Love at First Sight - Day 1

Today was the day we had been waiting for for months.  And it was the perfect day.  Everything about it was absolutely perfect.  

And I fell in love.  A little hole in my heart, that I didn’t even realize was there, was filled today.   By two amazing little boys.  

We drove the bumpy rode to Hannah’s Hope.  I was a bucket full of tears.  I knew this day was finally here and I would get to hold two perfect little bundles.  

Dave and I in the van.  Super pumped.

We drove up to the gates and honked the horn.  There was bunch of sweet children to greet us.  They were all yelling and chanting.  Later we found out they were chanting "farengi" which is the word for foreigner or white people.  Which we totally are.  Then we got out of the van and saw all the babies outside.  I wanted to run my little britches over there, but we were led into a building instead.  

Luckily we were only there about 20 seconds for some introductions when we were asked if we wanted to see the babies.  Which of course we did.  We went right out there, and I saw little W.  So sweet as can be.  I went up to him and the Special Mother handed him off to me.  I could tell he was a little anxious about it because he started breathing all funny and fast, but no tears.  I held him for about a minute and asked Dave if he wanted to hold him but then another Special Mother walked up with P and David took him right away.  It was so wonderful!  Their perfect little selves finally in our arms.  I can’t even describe what it felt like.  It was everything good and wonderful all at once.

David holding sweet little W's hand.

When the babies nap at Hannah's Hope, the special mothers put a blanket on them as they're falling asleep.  Totally covering their face and everything!!  I was constantly moving the blanket away from their little mouths and noses.  It was definitely a routine they were used to though, and it gives them comfort.  They'd go right to sleep, usually.  So good to know the little things the Special Mothers do that I can do at home for the boys too!

And the whole day we got to spend rocking, feeding and playing with our boys.  They slept in our arms, and giggled, and smiled.  It was amazing.  And then the most wonderful thing happened.  We got to give them a bath.  This was the most incredible part of my day.  As a first time mom, I really had no idea what I was doing.  The Special Mothers know limited English, but they were so patient and kind in showing me how they bathe the sweet boys.  I bathed W, and lotioned him up, and put him in his jammies.  David got to do the same with P.  It was the most intimate and special moment between us, and our boys, and the woman who care for them and love them so much.  It was incredible.

P's Crib.

W's crib.

They're in the "turtle room".

Then it was time to go. Which was hard, but we know we get to see those little honeys in the morning.  

We came back to the hotel and had a very late lunch of delicious Ethiopia food at the hotel restaurant, and uploaded some pictures and video.  Cannot WAIT until I get to hold my boys again tomorrow.