Dragon Adventures

Life

2009-07-31T05:57:00.000-07:00

Life... according to Rachel, she has a terrible life. Hum! This is a girl who has been to Girl Scout camp, to the zoo several times, get togethers with her "Hengyang sisters", and camping in back yard. Not to mention a week of horse camp and a vacation to KY Lake. Poor thing! I guess it is hard to have such a terrible life.

Our trip to KY Lake was lots of fun. We rented a pontoon one day. It rained off and on, but it was loads of fun. Nobody got in the lake, too cold. However, we did fish and eat a picnic on the boat. Nate loved watching the fast boats fly by us. He say, "WOW!".

Both the kids enjoyed the pool. Rachel has turned into a fish. She used to hold her nose, wear goggles, and not like to go under the water. Now, she is starting to swim underwater and isn't wearing goggles or holding her nose. She was so happy on Wednesday. She got to spend most of the day in the pool. Nate enjoyed the pool, but it wore him out. He almost fell asleep getting his diaper changed.

Rachel didn't want much to do with the beach, the water was too cold. She has never liked being cold. She gets so cold. We did play in the sand one evening. John took them fishing outside our room one night and they almost caught a fish.

I rented a jet ski while John took the kids swimming on Thursday. I enjoyed my hour of solitude and time on the lake.

FUN TIMES!

One Republic

2009-07-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

Rachel missed the VBS at our church because of Girl Scout Camp. We have a church in our neightborhood so we signed her up to go to it. It is all week. She loved it! She made some really good friends. Even gave one on the youth leaders a nick-name that everyone was calling him by the end of the week.
Tonight was the "program". Nate had a blast with the music and all the kids. Towards the end of the program, Nate climbed into my lap and layed his head on my shoulder. I looked down and he had unbutton one of the buttons on my blouse and was working on the next one. I told Nate to stop and Rachel replied, "In the Republic? Not in the republic!

So... be careful and don't expose yourself in the republic!

Busy Saturday

2009-07-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

The kids and I started the morning heading for the country for a Hengyang get together. One of the families we traveled to China with in 2004 has a place in the country. By 2:00 most of the families were there and the girls were in the pool for 2 hours. The adults sat, talked, and chased Nate and Bill. The boys loved harassing the numerous cats and kittens, who were extremely tolerant of the boys chasing them, holding them upside down, and squeezing.

Most of the families (not us) have 4-wheelers. I really enjoy riding, even though I never thought it would be something I'd like. Nate really enjoyed riding, too. I took turns taking some of the girls for rides. It gave me a chance to have 1 on 1 time with them. I enjoy spending time with each of these special girls. Their personalities are all so different. One talked my ear off, another talked about her favorite summer memory, and another said little but laughed as we rode through the field. Good times.

The kids and I head back to Louisville around 6:00 (would have been sooner if I hadn't misplaced my phone). I grabbed the kids a hot dog to eat on the road. Rachel scarfed hers down and was asleep before we were a mile from the house. Nate fell asleep about 10 minutes later. John was already at the cookout. He was on grilling duty. He cooked the best hamburgers! He worked hard and got really hot.

The kids had a good time visiting. Rachel telling people about her hair and how she donated it. Nate screaming, "MINE" when a little girl took his Mickey Mouse chair and took off up the hill. He is so possessive! His personality continues to grow.

Everyone was exhausted, but had a good time.

Horray for Nate

2009-07-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

The bed/sleep situation has been gotten much better. He is staying in bed longer or even all night for a few weeks. There are still nights he is restless and is in the bed early, but for the most part he has made huge improvements. Tonight!!! HE FELL ASLEEP IN HIS OWN BED!!
Yes, it was only one night...but yeah!

Rachel, really enjoyed horse camp. It was a week from 9-3. She was exhausted! The instructor called her the "energizer bunny". She did anything that she was asked with all the energy she could. She loved everything about the camp. (Even ok with having to mucking stalls.) However, her favorite part of the day was swimming. Can't believe she goes to horse camp and loved the swimming???

Summer is zooming along :-( We have done a lot, but just seems to be going so fast.

UPDATE! He stayed in his bed until almost 8am!! He is now finishing his second yogurt and eating on his oatmeal.

2009-06-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

I have some pictures from our weekend. I have gotten lazy about posting on the blog.

Nate is growing. His shirts are getting shorter. His hair is thicker and has a great shine to it. He is running and living life to the fullest.

Rachel's hair has given her an older attitude. She is having the best summer. Riding horses, girl scout camp begins tomorrow, and enjoying being outside.

Just random things.

2009-05-19T08:23:00.001-07:00

I few weeks ago, I was getting the kids ready for church. Nate had some "new" hand-me-down that are adorable. I put on the blue seersucker paints, white button down, and sail boat tie. It was just too cute on him. Rachel and Nate were in the living room sitting in a chair together. Rachel was talking so I went in to listen. "You are so cute. I love you so much. You are so handsome. But, I know I can't marry you because that is illegal." WHERE DID SHE HEAR THAT? She just cracks me up!

Nate is really starting to copy words and is saying sounds. When we are in the car or shopping I can really get him going. Daycare workers are commenting on him talking more. However, when you want him to talk, he won't. He is at least saying words, even if it is only when he chooses to say them. He is also making farm animal sounds. Loves the cow. He is even sleeping in his own bed now.

Rachel turns 6 in a week. Where has the time gone? She is doing great in school. She has really turned into a reader. I think her teacher was even surprised how well she was reading, when she gave her the reading assessments.

Picture Thursday

2009-05-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

I love this pictures of Rachel on the slide.

The picture of the 3 of us was for our 6 month report to Vietnam. We had our social worker come. This will be done at 6, 12, 18 months. After that, John and I will turn in a report to Vietnam until Nate is 18.

Kids in the field

2009-04-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

new goal

2009-04-26T05:55:00.001-07:00

I am going to do my best to post at least once a week. I now have the laptop working again. I have a bunch of pics to post. Starting this week, I am going to post weekly.

"it's a potty"

2009-04-05T11:35:00.001-07:00

Funny Rachel story...
We were at church (Palm Sunday). Rachel went up front for the Children's Sermon. The lady doing the lesson asked if anyone knew what a throne was. Well, Rachel raised her hand, along with one other child. Of coarse she called on Rachel and her response..."it's a potty". I laughed, John turned red and so did most of the congregation. The lady beside me said, "I guess we all know what you call it at your house."

4 month update and more!

2009-03-03T11:16:00.001-08:00

Yes, four months. Nate has been with us for 4 months! The ear tubes went smoothly and have helped with sleeping. He still sleeps in the bed by John, but is waking less. Most nights it is just once.

He is making more sounds/words every day. He had almost stopped before getting the tubes. He loves music and dancing.

Attachment has increased by leaps and bounds. He now cries for John as much as me. He is giving kisses and doesn't cringe when you try to give him one. Instead, he laughs and leans in for more. What a change!!

He is still attached to his pacifier. He wants it when he sleeps and when he is at daycare. We hope to slowly wing him from having it at daycare. Most nights he wakes is because he has lost his pacifier.

Rachel: She loves playing with Nate and gets very excited when he joins her in play. He will see her on the floor and will pounce on her. She has decided that he needs to listen to books, so she has started reading to him. He loves sitting with her while she reads.

She is learning so much at school. She is writing sentences with most words spelled correct. She is working hard at reading. She reads everything. John and I are very proud of her!!

She was so full of herself. A neighbor had her come over on Saturday to make me a birthday cake. She was busting at the seams to tell me (actually told me many times), but it was a secret. She made a 2 layer chocolate/chocolate cake. It meant a great deal to me!!

Nate is going tubing!

2009-02-19T13:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, after much thought Nate is tubing.

It will happen next Thursday. He will probably not like it. However, once he's done it, I think he will.

I met with an ENT(ear, nose, and throat specialist) today. He thinks tubes will help Nate. I agreed, so he is getting them. It is a quick and easy process. It has little recover time and will likely make a huge difference in how he feels.

Chinese New Year and TET 2009

2009-01-31T18:46:00.000-08:00

A great time was had by all! Great food, Great friends, and Great memories. The girls now have some competition now. The boys are gaining on them. I look forward to our gathering in March.

Wish I had time for a nap!

2009-01-30T12:13:00.000-08:00

The kids and I headed out around 10:00 this morning. We ran to our favorite bakery. It is run by Vietnamese couple and has the most delicious pastries. I bought a Vietnamese fruit cake for our Chinese New Year/ TET celebration tomorrow.

Then, we grabbed some lunch and went to a playgroup. The kids were tired but I then went to an Asian grocery. Their electricity was out and it was cold inside. I got some more rice and noodles(was running low and like to keep it stocked). After another stop for dumplings we headed home. Both kids are asleep. At least I hope Rachel is.

I have a bunch of vegetables to chop for tomorrow. I am making a dish I learned in a Chinese cooking class. Cooking for 15 or so adults and about that many children is going to be fun. I would have loved to make homemade dumplings, but just not up to the task for that large of a crowd and a toddler.

2009-01-29T19:06:00.000-08:00

I can finally get out of the drive. I was home all day and got a lot of cleaning done. I am going to take the kids out with me tomorrow to do some grocery shopping and to do something fun. With being sick and the weather, we have been in this house way too long

Here is a picture of Rachel at her Daisy scout gathering on Saturday. They earned their manners patch. The other picture is of Nate the Dragon.

Tree pictures

2009-01-28T22:02:00.000-08:00

Here is John, Nate, and Rachel standing by the fallen tree.

Snow, rain, ice, sleet, more snow...what a mess!

2009-01-28T08:50:00.000-08:00

We were all restless last night. Sirens, popping, and cracking was going on all night! Around 10:00 John and I heard a big boom. We looked out the front window and saw numerous limbs down but nothing big. This morning, we looked at the side window and a tree was across the drive. The whole tree is down, nothing but a stump. It was a huge 100+ year sugar maple tree. If it had fallen the other way, it would have been in our living room. We are feeling fortunate! I am glad we have a 4-wheel drive.

The electricity has flickered, but is still on. The numbers of people with electricity is growing. We have several friends without electricity.

I will post a picture of the tree later.

Sickness continues....

2009-01-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

Nate has pneumonia again. Rachel has tonsillitis, cough, and a fever. Exhausting!!

Back to work one week and already having to call a substitute...

It is going to be a longgg winter!

Back to work

2009-01-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first day back to work. Teaching went okay. Just as school was out, I got a call from daycare director saying Nate had a temperature. I drove 30 minutes (I teach that far from home) to the daycare. He was being held by one of the teachers. He immediately started crying when we saw me.

I gave him something for his temperature. From the time we got home he whined/cried. He wanted to be held, but still cried. He was so upset. I cooked dinner while John held him...he cried. He ate and then wanted me to hold him...still cried. This went on all evening. John would hold him, then I would. He was so unsettled.

I was off today, but I work tomorrow. I hope he has a better day.

2009-01-17T05:47:00.001-08:00

Nate went to daycare for 4.5 hours yesterday. There were a few tears (by him) when I left. Otherwise, things were okay. The girls were really great at calming him down. There are 5 kids in his class. He ate well and took a good nap. Of course, as soon as I walk in the tears roll again.
Something about Nate that is funny... he has the biggest alligator tears you could ever imagine. He can have the tears rolling down his face in a split second. Like right now, I took his cereal bowl away because he was playing in the milk and down the tears come.

Rachel is "Star of the Week" at school. She has been looking forward to this all year. She is so proud of herself. She said, "I made good choices, set a good example, and did her work with no talking (that is a hard one for her) She gets to be line leader, all week, and sit in a special chair at circle time. It is the little things that make her so happy.

John and I are going to see "WICKED" this afternoon. We are going out to eat afterwards. I have been looking forward to this for a while.

2 months home...

2009-01-15T09:56:00.000-08:00

Is that all?? Seems like much longer than that!

Not sure if just a slight fever, but Rachel has one. I hope it isn't the other stuff the rest of us had or strep. (she said her throat hurt yesterday) We've had a quiet morning. Coloring, watching a movie... Anyway, she is resting now. That is always good for her. She loves her sleep. Keeping my fingers crossed she is better after her nap.

Nate continues to make great strides. Our pediatrician had recommended having him evaluated when we got home. Mainly due to not walking. They came early December to assess him. He qualified for OT/PT/DI(development interventionist) and for speech. We decided to have further testing done with an OT and DI. The DI and OT have both finished their assessments, as of today, and he does NOT qualify. His development is on target for an 18 month old!! Both the OT and PT were amazed at his progress in short time!

Family update

2009-01-10T05:54:00.001-08:00

We are finally getting over all the yucks (On top of everything we had , John and I got a stomach virus last week). Nate got a clean bill on his pneumonia, so he will start his shots on Monday. Rachel continues to stay healthy (knocking on wood).

Nate is now a walker! Boy, is he busy. He had been very frustrated not being able to walk. He is enjoying the freedom. He is walking all over the house and is starting to get into everything. The sleeping is getting better. We still have issues to work through... but it is getting better.

Rachel was glad to get back into school. She loves her teacher and has some great friends. I am teaching a Chinese New Year lesson to her Daisy troop on Monday. She is really enjoying reading books and has been working on number patterns. She is into playing card games and Tic-Tac-Toe.

It is hard to believe it has only been 2 months. Seems like much longer.

Baptism

2009-01-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

Today during church, Nathaniel was baptised. He wore the outfit we had made in Hanoi... Blue silk dragon outfit. Rachel wore the blue Ao Dai outfit. John and I both wore shirts we had made in Hanoi. It was a nice ceremony. Nate was alert and very interested in the baptismal water. The church had cake and punch. The cake was made by the woman who helped with the baptism. It was delicious. Nate passed out just before the cake was servered.

After church we went to a Japanese restaurant to eat. They have a hibachi grill. It is one of our favorite places to eat! The kids love the soup and stir-fry rice. It was a great day.

Walking begins

2009-01-03T17:15:00.001-08:00

One of the upsides of Nate's gross motor delay is...

We got to see his first steps...

He has been taking steps for a few weeks, but in the past 2-3 days he is really getting the hang of it. He is getting so strong.

He still prefers crawling, but is trying to walk. He just gets so tickled when he starts walking. His balance is getting better. He will walk a few steps, fall, and just crack-up laughing. Then, he gets back up and walks. He has taken as many as a dozen steps. He is going to be running all over the place before we know it.

Bronchitis, Pneumonia, and The Crud...Oh, my!

2008-12-30T20:27:00.000-08:00

I have been fighting this cough and drainage for more than 6 weeks. I went to the immediate care the day after Christmas. The results...bronchitis.

Nate has had congestion since Vietnam. The pediatrician put him on allergy meds, but they only slightly helped. He went today for his 18 month check-up. He was so congested I knew he wouldn't get his shots. He listened to his chest and said he has pneumonia. Poor thing. Even sick he is smiling, chatting away, and playing.

John has the crud. He is coughing and has sinus stuff going on.

Rachel seems to be healthy... Hope she stays that way~

2008-12-29T19:19:00.000-08:00

John and I took Rachel to a UK game. She had a blast. She really enjoyed eating a huge ice cream cone, had her face painted, and yelled for the team. It was her first time to see the CATS! GO BIG BLUE!!

Nate and Rachel ate the big piece of chocolate Santa left in their stocking. It was gone by 7:30am. They look drunk. Rachel's had a pretzel dipped in chocolate covered in M&M's. While Nate enjoyed a cookie covered in chocolate with sprinkles. He actually just ate a few bites, but Rachel ate all of hers.

They were Santa's little helpers in these outfits. Rachel enjoyed her presents, especially her headphones that go with her electric keyboard. Nate loved his truck that he can ride and push.

Nate learned that all he had to do was give a little whine and someone would pick him up. He ate so much and enjoyed eating everything!

He goes to the doctor tomorrow for his 18 month check-up.

Nathaniel and Santa

2008-12-14T12:16:00.000-08:00

We got together with the families that traveled with us to China in 2004. The girls had a great time playing. Santa came to visit and passed out presents to all the kids. He said the parents were all on the naughtly list and had nothing for us...

Nate was content on Santa's lap. He didn't really smile, but wasn't upset like I was expecting.

3 weeks...

2008-12-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

Although it is a few days late, I thought I'd give a 3 week update.

Nate loves his sister. He follows her everywhere and gets so excited when we pick her up at school.

He is 20 pounds. His face is full. His bug bites are almost gone.

His legs are short. He needs 6-9 month pants and 12 month shirts.

His hair is getting thicker and shinier.

He is a fast crawler and loves to crawl between your legs (especially while Momma is cooking dinner).

He is able to go from a sit to standing position and is climbing over objects (mostly his sister).

His teeth are strong. He nipped me, but really bit Rachel. He left teeth marks.

Can give the sign for "more" and will say "m" at the same time.

He can say, Momma, Baba (for Papa) NO!(also shakes his head), hi, bye, n-(nose), Mmm (Mei Mei), mama (moo for cow), ieieie for EIEIO in Old McDonald, and numerous other babbling sounds.

He'll do this little dance when he hears music. It is a side to side thing with head movement.

HAS SLEPT IN HIS BED THE PAST TWO NIGHTS (well, most of the night anyway)

Rachel

Loves her brother.

Likes to feed Nate and help take care of him. She loves to have him follow her around.

Like to be fed by us. (especially after brother bit her hand)

Has grown. She was wearing 3T when we left for Vietnam, she is now in 4T and had to have elastic loosened on several pants.

Is working hard in school.

She loves to write. This is amazing considering the turmoil it caused at the beginning of school. She loves to make lists, copy words, and write messages.

Loves to do her advent calendar each morning. Gets so excited to tell how many days are left.

Tolerates the abuse her brother inflicts upon her (I looked over the other day and he was beating her head with a wooden spoon). She didn't get angry, just calmly told him to STOP.

She is a great daughter and sister!

I took Nathaniel to the DR this morning. He is coughing and really congested at night. He was put on allergy medicine. His throat was really red, but didn't have strep. I hope it helps him breathe (thus leading to him staying asleep and not needing to wake his parents up so much). One can dream, anyway!

NAPS

2008-12-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have always appreciated naps. My Dad has always taken a nap. At work he would close the door to his office and down he go...on the floor. It would only be a short one, but one he found very benificial.

I still encourage Rachel to take a nap/rest time, but often she just rests. That is okay. Nate tends to want to fight nap time. He is getting better, but isn't consistent at this point.

Rachel had to come home from school for the second time this week because of throwing-up. (only one time Monday and so far just once today). Nate has been whiny the past two days. He wants to be held, then he wants down. He just whines and grunts. Not sure if he is teething, or if it is a cold. Momma is tired!
However, at this exact moment-

Nate is asleep!

Rachel is asleep!

I think I will join them!

Shhhhhhhhhh!

"Best Day Ever"

2008-11-30T15:13:00.000-08:00

Those are the words Rachel said on Thanksgiving Day. We had eaten our Thanksgiving feast, and decided to go outside to play. Nate was in his swing and Rachel was pushing him. (Pushing Nate in his swing was something she had been looking forward to doing for a long time.) John, his sister, and I were talking when she announced, "This is the best day ever."
Just goes to show that the little things are what it is all about!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T08:18:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours...

We have much to be thankful for!

Likes/Dislikes

2008-11-24T07:26:00.000-08:00

There are many things we are learning about Nate as he adjusts to being home.
LIKES:

Beating on anything with his wooden spoon.
Smiling.
Music- he just loved the music at church yesterday. He also sings in the car. His fingers will swing back and forth.
Playing "patty-cake"
Okra- I steam it in the microwave and put it in his soup or noodles.
Fruit- fresh fruit is prefered over canned: banana, watermelon, pear, apple, grapes
Following Rachel everywhere she goes.
The laundry basket. He likes to be pushed in it. We also turn it upside down and have him push it. It is great for building upper body strength.
Going barefoot.
Talking- he is making new sounds all the time.
Swinging in his swing outside.
Most of all he loves being center of attention.

Dislikes

Most everything that is cold.
Wearing his hats. He will wear one while outside, but wants it off as soon as he is inside or in the car.
Lucy, our dog. He will watch her, but not get anywhere close to her.
His baby bed. He is not used to sleeping alone and will have nothing to do with his bed.
He hates having his diaper changed!!
Will not keep his shoes and socks on his feet.
Did not care for spaghetti. Not even eating just the noodles.
He doesn't like small stuffed animals. He makes this hissing sound and throws them. I guess it goes back to the issue of them looking like rats. The regular stuffed animals are okay. He really loves to wrestle with the monkey Rachel got him.

Sister and Brother

2008-11-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

Nathaniel is very careful to make sure big sister doesn't get too far away. She is teaching him many things. They love to brush teeth together.

Nate is still waking around 3am wanting to play until about 5am. It is exhausting, but we are managing with the help of Tam and Katie (John's sister and niece).

Flood pictures

2008-11-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

Here are the much delayed pictures from the floods of Hanoi. I look back on these pictures and realize how fortunate we truly were. These were taken from inside our van. As you can see, we were right in the middle of the high water. Our poor van driver was a wreck, as was Mrs. Lam (our in country agency person). The most interesting picture, to me, was the one with the man and his motor scooter on the bicycle being pulled through the water. We saw some pretty inventive methods for traveling through the water!

airport pictures

2008-11-18T23:02:00.001-08:00

Can you say JET LAG???

2008-11-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

I will have to say that Nate is doing well. He is exploring his home. He is sleeping. He is eating...everything! He loves playing with his sister.

Rachel is taking most things in stride. She had such a busy day on Saturday and was tired yesterday. She stayed in her PJ's all day. I asked her if she wanted to get dressed and was fine in her pajamas. She has read books to her brother, fed him and sang songs to him.

I am the one having trouble with jet lag. I slept 3.5 hours yesterday and then couldn't get to sleep. I woke up at 5:30 with Nate and then couldn't get back to sleep. He only woke up one time. He took a good nap this morning and then a short one while going to get sister at school.

They are having a great time playing this evening. Banging on pots (need to get some earplugs), climbing in plastic tub and wrestling with each other. I had to feed Rachel a banana like I was feeding him. Anyway, life is good! Even if we are sleep deprived.

Pictures later this evening.

WE ARE HOME!

2008-11-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

Plane arrived on time! Once we got out of the Hanoi airport, everything was smooth sailing. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. We had an 8 our layover in Dallas. Bob, my brother, and his wife picked us up and took us for a shower and out to eat. It was the best salad I have eaten in a long time!

It is so wonderful to be all together. Rachel is doing great with her brother. She feed him potatoes and carrots for dinner. She played on the floor with him and helped me give him a bath. It was so great to hold both by children last night.

He slept better than I expected. We all crashed at different times, but everyone slept and feels good this morning. This morning has been wonderful. We are all playing and visiting this morning. Nate is enjoying banging on this drum that Kari Lynn got him. He also loves the monkey Rachel got him. However, the best is everyone just hanging out. Tam and Katie have been wonderful. They are taking great care of us.

More later....

T- minus 4 hours

2008-11-14T04:47:00.000-08:00

Give or take. We are packed! Suitcases are ready to go. Nate had a shower and is in his pajamas. He is staying right with us. He senses something is up because he won't let us out of his sight. It has been an amazing journey!
Please continue to keep us in thoughts and prayers.

See ya' in the good ole' USA!
John, Mary, Nate

Sights, sounds, and sensations of Hanoi!

2008-11-14T02:49:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed walking the streets of Hanoi! Home will be so quiet! The constant sound of scooter horns, varoius street smells of pho being cooked and eaten along the sidewalks by people who are deep in converstaion as we passed by. The sidewalks are great for parking cars, scooters, bikes, driving on, eating on, and ask Mary what else she saw!

Hanoi believes in fresh food! Fruits, veggies, meats, dryed seafood ect. are sold on the streets. We will always remember the aromas, especially Mary!

I felt safe walking the backstreets away from the tourist areas. Whether it was pouring buckets of rain as when we first arrived, or the dark nights streets, mini-streets, and alleys winding thru the city. There are busy streets, very busy streets, and very, very busy streets that we crossed by feeling the flow of the city and walking in the "steady feel" of the traffic. Some of the super times we enjoyed was away from the main streets and back on the small streets checking out the shops away from the tourist areas.

Riding in cabs around the street lit lake at night was beautiful with the bright, full moon sitting above the Hanoi architecture and watching the traffic and people flow by.

We have had a blast but we are ready to get home. We appreciate all of the people who played important roles in making this trip to get Nate possible! Two governments, lots of paperwork, ornery officials located in many parts of the world, floods, flat tires, etc did not stop us from having an amazing journey! Thanks!

Leaving on a jet plane!

2008-11-13T05:51:00.000-08:00

We have Nathaniel's visa. We are on track to head to USA tonight. Our plane leaves at midnight. We have a lot to pack and actually bought a large duffle bag to help us get everything home. (John has done a lot of shopping).
It is amazing how fast time has flown. The kids are all so different than they were a week and half ago. Smiles, jabbering, running (Nate's crawling) all over the place. They are coming into themselves with non-stop personality. Rosemary loves to see what she can get into. She gave Nate the biggest kiss yesterday. It was too cute! She comes running over anytime he cries or fusses. At our Embassy appointment he started fussing and Rosemary came running with a cookie for him. Sarah is walking all over the place and just smiles this most adorable grin. She is so lucky to have her big brother Eddie. He really watches out for her. Maylin is quiet when we are out as a group. She loves her pacifer. She has the most expressive eyes and eyebrows you have ever seen. Nate loves to smile and loves to show his teeth off (all 16 of them) when he smiles. He is pulling up all the time and will be running everywhere in no time. They are all just so precious!

We can't wait to see Rachel! We talked to her this morning and she is too excited to talk. Just does her blah blah blah. Nate will look at her picture and give her kisses. I have been working on getting him to say Mei Mei.

Our flight arrives around 5:50pm on Saturday. We are traveling American Airlines flight 1566 (Dallas to Louisville). We will visit with Bob and Jen (My brother and SIL) on our long lay-over in Dallas. It will be great for them to meet Nathaniel.
Those of you who would like, feel free to come to the airport! We look forward to seeing everyone!
We still have some shopping we want to do and maybe visit the Temple of Literature. And of course we have of packing left to do!

See ya' in the USA!

Nathaniel has a passport

2008-11-12T06:58:00.000-08:00

A day in Hanoi. Today we went to pick up Nate's passport and then had his SOS appointment. His SOS medical exam was a good deal different than when Tatertot had hers. They were more thorough. Nate weighs just under 19 pounds.

We went shopping this evening. We found some nice shops. This man is a "famous Vietnamese author", according to his grandaughter. He was in a store where we did a some shopping. John and I had a shirt made. The man had picked out a tie for John and gave it to him. Said it was a good tie for him.
These men were playing Vietnames checkers near the red bridge. We crossed the bridge and went into the pagoda. It was the same bridge we went over last night where I saw a rat. Nathaniel really enjoys riding on Papa's shoulders. It is something you don't see in Vietnam. Several people have taken their picture.

Hard to believe we have just a few more days in Vietnam. We saw another family tonight that just returned from Thanh Hoa with their daughter. She is a special little girl and it is good to know she is finally with her family. Hope all the Thanh Hoa families soon have their little ones. As well as all the families waiting to bring their little ones home!!

2008-11-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

Halong Bay was a great adventure. The limestone rock formations were amazing! We boarded the bus at 9am. It was a full bus. One family had a son 16 months old, while another was traveling for their daughter today. After a 3 hour van ride, we arrived at HaLong Bay. Beautiful!
Getting on the boat was tricky. We had to cross over 2 boats to get to ours. It was a nice boat. Nathaniel enjoyed the boat ride. The boat went out to were the rock formations were. We ate lunch on the boat and then toured a cave. It was a hard climb up to the cave and many steps down. It was about 45 minutes long cave tour. John bought Nate this plastic monkey. He just loves it. I think it is scary.

Nathaniel and the other boy were great on the trip, but it did get long. They were hungry and tired! Nate also decided to talk. The people on the bus were provided with a long trip!

2008-11-10T05:32:00.000-08:00

We are exhausted, well Nathaniel is full of energy, from our day trip to HaLong Bay. It was a great experience, but made for a long day. I have some great pictures but will do that tomorrow with update on how things are going. Got to get the boy a bath and ready for bed. Sure hopes he sleeps because Momma is tired!

Museum Ethnology

2008-11-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Today we ventured out with the Driver family to the Museum of Ethnology. It is a fairly new facility with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. As always, Nathaniel was quite the trooper. We saw exhibits of the many ethnic groups and relics from all areas of Vietnam, including Thanh Hoa. We found the shop there to have some neat items at a great price. We also tried out the cafe. We ordered 2 soft drinks and strawberry icecream (3 small scoops) for about 3 dollars. Nate didn't know what to think of the icecream. Good, but a little too cold. These girls wanted to have their picture taken with John.

He is getting to be all arms while we are out eating. At dinner, he managed to spill a cup of green tea all over the table. He was pounding the spoon against the glasses and banging his chopsticks on anything he could find. When we got back to the room we gave him a bath. He seemed to really enjoy it and was ready to play when he got out of the bath. We are going to get out early in the morning and see some more sights. I also have some places I want to go to for shopping.

20 things about Nathaniel

2008-11-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

1. The is ticklish (all over)

2. He has strong opinions and freely shares it.
3. Hates his face being cleaned.
4. Loves his bottle.
5. Laughs a lot

6. HATES his stuffed animal panda. He backs up and fusses. John thinks it reminds him of a rat??

7. Sucks noodles down just like his sister.

8. When he is happy, his feet go wild (Rachel was also like that)

9. Loves to pound on things. Chopsticks on the table is his favorite.

10. Is a thinker. Studies things hard.

11. He is a trooper when we go shopping.
12. Watches everything.

13. Hates to have a poopy diaper. Throws a terrible fit until it is changed.

14. Sleeps with his arms and legs spread out.

15. Mimics. Loves to watch what we do and then tries to do the same.

16. Loves chocolate and anything sweet. The nanny gave him 2 tootsie rolls while we were at the orphanage.
17. Has a mouth full of teeth. Molars too.
18. Is pulling up on the chair to get Momma to hold him
19. Is a grazer when he eats.

20. Great little boy!

2008-11-06T02:33:00.000-08:00

Nathaniel

2008-11-06T01:17:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures.

Thanh Hoa Thoughts

2008-11-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

Thanh Hoa Province, located south of Hanoi, near the coast, is dotted with limestine, granite mountains. The orpahanage, located near Thanh Hoa City, is very simple, yet filled with love for the children. A sign to Sam Son Beach is located on the road to the orphanage.

The market located in Thanh Hoa City next to our hotel is tin and tarp roofed. The seafood is very fresh! Everything is available in the market! It is like an outdoor super Walmart! We enjoyed walking around, shopping, and meeting the people of Thanh Hoa, who are very friendly!

2008-11-04T17:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from the Thanh Hoa hotel. I was laughing at the market we went to. I had a short sleeve shirt on Nathaniel with a blanket over him. One lady fussed at me for not having long sleeves on him. She took me over to where they sold long sleeve shirts. As we were walking, another lady pulled the cap off his head and took blanket off and motioned it was too hot... This happened several times.

He likes to ride in the carrier. He slept most of the time we walked the market. He is a real trooper!

Back in Hanoi

2008-11-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

We are back in Hanoi. We had to go the long way back to Hanoi, but it only took 4.5 hours this time. The rain is still falling. We got to the hotel around 10:00. We are all tired.

The G&R went off without a hitch. When the ceremony was over, we got back into the van. Well, the driver told Ms. Lam that there was a nail in the tire and he took it out and threw it in the bushes. I think that was the last straw for Ms. Lam. I don't know if she was laughing of crying. We decided to take the van to get the tire checked out. It was quite funny, but not surprising. Ends up the tire was fine so we took off for Hanoi.

The kids did great! Nate had a small stinky diaper, but was much better than the 2 we dealt with earlier in the day. He and Rosemary have had opposite problems today. We got to to the hotel with one wound-up little boy. He was ready to play. We played on the nice soft bed. (The hotel in TH was great, but boy was the bed hard. It was just a box springs. Yes, a box springs.)

We start paper work in the morning and will try to do some shopping. I still can't get video to upload, but will get some pictues when I can. Time for bed!

Market day

2008-11-03T23:15:00.000-08:00

There is a little "walmart" market next to the hotel. It is full of everything you would want. All the families ventured over there this morning. John bought some rugs and I got Nate a pair of shoes. The shoes were 30,oo0 dung. (less than 2 dollars).

We ate lunch at the building next door with the Driver family. We all ate plates of shrimp. They were delicious, once you got past the head still being on them. It is cool seeing these 2 tiny eyes looking at you.

Nate is continuing to do well. He isn't walking, but is able to crawl some and is trying to pull up some and walks while you hold his hand.

We leave for the G&R in soon and hope the rain allows us to take the short way home.

See you in Hanoi!

sorry

2008-11-03T18:00:00.001-08:00

Pictures and video are not posting. I will try later or back in Hanoi.

Day 1 with Nathaniel

2008-11-03T05:36:00.000-08:00

The boy we met yesterday is becoming more at ease. It has been a great day, despite not having our Giving & Receiving. We ate breakfast and then went to have passport pictures taken. It was at a professional studio. The TH 4 tolorated the experiencel. We came back to the room so Ms. Lam could try to schedule our G&R. Nate took a bottle and a 2.5 hour nap. John went out to the market beside us and did some shopping.

Nate woke from his nap happy and more relaxed. He is full of smiles and giggles. At breakfast and lunch, he sat and let us feed him. However, this evening he was all arms. Reaching for this and pulling at that. He loved the chicken and corn soup with rice. He also enjoyed eggs at breakfast (so did Momma).

We hung out in the hotel waiting for word on our G&R. It is scheduled for late tomorrow afternoon. It should take about an hour. We will then head back to Hanoi. The condition of the flooding will determine how long it takes. It has rained more today. Regardless, it will be a late evening and a hard trip for the babies.

Nate came to life this afternoon. Check out the short video and see his personality come to life.

We have Nate!

2008-11-02T06:38:00.001-08:00

We wanted to let everyone know that Cuong is with us. Due to flooding, it took us 6 hours to get to Thanh Hoa. The travel was delayed due to horrible flooding. (more about that in a later post).
Nathaniel is doing well. He is sleeping at the moment. He didn't take his night time bottle, so we will see how long he sleeps.

He is a snuggler.
He loves to be held!
He has a strong grip. He holds on with both hands!
He is ticklish on his belly. That was the only smile we got.
He is making eye contact and learning to play with his Elmo phone.
He does have some congestion, but with all this rain, so does everyone.

After the initial grieving, he is taking everything in.

We were told that our G&R could possibly be tomorrow. If not, it will be Tuesday.

Enjoy the pictures! We are pooped!!

Tomorrow

2008-11-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

We have been busy packing our bags for Thanh Hoa. We will get on the van at 9:00 in the morning. It is a hard 3.5 hour drive. There will be heavy traffic, bumpy roads, and a lot of water. It will take longer if roads are flooded, which is likely. We will put our things in the room, "grab a quick lunch", and head to the orphanage around 2:00.

The plan is to spend around an 1.5 hours with the babies. We have packed toys and snack food to help with the transitition. (It didn't help with Rachel, but we will have them just the same.) Mrs. Lam is going to ask if we can take the kids back to the hotel. She thinks there is a good chance we will be able to take him back to the hotel with us. I asked her about Nathaniel. She said he is doing well. He is walking and eating noodles and other foods.

Please keep Nathaniel, the other babies, and families in your thoughts and prayers. Tomorrow, and the days ahead, will be filled with life changing experiences for all of us.

We will likely not have internet service. We will hopefully be back in Hanoi by Tuesday evening. Feel free to check out-http://mybloomingrose.wordpress.com/ for possible updates before our return to Hanoi.

WOW! WE ARE GOING TO SEE and HOLD NATHANIEL TOMORROW AFTERNOON!!!!! I can hardly believe it!

Thanks again to all those who have been a part of and have helped us along this long journey. We thank family, friends and many others, including Congressman John Yarmuth and Brooke who cared enough to find out the truth and assist us in bringing Nathaniel home. Thanks is not nearly enough.

Rain and more rain

2008-10-31T23:51:00.000-07:00

Well, the rain continues and is likely going to rain the entire next week. Flooding! Boy, water past your knee and higher on some roads. John went out this morning and returned soaked. He is enjoying touring the side roads.

Regardless, we ventured out with the other families to Hanoi Hilton. It was quite humbling to see this place,right next to our hotel, where many prisoners were housed. We can actually look out our hotel window and see it.

We go out later today to get supplies. We are enjoying this little cafe in the hotel. We ate breakfast and lunch there.

It is amazing to think we will see Nate on Sunday!!

Yuck factor

2008-10-31T07:52:00.001-07:00

John and I caught the sun out and headed out to shop. He ventured out earlier and had a place I HAD to see. I should have known better!!! We go down this little alley (about a block long). At first we saw beautiful fruit and veggies. Amazing looking fresh items. There were some little booths selling avariety of items. Then, I started seeing all this meat being chopped. I won't even begin to say what all we saw. I walked as fast as I could to get out of there. Dodging motor bikes, people, and puddles of water. I barely made it out. John wanted me to stand in front of the bowl of squirmy eels, but I said that is a picture for him.

The first picture is of some lovely ladies sitting by the lake. They wanted John to take their picture and laughed when they saw it. They look like they have known each other for years.

The other 2 families get in tonight. Then we will head to Thanh Hoa on Sunday. The G&R is now on Tuesday, but we hope to see Nate both days. We have really enjoyed seeing all the babies with their forever families. The hotel is full of little ones. They were dressed up in costumes and went trick or treating throughout the hotel.

Happy Halloween Tatertot! We miss you! Remember to Follow the Yellow Brick Road.

Our meager dwell

2008-10-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

The kitchen. His crib- notice the pink flowers

A great room to relax in, watch TV, and post on the computer. The TV has some English channels.

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!

2008-10-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

It is a raining Friday here. It is suppose to rain off and on all weekend. The drive in from the airport is very similar to China, only motor scooter instead of bicycles. Everyone honks! It is actually interesting to watch. I sit here and listen to the horns honking.

I slept good! It took a while to get settled, but I was o-u-t! John said he slept okay, too.

Two FTIA families got to Hanoi last week, they have there children who are from a different orphanage. They are going to Halong Bay for the weekend. We hope to go next weekend. It is a beautiful place that we both really want to visit.

I just pinched myself. Yes, we are here!

WE ARE HERE!

2008-10-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

We made it to the hotel about 30 minutes ago. The airlines was very efficient. However, the plane was extremely warm and I didn't sleep much. John rested on that leg (14 hours). We actually left about 30 minutes later than planned and still arrived 30 minutes faster than planned. The 2nd leg (5 hours) was much cooler and I slept-hard! I feel much better.

This room is huge! Way more than we were expecting. We have a 2 bed rooms, a kitchen, a dinning room table, 2 bathrooms, and a TV area. His crib is already in the room. We will go to the store tomorow and get things we need. Not sure what else we will do.

We are going to Thanh Hoa on Sunday, but found out our Giving and Receiving isn't until Tuesday. Not a big surprise. We had heard rumors from other families that it usually gets moved back a day. We will now spend Sunday and Monday in TH and return to Hanoi on Tuesday.

Gotta go...getting tired.

Busy, but not hectic!?!

2008-10-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

Not sure why, but I don't have the stress and frantic feeling that I expected to have at this point. There are things to do, but I have actually had time to relax today. Tatertot is enjoying her time with her Ms. Lolly (J-sister). She got here yesterday and is getting familiar with our routine. She is not talking a lot about us leaving.

J- is off tomorrow so we will go vote. I still have a few loose ends, but it will get done. If not, it will be okay. The main thing, this time next week we will have Nate. We will be parents of 2 children.

We hope to be able to post on Friday that we have made it to Hanoi. It all depends on the internet. We have the webcams set for the computers.

Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers. It will be a long adventure for all of us!

3 Countries 1 Family

2008-10-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

I could not have said it better! We were surprised with this cake at our gathering of the families we traveled to China with in 2004. We had a great time!!

TWO WEEKS!

2008-10-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

We will leave for Vietnam in 9 days. But...in two weeks Nate will be with us. We will hopefully get to see him on Sunday for a hour or so. Then, Monday morning we will have our Giving and Receiving. It is really just starting to sink in that we are getting on a plane in just over 1 week! J- and I are both busy getting things done. So much to do.... better get off here and get busy~~

2008-10-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

Our VISA's came this morning! That was the last important piece of paperwork we needed!
Airline tickets-check
Hotel arrangements- check

Things are coming along with the packing. I just hope I can get everything in the suitcase and not be over airlines regulations. We have a bunch of things for the orphanage. We have heard that the children and adults love American chocolates. I have several bags of chocolates. I just need to figure out how to get them there without melting. Any ideas?

Happy Columbus Day

2008-10-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

John was off work for Columbus day and went to eat lunch with Tatertot at school. She was excited! Tonight, we all went for a walk through the field and back. She loves running the length of the field with Lucy (our basset hound). I was carrying "sugar baby". He is a 5# bag of sugar in the baby carrier. I am now ready for the 10# bag. Nate was 17+ pounds in September. I hope to have my back in shape by the time we get to Vietnam. Thanks Lisa for the carrier. It works great!

Tatertot just told me that today was Christopher Columbus Day. "Momma, he sailed on the Nina, Panera, and Santa Claus". How funny!! You can tell where we like to eat lunch.

Travel Approval!

2008-10-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

We are scheduled to leave on the October 29th. A week later than we thought, but we are leaving. The Giving and Receiving is scheduled for the 3rd!! Travel arrangements have been booked. We found a great travel agent.

Singing

2008-10-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

This is a test run for video. I am trying to get all the technical stuff down before we travel. This is a short clip I took with our camera. Just before taping this, she was singing, "I want my I-600".

The stork is almost ready!!!

2008-10-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

The stork is ready for take off (not really, but getting prepared). I've had this picture saved in a file for over a year. I just love this picture. My list of things to do seems to get longer, not shorter. I have really gotten into making bags of goodies for the school aged children at Nathaniel's orphanage. I wish I could do more.

It looks like we are going to check 3 suitcases. If we shop anything like we did in China, we will need the gift suitcase to get everything home.

almost 4 years ago

2008-10-05T06:16:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to realize that it is finally time to pack. It was this time 4 years ago that we were packing for our trip to China. I had no idea what was ahead. Now, four years later it is time to pack again. This time for our trip to Vietnam. Even though we are not first time parents, it won't be the same. There will be new experiences. New challenges. We will be coming home parents of our son that we have waited so long. What a difference 4 years makes.

When??

2008-10-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

When? That is the question. When we will get our Giving and Receiving date? That determines when we will travel. Several families (from another agency) are on their way this weekend to Thanh Hoa. They have a G&R for October 8th. It is amazing to think we should be on our way very soon.

Tatertot and I are going to Build a Bear tomorrow. She is going to make baby brother a bear. I am going to surprise her with a bear that I can record a message and have it placed inside the bear.

Tomorrow is Friday...here's to getting a call about our Giving and Receiving date!!!

Professional Development

2008-09-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

I went to the best professional development yesterday. It was a three hour training on using PHOTO STORY. We were shown how to use pictures to add text, our own voice, and even music.

I also learned how to take a children's book and read it so that Tatertot can listen to it while we are in Vietnam. I think she will really enjoy hearing and seeing J- and I reading a book to her, even though we are on the other side of the Earth.

We are waiting for our agency to tell us the date of our Giving and Receiving. Once we have this date, we will make travel arrangements. We are hoping we will travel in the next 2-3 weeks. I have a good deal of the packing done. I am still working on gifts for the orphanage workers. I want to finish most of the packing this weekend, so that when we get our travel dates I will be able to spend that time with Tatertot and not be packing.

A great end to a very, very long week!

2008-09-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

J- and I are so relieved that it is Saturday. To say that this week was stressful would be a major understatement. We both had every emotion possible. Finally, it came... The long, long awaited I-600 approval. J- and I are overwhelmed by all the emails, calls, and good thoughts during this process.

Our home study expires in December. We were worried that it would have to be updated yet again. Our agency coordinator stated we will be home before it expires. That is good news! I know J- Tatertot, and I are ready to get off this roller coaster. We hope to hear very soon about our Giving and Receiving date. All of the Thanh Hoa gang is ready to travel.

Yipee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-25T02:14:00.000-07:00

J- and I are happy to announce that after 237 days we now have I-600 pre-approval. That's right, we have it. We are so relieved to be able to say we are heading to Vietnam! Hopefully, the G&R will come fast. (Yeah right, I know what you are thinking). It is just too exciting. I can't believe I have to go to work and teach all day. Too excited!

Swing set

2008-09-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

J- and I have talked about getting a swing set for over 3 years. We have a nice flat back yard for setting one up. We just couldn't find one we liked. Finally, thanks to the internet, I found one we both like. Tatertot loves monkey bars and swinging. She loves to slide. This one has a place for brother's swing and another one for her. They are going to be set. We have a friend coming over to help J- pour the concrete and get it set-up. I am going to cook spaghetti for dinner. Then, off to work for the guys. I'll post a picture when it is up.

Nothing yet

2008-09-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

Looks like we will be waiting until next week to hear the status of the field investigation. I am anxious to hear, but just so relieved that the field investigation finally took place!! It was beginning looking like it was never going to happen.

Last night we went to a local festival. We ate, did some shopping and then went to the balloon glow. It was a fun night. I found the cutest denim jacket with a dragon on it for the baby. We are doing a dragon theme for his room. Last year, I found him a jute rope dragon. We also got him a tie-dye onesie and Tatertot a tie-dye sun dress. It was her favorite summer dress. This year, I found the jacket for him and got her several hair bows.

Her hair is getting so long. I have been talking to her about donating it for several months. She was not sure about doing it until her principal donated hers. Only another 1.5 inches and she will have it long enough. She wants it long enough that she doesn't have really short hair.

We are getting together with Tatertot's travel group today. She calls the girls her "sisters". The girls are growing so fast. Three of the families are waiting to travel back to China for their second child. So, the group is growing. It is so great having 7 of the 9 girls within 90 miles of each other. We make it a priority to get the girls together as often as possible. I think the grown-ups enjoy as much as the kids. Oops, guess I better get started on the cupcakes we are taking. Such fun and messy things to eat!

Signs your child hears everything you say...even when you think they are in the other room.

2008-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

4. "Mama, I am sick of waiting for my baby brother. Aren't you?"
3. Mama, "Will baby brother ever get to come home?"
2. Crying in the saddest way possible, "I miss my baby brother."
1. Number one reason... Yesterday, Tatertot was singing, "I-600, oh I-600".

I was rolling on the floor laughing. Kids!

POWER

2008-09-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

The power went out around noon on Sunday. 60-75 mph winds were blowing. We were at my Dad's for the weekend, so we weren't here.

I will say that the weather was wonderful for having electricity out. It was amazing how many people you saw outside. I saw people out sitting on porches, working in yards ( debris was everywhere), and cooking out.

We got the electricity back last night at 9:00. Tatertot is enjoying the TV this morning. I know I really missed the computer!

Conference call with USCIS

2008-09-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Yeah!! FINALLY!!

All Thahn Hoa field investigations have been completed.

We were told by Deputy Officer of USCIS that, as of yesterday, all of the cases that have filed I-600's had been completed. What great news!!

The only concern J-and I have is that Coung was found by a family from a different province. That means the USCIS may need to send someone to that province to talk to the person/family that found him. We do have that person's name and address, so that is a good thing. USCIS told us we could hear about our case by next Friday or first of the following week.

This afternoon, J-is personnally calling USCIS to discuss our case and the issue we have with the person being from a different province.

Cooler weather

2008-09-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to have the cooler weather. I don't like hot weather or humidity. Nice weather!

I spent the morning working at Tatertot's school. I helped with the book fair, spent 1.5 hours working in her class, then I worked in the office making copies. A good morning.

I am going to teach a lesson on Autumn Moon Festival next Tuesday in Tatertot's classroom. I am telling the story of the fable behind Autumn Moon, doing a craft, and will have a snack. It will be a lot of fun.

We will go to the FCC Autumn Moon Festival next weekend (20th). They have a lot of really fun activities for the kids. Last year, the kids wrote letters to their birth family, rolled up the paper and tied it to a balloon. Then, we went outside and released the balloons. It was very moving. It concludes with a Lantern Parade. The kids all bring a lantern and we walk around the grounds. It is fun seeing all the different lanterns.

Not that we are counting... today is 124 days waiting for our I-600.

Followers

2008-09-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

I have added a "follower" element to the bottom of the page. If you'd like to follow publicly or anonymously, please click on follow this blog. Thanks!

Bring our children home

2008-09-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

This website has been recently updated. It is a good source for information on blocked provinces and ways to help. Maybe some of you will also find it helpful. Check it out!
http://www.bringourchildrenhometoo.com/index.shtml

Baking

2008-09-05T20:24:00.001-07:00

Our church is having its annual fish fry tomorrow. J- will help fry fish. They fry it in huge cast iron kettles. The fish is fresh and tasty! He made 10 pounds of German potato salad today. The church makes over 200 pounds of German potato salad.

I have made 2 huge cobblers. They are half blueberries and have blackberries. The blackberries are from our own field. I also made 2 different cookies and 4 pies (1 chess and 3 toll house/pecan pies) I also made lemon apricot cake, but when I took it out of the bunt pan it stuck in 3 places. I took it to school to share. If I have time in the morning, I will make another.

Tatertot was totally exhausted tonight. School was busy. She was just a heap rolled up on the chair. Even too tired to eat. She was in bed by 7:45. I hope she sleeps in until 8:00 tomorrow. It will be a long day with the fish fry. She starts Suzuki violin in two weeks. She is so excited. They have the tiniest little violin for her. Too cute.

PS Today is day 221 days waiting for I-600. Isn't that just crazy!!

Dear USCIS and Thanh Hoa officials

2008-08-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

Dear USCIS and Thanh Hoa Officials,

Hi! My name is Cuong. I am 14 months old and live in a child care center in Thanh Hoa. I have a few things I want to share with you.
On Dec. 14, 2007 I was told that I had a family waiting for me in the United States. I was told that I have a Papa, Mama, and a big sister. You can not believe how excited I was! I was filled with an inner peace.

The nannies here are great. I do worry about them, they have to work so hard. They take good care of me. They take good care of my friends, and do the best they can. However, they have so much to do besides taking care of me.

In March, I got a wonderful surprise from my family. They sent me a blanket and their picture. I just couldn't believe how wonderful they seemed! My sister is smiling at me, and even kind of looks like me. I was thinking that it shouldn't be much longer before we are all together (Papa, Mama, Sister and Me). How wonderful!

Then, things seemed to have gone wrong. I waited and waited... I just don't understand... It was suppose to be 4-6 months, but it was July and they still weren't here. I was sad. At night, when my nannies and friends were sleeping, I would cry for my family. I wanted them to come and comfort me. I wanted them to take me to my new home.

Well, my first birthday came and I thought, "They will be here anytime now." Whenever someone would come to the center, I would wonder... "Is this my family?" "Are they coming to take me home?" Sadly, it wasn't my family, I wasn't going home.

It is now September, and I continue to wait. I continue to cry. I tried to smile when the people came to take my picture for my family. I really wanted to smile, but I was sad. I wanted to go home. I want to be with my family. I just couldn't smile.

When, when will you get over this power struggle? No one is winning! No one! When will you do what is best for me? What is best for all my friends? How can you let this continue? When will you let me be with my family? This has gone on for too long!!

USCIS and Thanh Hoa officials, there is no need to respond, just give me I-600 approval!

Thank you,

Cuong

Quiet NO MORE!

2008-08-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Pre-approval for I600 is proving to be a nightmare for families with children in Thanh Hoa!!! We are no further along in determining if our prospective children are adoptable than we were in February. DoS stated they have no information on fraudulent acts in Thanh Hoa- it is a "communication problem with Thanh Hoa". What a power struggle to determine if the I-600s will be approved! We, along with families from three agencies, appear to be stuck in the process. You would think alternative methods of completing field reviews would be considered by US officials! What is it going to take for them to do what is best for the children!?!

We are well past 200 days waiting for our I-600 approval. Cuong is now 14 months old. Our picture update showed a healthy, but sad little boy. He is ready to come home~!~

Been a while...

2008-08-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

It just gets monotonous reporting that we are still waiting for our I-600 approval. On Cuong's birthday, I had decided to not post anything until we heard something. However, we still haven't heard anything and it's been over a month since my last post. Tomorrow will be 190 days we have been waiting for approval! I am hearing that others are getting approval fairly prompt now, so that is good for them. (stinks for us, but good for them)

Other news...
I start work this week. Friday is my first offical day, but I have to set my classroom up tomorrow and then parent orientation on Thursday. That means summer is basically over for me. Tatertot starts the following Tuesday. She is very excited. She meets her teacher this Tuesday.

June 30, 2008

2008-07-01T09:39:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Cuong's birthday. He is now one year old! Where has the time gone? When we got our referral, J- and I commented on him being so young.

Now, 6.5 months later, we still wait to bring him home. Still waiting for the I-600. We are now past five months of waiting for it. Yes, FIVE months!

I did buy him the cutest book yesterday. It is a "Scanimation" picture book. The title is Gallop! and it is by Rufus Butler Seder. The illustrations look like they are in motion. It is a cool book! The text is simple and pages are pretty durable.

Proud Mama

2008-06-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

Tatertot and I were at Kohl's looking around today. She spotted their Kung Fu Panda display and fell in love with the stuffed panda. I told her we weren't buying it and she said, "But Baby Brother will love it." After I stated I wasn't buying it, she asked if she could buy it. I asked her if she is willing to use some of her birthday money and she said she was. She is such a giving child. What a proud feeling it gives me to know she is so loving of a child she hasn't seen other than a picture. She is going to make a wonderful big sister.

What do beavers make?

2008-06-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

Here we are sitting in our room at the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel. Tatertot and J- were playing a game of UNO and I was going through the suitcases looking for something. I heard "UNO". J- won the game. Then, I heard it!

Tatertot "d***"
Me- What did you say?
T- d***
Me- We don't say that word
T- Mama, I said D***
Me- Well, we don't say that word!!!!
T- Mama, It is what a beaver makes. (said in a most sincere manner)
Me- (Trying hard not to fall over laughing)
When you lost the game and said that word, it isn't a nice word.
T- But it is what beavers make!!!
Me- The way you meant it, made it a bad word. We don't say it.
T- (again she says) But it is what beavers make!
Me (Still trying not to let her see me laugh)
I say the Mama thing... "Mama doesn't want you to say that word, it isn't a nice word to say
even when you hear others say the word."

What will she come up with next??
Anyway, it made a funny story to tell my family. We were all together in Tennessee for my niece's high school graduation. It was nice to have most of the family together!

What we know....

2008-06-01T18:27:00.001-07:00

Nate is now 11 months old.
We want Nate home!!
He is still in Thanh Hoa.
Thanh Hoa is still blocked.
We have been waiting for our I-600 for more than 120 days.
Vietnam has given us IAD approval.
It is past time for our son to be home!!

Wizard of Oz

2008-05-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

Tatertot is going to be five years old on the 26th. About a month ago, I asked her what kind of party/cake she wanted to have. She replied, "Wizard of Oz". She loves the movie, especially the Wicked Witch. Go figure...

So, I got on the internet looking for ideas. I found a lot of games and activities, but not many decorations. The few things I saw, were expensive. I decided to go with balloons, since there was the hot air balloons and rainbows. She wants a cookie cake, so I'm going to make her one. We'll see how things progress over the next few days...

105

2008-05-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

105...What an interesting number. 105 is a very high fever, an A+ on a test, a day too hot to be outside. In our case, 105 is the number of days we have waited for our I-600. Sucks!!!

IAD

2008-05-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

Our agency called today to say we now have IAD approval. It wasn't suppose to come for another week, so was good news. However, we are well past 90 days of waiting for our I-600.

Tatertot is feeling much better today. She took a 2 hour nap and feels good. She is running around the living room and rolling on the floor. We need to go outside~~~ Too much energy for me and the house.

Van mom

2008-05-06T17:14:00.001-07:00

We are now the proud owners of a van. I am excited to have doors that slide open with a remote. Tatertot picked out the color, blue. I know we will enjoy it for many years to come. Now I need to sign Tatertot up for soccer!?!

J- and I got our 1-797 C back on Saturday. We are again approved for a boy 0-16 months at referral. Tatertot and I took it to get notarized today. Then, we took it to the Secretary of State and had the state seal put on it.

Tatertot continues to have a temperature. The doctor said a virus, but this is the 5th day. I am going to have her stay home tomorrow so she will hopefully be better for her field day on Thursday. She is very excited about field day. Her Papa is going to be there since I have to teach that day.

Bittersweet!!

2008-05-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

I just spent the afternoon stuck inside with a sick child. Her fever is going on day4. The doctor said it is just a virus. While she was watching TV, I went through stuff stacked in basement from where we had our flood. I have a sack of outgrown clothes for a friend's child. Several bags for Goodwill and a couple full of trash. It sucks being a pack rat and having a husband that is, too.

A box of clothes were just sitting there. I opened it up to see Cuong's clothes. I decided to see what had accumulated. Most are from yard sale/consignment stores. However, there are a few things I had let myself buy throughout the process. Mostly, they are things I saw that were just so darn cute. What is it about boys and overhauls???

The sad thing is that many are close to be too small for him. Travel is not going to happen in May and June is questionable, since he is in one of the blocked provinces. That means he is going to be too big for many of the outfits. Sad!!!!!!

FEVER

2008-05-04T07:15:00.001-07:00

It is amazing how a fever in an almost 5 year old can change an entire weekend of plans. My friend called on Friday afternoon to talk about kindergarten schools. (Being teachers, we both were stressing over where our kids would go for K). After getting off the phone, I went over to her and touched her. She was burning up. We have spent the past 2 days trying to get it stable. It is still up today. If she still has it tomorrow, I guess we'll go to the doctor.

She was supposed to sing at church today. They had 5 songs and she knew them. Later this afternoon, she was to go to a birthday party. She was such a sport when whe knew she still had a temp. "When will I be able to give her the birthday present". Not a tear or "can I please go". She just accepted it. I was very proud of her. We are watching "The Wizard of Oz" she is coloring.

The weekend wasn't how we planned, but still an enjoyable time. (Except for the filly in the Derby. It broke my heart.)

Derby Time!

2008-05-02T06:36:00.001-07:00

Being from the Bluegrass state, this is an exciting time of year! Balloon races, a steamboat race, mini marathons, even a parade. All lead up to the Oaks race today and the Kentucky Derby tomorrow. School is even out today. We tried to go to the balloon glow last week, but the wind was too strong.

We are going to a friend's house tomorrow to watch the races. We will be with 6 of the families we traveled to China with in 2004. The girls are like sisters, but they don't really argue or fight. They can play all day, and late into the evening, and not have an argument. I am so glad she has these "sisters" in her life. It really gives her a connection to her past.

The adoption news continues to be distressing, to say the least. We have had a referral for almost 5 months, been waiting on our I-600 for 3+ months. It is getting harder and harder to respond to the questions about when we will travel. Since the newspaper articles about Vietnam, the questions are getting more frequent. It is reassuring to know people care, but it is also difficult to explain we just don't know.

What great weather

2008-04-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

Our agency emailed today that our final police investigation is complete and has been sent to the PDOJ. The next step is IAD approval.

The weather has been absolutely wonderful the past two days. After gymnastics, Tatertot and I went to the zoo. She had a blast looking at the animals and asked a million questions. We went to Target after that. Needless to say, she crashed on the way home and slept 2 hours.

Before dinner, we all walked back in the field and back around. I have back problems and know that carrying the baby is going to be an issue. I got a 5 pound bag of sugar to carry in the baby carrier. I have been carrying it when we walk and I can already tell a difference. Tatertot thinks it is hilarious.

3rd times a charm!!

2008-04-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

J- and I went to our fingerprints redone. I know things change, but fingerprints???? These will be good for 15 months, so this will hopefully be our last. Now, we need to get to Vietnam!!!! It has been four months since we got our referral.

Today was a fun day with Tatertot. Her preschool went to the theatre. It was a good to see her with her classmates. She was on the edge of her seat watching the actors. I even road the bus with her.

Fair game

2008-04-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

J- and I have always watched the foods we give Tatertot. We (mostly J) expose her to a wide variety of foods. She enjoys "Hotel California Rolls" along with numerous other foods most preschool age kids won't eat. Encouraging a healthy assortment of food has been a priority for us to instill in her. Candy and desserts were treats that we offered, but not provided everyday.

That said...

I have had to throw ALL candy out or make sure it is not within eye shot of her. Candy that had previously sat on the counter for months is now fair game for the taking. Caramels from Christmas, that are as hard as a rock, are now tasty morsels to be devoured. Hidden in closets are wrappers by the hand full.

Now I guess I have to wait for her to get the thirst for soft drinks.....

Growing

2008-04-08T10:41:00.001-07:00

Finally! We were happy to finally get an update. Looks like little Cuong is growing. Yes, he seems to be little. He is 17 pounds and 26 inches, so he is around the 10th% on the Asian charts. He is said to be crawling and has several teeth. The pictures show him pulling up with his arms and lying flat on his back. He seems to have teeth on top and bottom.

Tatertot was about 15 pounds at 16 months. She wasn't even on the Asian growth charts. She is still petite, but very healthy. She is barely on the Asian growth chart now, but continues to grow on her curve. She loves to run and runs whenever she has the opportunity.