What a surreal and incredible day-- I was finally able to take Emma from the babyhouse into my arms and back to our “home away from home,” beautiful hotel room. Earlier the night before, our translator alerted me that Emma was sick and asked if I preferred to wait another day to get her. After learning that this meant she would be put in a box (probably isolated from the other children) and given vaccinations (not sure what that meant), it didn’t sound good. I asked to clarify with the babyhouse doctor that if it would be OK/in her best interest for me to have her still, as I’d certainly prefer that option. Fortunately, the doc said fine and I arrived with our translator and driver to get her that Wednesday morning as planned.
The morning was quick-- gifts given, pictures taken of her babyhouse director, doctor, and as many caregivers as I could round up. Then, bundled her up in her snowsuit and out we went. The hours seemed to go so slowly, as I held her while waiting for another passport picture to be taken, more documents to sign, and alas we arrived at our hotel. Off with the snowsuit, as I inquired about what to give her for her stuffy nose and raspy throat. Thankfully, no fever.
What joy to be able to give her a bottle, change her into her comfy PJ’s, and lay her in her pink crib next to my bed. She slept on and off this first day, as I scrambled to email our US docs about how best to care for our sick baby. Unfortunately, the internet was down and I was left to my instincts and “What to Expect” handy book. My anxiety was high with a young, sick infant, and no one in the hotel that understood English. But, I was grateful she was taking her formula, and some diluted juice/water, and was able to sleep. Sadly, Joe could not be here with us, not even skype, on this momentous day.
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