Long story short, the 2nd adoption was started soon after we came home with Alex... due to a huge slowdown in the number of international adoptions allowed by the Chinese Government, it turned into a bit of a waiting game. About a year ago, we decided to expand the parameters to adopt a child with a correctible medical need. Nicole has bilateral cleft lip and unilateral cleft palate which will require a couple of surgeries over the coming months to correct. We are so fortunate to have a wonderful and world renowned hospital down the highway from us at Sick Kids and they have already booked Nicole in for her first consultative appointment shortly on our return home.
Nicole was born on January 17, 2011 and has been in foster care in Nanchang, China ever since. She is described as quiet, fond of listening to music and playing with toys with music and bright colours. She loves taking baths and getting into water. Her development is described as absolutely normal for her age and she loves to chat with her foster mother! One of the issues sometimes found with kids with cleft lip/ palate is that they are often malnourished and underweight... you will note from the picture below, that despite the challenges - she has found a way to eat! As of March, 2012, she was approx 24 lbs - roughly the same size as Alex at that age. Clearly we have another determined and smart little girl on our hands!
Alex is quite excited (most days) about getting a little sister and it has certainly lead to some interesting conversations in our house! We believe that she will be the perfect mix of bossy yet caring, tough yet sensitive and the 5 years between them should alleviate any unwanted borrowing of clothes - an issue that my sister and I didn't fully put to rest until our mid 20's!
We welcome you to join us on our journey and will update as frequently as we are able! Stay tuned!
