On Sunday night, Lilah Grace wanted to play "China." I played Orphanage Director, I played American Momma and I played the part of the Chinese Foster Mother. This imaginary play was important and not just a game.
Lilah Grace told me she wanted to "borrow" a Chinese baby. I told her that if she wanted a baby to join her family forever and ever she could adopt one, but that China didn't allow families to borrow babies.
She also asked me, "What if I don't like the baby I'm given?" I told her that some special people in China selected a baby for a parent or parents and they made sure a perfect match was made. I told her how much I loved the baby China had given me.
Lilah Grace also told me her baby (stuffed animal) wanted to stay with her Chinese Foster Mother. I told her that I was so glad the baby loved the Foster Mother, but babies weren't allowed to stay with them. The baby could visit the foster family, but she had to go back to America with her forever family.
Lastly, Lilah Grace asked me how much she needed to pay for her baby. I told her that babies weren't bought, but if she wanted to leave a donation to help pay for the food and clothes for the other babies in the orphanage she could.
Lilah Grace was all smiles during these exchanges. What an interesting and imaginative way to voice her questions and concerns. I'm sure this will come up again. I'll be ready... after all, it's my job. The job I love most in this world.
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