After the years of waiting and then the scramble of preparing, we met Malia this morning and welcomed her into our family! We're thrilled; she's overwhelmed but already trying out a few English words! It's tough for me to put into words, so I'll rely on pictures to guide my writing.
Ready to head out!
Jonathan and Ryan leading the way to the MRT.
We were a few minutes early, so we hung out in a nearby park, surrounded by our new kid stuff!
Navigation worked OK. Chung Yi is on a side street in a non-tourist section of town, so we were a little nervous about finding it, but Google Maps and Streetview led us right to it!
After filling out paperwork, we met Malia's foster parents who have cared for her since she was five days old. They are wonderful people -- Malia enjoyed a rich family life with the foster parents and their extended family. She was, and is, loved.
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The parents and translator explaining her snacks, clothes, and supplies.
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While we were dealing with paperwork and meeting the foster family, the boys were meeting Malia and entertaining her. We gave them a small camera to take with them. Here are their first interactions (and our family's first interactions) with Malia through the boys' eyes.
And Jonathan tried to keep her cheered up.
We had a some concerned looks and then little lower lip trembling...and a few tears.
So dad did some comforting. She didn't exactly cling tight, but she did calm down and almost went to sleep.
After the group photos, we took the MRT back to our hotel, where mom fed her some sweet potato we picked up from a stall just outside our hotel and taught Malia her first English words ... we tried family names, but her first English word was "open" when she was opening and closing a water bottle.
After lunch a nap was clearly in order.
She's now awake and playing with the boys. They just taught her how to "high five."
Yaaaaaayyyyyy! Soooooooooooo thrilled for you. Happy Malia Day!
ReplyDeleteJessy
This post brings me to happy tears! Your boys are so gentle and it's clear how thrilled they are that sister is finally home. Cannot be happier for your family. Hopefully one day we can all meet--on your island or mine :)
ReplyDeleteTears, too!! So wonderful!!!!! Love to your family!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! We're cheering over here!
ReplyDeleteI remember walking down those side streets and seeing Chung Yi for the first time. So happy that you were able to find it with your GPS. We had a guide and I thought we were lost! Your boys are already the best big brothers in the world! They were so wonderful with Malia! I think they will be a huge part of making Malia's transition smoother. She is a cutie! Can't wait to see more of your family of 5!
ReplyDeleteWe didn't have GPS with us -- we did Google Streetview back at the hotel, and tried to figure out the route that was least likely to get us lost -- and it worked!
ReplyDeleteShelley and Dave, I cannot even express how happy I am for you and your family. Reading through your blog brought tears of joy. I wish you and your family all the love and togetherness in the world. I do hope I can meet Malia soon and see your boys all grown up. Much love, Debbie
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