a personal style blog by Lauren Pfieffer

Friday, December 9, 2011

Chinese Tree.

Ever since 2005 we've not had one Christmas tree, but two Christmas trees. A traditional one, and a Chinese one. Some of you may wonder, "Why in the world would Lauren have a Chinese Christmas tree? She isn't Chinese!" Well, I might not be Chinese, but my little sister sure is.

Ever since I can remember I wanted a little sister. Someone to play Barbie dolls with and play dress up with. To swing around at the park and snuggle tightly. My parents knew how much I wanted a sister, and they wanted another child, too. They tried and tried, but unfortunately it was too late for them. In 2003 my family and I started to process to adopt internationally from China. They didn't want to adopt within the United States because of so many complications, and the situation in China touched their hearts. Thousands of little girls are abandoned every year because of the one child policy in China. Couples want boys, and the girls are tossed aside so they can try again.

It took two years for all of the paper work to be completed, processed, and reviewed. I remember in January of 2005 receiving a picture of my sister for the first time. Her name was Han Wei Le and she had beautiful, but incredibly sad almond shaped eyes. Her hair was chopped short and bluntly , and she didn't wear a smile on her face. I remember looking at her, staring at the picture that came in the mail and just crying. Crying, crying, crying. That was my sister.

A few months later in April of 2005 my parents and I traveled to China for two weeks to finalize the adoption, meet my sister for the first time, and take her home. The day we went to the adoption agency to get my sister I remember with such clarity. Every detail I can remember because it was such a monumental moment in my life... Seeing my sister and holding her for the first time was such a life changing experience. My sister. The little sister I had always dreamed and wished for. We named her Gracie Wei Le Pfieffer. And that she's been ever since.

I can say I love my little sister with all my heart. We don't do all of the girly stuff like play with Barbie dolls and dress up like I dreamed (because she's a total tomboy!), but have our fair share of fun.We fight, oh yes we fight and argue and sometimes 'hate each other' but...she's still my sister no matter what. I never see my sister as anything but my sister. She not Chinese. She's not adopted. She's just Gracie.

With much love, Lauren.
SHARE:

26 comments

Shady Del Knight said...

You have a big heart, Lauren. Thank you for showing us your sister. She is lucky to have you in her life!

leah jean said...

Ohhhh my goodness, that just touched my heart. What a beautiful, beautiful story. Thanks for sharing with us :)

Amber Schmidt said...

Your sister is beautiful, and this warms my heart. You gems.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Two absolutely beautiful girls! Thanks for sharing this with us, helps me remember what a special gift siblings truly are!

S Bee said...

Awww, that is just so sweet and heart warming. Gracie looks like a bubbly little girl. God bless you all :)

Stacey Kay said...

Ohhhh how fun! I love the Chinese ornaments.

Goodwill Huntingg: Happy Holidays Giveaway!
Accessory alert: tassels

April said...

Such a sweet post!

Unknown said...

I admire people who adopt so much. It is such an honorable thing to do, I'd love to try to adopt in the future!! I like the photos of your Chinese tree, what a cute tradition!!

Zane said...

love your post, thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

This was so lovely to read :) Love the Chinese tree too!!

Marzipan said...

What a cute post!

//tomatoeggs. said...

such a sweet story!

Miss Marie said...

The Chinese Christmas tree and ornaments was just fabulous to start with but the story about your sister made this all the more wonderful! It must have been such an emotional experience when she first came into your family. It's lovely that you can share the story - being honest about when you first saw her but the happy continuation of the story where she's now completely part of the family. A very happy Christmas post indeed!

Kirsten said...

Ohh what a lovely story. She's such a cutie. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your two trees :)

Jana K said...

Aw Lauren, this is so sweet. You really made my day :)

Sampada said...

Lauren, this is the sweetest post I have ever read. You are so sincere and have such a wonderful, loving heart...so admirable. Your sister is so lucky to have you.

Also, congrats on your Teen Vogue feature. I hope one day, I can make it on there too!

-Rose

Midwest Muse said...

This post is so sweet and your sister is so adorable! I was so glad I got to meet her for a second! She's as sweet as you! Your family is really great for adopting her.

EmilyCinnamon said...

Your such a sweet girl! Gracie looks like an absolute doll, and the way you took pictures of your ornaments is just breathtaking. I find it really neat that you have 2 christmas trees, I wish our house had that! <3

Elanor said...

what a sweet story! i had no idea, lauren! that is beautiful.
xx

Kezzie said...

Oh she's such a cutie!!!! I love this dedication to your sister- heartfelt and wonderful!

Charlotte Cantillon (Crowley) said...

Oh Lauren I just loved reading this! It was so awesome to hear about such an important person in your life!!

Charlotte x

Victoria / Justice Pirate said...

I LOVE adoption stories so much and wish you talked about her before! I'm wanting to adopt from Vietnam one day (but they closed adoptions to that country recently). That's great that you do things to celebrate your sister's culture too!

Elyse (Give Me Bows) said...

Ohhh Lauren that is such a beautiful story! :) Having a sister is the best, isn't it? xxx

Anonymous said...

This is so sweet. I hope to adopt one day. It is great to hear such a heartwarming story like this. And the Chinese tree is adorable.

<3 Rachel

KSaifs said...

This is incredibly heartwarming! What a wonderful sister you are. Thank you for sharing! :) xo

Unknown said...

What an awesome story! I didn't know you had a sister! How fun. I love the idea of the Chinese christmas tree and all the ornaments are so cute.

Blogger Template by pipdig