Learning About Leah

There are many unknowns with international adoption. In fact, we know very little about Leah's birth history. The "Child's Progress Information Report" dated February 21, 2006 that we received with Leah's referral paperwork describes the circumstances surrounding her first few months in this world. The report say she was "picked up on August 19, 2005, by people at the at the gate of the East Market of Gauzhou City. Beacuse the policemen of Chengnan Police Station of the Public Security Bureau of Gauzhou City did not find the child's birthparents, she was then sent to our institution under approval of Civil Affair Bureau of Tianjing City. On admission, it was found that she wore a suit of yellow baby clothes. She was examined by the doctor of our institution. The physical condition showed height 49 cm {19 in}, weight 3.0 kg {6.6 lbs}, head circumference 33 cm {13 in}, and chest circumference 32 cm {12.5 in}. She was diagnosed as a normal newborn. Based on her development, we estimated her DOB as August 19, 2005 and gave her name Gao Shao Dai.

Each orphaned child goes through basic medical evaluations, unless a serious medical condition is found. What we do know is that the Chinese doctor that evaluated Leah determined she is healthy. In our referral package we received copies of her 6 month medical exam, which is equivalent to a U.S. well baby check-up. The physical exam report provided Leah's updated height and weight (63.5 cm {25 inches} and 6.5 kg {14.3 lbs} along with blood work, uranalysis, hepatitis, HIV and syphilis tests which were were all normal. We have also learned very basic information from this report. We know her eating and sleeping routines. In February, she was eating formula as her main source of food. At 1 - 2 months old, she cooed and gurgled. At 3 months, she kicked her legs and often kicked the covers off the covers The doctor also noted that she smiled when her caregiver played with her and lifted her chest with forearm support.

The three pictures you've seen throughout this blog are the only pictures we have of Leah. We have been told that prior to travel we may receive some updated information. We now intend to learn about Leah's orphanage, the city where it is located, and province she is from. We will update you on our journey as we go. We hope you continue to follow us to China and home again.