Heavy Heart/Light Heart

It was with a heavy heart that we left Nakhon Si Thammarat on Thursday. I had so many emotions running through my mind and my heart. Saying goodbye to Anna and Stefan and their wonderful family was so hard. And taking Ruby away from the place she has come from and Anna who has cared for her and loved her had me feeling both sad, nervous about leaving that tranquil place, and excited over what was to come. Even Ruby could sense it when we said goodbye to Anna. She didn't cry but looked sad and very serious. They will always feel like family to us and we hope to make an every other year trip to see them. They took such good care of us and our sweet girl!

I tried to fight it but was rather anxious about our first flight, too. Had no idea how she would be and really it went much better than expected. She was great on the flight! We buckled her in and she sat there without fussing the whole time. Take offs and landings she didn't really seem to care about because she had her toys in front of her. However, the time at the airport was a little challenge! Hot, crowded, noisy and lots of lines. These things do not sit well with any toddler, let alone one who has never experienced it before! She wasn't too bad, but just wanted to jump out of my arms, and then up again, then wriggled around, and then down again. Couldn't decide what she wanted to do and between her restlessness and all of our luggage, we were so happy to finally sit on the air conditioned plane! :-) Maybe Ruby was too, cause she was a perfect angel after that. Her face when we were up and she looked out the window was adorable. Her mouth formed a perfect "o" and she softly said "ohhhh" but not with fright. More like filled with wonder. It was really cute.

Once we got to the Marriott, she was all giddy and happy. For all 3 of us, things became light hearted again. Maybe it was heavy for her too to be stuck between the past and the future not knowing what was ahead. She seems very interested and almost amused at the very English speaking Thai people at the hotel and has been very happy here. Found a pebble (which she stole and I have to put back!) in the rock and bamboo display in the lobby. They gave her a teddy bear upon checking in and she was pretty pleased with that, but not as much as she was to have that rock! She started feeling even more comfortable with us that day and began walking around exploring. So cute to watch her coming into herself. Meaning, feeling safe enough to run and play and know we are right there. She always turns back to make sure, then realizes we are right there, then smiles and toddles off again. So cute.

Well, I got a lot done this am and feel so well rested. Slept 8 hours finally as I realize she is not going to get up. Sleeps sound every night! It's nearly 8 am so we are going to start being loud in the room to encourage waking. How funny is that? 

More soon! Much love from Thailand!