The first meeting

We were happily holidaying in Coimbatore when the adoption agency told us we had to meet the baby and get the physical matching done, the day after. And the baby was in Jaipur!

However much you are prepared, the last two days before the meeting are hectic. We had to drive down to Chennai, get our documents ready, pack stuff for the baby, and take the flight out to Jaipur- all in under 24 hours. This is when a support system helps. My family and friends got most of the stuff ready and we were on our flight the next afternoon.

People, who are familiar with the complete story, know that our meeting with the baby was a very emotionally charged experience. When we got her reference, we strangely knew that she was the one! Come what may, we just HAD to meet her and get her home. Even as there was some unclear eye condition, we had decided to take her even before meeting her. (Thankfully, it turned out  to be nothing at all, and she is perfect!)

In our excitement to meet the little one, we skipped breakfast and announced ourselves at the adoption agency at ten in the morning.  One of my friends had told me that the paper checking usually takes the first half of the day and you get to meet the baby only in the evening.  We were thrilled when they got her out within 20 minutes!  There she was, cuddled and bundled (it was peak Jaipur winter) in the arms of the care giver, with a bewildered look in her eyes. The in-charge pointed to her eye and asked us if we are okay with that, our only answer was "She is our daughter".

We were allowed to keep her for three hours on the first day.

We spent the time swinging in the garden and chasing her brother

She even gave us her first smile

The most difficult thing was saying bye at the end of the first meeting. But we had Little A to distract us.

We visited her everyday for the next five days until we could sign the foster care papers and get her home. We took permission and had her tested for HIV. (A complete medical examination was already done, but in case you have genuine concerns, the agency obliges.)

I will post later on how you need to get ready to bring the baby home. Until then, Ciao!