First Meeting with Lan
We met with Lan for about 1 hour and 45 minutes this afternoon. Her foster mother had dropped her off at the Care Center this morning. She recognized us from our photos but was hesitant to come to us. With urging from the nannies, she sat with us and let me feed her some fruit snacks. She began to cry when the nannies asked if she was happy her new mom and dad had come for her and she shook her head. After a while, I showed her some pictures of Gabriel. She was interested in the photos of Gabriel building with his legos. When the nanny told her, "This is your big brother, he is building a dragon". She looked very interested. The nanny asked if she wanted to meet her big brother and see his dragon toy, she nodded. She let me pick her up and walk with her, and sing her a song. She held on to me around my neck and with her legs around my waist and did not try to push me away, which I think is a good sign. She liked the white bear, but, was VERY interested in the Polly Pocket doll. She started to cry a little bit again, and the social worker from our agency asked her if she was sad, and she nodded. I held her on my lap and rubbed her back and told her it was okay to be sad right now. I asked the social worker to tell her that in Vietnamese - she said something to her, I hope she translated it correctly. By the time we left, she let me feed her some chicken broth (but no noodles) and she sat in Dave's lap. Then we had to leave and she looked terribly upset again. (I cannot imagine what a horrible day this has been for her. The only mother she remembers dropped her off an orphanage, everyone told her her new parents would come, they came, and then they left again.)
We will go tomorrow morning at 8;30 to meet her foster mother, but, Lan will not come with us. After that, we will go back to the orphanage for a few hours in the morning and again in the afternoon.
This evening we had dinner with another Holt family who is adopting a little boy. We had some beef and noodle dishes that were good. We are exhausted and heading to bed.
Gretchen
posted by Gretchen W @ 6:12 AM
19 Comments:
We are so excited for you guys and it sounds like things are going well so far. I think she will love you guys and it sounds like she is already being affectionate with you.
You are both in our thoughts and we cannot wait to meet her!
Rick and Meagan
Hang in there, the ride will be rough, but you can do it. I'll be looking for updates and praying for you all!
Poor little pumpkin! It must break your heart. Hang in there! Thanks for sharing.
I'm so glad you are there safe and sound. You poor little sweet heart. On the good side of things sounds like she has what it takes for attachment but these will be a tough couple of days for her. Hold tight, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca B.
This is such a wonderful thing. Thank you for sharing with us. We sit on pins and needles waiting for the next update. Sending love. Danielle, Jeff and Veda.
The whole transition thing is going to be hard at first. It has to be pretty hard on her with all that she has gone thru in such a short time.
You are doing wonderful, by letting her cry when she needs to and holding and comforting her as she is trying to truly understand all that is happening.
Stephanie
You know, it sounds like a *great* first meeting! How positive that she is so responsive, so thinking, clearly so openly feeling. That will help so much that she can openly express herself. You are already such a wonderful mama to her - giving her the permission she needs to grieve and be sad. It will pay for your whole family in dividends, for sure! Can't wait to read the next update! Get some sleep - I can't imagine how exhausted you must be!
YAY! This sounds like a great first meeing! She's going to be sad, and that's a givin', but she open. I hope your visits with her just get better and better!
Even though she was sad and a little hesitant, I think it sounds like a wonderful first meeting. I will be praying for you all!
Wow, how hard that must have been leaving her. I will be praying for you all and hoping that Lana's spirits will rise over the next few days. Honestly, if she reacted any differently that may have been concerning. Even knowing that doesn't make it any easier though. What a precious little girl.
~Michelle
Good luck. I hope things go smoothly and that you girl can feel secure with you soon! No more rollercoaster!
take care-thinking of you...J
Sounds like your meeting went great. I know it will be hard to visit and leave but once she gets to stay with you, I think she will do great and adjust quickly. Gabe will have to share those legos! She sounds very sweet and I am glad she is letting you hold her!
We are so happy for you. It really sounds like she knows what is going on and is going to be just fine. We are thinking of you often.
Carma, Rodd, and Mallory
I can only imagine the emotions that Lana and you were having. I can't wait to see your next update and hope the next meetings go well. I am glad Lana recognized you. That really is a good thing!
Oh. It sounds like an emotional, but good first meeting. I look forward to your updates. I know that it will be rough at first, but wonderful in the end.
Lana seems to be holding on tight to her new Momma what a great sight to see. Dad and Lana seem to be hitting it off and playing already. Soon all 4 of you will be playing together at home. Miss You and Be Safe!
Jami, Doug and Lilli
All in all, it sounds like a good first meeting. I can't imagine what's going on inside Lana's head, but trust your heart! She's gots TONS of adjusting to do & she's off to a good start.
I teared up reading about her hugging your neck & wrapping her legs around your waist! Precious memories for you, Mom!
We're praying for smooth progress.
Sheri, David, Micah & Noah--in DaNang
This sounds like a really really good first meeting. Much better than Zeeb did with us the first day. (But then, his foster family was there with us). Anyway, it sounds like she is starting to bond to you already and I am so happy for you - and her!
Can't wait to hear more... take care and get lots of sleep!!
The first meeting sounded so tense especially with the language difference. I pray for love to prevail.
Peace,
Dave Watts
St. Paul's
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