[ChelleBrewer]

Hello again. We are going through the battery of labs and medical history on the child that will hopefully become our son and I have some questions that pertain to the general China adoptive population.

I have been reading 'A Passage to the Heart: Writings from Families with Children from China'. It is filled with a lot of great information. The publication date is 1999, so I am wondering if any of you are familiar with the book, what do you find applicable and what is becoming dated?

Also, there are several articles devoted to TB, Hep B and C and I was wondering if any of you encountered a situation where your child came through with a clean record in the paperwork, but was diagnosed with any of these upon homecoming. If you wouldn't mind sharing your story here or in a pm, I would be greatly appreciative. (The importance of this issue is actually with our daughter who has a very severe heart condition. We need to have plans A, B, and C ready to go at all times.)

Here are some other questions:

~ Do any of you have experience with bringing home a three or four year old? What were your experiences?

~ Do any of you have experience with bringing home a son (especially at that age)? Would you mind sharing?

~ Did any of you adopt out of Shenyang City? Would you mind sharing those experiences?

~ I am reading that many of the children in the articles were unwell (beyond what we already know will be a health issue.) What are your experiences? What do you recommend in relation to preparing physically, emotionally, and psychologically?

~ Do any of you have experience with adopting a child internationally and having a child with a chronic illness at home already? Do you mind sharing your experiences?

Thanks so much in advance.

[PiperH]

Hi and welcome to the board.
Congratulations on your adoption. We've been home nearly 9 months now after adopting our son from Shaanxi province.
He is our first child. I have not read the book, and it sounds interesting, but it also sounds dated, as so many books since late 2005 have become when it pertains to China adoptions.
Our guide had not had too much experience with families adopting boys, and she had been a guide for a while, so I think a lot has changed since 2005, when the wait started to slow down.
We had a wonderful experience in China.
If we can answer any specific questions we would be glad to do so.
Good luck on your journey.
Violet

[ChelleBrewer]

I love your blog. Your son is just adorable! Thanks for the feedback. Are there books that you would recommend?

[PiperH]

Honestly, I guess the only book that we have read about China adoption was "China Ghosts" by Jeff Gammage. It really doesn't touch on the topics you listed as interest above.
Have you tried this site:
- China Adopt Talk

In the left side column there is a section called Forum.
This is a great site for information, as there are thousands of people who have logged in (you don't have to register for a large part of the forum) and a lot of resources.

Violet

[ChelleBrewer]

Thanks so much!!! I checked it out and signed in... I appreciate all the guidance I can get.

[susy...patience]

luckily my little girl is healthy & happy at 1 year plus in America.

My best advice if you were dealing with any healthproblems (or even concerns about possible attachment) is to get connected with an international adoption clinic. One in my area does Parenting class (for pre-adoption) focusing on concerns of adopted children -- one class about sleep, one class about eating, one class about development (speech & motor). I found the class invaluable -- even though I don't agree with all the dr said and am not following it all, his perspective in seeing so many adopted children from all around world is invaluable. His clinic is International Adoption Center == there are others around I just went there because it's local to me. You might look for one in your area or if there's not one, hook up with one by phone (most if not all do phone consultations).

Good luck.....adoption is a wonderful blessing!