We welcome Olivia to our family

Fully rested and much more relaxed after our practice run yesterday we made our way back to the orphange. It is such a great place there and the staff do amazing work and it is almost entirely sponsored by benefactors and kind donations. They care for the kids exceptionally well, but they can still only afford 1 nanny to 8 kids. Maybe you want to help?

 

As expected Olivia was upset by the experience of coming into the arms of folks she does not know. There were tears and in the end we just decided it was best to go. Khun Toy (the lady that runs the orphanage) drove us back to our apartment and after only a couple of minutes Olivia quietened down and just clung to Rikke. She was clearly uncomfortable but was willing to go along for the ride.

We said a quick good bye to Khun Toy and then our little family was gathered together alone for the first time. Up in the apartment we just sat quietly together until Olivia fell asleep in Rikke's arms.

After two hours she woke up slowly and was not upset, but nor was she relaxed. She kept looking just around and gripping to Rikke.

Slowly she started warming up and reading...

Her first book (tak Inge og Steen!!)

I went to get some dinner and then when I came home more progress had been made... (she built that tower by herself by the way. Mum only helped with the base... :-)

Then we had our first dinner together. Egg and rice (we will buy some veges tomorrow, Grandma Pat, I promise!).

Mum and Dad had spicy basil stir fry. Very yum.

We are so happy that we have our little treasure with us. We feel lucky that Olivia feels safe with her Mum and is not upset. We are very positive with the big steps she has made with us today. Dad has been "a good helper", but has so far not got his first cuddle (with the exception of a 20 sec attempt with tears...)  so now we are all sleepy and look forward to another batch of "firsts" tomorrow.

Sawadee krap