Thursday, November 8, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
The Amazement Continues
WOW! We are so blessed. Austin is adapting to his new world and us so well. Everyday he learns something new or will be talking and then mimicks what we say. Its amazing how observant he is and how quickly he learns how to do something. I just have to have someone with a good golf swing teach him. Don't want him to start with a handicapp!! haha.
Thanks for all the wonderful comments to our blog. Please continue to pray for us as we continue this journey. Love that you are following us. Its good to hear from everyone, helps us connect with home.
Austin just woke from his nap and Kim is holding him. He wakes up quietly and just wants to be held. We scheduled a time to IM Rachel in a few minutes. Our skype-ability is limited as we struggle with a good connection to download. Afterwards, we had planned to go to the zoo with the other families, but its very hot today. We might change to a morning trip on the weekend.
Thanks for all the wonderful comments to our blog. Please continue to pray for us as we continue this journey. Love that you are following us. Its good to hear from everyone, helps us connect with home.
Austin just woke from his nap and Kim is holding him. He wakes up quietly and just wants to be held. We scheduled a time to IM Rachel in a few minutes. Our skype-ability is limited as we struggle with a good connection to download. Afterwards, we had planned to go to the zoo with the other families, but its very hot today. We might change to a morning trip on the weekend.
Austin's 4th day
We are at Highland coffee again...small things from home sure make a difference. We are still in awe of the culture here. Went to a great restaurant...chic. Had PIZZA..not exactly like home, but close enough. Austin seemed to really like it. He had his first sweet yesterday. Black Forrest and cheese cake, both of which he seemed to like. For the first time at breakfast he ate a 'normal' portion. He even turned down bites, which is great. The first couple of days he ate like a horse. He still likes to drink a lot. We bought him his own water bottle and he now thinks he is the coolest!
He did his Scooby Doo thing this morning and had us in tears from laughing. He is truly a funny kid. He is so smart. He observes everything and can mimic us in almost everything. And independent! Wow. He wants to snap his own pants and pull-up the zipper. He loves putting on his own shoes...really seems to like the shoes. We brought him a bowl and spoon and he is remarkable in being able to use the spoon so well. We don't think he had this opportunity at the orphanage. He is playing wiht his Daddy and I can hear him giggling. The sweetest sound.
Did I say, he called us Mom and Daddy yesterday at the elevator door? Will write more later.....love you all!
He did his Scooby Doo thing this morning and had us in tears from laughing. He is truly a funny kid. He is so smart. He observes everything and can mimic us in almost everything. And independent! Wow. He wants to snap his own pants and pull-up the zipper. He loves putting on his own shoes...really seems to like the shoes. We brought him a bowl and spoon and he is remarkable in being able to use the spoon so well. We don't think he had this opportunity at the orphanage. He is playing wiht his Daddy and I can hear him giggling. The sweetest sound.
Did I say, he called us Mom and Daddy yesterday at the elevator door? Will write more later.....love you all!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
We continue to be amazed at Austin's resilence. He is so amazing. So far he's learned how to High 5, say All right!!! and Scoooby Doooo! We completed his medical exam yesterday and hope to get the HCMC interview completed today. Austin is learning a lot and we are too.
We are in a coffee house - Highland Coffee...great coffee. Hotel coffee leaves a lot to be desired. Not much time, but will write later.
By the way he slept all night and I think we were able to get 4 hours of solid sleep so life is good this morning.
Right now, Austin is crawling all over his Daddy's back-he definitely goes to Bill when he is nervous in public. He is able to make his wants know. All in all, we can't be more pleased at how well he is doing....he got mad at his Dad and got over it in about a minute!
Gotta go now...love you all K and B
We are in a coffee house - Highland Coffee...great coffee. Hotel coffee leaves a lot to be desired. Not much time, but will write later.
By the way he slept all night and I think we were able to get 4 hours of solid sleep so life is good this morning.
Right now, Austin is crawling all over his Daddy's back-he definitely goes to Bill when he is nervous in public. He is able to make his wants know. All in all, we can't be more pleased at how well he is doing....he got mad at his Dad and got over it in about a minute!
Gotta go now...love you all K and B
Monday, November 5, 2007
We got 'em!
All I can say is WOW! This is the most amazing experience. We met Austin on Sunday and went back to get him on Monday and he has been with us since. We have made it through the Giving and Receiving date, passport photos. We have a medical for him today at 1:00.
We traveled about 4 hours and saw a lot of Vietnam. It is a very diverse culture. Many things going on all at once. The traffice is 100% total craziness, even by Bill's standards. The coutry side is beautiful and very, very different. It has been an eye opening experience and not at all what I expected. The standard of living is very different, but the people seem to take care of their own and doing well.
The experience at the orphanage was very overwhelming. I will forever be grateful we got to experience where he lived and slept the first few years of his life. It was very emotionally draining to say the least. He seemed to be well cared for.
Now, to the important stuff. Our little guy is totally amazing and a true gift from God. He has adapted so easily. He is playing and seems very happy. We were able to give master the potty thing, brushing his teeth and even bath time. His sleeping went fairly well. He tossed and turned a bit, but seemed to settle in after awhile. His appetite is totally unnaturally...bottomless pit would best describe it. He is definitely not a picky eater.
He has the most infections smile and giggle. He is so smart. He has been trying to imitate some words and already understands a few phrases. He seems to be attaching to us and turning to us for safety...the streets here are very noisy and busy.
Did I say his Daddy and I are head over heels in love with this child? 24 hours and we are gonners for life. I am not sure I can describe it, but it is the most amazing thing.
We traveled about 4 hours and saw a lot of Vietnam. It is a very diverse culture. Many things going on all at once. The traffice is 100% total craziness, even by Bill's standards. The coutry side is beautiful and very, very different. It has been an eye opening experience and not at all what I expected. The standard of living is very different, but the people seem to take care of their own and doing well.
The experience at the orphanage was very overwhelming. I will forever be grateful we got to experience where he lived and slept the first few years of his life. It was very emotionally draining to say the least. He seemed to be well cared for.
Now, to the important stuff. Our little guy is totally amazing and a true gift from God. He has adapted so easily. He is playing and seems very happy. We were able to give master the potty thing, brushing his teeth and even bath time. His sleeping went fairly well. He tossed and turned a bit, but seemed to settle in after awhile. His appetite is totally unnaturally...bottomless pit would best describe it. He is definitely not a picky eater.
He has the most infections smile and giggle. He is so smart. He has been trying to imitate some words and already understands a few phrases. He seems to be attaching to us and turning to us for safety...the streets here are very noisy and busy.
Did I say his Daddy and I are head over heels in love with this child? 24 hours and we are gonners for life. I am not sure I can describe it, but it is the most amazing thing.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
It's a big day and tomorrow will be even bigger!
Wow! We survived with minimal stomache upsets. Still sleeping in short intervals, but have been doing that in weeks in the States any how. We even survived crossing the streets and once at night...that is BIG over here. Did we already say the traffic was crazy?
I got ready today thinking this was the most important "date" of my life. I want so much for our little man to see us for the first time and not be scared...I am sure it doesn't make a difference what our hair looks like or what we are wearing, but it is the only thing in my control right now..and the weather here doesn't help....way muggy...nothing like KS or OK. I am hoping to keep my emotions under control so we don't scare him to death.
It was really weird waking up this morning thinking "Today, we will meet our son" and we pray he transitions smoothly and has a happy life with us. So much feeling in our hearts with no adequate words.
Rachel:
God has left his finger prints all over this process and will continue as we all journey along life together. You are destined for great things because you see things with a good heart. I've always told you this since you were little. Always remember that. Austin will bind us together in a way that we all don't recognize yet. You two are my children, my daughter and son. You will probably have children of your own before Austin is grown, don't share that with your DAD!, and you'll have such a wonderful experience as a big sis to build your confidence just as you've built mine.
Gotta go now, we are meeting the other couples for breakfast. Of course, we've been up for hours and have already eaten...you know your Dad...Daylight is burning even in Vietnam.
Mom:
I hope you are keeping up with our journey though Cindy. I have asked Lynn and Rachel to keep you posted as well. I love you and know you are with me.
Will write after our big DATE!!!
Please keep us in your prayers, especially Austin as this must be so scary for him.
I got ready today thinking this was the most important "date" of my life. I want so much for our little man to see us for the first time and not be scared...I am sure it doesn't make a difference what our hair looks like or what we are wearing, but it is the only thing in my control right now..and the weather here doesn't help....way muggy...nothing like KS or OK. I am hoping to keep my emotions under control so we don't scare him to death.
It was really weird waking up this morning thinking "Today, we will meet our son" and we pray he transitions smoothly and has a happy life with us. So much feeling in our hearts with no adequate words.
Rachel:
God has left his finger prints all over this process and will continue as we all journey along life together. You are destined for great things because you see things with a good heart. I've always told you this since you were little. Always remember that. Austin will bind us together in a way that we all don't recognize yet. You two are my children, my daughter and son. You will probably have children of your own before Austin is grown, don't share that with your DAD!, and you'll have such a wonderful experience as a big sis to build your confidence just as you've built mine.
Gotta go now, we are meeting the other couples for breakfast. Of course, we've been up for hours and have already eaten...you know your Dad...Daylight is burning even in Vietnam.
Mom:
I hope you are keeping up with our journey though Cindy. I have asked Lynn and Rachel to keep you posted as well. I love you and know you are with me.
Will write after our big DATE!!!
Please keep us in your prayers, especially Austin as this must be so scary for him.
Friday, November 2, 2007
We Made It!
GOOD MORNING VIETNAM! We are FINALLY here!!! It was forever, from door to door 24 hours. I was sick on the plane...not good. But we figured it was easy considering the 12 months of pregancy and the 24 hour labor...KE...Bill says not fair trade..he had to go through labor too.
We are so excited about meeting our son. Not sure how we can put the feelings into words. It is overwhelming and so exciting at the same time.
We have faith that this is God's plan and we are so blessed to be a part of such a masterful plan.
Please pray that our journey continues to be smooth and pleasant.
The airport was full of so many people. It was crazy. We were so glad to see the DILLON sign and recognize Thomas - one of Dillon's employees.
The people have all been very nice and helpful.
The coutry side was beautiful. We are staying at a very nice hotel with a fabulous breakfast bar...interesting.
We drove through the city about 12:00 am and it was full of life. There were motor scooter everywhere and going in a thousand different direction. It scared us to death. Our driver even got pulled over by the police.. guess that is a common thing, but a little scary for us. No biggie. We were on our way within a few minutes. The Dillon staff here are amazing. We are with three other couples and will be doing all our travels with them so Mom, Mom and Dad, Rachel...we're safe.
Gotta go now... Love you Kim and Bill
We are so excited about meeting our son. Not sure how we can put the feelings into words. It is overwhelming and so exciting at the same time.
We have faith that this is God's plan and we are so blessed to be a part of such a masterful plan.
Please pray that our journey continues to be smooth and pleasant.
The airport was full of so many people. It was crazy. We were so glad to see the DILLON sign and recognize Thomas - one of Dillon's employees.
The people have all been very nice and helpful.
The coutry side was beautiful. We are staying at a very nice hotel with a fabulous breakfast bar...interesting.
We drove through the city about 12:00 am and it was full of life. There were motor scooter everywhere and going in a thousand different direction. It scared us to death. Our driver even got pulled over by the police.. guess that is a common thing, but a little scary for us. No biggie. We were on our way within a few minutes. The Dillon staff here are amazing. We are with three other couples and will be doing all our travels with them so Mom, Mom and Dad, Rachel...we're safe.
Gotta go now... Love you Kim and Bill
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