Bandwidth is not great in Vietnam so I was unable to upload the following video of Troy eating breakfast on the second-to-last day. He seems to be enjoying it, though somewhat distracted (Sorry about the clumsy ending to the clip):
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sunday in Hanoi
Today was intended to be a bit less full but somehow it did not work out that way.
The night was a bit up and down. Troy started in the crib but eventually woke up and seemed unable to get back to sleep. I put him in the big bed and that did the trick, but he was restless and woke up a number of times.
Before lunch, Kyle (a dad in my group) and I went on a quest to find the pond in which you can see fragments of B-52 that was shot down in December 1972. I knew it was near the hotel but it took lots of twists and turns in back alleyways to get to the right area. En route, we passed a very "local" market. Here's an example of the kinds of treats for sale:
We eventually found the site with the help of some young locals who seemed perplexed as to why it would even be interesting. They say that Vietnam is a very young country and something like 80% of the population therefore has no recollection of the war. Here's a shot of the downed plane:
Afterwards, I stopped at a bookstore and got a detailed map book of Vietnam - something impossible to find in the US. It shows where both Evan and Troy are from, where their orphanages were, and where their G&R's were. Evan was born in remote district and I had never seen it on a map before.
Lunch was a Pate Banh Mi ("Saigon Sub") from a street vendor. Wish my gut luck. Troy had a bottle and some cheerios. Here he is in one of Evan's old outfits, looking very much like Evan did at the same age. I can hardly tell them apart in this picture.
While I was carrying Troy around to put him to sleep, I stopped by the very basic massage place across the street from the hotel. I figured I might get another foot massage tomorrow if the price was right (I had one for $6 in the old town). Well, something was not right. The full body massage was $30 (VERY high for Vietnam) and they seemed puzzled as to why anybody was asking for a foot massage at all. I persisted, and they quoted $20, but seemed very puzzled as to what I would do with the baby if I got one. Why could he just not sleep on my chest, like he did the other day? Go figure, this was definitely one of those places where they massage one leg, then the other leg, then the OTHER leg. No thank you.
This evening, after Troy's nap, we went to the market in the old town, but it was already shutting down so I got absolutely no shopping done. I explored the ex-pat West Lake area and had dinner of beef salad and deep fried soft shell crab at a decent but forgettable restaurant overlooking the lake. Troy did great sitting in the high chair (in Vietnam, they are literally nothing more than high chairs - no buckles or trays or anything). All I can say is you know it's Christmas in Vietnam when they are pumping out Feliz Navidad and a hip-hop remix of "Do They Know it's Christmas" on the sound system.
Bedtime was rough. It was my fault for the late wanderings, during which Troy napped too much no doubt. Anyway, he was overstimulated and my usual trick of carrying him in the Ergo carrier after his bath and bottle only elicited unhappiness. So, we tried the crib. Troy absolutely raged for perhaps 5 minutes (even though I was there beside him), working himself into a fever and a full sweat. I kept talking to him and rubbing his belly and he calmed down, lay down, and was out in under 5 minutes. I've never seen a kid decompress that fast. Probably better to avoid the situation entirely but it was pretty amazing to witness.
Tomorrow is a big day... final USCIS interview and issue of Troy's visa. So, I'm off to bed.
The night was a bit up and down. Troy started in the crib but eventually woke up and seemed unable to get back to sleep. I put him in the big bed and that did the trick, but he was restless and woke up a number of times.
Before lunch, Kyle (a dad in my group) and I went on a quest to find the pond in which you can see fragments of B-52 that was shot down in December 1972. I knew it was near the hotel but it took lots of twists and turns in back alleyways to get to the right area. En route, we passed a very "local" market. Here's an example of the kinds of treats for sale:
We eventually found the site with the help of some young locals who seemed perplexed as to why it would even be interesting. They say that Vietnam is a very young country and something like 80% of the population therefore has no recollection of the war. Here's a shot of the downed plane:
Afterwards, I stopped at a bookstore and got a detailed map book of Vietnam - something impossible to find in the US. It shows where both Evan and Troy are from, where their orphanages were, and where their G&R's were. Evan was born in remote district and I had never seen it on a map before.
Lunch was a Pate Banh Mi ("Saigon Sub") from a street vendor. Wish my gut luck. Troy had a bottle and some cheerios. Here he is in one of Evan's old outfits, looking very much like Evan did at the same age. I can hardly tell them apart in this picture.
While I was carrying Troy around to put him to sleep, I stopped by the very basic massage place across the street from the hotel. I figured I might get another foot massage tomorrow if the price was right (I had one for $6 in the old town). Well, something was not right. The full body massage was $30 (VERY high for Vietnam) and they seemed puzzled as to why anybody was asking for a foot massage at all. I persisted, and they quoted $20, but seemed very puzzled as to what I would do with the baby if I got one. Why could he just not sleep on my chest, like he did the other day? Go figure, this was definitely one of those places where they massage one leg, then the other leg, then the OTHER leg. No thank you.
This evening, after Troy's nap, we went to the market in the old town, but it was already shutting down so I got absolutely no shopping done. I explored the ex-pat West Lake area and had dinner of beef salad and deep fried soft shell crab at a decent but forgettable restaurant overlooking the lake. Troy did great sitting in the high chair (in Vietnam, they are literally nothing more than high chairs - no buckles or trays or anything). All I can say is you know it's Christmas in Vietnam when they are pumping out Feliz Navidad and a hip-hop remix of "Do They Know it's Christmas" on the sound system.
Bedtime was rough. It was my fault for the late wanderings, during which Troy napped too much no doubt. Anyway, he was overstimulated and my usual trick of carrying him in the Ergo carrier after his bath and bottle only elicited unhappiness. So, we tried the crib. Troy absolutely raged for perhaps 5 minutes (even though I was there beside him), working himself into a fever and a full sweat. I kept talking to him and rubbing his belly and he calmed down, lay down, and was out in under 5 minutes. I've never seen a kid decompress that fast. Probably better to avoid the situation entirely but it was pretty amazing to witness.
Tomorrow is a big day... final USCIS interview and issue of Troy's visa. So, I'm off to bed.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Saturday, Evening
We spent the afternoon eating at Cha Ca La Vong, visiting the "Hanoi Hilton" prison, and walking around the lake (with an obligatory stop for ice cream/coffee at a cafe...Troy slept). Here we are by the lake, at dusk:
Dinner was Pho, at a very historic and local place in the old town. I filled up for about $1.25 and it was probably the best Pho yet... The place was wall to wall people with tiny tables and stools. The locals were nice enough to let me squeeze in.
I let the taxi driver have it for his fast meter - 2 1/2 times what it should have been. I gave him the choice of coming to the hotel where we could discuss his fare and I would write down his car info etc. or accept the actual fare. He thought it wise to take the second option. I can't stand being "profiled" as an easy target.
Back at the hotel, Troy and I played on the bed and he crawled all over me, under my legs etc. He's definitely becoming more interactive and comfortable with the turn his life has taken. He had his best bath yet - very nearly enjoying all of it - even though is basin was in the big tub this time. Here he is afterwards, in the bath robe I could not resist bringing with me. Troy loves the penguin which is from his great aunt, and he happily hits it to make it squeak, bites its beak, and throws it off the bed.
Dinner was Pho, at a very historic and local place in the old town. I filled up for about $1.25 and it was probably the best Pho yet... The place was wall to wall people with tiny tables and stools. The locals were nice enough to let me squeeze in.
I let the taxi driver have it for his fast meter - 2 1/2 times what it should have been. I gave him the choice of coming to the hotel where we could discuss his fare and I would write down his car info etc. or accept the actual fare. He thought it wise to take the second option. I can't stand being "profiled" as an easy target.
Back at the hotel, Troy and I played on the bed and he crawled all over me, under my legs etc. He's definitely becoming more interactive and comfortable with the turn his life has taken. He had his best bath yet - very nearly enjoying all of it - even though is basin was in the big tub this time. Here he is afterwards, in the bath robe I could not resist bringing with me. Troy loves the penguin which is from his great aunt, and he happily hits it to make it squeak, bites its beak, and throws it off the bed.
Saturday, Midday
Update: See my last post...I've added a video at the end.
Well, last night was tough again. Troy went to sleep fine (and early) in the big bed but woke up around 2 and insisted on being held while I walked. Anything less elicited wails and ear tugging and thrashing. Waiting for him to fall asleep did not seem to work. Formula did not help. Ibuprofen (for teething pain) did not help. Whiskey did not help (kidding). Standing still while holding him did not work and sitting or lying down was out of the question. Even the magical Ergo carrier failed me. This went on for over an hour. I concluded that both of us continuing this way would only fatigue us both and make today more difficult still - especially since I'm fighting a cold myself. (Note to Laurie: don't read further...) I decided to put Troy in the crib, where he could easily see me, and see what happened. Troy cried for a bit - then less - then he lay down and fell asleep within 15 minutes. Interestingly, he did not exhibit any ear tugging or kicking in the process. He fell fast asleep, like a rock, until 8:30, when I woke him up. I think Troy knows exactly what is going on and I completely admire his quick recognition that it was time to finally go to sleep. Also, he may be more comfortable in a crib since it is more familiar has "walls". I plan to try the crib again tonight.
I was sure Troy would hate me when he woke up but it appears he did not.
Well, it's off to lunch at Cha Ca La Vong - a famous fish restaurant in the old town.
Well, last night was tough again. Troy went to sleep fine (and early) in the big bed but woke up around 2 and insisted on being held while I walked. Anything less elicited wails and ear tugging and thrashing. Waiting for him to fall asleep did not seem to work. Formula did not help. Ibuprofen (for teething pain) did not help. Whiskey did not help (kidding). Standing still while holding him did not work and sitting or lying down was out of the question. Even the magical Ergo carrier failed me. This went on for over an hour. I concluded that both of us continuing this way would only fatigue us both and make today more difficult still - especially since I'm fighting a cold myself. (Note to Laurie: don't read further...) I decided to put Troy in the crib, where he could easily see me, and see what happened. Troy cried for a bit - then less - then he lay down and fell asleep within 15 minutes. Interestingly, he did not exhibit any ear tugging or kicking in the process. He fell fast asleep, like a rock, until 8:30, when I woke him up. I think Troy knows exactly what is going on and I completely admire his quick recognition that it was time to finally go to sleep. Also, he may be more comfortable in a crib since it is more familiar has "walls". I plan to try the crib again tonight.
I was sure Troy would hate me when he woke up but it appears he did not.
Well, it's off to lunch at Cha Ca La Vong - a famous fish restaurant in the old town.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
First Day in Hanoi
I'm almost caught up...it is Friday night and I'm writing about Friday.
Today was much better. Troy and I both slept 10 hour, with only a few bouts of crying during the night (not me). Troy woke up pretty happy (he does have a period of grumpiness whenever he wakes up), and we had our breakfast at the hotel. Troy ate a bowl of rice porridge, half a container of yogurt, and some bread. I'm giving Troy solid food whenever possible and he likes these items (in addition to crackers, noodles, rice, and bananas).
Back in the room, Troy seemed to be a bit moody so I decided to take him to the doctor - just to get a good look at his ears. The medical clinic got me in right away and the doctor did a thorough exam. No fever, no abdominal issues, and great looking ears. The conclusion is that Troy is suffering some pain from teething and/or may be exhibiting some attention seeking behaviors. On that point, it was already obvious to me that the nannies would pick up Troy as soon as he whined, and he tries to get me to do the same. It's to the point that if he is trying to pull up on something or follow me, he seems to have learned to sit and whine and whinge rather than just do what's completely within his ability. The challenge is to not encourage this behavior while still being sensitive to the fact that some of it is indeed due to teething and the fact that Troy is going through a pretty big transition right now. In any case, the medical visit was a success, if for nothing but my own peace of mind.
After that, the day was pretty much smooth sailing.
Troy took a decent nap and then we headed into to town. I told the taxi to take me to Fannie's ice cream parlor, by the lake, but told the driver to stop when it became clear that he intended to drive me all the way around the lake rather than taking the direct route. It was a perfect day to walk by the lake anyway.
I did get ice cream of course, and then wandered my old haunts in the Old Town (my hotel was there when I was here two years ago to bring Evan home). I found most but not all of the places I remembered, and of course, Troy fell asleep. There is no problem getting a foot massage with a baby sleeping on your chest, so that's what I did.
I continued my wanderings and ended up by the market hall, where I stopped for a "Bia Hoi". I had gotten some rusk biscuits and bananas for Troy so while I had my two beers (35 cents a piece), Troy had his dinner (and bottle). I was right across the street from dog restaurant and I could smell the meat cooking from where I sat (it actually smelled pretty good). Don't get the idea that this kind of food is all that common in Vietnam - it isn't - I just must be hanging out in the wrong places or something. Here's a view of the place:
The ladies at the beer place were fascinated with Troy and they were quite nice. I eventually became annoyed when one would not stop telling me how I should be dressing Troy. Given that it was a nippy 70 degrees, she was insistent he should be in long sleeves and a scarf.
Dinner was at a street restaurant I had been to two years ago - fresh clams cooked in lemongrass broth with chilies and lime chili salt. It was crazy good and that's not just because it was $1.80. The clams were perfectly fresh and sweet and clean tasting:
The ladies at the restaurant were a huge help with Troy, bringing him rice and chicken soup and holding him while I ate.
The taxi back to the hotel was interesting. I noticed the meter clicking rather quickly and called the driver on it. He reached under the dashboard and fiddled with something and suddenly the meter slowed down dramatically. One has to be careful with taxis, it seems.
We had success with the bath tonight. After reading up on bath fears, I put Troy's bath basin on the floor in the bathroom rather in the deep and intimidating "big tub". Troy was still anxious but I showed him the merits of splashing water. Soon I had a good bit of mopping up to do but at least there was progress.
I'll close out this post with a video clip of Troy playing by the mirror. Hopefully, you can get a sense of his intense but happy personality and also see a brief example of his whining and whinging too.
Today was much better. Troy and I both slept 10 hour, with only a few bouts of crying during the night (not me). Troy woke up pretty happy (he does have a period of grumpiness whenever he wakes up), and we had our breakfast at the hotel. Troy ate a bowl of rice porridge, half a container of yogurt, and some bread. I'm giving Troy solid food whenever possible and he likes these items (in addition to crackers, noodles, rice, and bananas).
Back in the room, Troy seemed to be a bit moody so I decided to take him to the doctor - just to get a good look at his ears. The medical clinic got me in right away and the doctor did a thorough exam. No fever, no abdominal issues, and great looking ears. The conclusion is that Troy is suffering some pain from teething and/or may be exhibiting some attention seeking behaviors. On that point, it was already obvious to me that the nannies would pick up Troy as soon as he whined, and he tries to get me to do the same. It's to the point that if he is trying to pull up on something or follow me, he seems to have learned to sit and whine and whinge rather than just do what's completely within his ability. The challenge is to not encourage this behavior while still being sensitive to the fact that some of it is indeed due to teething and the fact that Troy is going through a pretty big transition right now. In any case, the medical visit was a success, if for nothing but my own peace of mind.
After that, the day was pretty much smooth sailing.
Troy took a decent nap and then we headed into to town. I told the taxi to take me to Fannie's ice cream parlor, by the lake, but told the driver to stop when it became clear that he intended to drive me all the way around the lake rather than taking the direct route. It was a perfect day to walk by the lake anyway.
I did get ice cream of course, and then wandered my old haunts in the Old Town (my hotel was there when I was here two years ago to bring Evan home). I found most but not all of the places I remembered, and of course, Troy fell asleep. There is no problem getting a foot massage with a baby sleeping on your chest, so that's what I did.
I continued my wanderings and ended up by the market hall, where I stopped for a "Bia Hoi". I had gotten some rusk biscuits and bananas for Troy so while I had my two beers (35 cents a piece), Troy had his dinner (and bottle). I was right across the street from dog restaurant and I could smell the meat cooking from where I sat (it actually smelled pretty good). Don't get the idea that this kind of food is all that common in Vietnam - it isn't - I just must be hanging out in the wrong places or something. Here's a view of the place:
The ladies at the beer place were fascinated with Troy and they were quite nice. I eventually became annoyed when one would not stop telling me how I should be dressing Troy. Given that it was a nippy 70 degrees, she was insistent he should be in long sleeves and a scarf.
Dinner was at a street restaurant I had been to two years ago - fresh clams cooked in lemongrass broth with chilies and lime chili salt. It was crazy good and that's not just because it was $1.80. The clams were perfectly fresh and sweet and clean tasting:
The ladies at the restaurant were a huge help with Troy, bringing him rice and chicken soup and holding him while I ate.
The taxi back to the hotel was interesting. I noticed the meter clicking rather quickly and called the driver on it. He reached under the dashboard and fiddled with something and suddenly the meter slowed down dramatically. One has to be careful with taxis, it seems.
We had success with the bath tonight. After reading up on bath fears, I put Troy's bath basin on the floor in the bathroom rather in the deep and intimidating "big tub". Troy was still anxious but I showed him the merits of splashing water. Soon I had a good bit of mopping up to do but at least there was progress.
I'll close out this post with a video clip of Troy playing by the mirror. Hopefully, you can get a sense of his intense but happy personality and also see a brief example of his whining and whinging too.
On to Hanoi - a Rough Day
Thursday was rough, and the mild sore throat I woke up with should have been a warning.
The morning was spent packing to get ready to fly to Hanoi. As I had a bit of extra time, I walked to the famous Ben Thanh indoor market, to do a bit of shopping. Walking there, I thought how nice it was to get out without carrying my camera for a change. Go figure. Whom should I see in the market but Anthony Bourdain. Evidently, he is doing his third show in Vietnam and may actually move here for a year. Anyway, I talked to his location manager for a bit and then introduced myself and Troy. At least I had my cell phone so I do have one picture. However it will have to wait until I'm home because I do not know how to transfer it to my computer.
At the airport, I finally had a chance to get online for a bit. Here's a picture of me in the business class lounge, eating leftover pizza and updating this blog, for you, my readers (assuming there are any):
By the picture, you might think Troy would be the ultimate traveling companion. Not so much. From the time of boarding until 30 minutes into the flight, Troy whined and cried and thrashed and clawed. I will understand if Vietnam Airlines creates a policy banning infants (or Troy) from business class. Thankfully, my seatmate was most patient and helpful, and even would have provided us a ride into town in his company car had I been traveling alone (he is the general manager of Vietnam's latex export company).
By the way, Vietnam Airlines flies 777's from Saigon to Hanoi. They sure like big planes.
In Hanoi, we're staying at the Horison hotel, which is a bit away from the tourist center. It's quite nice.
I decided to wander the area to get some dinner. Troy fell asleep in the carrier as I walked through what I would call the "working class" neighborhood. This means there were restaurants selling "Bia Hoi" (cheap local draft beer) and "Thit Cho" (dog meat). For the first time I actually saw some puppy already cooked up and ready for take out. I moved on and got my dinner as take out from a decent looking place called "Saigon Deli".
Back at the hotel, I fed Troy and myself more or less simultaneously. Here's the scene:
It was at this point that Troy melted down again, seemingly inconsolable, clawing at his ears, and kicking his legs. Thinking it might be an ear infection, I gave him some ibuprofin. I also looked up the number for the medical clinic and prepared to e-mail my doctors at home. With a good bit of work and my back in significant pain, I got Troy to sleep. I was too exhausted to contact any doctors so went to bed right after that.
The morning was spent packing to get ready to fly to Hanoi. As I had a bit of extra time, I walked to the famous Ben Thanh indoor market, to do a bit of shopping. Walking there, I thought how nice it was to get out without carrying my camera for a change. Go figure. Whom should I see in the market but Anthony Bourdain. Evidently, he is doing his third show in Vietnam and may actually move here for a year. Anyway, I talked to his location manager for a bit and then introduced myself and Troy. At least I had my cell phone so I do have one picture. However it will have to wait until I'm home because I do not know how to transfer it to my computer.
At the airport, I finally had a chance to get online for a bit. Here's a picture of me in the business class lounge, eating leftover pizza and updating this blog, for you, my readers (assuming there are any):
By the picture, you might think Troy would be the ultimate traveling companion. Not so much. From the time of boarding until 30 minutes into the flight, Troy whined and cried and thrashed and clawed. I will understand if Vietnam Airlines creates a policy banning infants (or Troy) from business class. Thankfully, my seatmate was most patient and helpful, and even would have provided us a ride into town in his company car had I been traveling alone (he is the general manager of Vietnam's latex export company).
By the way, Vietnam Airlines flies 777's from Saigon to Hanoi. They sure like big planes.
In Hanoi, we're staying at the Horison hotel, which is a bit away from the tourist center. It's quite nice.
I decided to wander the area to get some dinner. Troy fell asleep in the carrier as I walked through what I would call the "working class" neighborhood. This means there were restaurants selling "Bia Hoi" (cheap local draft beer) and "Thit Cho" (dog meat). For the first time I actually saw some puppy already cooked up and ready for take out. I moved on and got my dinner as take out from a decent looking place called "Saigon Deli".
Back at the hotel, I fed Troy and myself more or less simultaneously. Here's the scene:
It was at this point that Troy melted down again, seemingly inconsolable, clawing at his ears, and kicking his legs. Thinking it might be an ear infection, I gave him some ibuprofin. I also looked up the number for the medical clinic and prepared to e-mail my doctors at home. With a good bit of work and my back in significant pain, I got Troy to sleep. I was too exhausted to contact any doctors so went to bed right after that.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
In Like Lion, Out Like a Lamb
Disclaimer: I keep writing "Evan" when I mean "Troy" so please forgive me if one slips through and just attribute it to parental-onset senility
In like a lion, out like a lamb. That's what they say about March, and Troy is a March baby. Though Evan's official birthday is April 7, that was really his abandonment date, and they estimated him to be 30 days old at that time...
Today was the G&R - Giving and Receiving - Ceremony. The Minister of Justice made an exception and hosted it on a Sunday, which is most unusual. The G&R was in Tam Ky, the capital of the Quang Nam province. I was up at 5 and out the door at 6:30. It was clear that the nannies adore the babies and definitely had a soft spot for Troy. The head nanny gave Troy a special gift, and I also received several letters (of well wishes, I assume, but that awaits translation). I have nothing but respect for what the nannies do. I think this picture gives you an idea:
Troy protested handily when he was formally given to me. In like a lion:
He was on and off all day, obviously grieving for his nannies (which is healthy) but also having great moments and connections with me. He would spontaneously break down crying for up to an hour and then be as happy as could be:
He absolutely did not want to go down for a nap (though he slept in the van on the trip from the G&R), so I decided I might as well not coop myself up in the room. I already know Troy is not content to be holed up in a room or a crib and, frankly, neither am I. So, taking a page from the Good-Butler school of parenting, I took the shuttle to Hoi An on the very day of the G&R. Did I mention that the food I had there was good? I mean crazy-good. I could not stand the idea of room service.
It turned out to be a good decision. Troy slept nicely on the way there and happily banged on the table while I had a few snacks (and some awesome grilled beef in la-lot leaves at the restaurant I had been at yesterday). He did have a hard time in the boat tour, crying for 30 minutes, but all in all, wearing him (in the hip hammock) for 4 hours was exactly what he needed. I definitely drew a crowd and lots of irritating question about how much I "paid" for Troy, but that comes with the territory. Lots of women wanted to hold him to but I flatly refused - it's a bad idea from an attachment standpoint.
We hung out this evening and I let Troy just play around on the bed. He is amazing. Despite small bouts of mourning for his nannies, he played happily. I finally got a good look at Troy and he is going to be a solid kid...he's a complete rock and his muscle development is amazing. He also has rather dark skin compared to Evan's (shout out to Laurie - he'll be built a lot like Jackson, I think). The evening ended with a slathering of Elimite, to get rid of any scabies Troy might have (he had some suspicious bites, and I definitely do not want to bring scabies home). Troy took it much better than the other kids in the group and I think he thought he was getting a massage.
Troy is sleeping now. I put on some traditional Vietnamese lullabies I bought and gave him his last bottle. It was amazing to watch him slip into sleep. Out like a lamb. I don't know about you, but I choke up when I look at him sleeping like this.
I feel very lucky today.
In like a lion, out like a lamb. That's what they say about March, and Troy is a March baby. Though Evan's official birthday is April 7, that was really his abandonment date, and they estimated him to be 30 days old at that time...
Today was the G&R - Giving and Receiving - Ceremony. The Minister of Justice made an exception and hosted it on a Sunday, which is most unusual. The G&R was in Tam Ky, the capital of the Quang Nam province. I was up at 5 and out the door at 6:30. It was clear that the nannies adore the babies and definitely had a soft spot for Troy. The head nanny gave Troy a special gift, and I also received several letters (of well wishes, I assume, but that awaits translation). I have nothing but respect for what the nannies do. I think this picture gives you an idea:
Troy protested handily when he was formally given to me. In like a lion:
He was on and off all day, obviously grieving for his nannies (which is healthy) but also having great moments and connections with me. He would spontaneously break down crying for up to an hour and then be as happy as could be:
He absolutely did not want to go down for a nap (though he slept in the van on the trip from the G&R), so I decided I might as well not coop myself up in the room. I already know Troy is not content to be holed up in a room or a crib and, frankly, neither am I. So, taking a page from the Good-Butler school of parenting, I took the shuttle to Hoi An on the very day of the G&R. Did I mention that the food I had there was good? I mean crazy-good. I could not stand the idea of room service.
It turned out to be a good decision. Troy slept nicely on the way there and happily banged on the table while I had a few snacks (and some awesome grilled beef in la-lot leaves at the restaurant I had been at yesterday). He did have a hard time in the boat tour, crying for 30 minutes, but all in all, wearing him (in the hip hammock) for 4 hours was exactly what he needed. I definitely drew a crowd and lots of irritating question about how much I "paid" for Troy, but that comes with the territory. Lots of women wanted to hold him to but I flatly refused - it's a bad idea from an attachment standpoint.
We hung out this evening and I let Troy just play around on the bed. He is amazing. Despite small bouts of mourning for his nannies, he played happily. I finally got a good look at Troy and he is going to be a solid kid...he's a complete rock and his muscle development is amazing. He also has rather dark skin compared to Evan's (shout out to Laurie - he'll be built a lot like Jackson, I think). The evening ended with a slathering of Elimite, to get rid of any scabies Troy might have (he had some suspicious bites, and I definitely do not want to bring scabies home). Troy took it much better than the other kids in the group and I think he thought he was getting a massage.
Troy is sleeping now. I put on some traditional Vietnamese lullabies I bought and gave him his last bottle. It was amazing to watch him slip into sleep. Out like a lamb. I don't know about you, but I choke up when I look at him sleeping like this.
I feel very lucky today.
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