Lily and I got to spend some wonderful mommy/daughter time yesterday. We went and bought things for Laney's care package! Yay!! Our agency provides us with the orphanage address (in Mandarin and English so it will get there faster!), and even a letter translated into Mandarin so the nannies & director will understand who the things are intended for. We're sending Laney a rattle (Lily picked it out!), a little outfit (guessing on the size!), a soft, snuggly blankie-bear, and a baby photo album of her new family. CCAI gave us labels for the pictures (mommy, daddy, big sister, etc.) in Mandarin, so hopefully her nanny can begin sharing those with her. It's probably a long shot, but she'll be almost 17 months by the time we bring her home, and she might feel more comfortable those first few days if she's seen us before.
We tucked in a disposable camera (labeled with her name in Chinese), included a request that the nannies take pictures of her and her surroundings, favorite toys, etc. Sometimes they won't or don't, but CCAI said the orphanages are usually very good about this and they'll bring the camera with her when they deliver the babies in China.
I also included four bottles of scented lotion, each wrapped in red tissue paper, and labeled for the orphanage director and her nannies. When we pick up Laney, we're expected to present gifts for each of the people who cared for her. And in the care packages, it's customary to include a few things as well.
Praying this package arrives safely and swiftly! Laney, we're truly coming for you, sweet one!
