Hearing My Baby's Voice!

Yesterday I had the marvelous opportunity to speak with Ian's new nanny on the telephone. Lawanna is a retired dental assistant from Indiana who now volunteers several months a year in Haiti, taking care of the littlest and/or neediest babies where Ian and Alec reside. I had heard only wonderful things about her, and in the course of our conversation I found them all to be true! She is warm and caring and kind, and is already showering Ian with the love and special care he desperately needed.

Best of all ... I heard my baby's voice! My reaction caught me totally by surprise. I heard him in the background (playing happily in a Johnny Jump-Up, I later learned) and it took all my self-control not to start sobbing into the telephone. The tears literally welled up in my throat and as I later told Pedro, it was just as if I had heard Owen or Eva or Isabel on the phone ... I totally recognized his voice as the voice of my son. If I could have transported myself to Haiti that very instant, I would have!

When I called, Ian had just finished eating a big breakfast of one egg and a portion of junior bananas. Lawanna said he has a big appetite and she has to make him stop when she knows he is ready. I asked her if she still has a mini tantrum at that point, and she said yes! She said he is like a starved baby who doesn't understand that there will be more food later. But the great thing is that he is getting lots of good food and nutrients now, as well as exercise - she's a big believer in the jump-up toy for developing leg muscles! :)

Ian is staying with Lawanna in the baby apartment and right now they sleep together. He has his own little cot but likes to crawl out of it, so until some pack-and-plays arrive from the States (coming soon) she feels safer having him between her and the wall. I'm sure he loves that! He already knows how to say her name, and his other favorite word is "da-da-da" for any man he meets. Only the men, never the women! He is still as happy and smiley as ever, she says.

Some more great news is that Alec will probably start spending part of each day with Ian and Lawanna. His nanny will be going to school and Alec will be with them during that time. I am so excited about their being able to spend time together on a regular basis, and Lawanna feels it is important also so I know she will encourage it. One cute thing she told me is that sometimes another baby girl is upstairs with Ian and she likes to pick on him and make him cry. But the times Alec has visited, the two boys just play and kiss each other and laugh together! I am so glad they have a sweet relationship and only hope it gets better with time.

Needless to say, that phone call made my day. It was incredible to have a real, live update on my sons and I am longing to see them again. I am so thankful for this blessing!