Angelina’s First Days With Pax

Monday, March 19, 2007

Little Pax Thien did not know what a big day it would be for him.  Workers at the orphanage where he has spent his entire life did not tell him that he was being adopted. They only told him that he was going outside to play.  “We did not say anything to him, afraid we might put pressure on him and more frightened,” said a worker, “We just told him that we are taking him out. You are going to play outside – play with a mother and father.”

When new mom, Angelina Jolie bent down to speak to him; he started to cry. Angelina took him aside into a private room to allow for some privacy. Upon emerging, Pax appeared to be much more composed. He even played with his new brother, Maddox. Angelina on her part, said that she was not surprised that Pax cried, and told workers at the orphanage that it is normal for a child to be scared.

Pax left the orphanage with what few possessions he had--2 outfits, and his favorite toy (a play piano that Angelina and Brad Pitt had sent to him a few weeks earlier).  Pax knew only two phases in English, “how are you” and “what is your name”.

Tabloids are suggesting that Angelina and Brad Pitt were given special treatment in adopting Pax.  However, the adoption agency the couple used to adopt Pax (Adoptions From the Heart) says that the reports are not true.  A spokesperson for the agency has told the media that Angelina actually started the adoption process last Summer; even before she and Brad Pitt visited the orphanage in November.

Pax (who is reported as being very smart) is very shy. The paparazzi scare him; prompting Angelina to stay indoors while waiting for his passport.  Angelina did do one press interview with the Ho Chi Minh City Law newspaper.  In the interview she apologized to Pax for the amount of paparazzi that has been following them around Vietnam, saying “Photographs and press coverage will make him upset. I’m very worried about that. I would like to say I’m sorry for bringing this into Pax’s life.”

Jolie is scheduled to begin filming a movie with Clint Eastwood and Ron Howard. The start date of the film has been set back to allow Jolie to have time at home with Pax. Jolie told City Law, “I will stay at home to help Pax adjust to his new life. I have four children and caring for them is the most important thing for me at the moment. I am very proud and happy to be their mother.”