Sophies Story

CHENGDU, China (CNN)by Kyung Lah -- When the magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck China's Sichuan Province in May, killing nearly 70,000 people, it hit home for Americans Rick and Michele Houston.

Sophie Wei was awaiting adoption when a devastating earthquake struck China's Sichuan Province.

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The teachers, who live in Washington state, had been waiting for nearly three years to adopt Sophie Wei. Her orphanage was at the quake's epicenter and the Houstons feared the worst.

"When they said Chengdu, China, I said, 'Oh no,'" Rick said. "Within two weeks, we're supposed to get Sophie, and boom, there it is."

"I thought, 'catastrophe,'" Michele said as she gripped the photograph of the beautiful, smiling girl the orphanage had sent her. "My friends who've been pregnant, they can feel their babies inside of them. For me, I hold onto that photo. I put it everywhere. I just love her, that's all I know."

Just before the quake struck, the Houstons had received the final stamp of approval enabling them to pick up their daughter from the orphanage. But in the aftermath of the tragedy, information about international adoptions slowed to a crawl. Then, the Chinese government told them their adoption would be put on hold indefinitely.

"It's been hard," Michele said. "Sometimes, it's like, is it ever going to happen still?"

CNN traveled to the province just days after the earthquake struck. Based on information supplied by the Houstons, the CNN news crew located the damaged Chengdu orphanage where Sophie Wei lived.

Temporary housing and tents covered the front lawn. But inside, the crew found a healthy and happy Sophie Wei. Family's tearful reunion with daughter »

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The girl was pointing to pictures of her American family -- mom, dad and her older sister, Simone, 4, who had been adopted from China a few years ago.

CNN took video of Sophie, happy and safe, and sent the video file to the Houstons, via the Internet.

"Oh my gosh, there's our picture album," exclaimed Michele as she looked at the video. "There's the photos we sent her. She's so beautiful."

"Is that my sister?" Simone asked.

"That's your sister!" Rick responded.

It took the Houstons almost a year to adopt Simone. But the process for adopting Sophie took three times as long and took a toll on the couple. International children adopted in the U.S. »

"It's hard to have faith with everything that's gone on," said Michele. "I just hope we can see her soon."

A week after seeing their daughter on video, the Houstons got their wish. China began processing international adoptions again. Rick and Michele traveled to Chengdu just days after the government gave them the green light.

Once they arrived in China, they drove straight to the orphanage. Sophie Wei was waiting and pointed at Michele the moment she saw her mom.

"I can't believe it," said Michele, choking back the tears as she squeezed her daughter. "It feels like, wow. Is this really real?"

For now, the Houstons are relieved their daughter is safe and settling into her new home.

"Our family is complete now," Rick said.

You can click on this link to view the video.

Update Correct Information

UPDATE = I also learned about three days ago that what we were told about being the first family in Chengdu after the earthquake to adopt was incorrect information!

We were told by our guide, at the orphanage and at the Civil Affairs Office. Through my Chengdu Yahoo Group I have learned from another Mom that their family was blessed to be in Chengdu adopting their little one during June 2nd -June 6th.

I am thankful that we have now received accurate information from her. We and other families (Mom's that I have been in touch with via email and Chengdu Yahoo Group) were told by the CCAA that we were put on hold from May 28th - June 4th.

Yes, I am puzzled as to why we and many others were put on hold during that time but happy for this family at the same time. It is a bit confusing and I also did not want to give out inaccurate information.

It also makes me think how thankful and blessed we are to have our little girl home and we can now just focus on our health and living life as a family.

Call From Specialist

This morning we received a phone call from the Pediatric Orthopedic Specialists Nurse and he scheduled us for tomorrow, Friday, at 1:30 in the afternoon.

Thanks for everyone caring about Sophie Wei and your concern for her.

We will keep you all posted.

We were blessed with another home cooked meal from Rachel and yummy chocolate cake/brownie dish that was a hit with all of us. Sophie liked her new Lipa's (spelling?)!!!!! You are such a good cook. Thanks!

We also had a nice visit from my friend Kris, her husband Brian and two of her three children, Meaghan and Jacob. Simone had fun showing them her little play room. We have been craving Papa Murphy's Pizza so they brought us one for tomorrow nights dinner which will be nice after coming home from meeting with Sophie Wei's specialist. Thanks for stopping by and for the grub.

We are so blessed to have such good friends!!!!

Mail, Mommy Time, Pool Time and Colemans

Since I checked the mail late last night the girls did not get to open their package until this morning. They received mail from our Spillane Cousins! It was so cute. Liz had hand stamped, "Little Sister Sophie and Big Sister Simone" on each of their bags. Simone really appreciated seeing her name on her bag and though she was pretty neat. Sophie Wei loved her bag because she likes to pile all of her toys in there.

Below you can see that Simone is so happy about her Dora hair pretty/brush/mirror bag!! She loves Dora and asks us all the time if we can count in Spanish.
Love the way that Sophie Wei ripped into hers!
Simone also loved the hand made card. She is starting to learn how to read and sounds out letters so it was fun when she would recognize a word or her name. She also loved the photo of Zack and Danny on the inside.
The transition at home has its ups and downs. At times Simone finds it hard to share her Mommy but has been doing better. Simone is starving for some "Mommy Time" so I created a special time with her and I while Sophie Wei is down for a nap. We work on one letter, words that start with that letter, a picture that starts with that letter and then work on a shape. I am so thankful that she is into and enjoys doing this. (As you can see our kitchen counter is getting deeper by the day and I have no energy to clean it up, for now.)


After Sophie Wei awoke from her nap we said it would be pool time!!! They took off their clothes so fast and were in the pool before I knew it. I was gathering towells while Rick was outside with them. I love these photos. You can click on them to enlarge them to see their facial expressions. Sophie Wei's diaper inflated, that was so funny. They were loving it.










Coleman's. Sue and Matthew came over for dinner tonight. Sue made us yummy Broccoli Pasta with White Alfredo Sauce that was so yummy, fresh bread and Watermelon. The kids also loved the Chocolate Milk they brought over!!
Simone absolutely loves the fairy wings from Denise and Maggie!!! She uses them almost every day and she looks so cute in them.
Matthew playing cCwboy.

Sophie Wei loves playing with the play kitchen.
Serving up a rock on a plate for Sue to eat.

The fairy crown from Denise and Maggie.
The tong compressor and stickers from the Doctors Office.

I CAN spin these plates.
Sophie Wei playing with Sue and giving her love.
Sophie Wei likes to "fall" back and thinks it is fun.




My turn to play Cowgirl.

Sophie Wei Visits Her Pediatrician Has Her First Physical

Today Sophie Wei went to see her Pediatrician who we just love. He is such a kind, gentle, knowledgeable and patient man! We are so lucky to have in our lives.

As Sophie Wei's Doctor was examining her he asked us if we just saw her hip move the way it did? I did not but Rick did and started to get a little light headed since he has had many issues with when he dislocated his shoulder when he played football. The doctor asked him if he needed to sit down and he did so he walked to the side of the table where Rick was holding Sophie Wei and went to rest. I was holding Simone. Rick then needed to go outside for a breather. I felt so bad for both Rick and Sophie.

During the physical we learned that she has a dislocated hip and possible nerve issues, all with her right leg. They may also take a look at the part of her brain that controls motor development but that will be down the road most likely. That might be why her right leg is not growing at the same rate as her left one.....He reassured us that it is not the same part of the brain as her cognitive development, I had to ask because at that point my brain could not recall all I learned in college, I was a little shaken up because we knew about her club feet but did not expect this. Her recovery with her club feet is also on the game plan but secondary to her hip issue. He also mentioned some thing about her heels and that she might also need a tendon lengthening surgery as well.

Simone was such a good girl during the exam. She was concerned for her sister and asked, "why is her hip hurt?" I told her it was because, "that's how God made her." Then the doctor said some thing sweet but I can't remember exactly what he said? It was some thing like yes that is true but we are going to help her get it fixed. I had to hold back the tears.

Sophie Wei also did well as could be expected during the physical. She is starting to show more bonding signs and was a little leery of this doctor so that was a good step. She just fussed a little and then as time went by things went smoother. She is such an easy going little girl.

The Doctor talked about many things and one of them is that Sophie Wei was possibly born this way but the specialists will be able to tell us more after the exam and x-rays.

After we were done we went down to the lap so she could have her blood drawn for a tider (spelling?) test and parasite check. (Checking on her lead levels, immunization levels, etc.) In Simone's case she had been immunized but after her tider test nothing showed up so we had to re-immunize her. Most likely it is because of how the medicine was stored or how it was given to her? The reason why we are checking for parasites is due to her small size, etc. just to make sure she is healthy, just a precaution. Having eight viles (spelling?) of blood taken was hard on Sophie Wei and us. I do have to say that they did a good, fast job though!

Her Doctor referred us to a specialist and we are waiting for them to call us for an appointment.

Sophie Wei has now had three nights of consistent sleep, thanks to the antibiotics. Her Doctor said that her ears look better and so does her mouth.

We are also very thankful for Sue making Broccoli, Alfredo Sauce, Pasta and Strawberries tonight. Then we had ice cream. We also enjoyed our time visiting with her and her son Matthew.

Jake and Lauren

Rachel, Jake and Lauren came over for a visit. Jake was not so happy about trying on his new outfit. Sorry buddy for posting these photos but you are so cute!!
I can not get this off fast enough!!
Jake is such a sweet little boy!
Sophie Wei is fanning off her Auntie Rachel.....These fans come in handy!!
Only one more photo, I promise.
Lauren fell during their camping trip on Dan and Bonnies boat and she is OK.