My trip in a nutshell- a rambling nutshell

The visit was great! (2 weeks later it feels like it was a dream.)

I met a group in Haiti (5 other families adopting from my orphanage. I shared a room with another single mom.)

The girls have grown a lot- physically and cognitively. I was worried last trip how delayed C was. She has made great progress and is almost age appropriate in all areas now. S gets a lot of attention at the O, which has helped her develop on target. They are in separate rooms right now. I'm sure soon they will both be in the toddler room together .
Baby room 2

Toddler room

I kept both girls at the hotel the entire trip. We did not go on the day excursion. Runny diapers and an over crowded tap tap was not my ideal way to spend quality time with my little ones. So we had fun at the hotel.

C did not mind the transfer to the hotel. ( A few seconds of panic when the van pulled away from the O. She calmed down when she realized she had her buddy G N coming along too.) I think she remembered me some. As soon as she saw me she grabbed my hand and tried to lead me to the van. C would not let me walk into the O without her crying and pulling me out. We had a great time at the hotel, especially when we stayed in the room to play. They loved reading books and playing with dolls. (not to mention the universal doll bowl/bath/potty/cup... G N shared with them.)
Neither girl cared too much for finger painting. Both loved the little pool (thanks again Katy). And both love to eat, especially Cheerios and baby puff snacks. The rice and beans for lunch and dinner, eggs and pancakes for breakfast from the restaurant were a hit with the girls. (This trip I really liked the chicken spaghetti, last trip I couldn't get enough Creole Chicken. I am not adventurous with my eating. Order once, if it was good I stuck to it. :o) The rice and beans from the O were tasty too.)


Transitions were easier on S. She takes things in stride still. For S, transitioning back was not traumatic. Everyone came to play with her and carry her around. Going back was hard on C. I tried to transition her back in slowly, taking her to all of the rooms first and playing/loving on the other babies with her, talking to all the nannies. When we came to her room/the toddler room, she lost it. Even when I was in there with her. It was hard. I could hear her cry while we waited for everyone else to finish. I waited in the van what seemed like forever- actually only 20 min. or so (trying not to cry hearing my little one crying on and on). Goodbye is the worst when they do not understand it is not forever, but you do not know how much longer.

Will I go back? Yes, next trip if I can take off work AND if there is not more movement.

"PLEASE let there be a massive flood of movement Lord! From IBESR, Parquet, Second Legal, MOI, Passports & Visas, let our documents fly swiftly and without delay! Thank You!"