Monday, October 20, 2008

Little "Z" Day!


Both of us are writing this one! We picked up Zaleeya/Pratima this afternoon, after a nervous night and morning. We had a nice quiet breakfast at the hotel, and then we headed off in our hired car to the orphanage. We met with Mrs. Roy the woman who has run the Orphanage for the last 20 years. She is a truly wonderful person and we could tell that all the women who worked there, love the children very much.

We were expecting to go in and see Zaleeya/Pratima after finishing our paperwork which took about 45 minutes, however one of the Ayahs (caretakers) brought her in to see us instead. We were totally caught by suprise (in a good way) and finally set our eyes on the daughter we've been waiting for for so long. She was a scared at first which was expected, and clinged to her Ayah while we got a little closer. She went to Zeena for a bit, then Azeem and then the chaos began of taking pictures. We were taking photos and videos of all the waiting children, and since we are one of the first few families traveling after a long break we had a LOT to take! The children were all super adorable- hopefully we did ok for all the Dillon families waiting for their children.

We handed Zaleeya/Pratima back to her caretakers for another hour while we rode with Ms Roy to the other facility where the special needs children are taken care of. I must admit, this was a tougher part of the day. Those children there definately seemed to need a lot of love and care.

Then we headed back to pick up Zaleeya/Pratima for good. Luckily she had fallen asleep while we were gone which made her a lot more mellow for the car ride home. She rested on mommy's chest for the ride. Since then we've managed 2 diaper changes and a yummy banana/milk meal. She is taller than we expected- very long and skinny arms and legs! She is obviously very traumatized and upset and crying a lot. We hope this will subside in time. I think we are all a bit shellshocked! We are feeling very sad for her as we know she misses her ayahs.

That's all for now. Hopefully we'll get some pics up of her smiling soon!

24 comments:

The Labontes said...

What a gorgeous family! So glad you've got your baby with you now. It's so hard to watch them struggle those first few days. I hope the bonding happens quickly for her. CONGRATULATIONS!
Kristy

Julie & Patrick said...

congratulations!!!

It is so good to see her in your arms at last. I loved your comments about the child you've seen on your trip and the quote was beautiful.

Enjoy this time of getting to know each other. Zaleeya is beautiful :)

Julie R

Peter and Nancy said...

You look like you belong together -- what a lovely family! Anya Rashi was not all that happy to meet us, either. :o) Zaleeya will soon discover how much you love her, and that she can trust you to take care of her. We are so happy you are united at last.
-- Nancy

Neeshalicious said...

Congrats you guys! And welcome to the family, Zaleeya! :)

Amy said...

Your post made my day - I had a rough morning! I love seeing families united! You all look beautiful together! I pray the attachment process becomes a bit easier. Enjoy your time together!

Amy T

The Pfeiffer Family said...

Congratulations!!! What a gorgeous family. Zaleeya is absolutely precious!! I am so happy you are finally together as a family.

ColleenC said...

Oh what a sweet girl and what a nice family photo. I so hope the grieving process is short for her! I've so enjoyed watching your journey to her!

BabyJones 101 said...

You two make me want another baby. That feeling when you first meet her will never go away!. I really hope that Zaleeya's transition goes smooth for you all. Don't get discouraged, it all comes natuarally and I know that the two of you will make a wonderful life for your baby girl!

bevallaire said...

I am so happy and excited for all three of you. What a beautiful family. The tears make Zaleeya even more beautiful; and the smiles are right around the corner. Have a safe journey home!

BevAllaire

Karen said...

Beautiful!!! What a wonderful day, and lovely pictures of your new family. She will relax and get to know you soon - those first couple of days can be hard. Thank you for sharing your journey - we are thrilled for you! Zaleeya is gorgeous!
-Karen, Jenya's mom

Kristi W. said...

You are such a beautiful family. I'm so happy for you and I hope that Zaleeya's transition will take place quickly and smoothly. Congrats to the new mom and dad!!!

:) Kristi W.

BTW - Thanks for taking pics of our babies! I can't wait to see them.

Shad and Maggie Alsworth said...

Welcome to parenthood!!! You are such a beautiful family. I'm so glad to see your daughter finally in your arms!!!

God Bless-
Maggie

jennifer said...

it looks like you have always been together! what an amazing journey.

Sherri said...

What a beautiful family the THREE of you make!

The Nolans said...

This is Tricia, Todd's sister. I just read your blog to Kirk and I am all teary. Zaleeya is absolutely precious! She will quickly forget the recent trauma of change and be totally comfortable and confident in the love of your family. Congratulations!

Yasmin Kurji said...

The day we have all been waiting for!!! What an adorable, precious, munchkin!!! I can't wait to hold her. Congratulations!!!

Anonymous said...

I have been keeping up on your travels but have not felt so compelled to write until now! What an incredible moment for the three of you! I am so happy for you and look forward to hearing and seeing your lives together when you return!

Congrats you guys!

Scott

Pam said...

I saw your post on Dillon's forum. What you described is completely expected and most importantly normal. I would be more than happy to share our experience with you over email if you would like. My email is pamidoodles1@yahoo.com. The fact that she is eating for you guys is great! Hang in there, it will get better!
Pam
Momma to Micah
In my arms 1/18/07

Fenwick 5 said...

Hello,and congrats on getting Zaleeya!Such a beautiful family.I like the pictures.Best Wishes,Gidget

Candice said...

I am thrilled for you and your new little family. Thank you for sharing your journey with those of us who are still waiting for our little ones. :)

CandiceS (soon to be mommy to Utsab)

Anonymous said...

Oh my God! She is adorable!

Congratulations!!

Love you guys!

Beth

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!! We're so happy for you guys!! Hope Zaleeya is getting used to you guys quickly!!
Love, Marie and Dan and Jack

Anonymous said...

I am so happy!! I have been praying and thinking about you guys. It was so good to finally see Zaleeya with her parents. I can't wait to see the newly expanded Dhalla family. Love you.

Anonymous said...

Zaleeya looks so good with both of you! Congratulations! Can't wait to see and hold her!

Love the pictures,

Nina and Gafoor