The “next” journey started with a ride in Ma and Pa’GI from the orphanage to Ho Chi Minh City. This was probably the girls second ride in a car, their first being earlier in the day when a taxi picked them up to bring them to the orphanage. Other times they were probably transported like other infants and children – “motor bike”, which are either old tuned up Vespas, old Hondas, or some other old “bike”.
Let me highlight some of the firsts we’ve experienced:
First looks from the girl, in amazement and wonder. They clutch to our shirts as we carry them, and at times, when we try to put them down. This time is heaven.
First night, the girls slept through from 7 until 7. This was heaven. . . prior to sleeping it was solos, then duets, then solos, then a chorus of crying. There is not greater sound of silence than after a few heart felt hours of crying. J It’s wonderful trying to learn the different cries of hunger, sleepy, teething (ooo, this is painful to “feel” against your chest), and finally – gas. Who would have known that was the source of the problem night one, but after a few minutes of good toot’n, all was peaceful.
First sighting of thumb suckers. One lefty, one righty. Hilarious now, and nothing a couple years of braces won’t try to fix. J They gnaw on their thumbs sooo good, they have built up calluses by the bottom knuckles. Sure is cute looking.
First time eating off our plates. Rice, fruit, yogurt, pudding, fish, orange bread, eggs, and whatever else they are up for. This is also heaven. Truly amazing to experience this.
First airplane ride – from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. The girls are ooooed and awed like rock stars as they ride in their backpacks (a lifesaver and according to Suzanne – “worth their weight in gold”). It’s pretty funny watching people stop what their doing; eating, walking, talking, . . . just to point and gaze at the two beautiful girls. We’ve got them dressed alike – so there’s no doubt they are twins. J
First chance to be inducted into the parenthood ‘gang’. If you’re a parent, you’ll know what I mean – something you don’t truly experience until the kids are ‘your own’. In this new gang you get new stares at rude people – people that will push themselves past you in a hurry to no where. Seating in the part of restaurants where you’ll be the least disruptive. . . the back, way back. Hotel rooms that are as far away from the elevator and down long hallways that never end (especially while carrying luggage and two princesses). This is there way to try to avoid any crying spells from disturbing other guests. This new parenthood membership is not as glamorous as it’s cracked up to be, but it is heaven.
First restless night (second night with the girls), but after 2 diaper changes, 2 bottles, and 2 different “rocking sessions” – a perk to the new membership no doubt, silence was heaven again.
And the firsts go on.
