We adopted our daughter, Elyse Jia Ai Baron, from China in June 2004, when she was a year old. The experience was and continues to be awesome. Elyse turned two years old in June and is a delight.

We would like people to understand that adoption is a choice, not a last resort. We made a very conscious decision to adopt. The entire process took about thirteen months from choosing an agency to picking up our daughter in China. We cannot say enough good things about EAC. The entire process was made so much easier through Chris at the EAC office, and we all know that "Uncle Zhou" is AWESOME!! We have talked with many people who have adopted and used other agencies. Afterwards, we always look at each other and say, "Thank goodness we used EAC!"

The paperwork, although not difficult, does take time, and then we waited. But so worth the wait! When we got our referral for Elyse, we were in love and could not wait to bring her home!

Six weeks later, we traveled to China to bring Elyse home, an incredibly emotional experience. When we first got her, Elyse was crying. I was trying not to, as I did not want to frighten her more, but we had waited so long to hold her; and it was hard to hold back the tears.

We then had nine days together in China before traveling home. Uncle Zhou is very clear about being sure that all of the time is spent with the girls to begin the very important bonding process. The first two days are particularly intense. After that, he would plan nice little outings every day, but mostly we were in our rooms playing with our girls and getting to know one another.

The trip home was about twenty-seven hours traveling from China with very little sleep. After bringing Elyse into the house and showing her around, we asked our tired little girl what she thought. I will never forget--she just shrugged her little shoulders and smiled. She knew this was home, and we were forever family. I think some people are worried about the bonding with children of adoption. My husband has two biological children, and Elyse is as much his child as they are. They are truly father-daughter in their relationship.

Once home, Elyse adjusted quickly and very well. She is unbelievably good natured, very bright, curious, playful, loving and has a great sense of humor. Her development is well in line with her counterparts, and in some cases, it is better.

I feel so fortunate to have her as my daughter and am inspired by her every day. My husband and I sometimes think our daughter has an "old soul" and that she fully understands and appreciates her life and family. She knew the first night in the house together that this was HOME.

Thanks to EAC and everyone there for making this possible and bringing our girl to us.