We’re David and Lois McBeath. We live in Point Pleasant, WV – a small town along the Ohio River on the western side of the state. We have 2 sons. Austin is 15. He’s a sophomore at Pt. Pleasant High School. Darrell is almost 12. He’s in the 6th grade at Roosevelt Elementary.
We actually began our adoption journey more than 10 years ago. I saw an ad in the newspaper about Chinese babies. We called about it, but it just wasn’t even feasible at that time in our life. All these years, it was always there, stuck somewhere in the back of our minds. I don't know why exactly – it just was. The thought never completely went away.
We also talked off and on about having another child. Our house was only 3 bedrooms, and we know the boys could have been in a room together, but we didn't want to do that if we didn't have to. In the spring of 2006, for some reason (I don't recall exactly what) - it came up again. We started thinking and talking - why not? So we started checking into it more. We did a lot of research online. The more we found out, the more we felt a calling, a desire and even a need to do this.
We started the adoption and added onto the house all at the same time. It took about 6 months to get the paperwork together. Then about another month after we sent it to China for them to translate it and 'log us in' (11/6/06). That's when we started to officially wait.
We finally got "THE CALL" on 7/13/08. It was a Sunday afternoon! After 2 ½ years, we are finally going to get our baby!
Leila Ann McBeath, formally known as Shun Xi Yi, was born on Oct 29, 2007. She had a cleft lip and cleft palate. The lip has been repaired, but not the palate. (We'll have to do that when we get her home.) She's in the Children's Welfare Institute of Shunde District of Foshan City, which is located in the Guangdong Province, in the southern part of China.
Shunde, the hometown of flowers, is one of four cities under the jurisdiction of Foshan City. Covering an area of 806 sq meters and with a population of 1.05 million, Shunde City is situated in the middle of the fertile Pearl River Delta, between Guangzhou and Hong Kong. It was set up as a county in the 3rd year (1452 AD) of the Jintai reign of the Ming Dynasy (1368-1644), and conferred with the administrative status of a city in 1992 by the State Council.
Foshan City is also where the actor Bruce Lee was from.
We had another free day today, and we did nothing. We stayed at the hotel all day. It was unbearably hot outside.
The boys got a thing at the corner market. It's sort of like a hackey sack, but instead of being a ball on the end, it has a series of round discs and has feathers coming out the top. They had planned to play it in the hallway, but weren't allowed. They ended up playing it on the tennis court - which is outside on the 9th floor (by the swimming pool).
We're so tired of eating out (especially things that are somewhat unfamiliar), we decided to cook in tonight. That's a little hard when you don't even have a microwave - all we have is a hot pot to boil water. We bought some ramen noodle type things at the market and fixed those. It was a nice change, and a cheap dinner too.
We gave Leila a cookie to suck on tonight. It was probably the first thing other than a bottle she's ever had. She didn't mind it, but she wasn't thrilled either.
6 comments:
Hey Darrell,
It's Aly, I thought I would check out your blog. Leila is so cute and I bet you are really exited to finally have her! Well, I'll see you when you get back.
Aly
hello McBeath's we are glad that you are all well. we can't wait to see that cute little girl in person. you are in our thoughts and prayers
dotson 5
Hey Lois,
You are so blessed to be bringing home such a beautiful little girl!
I can not wait to met her !!
You are in are thoughts and prayers! Trenda
Darrell,
It's Kenzie your sister is so cute!!! I am sure you and your family are really exicted to get her! What did you site see?How was the Great Wall of China I bet it was awesome!Well when you get back you can give me all the answers.See you when you get back!!!!!!
Your Friend ,
Kenzie
Lois and family,
Your mother gave me this blogsite, and I have been checking it everyday. Leila is beautiful. It sounds as if you are all doing well, and getting around so much better than I could imagine. My daughter,Linda, and I can hardly wait to see Leila. I am pround of your boys too. I know you are tired, hot, and will be so happy to get back to the good old USA. Linda told me that she and your Dad are going to be in Charleston to meet you. She also told me that your Dad got a bear-yea.
My prayers are will all of you.
Elsa
Hey Darrell and Family,
We have been checking your blog daily and can't wait to hear all of your stories in person. Leila is absolutely adorable and we are all excited to meet her. Aly had to teach me how to comment, so that's why it has taken so long. We all miss you and are looking forward to you coming home. It looks like you're having alot of fun - stay away from the ice cream. Ha! It sounds like having blonde hair has turned you into a celebrity. Take care. Love & Prayers, Mrs. Lewis and your Sixth Grade friends
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