Part 3 of 3, comfort and adjusting

We have been given a lot of advice from both Jean, and Cecelia on how the babies adjust. As well we have done a lot of research on what happens in the baby's mind at 9 months old when she is thrown into a different culture, with different sights, smells and language. There is one escort per child, and travel time is typically 18 to 20 hours. Total time from foster home to our arms will probably be between 30 to 35 hours. We have specific instructions for in the airport: "NO CRYING, no tears (joy or otherwise)." This process is confusing and can be upsetting to the children, and babies can feel our nervousness and hear crying. Cecelia tells all new parents to "try to be calm, reassuring, warm, loving, secure, for these exhausted, frightened, confused children." Our faces, our language, our clothing is strange to these children. They suggest calm low voices. Once Bo is home with us, we will continue the attachment process we started when we first meet her at the airport. Love the Children recommends that we limit visitors and trips in crowds, as well as "holders" for the first two weeks or so. Bo will more quickly come to know us, our feel, our smell, and our voices if Kip and I are the ones primarily holding her during this early time. They recommend skin to skin contact and the use of a baby carrier. We can expect no real sleep patterns at first and Jean suggests carrying and walking with the baby. I have set up a pack n play in our bedroom, with the bassinet section installed. She may only want to sleep with us or on the floor at first, since that is customary. She says to keep an eye out for dehydration in the first few days, we have been told they are mostly on soy formula. We have set up the high chair and bought some baby cereal and jarred fruits and veggies. Due to the long travel time, they also suggest a pediatrician visit, we have one scheduled at 9am Saturday.