Thanks to the loving care of two Cambodian women, my kids came to me primed and ready for more of the same, expecting their needs to be met, their cries answered and cuddles and kisses to come their way regularly.

Sam and Cj both entered AOA ... Asian Orphans Association, an orphanage outside Phnom Penh ... as newborns, and within minutes of arrival they were assigned nannies.

There's no stacking kids like cordwood in nurseries at AOA, no one-size-fits-all feeding schedules, no run-off-their feet workers trying to meet the basics for dozens of little ones. AOA nannies have ONE baby, and perhaps one or two older kids in their charge.

Sam's nanny had him only for the three months he was with her. Cj's also had a four-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy ... more responsibility, perhaps, but also two extra sets of hands for interacting with baby and getting things done.

Nannies are with their babies 24/7, even sleeping on the floor under their hanging cradles with one hand on a string that will calm a fussy infant with gentle rocking in the night without anyone having to stir.

Both of my kids' nannies cried when we left AOA. Both were overjoyed to see the kids on subsequent visits. When we returned last year to pick up Cj, word went around when we arrived that Sam was with us. His nanny came running and swept him up in a hug that lasted an hour.

Whenever we know of someone on their way to AOA, I print up photos of the kids to be delivered to their nannies. As you can see, these are welcomed and treasured.

These women were the bridge for my children between the birth mothers who carried them and me. The fact that they cared for them so well with time and tender love allowed Sam and Cj to bond, to know love, to expect love and to accept love.