Day 5: G&R

(I don't have many pictures of the G&R ceremony-- I know some were taken though)

Picking up where I left off:

On Tuesday, we left the hotel and headed for the care center arounf 8am. Molly was just waking up from nap #1 when we got there. We played for an hour and then they got her dressed and ready for the G&R.

The two families, two kids, and one nanny got into the van to head to the G&R. Molly's two main nannies followed on a scooter (everyone has a scooter in Vietnam). Molly, of course, was the one who got upset in the car, so the other nanny held her.

The G&R was held in a little room. When we arrived they were finishing a wedding--they had to flip the sign over to the "adoption" sign before we began the proceedings. There were 3 officials. The main one spoke and then our agency representative translated. After welcoming the families, they asked us to verify the accuracy of our documents. Then we were called up individually to sign about 8 copies. We were allowed to say a few words (of thanks) which were translated back for the officials. And then they made a big deal out of handing us the signed paperwork and finally handing us our kids. And that was that.

Afterwards, we had a gap of time while all the paperwork was copied and prepared in folders. This is where the nannies truly worked their magic. Apparently, the nannies spend most of the G&R saying their goodbyes to the kids. Afterwards, they facilitate the pass-off. In my case, Molly's primary nanny got Molly interested in pounding on a sign. Then she switched her over to me. She would disappear around the corner, returning when Molly got fussy and join her in banging on the sign. As soon as she was distracted, she would walk away and occupy herself again. In this way, she helped Molly stretch the length of time before panic arose. By the time we left, she was perfectly calm.

On the van ride back she mostly slept. She did have her moments though. She doesn't really cry so much as she whimpers. By the time we were near the half way point, both kids were crying and we were looking forward to the distraction of lunch. Molly was really happy to be out of the car and ate a huge meal. A huge meal that she later threw up on me-- my fault really. She always wants her bottle after she eats, but she doesn't always finish eating before she shoves it in her mouth. Thus, she basically crammed a cracker in her mouth which lead to the contents of the bottle (water) being ejected onto me. After that she passed out completely--which is the point mom snapped the lovely picture you've all commented on.