Omi’s Visit

Today, Gisela came to Zürich to visit her 3rd granddaughter for the first time. As an experienced mom of three children and granny to two grand sons, she gave us lots of tips and cheered us up so much, saying L is such a smart child.

After playing in the park, we went to the local shopping mall where she bought a bunch of necessities for L, such as diapers, diaper cream, sleepers and most importantly a suction bowl to prevent a flying bowl at meal time.

When Gisela arrived at noon, L just woke up from her nap and started crying. But Gisela remained very calm, looked into her eyes and talked to her softly. After a while, I let Gisela hold L in her arms and she was all fine. By the time she left our apartment, L walked to the edge of the steps to send her off and wanted to go with her so badly. It’s amazing how much attachment she grew in such a short time.

Our next visit from Germany will be Peter’s friends from his home town. In the middle of August, L’s auntie Biggi will drop by on the way to camping in the Swiss Alps. Then at the end of August, my parents are flying all the way from Japan!!

First Step

L had her first 4 steps today.

After dinner, we were playing with L in the living room. All of a sudden, she stood up near Peter and walked 4 steps towards me, picked up a toy on the floor and sat down. We were awaiting this moment all this time and it just happened when we were least expecting. Peter had a surprised but happy look on his face, and I could not stop but to shed the tears of joy.

I read on the book from my dad that the parents should not give loud applause at their child’s first step, because he or she might get scared and will not walk again for a while. So we silently cerebrated this event by hugging each other. Peter regretted that we missed to film this important event when the camcorder was within close reach. Oh well.

Today is our 21st day together as a family.

Swimming

Since the temperature in Zürich hit rare 30℃, we took L to the kid’s swimming pool in Untere Letten. The mushroom shower and frog slide look completely bizarre to me but kids love them. When L spotted this swimming pool from far away, here eyes were sparkling.

Although the outside temperature is hot and dry, the water from Swiss Alps is only 22℃. L had so much fun in the water, but after a while, she started shivering and we had to take her out. She did not want to be out of water at all and gave a loud shriek. Since Peter and I both love swimming, this protest was a good sign. In fall, we would like to take her to the baby swimming class.

Brushing Teeth

In Bangkok, we tried to brush her teeth but she hated it. Back in Zürich, Miriam told us that brushing teeth is supposed to be a fun thing to do. So I started brushing my teeth first in front of her and gave her a neon pink toothbrush next. The result: she loves it!!

L’s First Visit

Friday was a special day for L. Her godmother* Miriam and her 2-year-old son Dylan came to visit her!!

Gonzales’ Solo Piano

On our first day together with L, she was crying so much that it broke our heart. I gave her a bottle of milk, sung her “Loy Krathong” and changed her diaper, but nothing could stop her from crying. She was crying so much that I had to hold her in my arms for hours until I did not feel anything in my arms any more. Then Peter started playing Gonzales’ “Solo Piano” very quietly on his laptop and L fell asleep peacefully. We were all consoled by the beautiful sound of piano.

Remaining Days in Bangkok

After changing the return flight to the earlier date, we spent the remaining days in Bangkok in the green: at the backyardgarden of the hotel, in the Rumpini Park and at Dusit Zoo. Our social worker recommended us to go to the Siam Sea World, but due to the swine flu, our pediatrician warned us not to go to the crowded area such as the city center, department stores or Sky Train.

Back in ZRH

We are now safely back in Zürich!! The air is super clean and fresh in Switzerland, and we love every moment of being with L in our small and cozy apartment. She started eating a lot more at home, and that gave us a sigh of relief. Peter cannot stop cooking for her.

When we left Bangkok, there was killer swine flu going around and we were worried sick about L’s health. Today Peter took her to the local pediatrician and was told that she is perfectly healthy!! From the blood test though, the doctor said L lacks iron, so Peter already came up with L’s meal plan with lots of Tofu, bean sprouts, etc. to boost up the iron content in her blood. We were also told that L sleeps a lot due to the lack of iron, but our adoption agent told us that long sleeping hours are normal for adopted children. They have to work on various thoughts and images in their sleep. Every time Peter look at L in her sleep, he says “our daughter is so beautiful I am going to cry.”

Bangkok Days

A little shrine on the street

Grocery shopping at the Central Department Store

Weighing L at the BNH Hospital

Waiting for the doctor’s appointment

Housekeeping staff made towel animals for L

Day 2

The first evening went so hectic that we almost forgot to have dinner. We were waken up by L’s occasional cry and dashed to hold her in our arms. We naturally stared to take turns in giving her milk, changing diapers, etc., so we can both sleep enough hours. We love to take care of her so much that we don’t mind staying awake at 3am in the morning and making her a bottle of milk. When L is drinking milk in her sleep, we sit next to her and just watch her.

The morning sunlight from the garden and the sound of the birds woke us up. I will never forget this beautiful morning we woke up as a family. I know I sound very cheesy, but it’s true. I had black spots under my eyes and sore muscle from holding L for hours, but I just could not put in words how happy I was to wake up next to Peter and L.

We still struggled to feed her properly and to change the diaper without making a big scene. Before we noticed, the day was almost over and we had not had anything in our stomach yet. That’s how hectic the first day as a family went by.

There was a tremendous change in L’s behavior in comparison to the day we first met. She started making an eye contact and was not afraid to touch us any more. When Peter and I saw L laugh and crap hands and wave her hands to us for the first time, we just melt and were in tears. I am so thankful to her that she opened up to us so fast.