New Information About Mei Mei

We just received her translated progress report. What a tough beginning she's had. She'll be ready for some love and predictability...

Name: Xiao Xin Jin Sex: F Date of Birth: October 2nd, 2006
Institution: Xiajiang Social Welfare Institute
Date of report: March 16th, 2007


Xiao Xin Jin, F, was found at the entrance of Xin Gan county Civil Affairs Ministry on October 2nd, 2006. On October 2nd, 2006, Hu Chun Hua went to Xin Gan county Ministry of Civil affairs for work, and found a cardboard box at the entrance, and when she looked in, she found a infant girl, she immediately dialled Xin Gan county Public Security Bureau, Jin Chuan Branch’s number, after searching for her birth parents or relatives without any success, she was confirmed as an abandoned child and was consented to be sent to Xin Gan Social Welfare Institute for custody. At the time of admission, her face was wide, very little hair, pale skin, taken in a box with one packet of milk formula, a milk bottle, and 1kg of white sugar. After two months of care in Xin Gan Social Welfare Institute, on December 2nd, of 2006, she was agreed to be sent to Xia Jiang County Social Welfare Institute for custody.

After she was transferred to Xia Jiang County Social Welfare, we sent her to the county hospital for a full medical examination, she has no physical abnormalities, her facial features are normal, and internal organs and all part of her body are all very normal and diagnosed as a healthy baby. According to the information provided by Xin Gan Social Welfare Institute, this infant girl’s birth date is the same as her founding date, both on October 2nd, 2006. SWI leader gave her the name Xiao Xin Jin. Her name has two meanings, one "Xin" is because she was born in Xin Gan, the second meaning "Jin" (golden) is in hopes that when she grows up, all aspects of her life is bright and prosperous.

After Xiao Xin Jin entered our institute, after caring her for a period of time, all of her development was normal and healthy. At 3 months time, she can distinguish strangers with familiar people.

Although the report doesn't address the meaning of her first name "Xiao", we have been told by other families that "Xiao" is the last name of the orphanage director and every baby from that orphanage has "Xiao" for her first name (which is actually her last name).

Announcing the referral of our daughter...

We are elated to introduce you all to our daughter and baby sister...

Xiao Xin Jin ... our boys call her Mei Mei

Date of Birth: October 2, 2006

Jiangxi Province, China

According to her paperwork she is in an excellent orphanage, she likes music (rock on baby) and nature, sleeps deeply (yeah!), and can be obstinate (Jeff rolled his eyes when he read that).

We will probably fly to China at the end of July or beginning of August to pick her up.

Check out her split pants. They start potty training at 6 months.

We will send her a care package next week.

During the past week we were reminded about the mystery of God's plans. The news of our nephew's illness hit our family very hard. A few days later, this news lifts our family up. God planned for us to be a part of a large family. That makes us susceptible to big happiness and immense times of sorrow. We find ourselves drawing upon our strength to get us through difficult times and looking forward to happier times.

Around the time our Mei Mei comes home, Jason will hopefully be done with chemotherapy and will also be coming home. Two precious homecomings for two precious people.

C, J, G and J

Difficult News

Last weekend we received some distressing news. Our nephew, Jason Robinson was diagnosed with leukemia. He is a junior at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He had been feeling worn down with a persistent cough that turned into chest pain on Saturday. Colette's sister took Jason to an emergency care clinic where they received the horrible news and were sent immediately to UCLA Medical Center. The most recent tests indicate a need for chemotherapy and a very long hospital stay. Please pray for Jason and his family as they have a very long and difficult recovery ahead. He is a great nephew and a wonderful role model for our boys (he also makes an excellent jungle gym for our boys to climb on). We love you Jason! Fight, fight, fight!!