Many Firsts

We have finally settled into our hotel in Makati, Manila, central hub of the city. It's been surreal these past few days. I'm not sure if it's just jet lag or being homesick but it has been an incredible experience so far. We left Newark on Sunday night and arrived in Manila Tuesday afternoon. The time change is 13 hrs. ahead of EST time. I'm writing this now at 9:11pm EST and it's 10:11am Manila time, on the club floor of the hotel where people are eating their traditional Filipino breakfast of fish, rice and vegetables or the Western continental breakfast we are accustomed to eating.

Upon our arrival on Tuesday, we were picked up at the airport by our adoption agency liasion, Che, who is our lifeline while here in the Philippines. She's our translator, guide, advisor and connnection back to the US and someone who means so much more than just those things to her traveling families. In my mind, she played a key part for our family. She brought us to the baby's orphanage where we were greeted by the caregivers and social worker. They brought us up to meet Baby G immediately, who was just waking up from her afternoon nap. Walking into her room, we knew exactly which one she was, overcome with so many emotions by both her and us. She cried when she saw us, not out of joy but out of fear. It's understandable, I'd cry too. She was prepped by the caregivers her parents were arriving and a picture of our family was hanging on the corkboard just outside the babies room (as were other families who are arriving after us). We were able to play with her and the other babies and children in the orphanage the remainder of the afternoon outside in their courtyard. We lovingly called it "the baby party".

The first evening was spent feeding her, where she cried. It's understandable. We were learning who she was and learning her routine and she was learning who we are too. The orphanage has one guest room, where we slept and a crib was set up for Baby G to sleep right next to us. Tessie, one main caregivers, lives at the orphanage 24/7. Her prep for Baby G included sleeping in the guest room three nights prior to our arrival, which made the first night pretty easy for us. We were told of the midnight routine, which we followed and were happy to report a sleep-filled and uneventful night.

Our second day there, we were able to feed her all three meals with some fuss. She was warming up to us. We took a long drive up to Antipolo, the town in which Baby G first began her journey. There we met the Sisters from the convent who took care of her during her first days of life. They were happy to meet us and see Baby G after 13 months. We were honored to learn about their efforts and duties at hand. What incredible women, their devotion to Jesus and the children they take in. The Sisters are people I will always remember. Our day ended by taking a drive by the home I was first brought to as an adoptee. I lived in that home until age six and I remember bits and pieces of our life there. Life has come back full circle, 29 years later.

Our third day, we left the orphanage. I cried, the caregivers cried but Baby G did not. It was a sign that she felt comfortable with us. I have to give 100% credit to the caregivers and their thoughtful attention to detail to make the transition as easy as possible. They too, are incredible women and their unconditional love they have for each child that passes through their doors. While the separation is bittersweet, they feel happy knowing each baby is going to a good family. During our last night there, one of the caregivers said while hugging the baby, "I'm going to miss you so much". I knew her statement was heartfelt and sincere. We spent the afternoon traveling to the Inter Country Adoption Board office where we met the social worker in charge of all our paperwork in the Philippines. I peeked into our file and sure enough, all the paper that has passed through our hands and the adoption agency's hands is all in that green folder. Everyone's hard work has paid off.

So now we are on our own, at the hotel, resting and getting used to her routine without the caregivers to guide us. So far, so good. She's definitely a toddler and she's into everything. We are going to have to babyproof even more when we get home. Our afternoon will be spent going across the street to the department store where we will buy her some shoes. Her feet are bigger and pudgier than I expected. She cries only when she's tired and hungry. It's understandable. She's naps twice a day and we've figured out the windows of opportunity.

She's had many firsts these past two days. First time in a stroller, first time hearing a toilet flush (they have indoor plumbing at the orphanage but no toilet on the floor where the babies slept so they have never been around a toilet) and first time in an elevator. She loves to people and car watch; there are many to see here in Manila.

I have to say, I went in pretty intimidated by her. I had great hope that she likes us. But I have also realized "like" equals trust and attachment and if we can accomplish that, we're doing just fine. For now though, we are happy to report she is finally ours to call our own and part of our party of 5.

PS-I haven't quite mastered blogging but there are pictures down below, just scroll down.