michael asking about what he's like personality wise, etc. so I wanted to share some things about him. First of all, he doesn't live in an orphanage (like Grace did). Will lives in a small foster home run by an American family. The couple that runs it has 3 children of their own and they've lived in China for 4 years. The foster home is similar I think to Amanda's Starfish foster home in Xi'an, China in that they care for medically fragile children that were previously in the Fuzhou orphanage in Fujian province. This family originally started caring for 5 children and it's grown to about 20-22 children. They have volunteers(some are American) that stay for extended periods of time and help, and local people (employees)who are caregivers to the children. We are incredibly blessed that William Michael has been there for 2 years and I know for sure that he's been well taken care of and loved very, very much. You can tell that by the pictures of him that I've posted. Last weekend I was able to email and send some pictures of us to the directors of the foster home, could introduce ourselves and ask a few questions about our son. I received an amazing, gracious and kind response back to me from the director. It was like speaking to an old friend. This is some of what she told me about Will.

William Michael has the most wonderful personality with a great sense of humor. He loves to sing and dance, and he immediately starts moving when he hears music. His facial expressions are a hoot as well!! He's truly full of joy.

William loves to play outside, go for walks, go to the park, and swim. He really enjoys peek-a-books where he can open the flaps by himself. He loves Donald Duck, Elmo, and the movie "Cars." He gets really excited over anything that has "Cars" stuff on it. He always says "Lightening McQueen" when he sees him in the movie. Very cute!! His favorite toys are cars and trucks. He likes toys that he can ride outside as well. He likes to fix things with tools...thinks he is such a big boy.

William speaks mainly English and understands Chinese. We also found out that his palate was repaired in the Spring of 2007, so that means his lip and palate have been repaired. He will be followed by the cleft team here at Univ. of Wisconsin. I'll have him evaluated for speech and they'll also evaluate the palate repair that was done in China.

There was much more information about him and...it was all good. Today I sent by fed ex a small package that contained a photo album with some pics of us, our home and his room, a 'Cars' t-shirt, some stickers, 2 small toy cars, a book and a stuffed Elmo to William. He's supposed to receive it next week. We will be keeping in contact with these special people who have loved William first. We could never thank them enough for what they've done for him and the other children who live there. I have requested per our agency that we meet these amazing people and possibly can visit the foster home. I am quite aware that this situation is unusual (part of it being that he speaks English) and he is so fortunate to have been cared for and loved in this place.


BTW...don't know where that TA is but have heard from our agency that we may have a July 29 consulate date so that would mean we travel in mid July! :)

14 kind words:

Story of our Life said...

I'm so excited for your family Gail!!

I truly have to say that reading about Will and talking to you Tues. was such a bright spot in my week. :)

You are so blessed...he is so blessed!!! :)

Soon my dear...soon you will be united w/this bundle of big boy joy!!!

Laura L. said...

What an absolutely adorable little man you have. So glad I stopped by and saw his photos. Too cute for words!

~Laura

redmaryjanes said...

I tell you, that information is just priceless. He has been loved and well cared for. AND he speaks English. That will help so much with his transition.

suzanne said...

Oh Gail thats fantastic. He looks so healthy, happy and loved. Now whereis your TA! We are now officially waiting for ours! All I want to do is fly to China and bring my little girl home. This part of the wait must be so hard and fustrating for you.

Lesa and Samuel said...

Hi there! I just stumbled upon your blog. I looked at the pic of your son and thought, WOW, he looks JUST like our son, adopted from China in Sept 2007. Then I looked around your blog to see where he is from, thinking no way he is from the same orphanage. Guess what? HE IS! I am sitting here in disbelief! Your son looks JUST like our son adopted from Fuzhou, Fujian in 2007. Please email me back at txmom25@sbcglobal.net

Blessings
Lesa

Karen said...

Gail- This is just wonderful news about your William- and that he knows English is terrific! It should make the transition smoother for certain. God certainly has you all in His hands as you move closer to the day you become a family of five! By the way- wanted to let you know how much we enjoy the music on your blog- Maggie especially loves to dance to it- so much so, that instead of putting a cd on- I will simply pull up your blog on the pc in the kitchen...and it's dance fever on the kitchen floor! Have a great weekend! Karen

Paula said...

That is great that he has been in a loving Foster home. He sounds like such a darling little boy. That pic of him below is so cute. I bet you are getting so excited. I'm excited for you. This summer is a really good one for us all!

Steffie B. said...

fabulous.....ok....how can I get a child from these wonderful people?????

OH MY #6 said...

This is all so wonderful. I don't think this could come to a more deserving couple. Thanks, thanks and more thanx for all your care and concern over the last while.

We booked a little get away today. I think that will do me good. I will post about it but I must say it looks fantastic.

You are more than a friend and I am so glad our paths have crossed.

Lea
xo

Denise C said...

OH Gail....what wonderful news and info about your sweet boy! He is so blessed to have been loved by these precious people! The Joy she writes about is evident in his smiles! What a gift they have given him in the first years of his little life!
I cannot wait for your gotcha moment....when little William is your s forever! Oh what a precious precious day awaits all of you!
Sweet Blessings,
Denise

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

Gail this is so wonderful. This sounds like an amazing place.

William is a handsome little dude! What a lovely smile!

Come on TA!!!

Smiles! :o)
Nikki

OH MY #6 said...

check out my BLOG. U have been tagged.

Lea
xo

mandt said...

What a darling little guy! My two are also 3 and half years apart. I thinks thats a wonderful age difference. I hope you guys get to travel soon. And I LOVE his room!

Life with JJ, Starr and Spice said...

What an amazing living situation. Huge congrats on your son!

 
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