New York Times Tiny Love Story: Feb. 20, 2024
Our First Day as a Family
At the Hanoi orphanage, 4-month-old Leo would not meet my eye. Good! Leo’s withdrawal suggested he was attached to his current caregivers. If, after being separated from his birth mother, he attached once, he would likely attach again. Our first night, Leo cried inconsolably as I held him. His 12-pound body had already absorbed so much disruption. After hours of pacing, I opened our balcony door. The sun was rising onto our first full day as a family. I looked down at Leo’s face and saw the beginning of a smile. “We’re going to be OK,” I promised. — Anna Monardo