Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Maelie's First Picnic
Miss Maelie lunched outside by the pool today. She never did eat that french fry!!! By the way, that stroller...$30 USD on Baby Street! Awesome, eh??
Updates
I know! I've been slacking on the updates!!!! :) Monday morning was Miss Maelie's medical appointment. Everything checked out just fine. She has a slight ear infection, a cold, and some eczema on her face, but nothing major. We have antibiotics and a cream for her eczema that are already working wonders in just one day. Today, Maelie has been nothing but smiles and grins. She is a beautiful baby. I am thinking she is feeling better from the antibiotics...she is just a little goofball! She is going to fit in splendidly to our family.
Today, we were scheduled to visit the Museum of Ethnology and the Silk Village with our World Child staff, Martin and Kenny, but another family had a sick family member, and my mom wasn't feeling too good, and it was raining, so we decided to postpone. We hope to hit that on Thursday.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, is our US Embassy visa appointment. I hear it's a breeze, but seriously, I won't relax and feel comfortable until it's through. And THEN.....I'll be dancing. That means Maelie is truly a US citizen and free to come home. So, cross your fingers, wish us luck, and I'll let you all know how it goes!!
I'll also be posting some photos in just a little bit...for your viewing pleasure. Heavy on the most beautiful baby in the world, of course!!!
Today, we were scheduled to visit the Museum of Ethnology and the Silk Village with our World Child staff, Martin and Kenny, but another family had a sick family member, and my mom wasn't feeling too good, and it was raining, so we decided to postpone. We hope to hit that on Thursday.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, is our US Embassy visa appointment. I hear it's a breeze, but seriously, I won't relax and feel comfortable until it's through. And THEN.....I'll be dancing. That means Maelie is truly a US citizen and free to come home. So, cross your fingers, wish us luck, and I'll let you all know how it goes!!
I'll also be posting some photos in just a little bit...for your viewing pleasure. Heavy on the most beautiful baby in the world, of course!!!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Size
I forget! Everyone asks about Maelie's size. Not sure how much she weighs yet, we will find that out on Monday when we have our medical visit. However, I can tell you that 3-6 month clothes fit her great. Just loose enough. Some 0-3 month fit, but most are tight. Size 6-12 month are WAAAAAY to big. So, she's small, but not teeny. She has great knee dimples, so I know she was taken care of as best as possible. :)
Happy Birthday To You...
Today, we had a good day. Miss Maelie took a nice, long nap, which she very much needed. Then, we were all going to go out to the Trang Tien Plaza, which is a western-type shopping mall, but Maelie was a bit fussy right before we were leaving. So, Grandma volunteered to stay back and babysit while my sister Kim and I went.
The mall was interesting...it was fun to see the Vietnamese take on the shopping mall, BUT, the prices were awful. We did find a corner of the mall dedicated to some sellers of authentic Vietnamese handicrafts, and Kim and I did some damage there. I picked up a beautiful Ao Dai for Maelie that would fit her now, great for photos when we get back. Also, we were able to get some gifts for people back home.
It was nice to hear from my mom when we got back, that Miss Maelie missed me. And tonite, when she was fussy, she reached for me. *** BIG GRIN!!! *** We are certainly making some serious strides in a very short amount of time. In fact, she has a bottle from the orphanage that she keeps her eye on. It broke my heart to watch her stare at that bottle and cry if she couldn't see it. I know she didn't get all she wanted to eat at the orphanage, even if she is nice and dimpled. But, the other night, as Auntie Kim was feeding her her bottle, it sunk in for her that the milk flows like water around here. She just let the milk run into her mouth and out the corners, smiling all the way, as if to say, "This is the good life." She seems to understand now, that we are not taking away her bottle and she can get it anytime she wants. I'm so happy for this improvement!!
And now, for the title of my post! Today, after breakfast, we decided to step outside the hotel and walk around the block. Maelie loves to watch the traffic, and we needed to give housekeeping a little more time to clean our room. We were standing outside our building and heard some kind of electronic music playing the song, "Happy Birthday to You." We were all looking around to see where it's coming from, and the only thing we saw were a couple of larger trucks backing up. Wouldn't you know it, the tune was honest to God one of the truck's back-up alarms!!!! "Happy Birthday to You." Go figure!!!
Tomorrow, we might go try to see the Museum of Ethnology. We'll see how Maelie is doing. She pretty much dictates the course of the day. :)
The mall was interesting...it was fun to see the Vietnamese take on the shopping mall, BUT, the prices were awful. We did find a corner of the mall dedicated to some sellers of authentic Vietnamese handicrafts, and Kim and I did some damage there. I picked up a beautiful Ao Dai for Maelie that would fit her now, great for photos when we get back. Also, we were able to get some gifts for people back home.
It was nice to hear from my mom when we got back, that Miss Maelie missed me. And tonite, when she was fussy, she reached for me. *** BIG GRIN!!! *** We are certainly making some serious strides in a very short amount of time. In fact, she has a bottle from the orphanage that she keeps her eye on. It broke my heart to watch her stare at that bottle and cry if she couldn't see it. I know she didn't get all she wanted to eat at the orphanage, even if she is nice and dimpled. But, the other night, as Auntie Kim was feeding her her bottle, it sunk in for her that the milk flows like water around here. She just let the milk run into her mouth and out the corners, smiling all the way, as if to say, "This is the good life." She seems to understand now, that we are not taking away her bottle and she can get it anytime she wants. I'm so happy for this improvement!!
And now, for the title of my post! Today, after breakfast, we decided to step outside the hotel and walk around the block. Maelie loves to watch the traffic, and we needed to give housekeeping a little more time to clean our room. We were standing outside our building and heard some kind of electronic music playing the song, "Happy Birthday to You." We were all looking around to see where it's coming from, and the only thing we saw were a couple of larger trucks backing up. Wouldn't you know it, the tune was honest to God one of the truck's back-up alarms!!!! "Happy Birthday to You." Go figure!!!
Tomorrow, we might go try to see the Museum of Ethnology. We'll see how Maelie is doing. She pretty much dictates the course of the day. :)
Friday, September 26, 2008
Passport and Water Puppet Show
Passport was ready today! Yay! Her passport photo has her tongue sticking out, which is typical Miss Maelie. She loves to have her tongue waving in the air!!! I got to be one of 'the guys' again to pick up her Vietnamese passport, while the 'moms' (and auntie and grandma) took the babies to get their visa photos. I guess Miss Maelie did just fine for her photo.
Outside of the passport office today while we were waiting for another person in our group, I had a little fan club. I noticed an older gentleman looking over at me and would smile, kind of gesture, just nice. Then, as we walked down the alley to get to the passport office, he looked at me, gave a thumb's up and said, "America Number One!!!" One of his friends standing next to him joined in. It was great!!
AND....today at the passport office, I actually got one of the staff members to make eye contact and half-ass smile at me. Improvement!!!! LOL!!!
We went to the water puppet show today, which was really neat. We got there and bought tickets and since we had some time before the show, we went to a little shop next door. The clerks were quite smitten with her. She was hesitant to have one of the ladies hold her, which is a good sign!! The greatest thing, though...we were looking at these very adorable cotton hand embroidered dresses. We were all trying to decide on which one, and the lady came with a size 9 month cute pink one. Maelie took a look at the dress and grinned and started dancing!! So...guess which one we got???? I also got her a very pretty dark blue Ao Dai for when she is two, and a beautiful statue...all for $27. Not bad!!!! Very nice store, and very nice people. Can't remember the name of it at the moment, but it's just to the left of the water puppet theater.
Then it was time for the show. We had front row seats!! The show was wonderful, great Vietnamese music, and since we were in the front row, the musicians could see Maelie. A couple women would look and watch her all through the show, made eye contact with me, and grin. It was great. Maelie catches attention wherever she goes. She's special.
Afterwards, we met up with Michelle L., and her lovely family, and talked for a little while in the lobby. They are doing great, and Grace is beautiful. Maelie loves looking at babies, and dances whenever she sees them! Kim, my mom, Maelie and I then walked a little bit down the street and stopped at a market stall that sells hats. We did end up buying a conical hat, two brim hats for Maelie, and a Vietnam hat for my brother. Let me tell you, the market people are relentless. We all agreed that our ten minute foray into market shopping was probably enough for us. We'll see about going again, but.....
Tomorrow, we have a free day. We're going to do a little walking around, maybe find the local mall, maybe go to Hoan Kiem Lake. We have a free day on Sunday, too, so we'll try to get out and about a little bit. Will keep you posted! I will post photos tomorrow....too tired tonite. Maelie has been a little fuss budget all day and is finally sleeping. I am hoping it's for the night now!!!!!!!
Outside of the passport office today while we were waiting for another person in our group, I had a little fan club. I noticed an older gentleman looking over at me and would smile, kind of gesture, just nice. Then, as we walked down the alley to get to the passport office, he looked at me, gave a thumb's up and said, "America Number One!!!" One of his friends standing next to him joined in. It was great!!
AND....today at the passport office, I actually got one of the staff members to make eye contact and half-ass smile at me. Improvement!!!! LOL!!!
We went to the water puppet show today, which was really neat. We got there and bought tickets and since we had some time before the show, we went to a little shop next door. The clerks were quite smitten with her. She was hesitant to have one of the ladies hold her, which is a good sign!! The greatest thing, though...we were looking at these very adorable cotton hand embroidered dresses. We were all trying to decide on which one, and the lady came with a size 9 month cute pink one. Maelie took a look at the dress and grinned and started dancing!! So...guess which one we got???? I also got her a very pretty dark blue Ao Dai for when she is two, and a beautiful statue...all for $27. Not bad!!!! Very nice store, and very nice people. Can't remember the name of it at the moment, but it's just to the left of the water puppet theater.
Then it was time for the show. We had front row seats!! The show was wonderful, great Vietnamese music, and since we were in the front row, the musicians could see Maelie. A couple women would look and watch her all through the show, made eye contact with me, and grin. It was great. Maelie catches attention wherever she goes. She's special.
Afterwards, we met up with Michelle L., and her lovely family, and talked for a little while in the lobby. They are doing great, and Grace is beautiful. Maelie loves looking at babies, and dances whenever she sees them! Kim, my mom, Maelie and I then walked a little bit down the street and stopped at a market stall that sells hats. We did end up buying a conical hat, two brim hats for Maelie, and a Vietnam hat for my brother. Let me tell you, the market people are relentless. We all agreed that our ten minute foray into market shopping was probably enough for us. We'll see about going again, but.....
Tomorrow, we have a free day. We're going to do a little walking around, maybe find the local mall, maybe go to Hoan Kiem Lake. We have a free day on Sunday, too, so we'll try to get out and about a little bit. Will keep you posted! I will post photos tomorrow....too tired tonite. Maelie has been a little fuss budget all day and is finally sleeping. I am hoping it's for the night now!!!!!!!
Oy, People
Okay, first of all, I LOVE that you all come and read the blog and see what we're up to. The more information I can hand out, the better!! (By the way, Sandy, yes, there was an expedite fee for the 1 day passport turn-around.)
Please don't stop reading and leaving comments, BUT...as for my hubby's comments, you gotta know the guy. First of all, yes, to him, checking out local fires is great. We own our very own FDNY fire truck, which Miss Maelie is going to love, by the way. Daddy, she is LOVING the traffic and the horns and commotion!!! Mike (and I) both volunteer in our community by assisting the fire departments with water and provisions during long fires, as well as taking photographs of the fires. These photos have helped in arson investigations and in training staff.
Mike is a great, wonderful, warm, funny man with his own brand of humor, which I am missing very much at the moment. As far as wanting a daughter, yes, he does want to be her daddy. If he didn't, I wouldn't be here!! As for travelling...he hates it.
So, dear fans of my blog, please take 'her husband's' comments as tongue-in-cheek. Anyone who really knows him, knows he is a great, big teddy bear who would give you the shirt off his back. He just doesn't always like people to know it!!! :)
And now....on with the show!!!!
Please don't stop reading and leaving comments, BUT...as for my hubby's comments, you gotta know the guy. First of all, yes, to him, checking out local fires is great. We own our very own FDNY fire truck, which Miss Maelie is going to love, by the way. Daddy, she is LOVING the traffic and the horns and commotion!!! Mike (and I) both volunteer in our community by assisting the fire departments with water and provisions during long fires, as well as taking photographs of the fires. These photos have helped in arson investigations and in training staff.
Mike is a great, wonderful, warm, funny man with his own brand of humor, which I am missing very much at the moment. As far as wanting a daughter, yes, he does want to be her daddy. If he didn't, I wouldn't be here!! As for travelling...he hates it.
So, dear fans of my blog, please take 'her husband's' comments as tongue-in-cheek. Anyone who really knows him, knows he is a great, big teddy bear who would give you the shirt off his back. He just doesn't always like people to know it!!! :)
And now....on with the show!!!!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Passport Day
Today was passport day. I went with the other fathers of our group of five to the Vietnamese passport office. I felt a little out of place, not being a guy, but you do what you gotta do, right?
The whole experience was different. I can't say it was a BAD experience at all, just different. We took two cabs there with Kenny and Martin. We drove down the streets of Hanoi and stopped outside a large alley type area with a building towards the back. We were first told to wait, by Martin, on the street for a few minutes, but it was raining, so he said we could go wait inside. We walked down this alley, with like little stall-type areas along the way. Not for selling stuff, but there were people sitting there, just hanging out. We got to a larger building and walked up a flight of metal stairs. Just below the stairs was a motorcycle parking area.
When we reached the top of the stairs, we went into a larger waiting area...it kind of reminded me of a bus station inside, or a shabby DMV. There were blue plastic chairs in rows, and we were all told to sit. Martin and Kenny had us go up in a line, a few people at a time. One side of this large counter we had to sign the paperwork and they looked over our passports. Then, we went to the other side to pay our fee, which was 200,000 dong, or about $14 USD. That was it. We then walked back down that alley to the street, waited for cabs, and came back to the hotel.
It was odd, though, because the people behind the glass were VERY business. They did not meet my eye, they did not grin, they did not smile, NOTHING. Just sign, look at passport, move to the other side, and then pay your money. No grin, no nothing. And they all wore military uniforms. So, while it wasn't wholly uncomfortable, it was odd. I have to say, though, that Martin and Kenny didn't seem too uncomfortable...they were very professional, of course, but not quite as stiff as the rest of us.
Tomorrow, we have two groups...one group will go pick up the passports (that would be the fathers and me), and the other group will go to have the baby's visa photo taken. My mom and sister will go do that. Then, we wait until Monday morning for her medical appointment, then her visa appointment at the US Embassy, and we will be free to leave.
We are hoping tomorrow night to go see the water puppet show with the other Michelle from Minnesota. Little Missy seems to be doing fine, but she is congested and has some green boogies. She is taking some baby triaminic. :)
More photos to come, I promise!!!!
The whole experience was different. I can't say it was a BAD experience at all, just different. We took two cabs there with Kenny and Martin. We drove down the streets of Hanoi and stopped outside a large alley type area with a building towards the back. We were first told to wait, by Martin, on the street for a few minutes, but it was raining, so he said we could go wait inside. We walked down this alley, with like little stall-type areas along the way. Not for selling stuff, but there were people sitting there, just hanging out. We got to a larger building and walked up a flight of metal stairs. Just below the stairs was a motorcycle parking area.
When we reached the top of the stairs, we went into a larger waiting area...it kind of reminded me of a bus station inside, or a shabby DMV. There were blue plastic chairs in rows, and we were all told to sit. Martin and Kenny had us go up in a line, a few people at a time. One side of this large counter we had to sign the paperwork and they looked over our passports. Then, we went to the other side to pay our fee, which was 200,000 dong, or about $14 USD. That was it. We then walked back down that alley to the street, waited for cabs, and came back to the hotel.
It was odd, though, because the people behind the glass were VERY business. They did not meet my eye, they did not grin, they did not smile, NOTHING. Just sign, look at passport, move to the other side, and then pay your money. No grin, no nothing. And they all wore military uniforms. So, while it wasn't wholly uncomfortable, it was odd. I have to say, though, that Martin and Kenny didn't seem too uncomfortable...they were very professional, of course, but not quite as stiff as the rest of us.
Tomorrow, we have two groups...one group will go pick up the passports (that would be the fathers and me), and the other group will go to have the baby's visa photo taken. My mom and sister will go do that. Then, we wait until Monday morning for her medical appointment, then her visa appointment at the US Embassy, and we will be free to leave.
We are hoping tomorrow night to go see the water puppet show with the other Michelle from Minnesota. Little Missy seems to be doing fine, but she is congested and has some green boogies. She is taking some baby triaminic. :)
More photos to come, I promise!!!!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Our Little Monkey
Here are some of our first pics of our little monkey...she's still wearing the orphanage outfit. More tomorrow!!!
Sorry....my email seems to not want to load tonite, and frankly, I'm too tired to futz with it...I apologize for not sending out personal emails to those of you....hopefully it'll work tomorrow!!
Now, if you'll kindly give me a few moments, I will show you our pride and joy!!!! :)
Now, if you'll kindly give me a few moments, I will show you our pride and joy!!!! :)
She's Here!!
Sorry for the delay, Folks...I know you've all been on pins and needles. Yes, we have her!!!!! We left the hotel at 1:00 pm. and were back by 5:30 pm. It was, as everyone says, amazing. We arrived at the orphange and got to spend a little time with the babies in a conference-type looking room, and their nannies. When Maelie was handed to me, I lost it. All the time and effort, troubles and setbacks were nothing when that baby was put into my arms. It was as if I had been waiting for this moment all my life. Unfortunately, my tears, I think, scared her a bit, as did another, older child who was quite tramatized. So, Miss Maelie showed us her lungs...and she has them!! WHOO! I was able to ask, through Kenny, a little bit about our baby. She likes to go to sleep at 9:00 p.m., wakes at about 6:30 a.m., likes her bottle, to be bathed, plays for a bit, and then it's nap time around 11:00. Then, another bottle and it's time to play play play!!!
After the orphanage, we were whisked away in a hurry to the Justice Department for the Giving and Receiving ceremony. It was very touching. Each family was called to the front, and the head of the orphanage was asked if he still wished to allow the family to adopt the child. In turn, each family was asked if they still wished to adopt this child. Then, the big adoption book was signed, paperwork was signed, and the head of the orphanage handed the baby to the family in the front of the room. It was emotional, but I didn't cry this time!! :) The room was very hot and humid, and I did learn something very quickly about Miss Maelie. SHE likes to be the center of attention, and she also seems to have a bit of a princess attitude. LOVE IT. Ask me again when she's 12 if I love it, but it was too precious today!!!! The ceremony was cut short a bit...no one had to give a speech...and it was good, because Maelie was tired and crying and a bit cranky, and it was HOT in there. Did I mention that already???? But, we sat right next to an official, and he was so nice in trying to help me know how to comfort Maelie, and they even had her nanny (who was sitting in Nanny Row across the big table from the parents) come over and hand me a bottle so Maelie could quiet down a bit. So, not only do I now have the outfit she came in from the orphanage, but I also have a bottle. Let me tell you, those simple things are like treasure.
And let me tell you, from what I've seen tonight, she likes to play. She is a riot when it comes to getting around....she does this back wiggle scoot thing....think breakdancing. It's tooooo funny. She was good all night, but very tired. She already has this personality that comes through....she's very very strong, likes her own way, loves to watch the tv, likes to sprawl out, has a great smile and laugh. She's much like her father, whom she hasn't even met yet!!! It's amazing how the adoption fairy matches up the right baby for the right people. Maelie seems silly, happy, stubborn, sweet, strong, strong willed, smiley, and likes her own way. If that's not a blend of Mike and me, I don't know what is!!!!!
I will post pictures soon!!!!!!!!!!!
After the orphanage, we were whisked away in a hurry to the Justice Department for the Giving and Receiving ceremony. It was very touching. Each family was called to the front, and the head of the orphanage was asked if he still wished to allow the family to adopt the child. In turn, each family was asked if they still wished to adopt this child. Then, the big adoption book was signed, paperwork was signed, and the head of the orphanage handed the baby to the family in the front of the room. It was emotional, but I didn't cry this time!! :) The room was very hot and humid, and I did learn something very quickly about Miss Maelie. SHE likes to be the center of attention, and she also seems to have a bit of a princess attitude. LOVE IT. Ask me again when she's 12 if I love it, but it was too precious today!!!! The ceremony was cut short a bit...no one had to give a speech...and it was good, because Maelie was tired and crying and a bit cranky, and it was HOT in there. Did I mention that already???? But, we sat right next to an official, and he was so nice in trying to help me know how to comfort Maelie, and they even had her nanny (who was sitting in Nanny Row across the big table from the parents) come over and hand me a bottle so Maelie could quiet down a bit. So, not only do I now have the outfit she came in from the orphanage, but I also have a bottle. Let me tell you, those simple things are like treasure.
And let me tell you, from what I've seen tonight, she likes to play. She is a riot when it comes to getting around....she does this back wiggle scoot thing....think breakdancing. It's tooooo funny. She was good all night, but very tired. She already has this personality that comes through....she's very very strong, likes her own way, loves to watch the tv, likes to sprawl out, has a great smile and laugh. She's much like her father, whom she hasn't even met yet!!! It's amazing how the adoption fairy matches up the right baby for the right people. Maelie seems silly, happy, stubborn, sweet, strong, strong willed, smiley, and likes her own way. If that's not a blend of Mike and me, I don't know what is!!!!!
I will post pictures soon!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Baby Day Tomorrow!!!
Tomorrow, at 1:00 p.m., we leave to get the baby!!! Hooray!!!!!!!!!!
I will keep you all updated!!!! I can hardly wait!!! Here we come, Miss Maelie!!!!
I will keep you all updated!!!! I can hardly wait!!! Here we come, Miss Maelie!!!!
Random Photos
These are some random photos from our first days here...the hotel, outside the hotel, of the people, etc......Enjoy!!
Halong Bay
We spent the day in Halong Bay. It was a lovely trip, but a VERY long van ride. The boat was awesome, and the food was good. Halong Bay is very otherworldly....these rock formations seem like landscape from another planet. There was a floating fishing village that was very interesting...it is so amazing to see how these people live and raise a family, right on the water.
The van ride back was NEVERENDING. AND...on the way there, half way, we had to stop so the driver could take a 'break'. Well, it also happens to be a stop at a souvenir shop that sells clothes, embroidery, figurines, made by handicapped children. Okay...that was nice. YES, I bought some things. BUT, on the way back, again....another halfway point with yet another souvenir shop. SIGH. Somehow, when you're melting into a puddle, driving along a road with horns a-honking, tired, thirsty and hot, the souvenir shop doesn't hold the same excitement.
All in all, though, it was a wonderful trip. I'm going to be looking at my photos tonite so I will be posting some of Vietnam soon!!!
We are still hoping tomorrow is Baby Day, but we have not yet heard official word from Martin. Cross your fingers!!!!
The van ride back was NEVERENDING. AND...on the way there, half way, we had to stop so the driver could take a 'break'. Well, it also happens to be a stop at a souvenir shop that sells clothes, embroidery, figurines, made by handicapped children. Okay...that was nice. YES, I bought some things. BUT, on the way back, again....another halfway point with yet another souvenir shop. SIGH. Somehow, when you're melting into a puddle, driving along a road with horns a-honking, tired, thirsty and hot, the souvenir shop doesn't hold the same excitement.
All in all, though, it was a wonderful trip. I'm going to be looking at my photos tonite so I will be posting some of Vietnam soon!!!
We are still hoping tomorrow is Baby Day, but we have not yet heard official word from Martin. Cross your fingers!!!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
We're HERE!!!!!
We are HERE, people!!!!! Yippeee!!!!!! We got in on Sunday at 10:00 a.m., Vietnamese time. We didn't do much of anything our first day....gosh, I guess that's only yesterday!!! We all pretty much just got into our room, arranged for a water cooler, took naps, just basically vegged. We had order in pizza for dinner...I KNOW, we were REALLY out there, eh??? It felt good after the long flight to just relax.
This morning we met with Martin and Kenny, from World Child, and had our 'briefing.' They were hoping our adoption ceremony would be Tuesday, but it looks like it won't be until Wednesday. So, our plan for tomorrow, then, is to take the Halong Bay tour with Laura and her family, and another family we met just today. I'm very much looking forward to the trip tomorrow! But, looking more forward to WEDNESDAY'S trip, of course!!!
Vietnam so far is wonderful. It's very very very humid and hot, but tolerable, for some reason. The people are amazingly polite and nice and very sweet. My sister and my mom are absolutely fascinated with watching the traffic from our 19th floor room. My mom seriously wanted to move the couch to the window to watch the traffic!!! LOL!!!
Everything has been going very smoothly thus far. Today, we did a little exploring in our building. There's a Citimart, some upscale shops, another little stand that I bought way too much at, restaurants and a couple coffee shops, including Highlands Coffee, which we haven't tried yet. We actually had Cokes (that come on the glass bottle and with a slice of lime!!!) and cheeseburgers! We had to have cheeseburgers just to prove to certain people back home that YES, you CAN eat just about anything here. :)
Right now we are just back in the room vegging again, and hope to maybe go out on the street in a little while. It's a great time, and it's amazing.......I just want to soak up everything.
We are all doing fine and okay! I cannot wait to post photos of our little one....soon!!!!!!!!!!!!
This morning we met with Martin and Kenny, from World Child, and had our 'briefing.' They were hoping our adoption ceremony would be Tuesday, but it looks like it won't be until Wednesday. So, our plan for tomorrow, then, is to take the Halong Bay tour with Laura and her family, and another family we met just today. I'm very much looking forward to the trip tomorrow! But, looking more forward to WEDNESDAY'S trip, of course!!!
Vietnam so far is wonderful. It's very very very humid and hot, but tolerable, for some reason. The people are amazingly polite and nice and very sweet. My sister and my mom are absolutely fascinated with watching the traffic from our 19th floor room. My mom seriously wanted to move the couch to the window to watch the traffic!!! LOL!!!
Everything has been going very smoothly thus far. Today, we did a little exploring in our building. There's a Citimart, some upscale shops, another little stand that I bought way too much at, restaurants and a couple coffee shops, including Highlands Coffee, which we haven't tried yet. We actually had Cokes (that come on the glass bottle and with a slice of lime!!!) and cheeseburgers! We had to have cheeseburgers just to prove to certain people back home that YES, you CAN eat just about anything here. :)
Right now we are just back in the room vegging again, and hope to maybe go out on the street in a little while. It's a great time, and it's amazing.......I just want to soak up everything.
We are all doing fine and okay! I cannot wait to post photos of our little one....soon!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Painting, Packing, Panicking
I've been painting the baby's room today. I know it'll be here when I get back, but I find it kinda soothing. I ragged the walls, and now I'm doing the trim. I know I won't finish it before I leave, but it's nice to do some of it.
I'm also getting together everything I need to pack. I've got piles here and there, laundry drying, and am just wondering how to get it to fit in the suitcases!!
Panicking....yeah.....strange. I've been GREAT all day...very calm and collected. Now...not so much. I did just take a little something to help me relax, better living through chemistry!
In 27 hours, I'll be on a plane headed to Vietnam, to finally meet my daughter. It still feels like SUCH a dream.
I'll try to post one last time before I leave. If I don't, I'll 'see' you guys over there! WOWEEEE!!!!!!!
I'm also getting together everything I need to pack. I've got piles here and there, laundry drying, and am just wondering how to get it to fit in the suitcases!!
Panicking....yeah.....strange. I've been GREAT all day...very calm and collected. Now...not so much. I did just take a little something to help me relax, better living through chemistry!
In 27 hours, I'll be on a plane headed to Vietnam, to finally meet my daughter. It still feels like SUCH a dream.
I'll try to post one last time before I leave. If I don't, I'll 'see' you guys over there! WOWEEEE!!!!!!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
It's Becoming Reality!
The passports, with visas, will arrive today before noon.
I've done a whirlwind shopping trip through the Target baby aisle, almost had a panic attack over baby bottles, diapers, and wipes. (Gotta make sure they're the *right* ones, you know!! OMG, I am SUCH a first-time mom....)
I've got piles of stuff that needs to go into the suitcases.
Money is waiting for me at the bank to pick up...all in neat, clean, crisp new bills.
Mike's on vacation with me for the rest of the week.
I got my hair cut and colored.
I guess this is really happening, Folks!!!
***Holy Crap, K! :) ***
Friday, September 12, 2008
Never Good At Surprises
So, I've never been good at surprises. We've had the Fabulous Miss M's name selected since we started this adoption adventure for China...over two years ago. Through everything, the name has fit...it has a lot of meaning, and it, apparently, is what our daughter's name is supposed to be. Close friends and family have known what her name is, but I've kept it off the blog. I really don't know why....it's the world's most perfect name and I guess I didn't want someone snitching it! LOL!!!
I was going to wait until we got to Vietnam, but I can't keep a secret for anything. So...I'd like to introduce:
I was going to wait until we got to Vietnam, but I can't keep a secret for anything. So...I'd like to introduce:
Maelie Jolianne Zadra
Her name is full of meaning. My middle name is Mae, after my mother's mother. My grandmother was so touched that I was named after her, that ever since I was a young girl I always said my little girl would share the same middle name. So, her middle name was to be Mae, but I couldn't settle on a first name. I did the old finger in the baby name book trick, and hand to God, it landed on Maylee. I had never heard of the name before, and I loved it. I also figured it was Fate...she was meant to me named Maelie. I changed the spelling a little bit.
Her middle name is also full of meaning. We have a wonderful friend in Montana named Jody (Joel is his real name), who has been a great supporter of our adoption. The 'anne' portion of the name is for Mike's grandmother's name Ann.
And, if all that wasn't enough meaning for a little girl's name...her initials 'MJZ' are the same as Mike's. :)
So, there you have it....the Fabulous Miss M's name!!!
ONE WEEK
In ONE WEEK I'll be leaving on a jet plane, headed for Vietnam and our little girl. Can you believe it???? It's slowly starting to sink in, in between my multitude of errands, tasks, cleaning, painting, packing, shopping, calling, arranging, appointments......HA!
ONE WEEK?!?!?!?!??!?!?! In the words of my good friend Karey...."Holy Crap!!!"
ONE WEEK?!?!?!?!??!?!?! In the words of my good friend Karey...."Holy Crap!!!"
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Notice Anything Different?
So, observant readers, have you noticed anything missing from my blog today??? That's right...no more counter on the right for our approval.
Wonder why???
I'll give you one, BIG guess.
Give up??
WE HAVE APPROVAL, PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, you heard that right. After waiting a mere FOURTEEN calendar days, I was informed at 10:23 p.m., September 10th, that yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus. The USCIS has determined that our baby is an orphan, and she is OURS. OURS!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm GOING TO VIETNAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And you might be asking, when. Well, let me tell you. We will be leaving on Friday, Sept. 19th, to ensure that we arrive in Hanoi on Sunday, Sept. 21st. We will have our Giving and Receiving Ceremony sometime early in the week.
I can hardly STAND it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, I have got to try to get some sleep tonite. You would NOT believe the amount of things I have to do. Including getting the baby's room together!!!!!!!
Thank you all for your support and love. It's been a long ride, but well worth it.
Wonder why???
I'll give you one, BIG guess.
Give up??
WE HAVE APPROVAL, PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, you heard that right. After waiting a mere FOURTEEN calendar days, I was informed at 10:23 p.m., September 10th, that yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus. The USCIS has determined that our baby is an orphan, and she is OURS. OURS!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm GOING TO VIETNAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And you might be asking, when. Well, let me tell you. We will be leaving on Friday, Sept. 19th, to ensure that we arrive in Hanoi on Sunday, Sept. 21st. We will have our Giving and Receiving Ceremony sometime early in the week.
I can hardly STAND it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, I have got to try to get some sleep tonite. You would NOT believe the amount of things I have to do. Including getting the baby's room together!!!!!!!
Thank you all for your support and love. It's been a long ride, but well worth it.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Something Fun from Farmhouse Five
By now I'm hoping you've gone to check out http://www.farmhousefive.com/ and seen the awesome artwork for kids. Not to mention the beautiful Asian Adoption print and 'Picture Pal.' If you haven't yet checked out the Asian Adoption print, I highly urge you to go check it out at http://farmhousefive.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=387.
Complementing this print is a 'Picture Pal'....a beautiful mat that you can place your own photo in and frame. See the sample photo. This can be personalized, also. I've ordered one (along with the print) and I am so looking forward to putting in a photo of the Giving & Receiving ceremony and hanging it next to the print in the Fabulous Miss M's room. These can be found at http://farmhousefive.com/store/index.php?cPath=28.
Here's the Something Fun part!!! If you leave me a comment under this posting, and tell me which item from Farmhouse Five is your favorite, you'll be in a drawing for a free 'Picture Pal' with the Asian Adoption theme. Just make sure I have a way to get ahold of you if you are an anonymous poster!! I'll have the drawing in one week, Monday Sept. 15th.
Good Luck, and enjoy some retail therapy!!!!
Farmhouse Five
For those of you that know me, I rarely will link to a website unless it's really great, and this next one is awesome. It's called Farmhouse Five - Art for Kids and it's located at http://www.farmhousefive.com/. Therese Dekker is the wonderful artist whose fabulous prints will be gracing the walls of our baby's room! Her art is fun, whimsical, colorful, fresh, and just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Also, even though our room is definately all girl, she has some wonderful art for boys, too, something you don't always see.
While I urge you to check out ALL her items, one item stood out that I wanted to share with you all in the adoption community. It is her Asian Adoption print, and it's wonderful. I have a photo of it here, so you can check it out. She also has a 'Picture Pal' with the same theme, and all I can think of is framing a photo from the Giving & Receiving ceremony! Also, both items are personalized, making it even more special.
For now, run and check out her artwork and the Asian Adoption print, and in a little bit I'll be back with something else....
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Two Girls Jewelry Instant Replay
I wanted to put this at the top again:
I've mentioned my friend Karey's beautiful jewelry before, but she has some really wonderful items on her website right now that you need to take a look at! Check it out at www.twogirlsjewelry.com.
ALSO, she's doing a really fun contest right now. If you go take a look at her blog posting below, and leave her a comment, she'll put your name in a drawing for a beautiful necklace that is just to die for. You can check THAT out here:http://www.thereesfamily.org/2008/09/our-first-give-away.html
Remember, Christmas isn't too far away!!!
I've mentioned my friend Karey's beautiful jewelry before, but she has some really wonderful items on her website right now that you need to take a look at! Check it out at www.twogirlsjewelry.com.
ALSO, she's doing a really fun contest right now. If you go take a look at her blog posting below, and leave her a comment, she'll put your name in a drawing for a beautiful necklace that is just to die for. You can check THAT out here:http://www.thereesfamily.org/2008/09/our-first-give-away.html
Remember, Christmas isn't too far away!!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Mommy Practice - Part 2
Today was Angela's 'Visit the Classroom Day' for kindergarten. I went along with her and her mom Shelly. OMG, I don't know what I'll do when my OWN child goes to school for the first time!!! I must've asked a bazillion questions...where they meet the bus, what they do for lunch, how will she find the right bus, how will she find the cafeteria, where do they put their coats, who will help her find her 'Friday' classroom, etc. etc. etc. You would think the poor kid was moving in, or something!!! I know, it's not like she's going to Antarctica, and it's not like she's even my own child, but I am so attached to her!!! And, I'm treated like her second mom, which is so special to me.
I'll be worrying about Angela all day tomorrow, I know. Man, what the heck am I going to be like when the Fabulous Miss M goes to school???? I shudder to think. Seriously, since I was in charge of getting Angela's back to school stuff, like her backpack and lunchbox, I was totally stressing. Which lunchbox will 'fit in' yet still be unique to her?!?! I know, I'm whacked. I have issues, I know.
I hope she has a great first day and doesn't worry tonite. She already has her bus number memorized, her classroom number memorized, and even her numbered hook in the classroom!! Which, because of this, is why I am hoping she's not worrying about it all too much. She took it upon herself to memorize all this this afternoon. But, her teacher is very nice, and I kept reassuring Angela that her teacher would help her find her way around.
Man, in 5 years when it's the Fabulous Miss M's turn, I'm going to have to go out for cocktails!!!!
I'll be worrying about Angela all day tomorrow, I know. Man, what the heck am I going to be like when the Fabulous Miss M goes to school???? I shudder to think. Seriously, since I was in charge of getting Angela's back to school stuff, like her backpack and lunchbox, I was totally stressing. Which lunchbox will 'fit in' yet still be unique to her?!?! I know, I'm whacked. I have issues, I know.
I hope she has a great first day and doesn't worry tonite. She already has her bus number memorized, her classroom number memorized, and even her numbered hook in the classroom!! Which, because of this, is why I am hoping she's not worrying about it all too much. She took it upon herself to memorize all this this afternoon. But, her teacher is very nice, and I kept reassuring Angela that her teacher would help her find her way around.
Man, in 5 years when it's the Fabulous Miss M's turn, I'm going to have to go out for cocktails!!!!
Blog Changes!!!
YAY!! THANK YOU, Dawn, for the blog layout suggestion! I'm so much happier!!!! Yippee!!!!!!!!
6 Days
So, a very dear friend of mine told me that the hardest wait would be after the I 600 acknowledgement...waiting for approval. She should know, she waited longer than anyone I know....like 175 days or more to be approved!!! But, I told her, "OH NO. This wait won't bother me a bit. I have sooooo much to get done and the time is just FLYING by."
Oh, to take back THOSE words now. YES, I have a TON of stuff to do in preparation for our Fabulous Miss M's homecoming. YES, the time does seem to be flying by. But, if that's the case, why has it only been 6 DAYS?!?!?!?
I think there's some kind of time/space continuum, black hole, chaos theory, wackadoo gremlin thing going on with the time. That's GOTTA be it, right???
Oh, please, fabuluous USCIS employees, take pity on me!!!!!!
Oh, to take back THOSE words now. YES, I have a TON of stuff to do in preparation for our Fabulous Miss M's homecoming. YES, the time does seem to be flying by. But, if that's the case, why has it only been 6 DAYS?!?!?!?
I think there's some kind of time/space continuum, black hole, chaos theory, wackadoo gremlin thing going on with the time. That's GOTTA be it, right???
Oh, please, fabuluous USCIS employees, take pity on me!!!!!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
It Ain't Easy Being Green
Isn't that what Kermit said?? I'm so tired of my blog background being green, but I can't seem to just change that color without changing everything. There HAS to be a way, right??? I've looked at some blogger layouts from various websites, but if I change the html, then I lose all my wigets. I don't want to do that! And, since I don't really want to pay anyone to change it for me, I guess I'll just be boring old green for now.
But, if someone can tell me how to change it without messing everything all up, I'm all ears!!!
But, if someone can tell me how to change it without messing everything all up, I'm all ears!!!
Two Girls' Jewelry
I've mentioned my friend Karey's beautiful jewelry before, but she has some really wonderful items on her website right now that you need to take a look at! Check it out at www.twogirlsjewelry.com.
ALSO, she's doing a really fun contest right now. If you go take a look at her blog posting below, and leave her a comment, she'll put your name in a drawing for a beautiful necklace that is just to die for. You can check THAT out here:
http://www.thereesfamily.org/2008/09/our-first-give-away.html
Remember, Christmas isn't too far away!!!
ALSO, she's doing a really fun contest right now. If you go take a look at her blog posting below, and leave her a comment, she'll put your name in a drawing for a beautiful necklace that is just to die for. You can check THAT out here:
http://www.thereesfamily.org/2008/09/our-first-give-away.html
Remember, Christmas isn't too far away!!!
Daddy Practice
So, Mikey also loves to play with Angela and make her giggle. Let me tell you a little story. I play with Angela, buy and watch her favorite Dora dvds with her, play games with her, color, draw, etc., BUT....here's what my hubby did with her tonite, and I have NEVER heard her giggle so hard before in my life!!
Angela was playing with her favorite teddy bear (which I bought for her...) and we were 'feeding' the teddy crayons. She was having fun, right?? So, Mikey comes along, bends the teddy at the waist and pushed a crayon between its legs like it was 'pooping' a crayon. OH MY GOD, you would have thought it was the funniest thing in the world!!! Angela was giggling and laughing so hard she was literally holding her sides. She kept telling him, "Do it again! One more time!!!"
Even if she's laughing at a teddy bear pooping crayons, there is something incredibly sweet and captivating about this little 5 year old's giggle. I love it!! And remember, if you need to make your child laugh, just have the teddy bear poop a crayon. HA!!!!!!!
Angela was playing with her favorite teddy bear (which I bought for her...) and we were 'feeding' the teddy crayons. She was having fun, right?? So, Mikey comes along, bends the teddy at the waist and pushed a crayon between its legs like it was 'pooping' a crayon. OH MY GOD, you would have thought it was the funniest thing in the world!!! Angela was giggling and laughing so hard she was literally holding her sides. She kept telling him, "Do it again! One more time!!!"
Even if she's laughing at a teddy bear pooping crayons, there is something incredibly sweet and captivating about this little 5 year old's giggle. I love it!! And remember, if you need to make your child laugh, just have the teddy bear poop a crayon. HA!!!!!!!
Mommy Practice
I've been getting some 'Mommy Practice' lately with my little friend Angela. She starts kindergarten on Tuesday. Well, Tuesday is the 'find the room and meet the teacher' day. And I get to take her!!! Her mom and dad are extremely busy with their restaurant right now, and Shelly isn't sure she can go. Either way, though, I get to come along. I'm great at interpreting!
The other day, I got the list of her school supplies and went shopping for her school stuff. Crayons, markers, scissors, a Dora backpack, all that good stuff! It was great fun!!! I LOVE to help out. Shelly calls me Angela's 'Second Mom.' I love it.
I'll let you all know how the first day of school goes!!! :)
The other day, I got the list of her school supplies and went shopping for her school stuff. Crayons, markers, scissors, a Dora backpack, all that good stuff! It was great fun!!! I LOVE to help out. Shelly calls me Angela's 'Second Mom.' I love it.
I'll let you all know how the first day of school goes!!! :)
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