Another birthday

I know... birthdays happen every year. But Gaëlle had her 4th birthday September 11. I know I sound like a broken record, but I can't believe she's had 3 birthdays at GLA. Hopefully this will be her last.

September 2009 update

I know that Melanie has a lot on her plate. In addition to documenting life at GLA and putting together monthly updates and organizing the school sponsorship program for local kids, Melanie has been helping to coordinate all of the visits from families who need to sign before the judge. There has been an influx of us and I'm sure she has been extra busy.

But can I just say that she outdid herself this month with the updates. It's always a treat to receive the photos but the pictures this month are truly outstanding. I don't know how she and all the other staff at GLA manage the stress and the pressures but thanks again for all you do.

Cuddling a baby

GLA has wonderful volunteer oportunities. Because it is so important for each child to receive love and physical contact, they have a cuddling program. Volunteers come for a minimum of 2 weeks and are assigned 8 babies. The volunteer spends one hour with each baby just loving, holding, playing, singing, and nurturing. With any free time, the volunteer can go back and spend more time with the babies.

We didn't get a chance to spend much time at the baby house but we did have some time one afternoon. Patricia from France was with us and she had some presents from some other parents in France to give out. I didn't take any pictures of that, but it was sooooo much fun to see. Melanie and the short term volunteers get the babies all dressed up and then they help them play with their new toys and turn the pages in their photo albums. And Melanie takes the pictures. It really is fun to watch the entire process.

Because Robin and I were there unexpectedly, we didn't know who we were allowed to cuddle. So Nurse Susan pointed us in the right direction. So we took our 2 babies and headed up to the balcony with all the toys, rocking chairs, and mats. It was a beautiful time... totally addictive! I highly recommend baby cuddling at GLA to anyone who wants to make a difference in a child's life.