Well, Thai baby, sort of.
Our son, Sayo Ephraïm David Hyman, was born in Udon Thani, Thailand on Wednesday, the Second of February, 2011 at the AEK Udon International Hospital.
Mother, baby, siblings and father are doing well.
Many thanks and much gratitude go to the staff of the hospital, which is an amazing facility. It is light-years ahead of hospitals in France or Canada or even the French Hospital in Hanoi. Doctor Rachani and his staff all speak good English, the equipment and care were superb and Marie-Do’s room (which had French windows leading to a large, palm-tree planted terrace…) was large and bright. Really no comparison to her dingy hospital room in Toronto which she had to share with a family wearing baseball caps, baggy pants, speaking loudly and stinking up the room with take-out fast food.
Sayo is a Têt baby, born on the Chinese New Year. For some reason it is the Year of the Rabbit, but in Vietnam it is the Year of the Cat (in a country where they turn back time…). The hospital staff got dressed up in Chinese robes and came to Marie-Do’s room to sing New Years’ songs and give us presents. Clearly, medical care in the Third World leaves something to be desired.
From the point of a pregnant woman, however, one drawback is that they will not administer epidural because of a past incident somewhere in Udon. It’s sink or swim, baby!
The day after the birth I flew to Bangkok to get an emergency passport for Sayo at the French embassy. Once again I was impressed by French consular staff. When Marie-Do and I drove from France to Vietnam ( http://www.eastofeden.fr ), French embassies we met on the way were always excellent. The Canadian embassy I just avoided
Bangkok is big and bustling. The Skytrain is a marvel of technology and the buildings sparkle. I am glad to be back in Anatevka. (See posting on this blog dated September 24, 2010: Anatevka)
The baby is beautiful as you can see, fit, and with a great pair of lungs.
Sayo’s name means Victory in Lao. His Hebrew names are Ephraïm and David, named after my Uncles Eph and Eddy, men who were very great influences in my life. It is an honour to be able to name my son after two such fine men.
Finding a mohel out here is going to be another piece of cake.
Very good blog.
ReplyDeleteFélicitations!
ReplyDeleteBises à toute la famille
Audrey
Hello family.
ReplyDeletecongratulations on what sounds like a wonderful joyous birth. Much much much happiness as the young victory dances, sings, duvens his way with you and your creative crew.
it snowed today, greay sky, but there have been signs that spring IS COMING.
thinking of all of you.
judita had her opening, wonderful work and she sold two pieces to a very rich ex plumber.
doesn't get much better.
me , i'm busy running around in my head trying to figure out how to live in cuba 6 months of the year. but until then producing my play and printing . having a show at hugh's room in april.
and of course regular neurosis.
the cuba mantra - don't worry be happy.
love ya
jerry