Feeding Lanhua: An Update

When Lanhua first arrived in the US, we were somewhat concerned about what to feed her. Eight months later, we are pleased to report that Lanhua continues to acclimate to offerings of a Western diet. In addition to her Western diet of pizza, pasta, burgers and fries, she also enjoys sophisticated sushi (uni and oysters are among her favorites), most of the delicious and diverse offerings her dad makes for dinner, all that is shellfish, and just about anything that comes from her favorite local Asian market: 99 Ranch Market.

Last week we took a trip to 99 Ranch. Lan walked down every isle and tossed a number of random and mysterious selections into the grocery basket. This is a picture of some of the food Lanhua chose.  Note: We have no idea what some of these foods are, nor do we know how to prepare them. These days, our kitchen is the place of many happy experiments.

Photos from Guangzhou

Since Lanhua made contact with her foster family last week, there's been excitement on both sides of the globe. Lan spent the week preparing a big package with special gifts she's picked-out for her family in Guangzhou. She seems to be adjusting to this renewed connection quite well and is genuinely happy about writing to them and sending presents. She talks about her foster family more often now and despite her limited English, she's been very effective in describing her family and life in Guangzhou to us.

In the meantime, we received these photos from Lanhua's foster brother via email. It's been a milestone month!

The photos include Lanhua's foster mother, as well as her older foster brother and his wife. We're not sure who the other little girl is in the pictures. We think she may be a second child this family was caring for. (More to follow as the mystery unfolds.)