June 22, 2008
ELLIE LU DAY
The day arrived very early for me…I went
to sleep at 11 and woke up at 2 am and then
again at 3am and dozed on and off until 4:30
am. I had an upset stomach and I am sure
part of it was nerves too. We were able to get
everything ready and put the luggage out for
pickup and then went down for breakfast.
Everyone is so excited and anxious. We left
for the airport and the trip went by quickly.
We checked in as a group and it was
uneventful. We waited anxiously for our plane
and finally it was time to board…we were all
emotional. The flight went by quickly and soon
we could see Poyang Lake and the fields of
rural Nanchang all the while my stomach was
doing flip flops.
We landed and were welcomed by Lisa and CiCi,
very lovely ladies who will be taking care of
us here in the province. We arrived at the
hotel at 2 pm and from 2 pm until like 4:20 pm
we were both busy getting things ready…I made
my first bottles and prepared the diaper
bag…Mel put the crib up and arranged it. He
went and exchanged money and I unpacked. I
organized the gifts and then spruced myself
up…had to look presentable for my girl. At
around 4 pm Lisa came by and picked up
paperwork and took our petty cash donation for
expenses this week.
At about 4:22 Mel and I went to the 2nd floor,
2 other families were already there. The
lights were low and there was a buzz in the
air of what was to come. At precisely 4:30 pm
they lead us down a hallway and then very
quickly said ok we are going to call the first
family…”Fannon”. I think we both were caught
off guard. They took my passport and then a
beautiful lady handed Bo Juan “Ellie Lu” to me
while saying “this is your Mommy”. It happened
in an instant I recall when I began to pick
her up her body was firm I could tell she was
strong she looked sad but didn’t cry. We
stepped to the side and several photos were
taken. Then from out of know where the nannies
took her from me and passed her around and
then back to me. She was a little upset then
and pulled on Mel to go to him. She loved him
instantly and he her. What a match within
minutes he had her laughing and he was wrapped
around her finger. Right now I can here him
breath then I hear her…a Father and Daughter
duet.
I was able to speak to the staff from her SWI
and you could tell how much they loved her.
They were so happy that she is our only child.
The all said she looks like her Father. They
were enamored with Mel…wonder why we all are!
They looked so pleased to see her in his arms.
He was amazing…instant Dad. After they
answered all my questions they hugged us and
we gave them their gifts. Then we were free to
come to our room. Ellie Lu was glued to Mel
and really didn’t want to have anything to do
with me for about an hour. I fixed her bottle
and Mel gave her the first bottle, she took it
like a champ…I must have made it well. He
burped her and he was so proud, we could both
tell she was very sleepy, but she was not
comfortable in her clothes. |
The Fannon Family on Ellie Lu Day
The New Dad and his Baby girl
The New Mom and her Baby girl |
