Gotcha Day: March 4, 2012

Little Man

Today was your “Gotcha Day.” Wass picked us up from the hotel at 9:30 am and 5 sets of parents climbed into the van and drove to Hannah’s Hope. We got out of the van and stared at the black gate before us. Wass walked up and knocked. Eventually the door opened and we all just stood there asking, “Who is going first?” 

I am not sure who walked through first, but your Dad and I saw you through the door in your special mother M’s arms. Cutie, those arms have held you for hours since coming to Hannah’s Hope. She has fed, bathed, played, and rocked you to sleep. She loves you and you love her. We saw this on the first trip and it was so in evidence today. 

We walked through the gate and put our stuff down and walked over to the two of you. We talked to you for a bit as M held you close, with tears running down her cheeks. Tears were in my eyes and I am sure they were in your Dad’s as you were first put into my arms and then his. M and I hugged, crying, as I thanked her for the care she, and others, have given you since September. 

You were fine at first, maybe 5 or 10 minutes, before you began to cry and scream. We walked and sang, but nothing worked. Nothing. We tried food. We tried Wass. Almaz wanted to meet with us, so we handed you over to Wass to give you a bit of a break from the screaming. 

While we talked with Almaz about the Embassy appointment tomorrow, at some point you found your way back to M’s arms. When we finished our meeting, we went up to the butterfly room where one last time M had rocked you to sleep. When we saw her she was crying again, Hon I can’t tell you how much she has loved you. She has worked so hard to get you to be happy at Hannah’s Hope. We know you will miss her. We will tell you about her love for you and how great she cared for you while at Hannah’s Hope. We took a picture with M holding you, then she kissed you good-bye and handed you over to me. 

We walked down the marble staircase and out the gate. We took a picture and got into the van to go back to the hotel. I carried you up the stairs and when we got to the room, the maid was still cleaning. So we waited in the hallway, where you woke up. Little Man, you were so brave. You looked around and we began to walk the hallway. We talked to you about silly things, you cried at times, and eventually we walked into our room. 

We did a diaper and outfit change. So far, your Dad and I have taken turns walking the room with you. Sometimes crying, sometimes not. You are being so brave. This cannot be easy. We love you Little Man, no matter how much you cry. 

Love,

Mom and Dad

Highlights of the day:

-Screaming for 4 hours at the hotel before going back to sleep. This is on top of the hour at HH.

-Little Man turning down being held by the waitress. Instead snuggled more in Dad’s arms.

-Playing with a toy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For the first time, we saw you play with a toy. Your red ball.

-CRAWLING! CRAWLING! We didn’t know you could crawl. BTW, I am sorry Dad kept moving your toy to get this to happen. You cried the whole time. Way to go Dad.

-Puking on your Dad. J

-For your first bath, you peed in the sink.

-Finally falling asleep. You haven’t taken more than an ounce of milk, but you stopped screaming. We will take it.