Emma’s “Gotcha” Day

As I write this at the kitchen table, I am observing five year old Emma in the family room watching her Boz Counting video, dancing to the music and singing the songs (in the language that only Emma knows.) I smile to myself – my heart is full.

This day, two years ago, my husband Scott, my daughter Darcie, and I were in China eagerly anticipating meeting our little Emma for the first time.  We made this journey ten years before, to bring home our Darcie. This time we knew what to expect as far as procedures, cultural differences, and jet lag. Our anticipation this time was linked to our new daughter. Darcie had just turned one when she joined our family, Emma was three and a half. Darcie’s adoption was considered a “healthy baby” adoption, Emma’s was a “special needs” adoption – Emma has Down Syndrome.  We had no idea what to expect at our meeting.  After all, she had spent the first 3 1/2 years of her life, mostly in a crib, institutionalized in a Chinese orphanage. How much would she cry? Would she miss orphanage life? Had she had friends or a caregiver that she was particularly attached to?   Would she like us? All these thoughts were swimming through our minds as we were taken to our meeting place.

On January 19, 2015, we sat in a waiting room full of expectant parents. The orphanage workers arrived and entered the room one at a time, handing off children to their new families. The children, mostly ages 2 to 5 years, were petrified being passed off to people they didn’t know, couldn’t understand, and who looked nothing like them. There were many tears. Finally, our name was called. Out walked Yang Ke Xin, soon to be Emma Willis; her mouth stuffed with cheese crackers, a huge smile on her face, and waving to the crowd! Even then she like to be the center of attention! Emma came right to us and never looked back!

We have no idea of the circumstances behind birth. We only know that on June 1, 2011, our little girl was found abandoned on the streets of Guangzhou, China; we have no doubt that she was born to be a part of the Willis Family. If only her birth parents could see her now! No, it’s not always easy. There are new challenges every day.  Emma is very stubborn. Learning is slow. She is extremely energetic and easily over-stimulated. But, she always wakes up happy and with a smile on her face. She cheers for each family member when they get home. She loves to dance. She rarely cries. She is ready to give hugs and smiles. She loves to laugh and make others laugh. She has brought a new joy and energy into our home that we could never have predicted. We love, love, love Emma!

Written by Emma’s mom, Leslie <3