One by one, the mothers were handed their babies, and when I saw a little baby in pink I headed for her, oops she wasn't mine, but I didn't have to wait long. The next care giver came in and handed me Lilly. I cannot remember what I said, but it was captured on video tape. I was in heaven. The last time I had felt so much bliss was when I held Eli for the first time. The feelings were exactly the same even though the process was so different. I was was in love, and I knew and know that she is mine all mine; oh, and Adam and Eli's too. My heart was full. I had my beautiful princess. I quickly examined Lilly and her outfit and thought about the three outfits I had brought to change her into for the giving and receiving ceremony (a ceremony where Lilly would officially become our baby in the eyes of the Vietnamese Law). I had brought a cute green dress with lady bugs that I picked out, a hand me down from Dani and Ally that was light blue with a matching hat and underpants to go over the diaper, and a pink dress and hat that my mom had purchased. I scanned her current outfit, and it was so cute. For now, I would hold off and make the decision later.
Adam was busy capturing everything on video tape. I had a mission as time was very limited before the giving and receiving ceremony. I wanted to find out everything I could about Lilly's first six and a half months of life so that she would have as complete a picture as possible later on in life. Thanks to Kathy, my sister, I knew this was very important. Kathy also helped me with my list of questions which will be discussed later. There was one translator and six families and we only had about fifteen minutes before the giving and receiving ceremony. I quickly did the math and went on my mission. As I brought Lilly out of the room, I found a care giver that spoke English (this was a golden opportunity)! I started asking her my questions, and she exclaimed that she had a letter for me from someone that took care of Thanh Tai (her Vietnamese name). The letter is copied below. The letter came with some pictures of Lilly as a newborn and a little teddy bear on a pin.
I need to finish part III when the children give me some more free time, hopefully later today. Pictures to come and part III to come.
Xin Chao! (Hello)
My name is Danielle Reiter. I have spent the last three months (March, April, May 07) volunteering here in Tam Ky through the Global Volunteer Network. As you can imagine, having spent this time here, I have gotten to know and love all of the children, and in particular your new baby daughter Tai. I have loved looking after her, and she definately has received tons of cuddles and kissess. She loves when you stroke her head from front to the back, and makes this adorable fact that always makes me laugh! Here are a few pictures that I would like to share with you. I have many pictures of your Tai, as she was my favorite baby at the orphanage. I would love for you (and her) to have some pictures from the time I spent with her at the orphanage. I have left you my e-mail and address. It would be my pleasure to forward some more pictures to you, and of course hear how she is doing. Enjoy your new baby girl. I'm sure her smiles will be the highligh of your day as they were mine.
Best wishes,
Danielle Reiter
(from Cambridge, Ontario CANADA)
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