Update - Shasha

We got a translation of our referral and I've spoken to some other people who have adopted from the same orphange and have found a bit more info. First, all of the babies in the Dao County SWI are named Yong Xiao something. Yong is the equivalent of a last name and is taken from the name of a nearby town. Xiao means little and then Sha doubled is probably her nickname at the orphanage. I've been told from several people that is how they do it in that orphanage. The other thing I've been told from these people is that they usually have one nanny and 3 or 4 babies in a room so they get attached to 2 or 3 specific caregivers. It is a small orphanage - only 30 babies, all under 2 yrs. old but is nice and has a nice garden, play area. There is also a retirement-type living place as part of the SWI so the old people can hold and play with the children. They are well fed and many have told me it is a "model orphanage".

Unfortunately Dao County SWI was one of the orphanages hit hard by the storms. No wonder I was particularly emotional when I heard about those storms and the orphanages that were in desparate need of supplies. I can't even wrap my brain around the fact that my child was in an orphanage where there was no heat or power for 10 days and they ran out of diapers and food and the workers had a difficult time getting there to care for the babies. Truly mind-boggling when I was moaning about having to shovel snow and it being cold when I go OUTSIDE. Many of the babies are bundled up in those abominable snow-man suits because it is so cold INSIDE. (Don't ask why she has no shoes in one of the photos - don't know about that...) The photos were probably taken in December before the big snow storms.

The description we got is pretty detailed and the pediatrician said everything looks great. She was impressed that we have so much information and that she looks normal in every way. Apparently she is a sound sleeper - we love that - and they even said she has dimples when she smiles. I can't wait to see her smile.

Still no travel appoval but we're hoping to leave April 30 if it all works out and then we'd be able to pick her up the following Monday. Now we have lots to do to get ready.