Giving & Receiving Ceremony

Yesterday was our G&R. As many of you are already aware, December 4th of last year was when we received Bennett's referral and this year we became a forever family. This was a very special day for us.

We started out at the center and met the director. A wonderful man who cares very much about the children. After spending some time with him we then went up to see Bennett. It was such a happy day for us but we knew it was sad for the nannies. Bennett had a special nanny that he was very attached to and she was attached to him as well. There we were, me crying, her crying as she handed him over to us. We will be forever grateful to these women who loved Bennett. After leaving the center we headed to the Justice Department. Here is where he became "offically" our son.

After our G&R we headed back to the hotel to get some lunch. Once in the hotel room he had a total meltdown. No matter what we would do we just couldn't console him. Poor little guy was in shock. I can't even begin to imagine what it is like to be ripped from the only home you knew. We decided just to pack up everything and head to the lobby. Once I put him in the Mei Tai he seemed content. We loaded up the van and headed back to HCMC. The ride back seemed to take forever. We were all tired but never heard a word out of Bennett. He slept for about half the time and just sat our on laps the rest looking out the window.

Once we arrived at the Rex we checked in and headed to our room. The three of us were exhausted. Chris ordered room service and I got Bennett changed. He HATES to have his diaper or his clothes changed. It seems to cause him a lot of stress. Right now it's a two person process but hopefully over time he will settle down a bit. He really goes to me right now for comfort but doesn't mind Chris holding him or playing with him. Chris did have to bring him in the bathroom with me last night so I could get ready for bed. He wasn't having any part of me not being in the room with me.

We were able to get him to sleep around 9pm and he slept until 4:30am. No night terrors at all. We were really thinking it would be a nightmare of a night based on what had happened earlier in the day. This morning he woke up in a great mood, at least after we changed his diaper and clothes. Bennett and Chris played while I took a shower. We've been getting lots of smiles out of him this morning. Right now he is asleep on the bed taking a much needed nap.




Today we will apply for Bennett's passport and do his medical check. We have rest days tomorrow and Sunday. Then Monday we will head to Hanoi. We are really hoping to head home by next Thursday but we will see.