Green Island Serenade

I've been out and about a lot this week and have had many people asking for baby news. It's nearing the time of the month that updates come, but I'm not counting on any. It is heartbreaking to expect pictures and news, and then nothing comes. It's a lot easier just not to expect any news, and be very thankful and excited when the updates come. We could get a phone call tomorrow about a first ruling... or it could be a few months from now. We're waited so long to get to this point, it's hard to be glum. People not familiar with international adoption tell me they can't believe I'm so patient. Patient??? Not really. Just still so thankful and thrilled for the opportunity to be the parents of this sweet little girl.

I did get a little more of a medical update this week. Ching-Ling had her eyes checked June 2nd and things looked good, just needs rechecked in six months. A "skin doctor" evaluated a skin issue on July 30th and reported that it should go away on it's own. We didn't know until now that she has a mild umbilical hernia. Oh well, just more to add to the list of things to check out when she gets home. I'm planning on using the Riley International Adoption Clinic and we'll see what their recommendations are.

I find myself singing songs to myself for Hannah these days. I dream of having a little girl that wants to sing long with me. I can't sing this one... but I thought it was really pretty. Enjoy.

Vienna Teng sings Green Island Serenade, from her albumWarm Strangers, at Bol Park in Palo Alto, CA on August 7, 2007.
This song sometimes has political meaning, as the Green Island, Taiwan, was used as a place of exile for political prisoners from the late 1940s during the single party rule of Taiwan's Kuomintang political party. The original intent of this song is probably a tribute to Taiwan.
This green island is like a boat,floating in the moonlight.My darling, you too arefloating in the sea of my heart.Let the sound of my song follow the breeze,blowing open the curtain of your window.Let my love follow the flowing water,endlessly pouring out its feelings for you.The long shadows of the palm treescannot conceal my love;the bright beauty of the moonlightcasts its brilliance into my heart.This green island nightis so calm and serene.My darling, why are yousilent, saying nothing?