Babies Without Boundaries

Enzo is turning out to be quite the traveler. He has been in great spirits since we got to Vietnam and has been charming the socks off of everyone (Even though most people are wearing sandals). It seems that having a baby around can break down cultural boundaries instantly. Whenever we take Enzo out we are swarmed by people (usually women) who can't seem to get enough of him. They smile and coo and ask us questions and often insist that Bryce take him out of the carrier so they can hold him. Then their friends want to hold him. Then they take him to the other end of the store so someone there can hold him. I guess it's a good thing that it's our third baby...

The receptionist at the guest house speaks very good English and has offered to watch Enzo for us several times. For a few days we were able to avoid leaving our baby with a virtual stranger in a strange country. Yesterday, however, she took Enzo from Bryce while he was sleeping to cuddle for a while. Meanwhile, our friend came to take us to lunch. Both the receptionist and our friend thought this was the perfect arrangement. We could go to lunch while she took care of our sleeping baby. There were a couple of indecisive looks between Bryce and I and then we stepped out the door. We did end up enjoying a nice quiet lunch without the baby. We talked to each other and listened to the older kids like we hadn't had time for in a while. As we were finishing up one of the girls who works in the restaurant brought us a note. It said, "You must come to the guest house soon, your baby is now crying." We went back quickly and rescued the two of them. Maybe that will be the last time she offers.