Travel Approval!! We Are Having a New Child in 13 Days!!

The call came a little after noon today. We have travel approval and are directed to be in Vietnam no later than April 11. We will adopt Hung on April 13 and are expected to be in Vietnam through April 28! 11 days to get ready? YIKES!!!! You would think that after 21 + months we had it all together but no! We were planning a 3 week heads up before travel. Looks like we may be boarding a plane in 8 days! The wonderful, incredible news is that both our kids will be able to travel. Marshall will be home in time to successfully complete 5th grade and elementary school! So much to do!!!! Oh My Goodness! We are really going to Vietnam. It is happening!!

More nesting and Hooray for Nathan!

The nesting phase continues at our house. The kids rooms are clean, the garage sale a success. And, because we just don't have ENOUGH to do to get ready, we decided (read that as "I decided") it was time to change our bright yellow living room and kitchen walls to a pale blue. As I write, husband of the year is kilzing the yellow. I have no idea what I ever did to deserve this sweet man who doesn't blink at my wild hairs. But, I am sure glad I did it! :)

For months, 3 other Holt Dong Nai waiting moms and I have supported each other during this horrible wait. We have had monthly gift exchanges and regular e-mail correspondence and a few phone calls at the high and low points. Wendi, Annette and Valorie have been like a lifeline. They understand so completely how crazy this journey to our children has been. We hoped to travel together. That was not to be. Within a few hours, Valorie and her husband Dave will meet their son, Nathan (see Leonard Log blog). Our file is still sitting with the Dong Nai DOJ waiting for a signature to go to the People's Committee to schedule the adoption. Annette and Wendi still wait verification that their children's files have been moved to the federal level for processing. Maddening. But we also wait with eager anticipation for one of our own to meet their child for the first time!! The Leonard's wait is over and a new journey, with their beautiful son, is now beginning. So Hooray for Nathan! May his transition in to the loving arms of his forever family be smooth.

Joy! - Video taken 2-09

Our Holt representatives graciously took about 8 minutes of video for us of Hung when they saw him mid- February. They brought with them a bag of presents from us to Hung and filmed him as he opened a few gifts. He opens his red envelope with money for Tet, matchbox cars and a harmonica in this short clip. Apparently, "Wow!!!" means the same thing in Vietnamese as it does in English. Enjoy!

Great Update!

Yesterday we received what should hopefully be our last social worker update and quarterly report on Hunter's progress. We get these once a quarter and since we anticipate travel in 11 weeks or less, this should be the last one!! I know, we've been saying that for a year now but this time I feel confident!

Hunter's report was the best we have ever received. He was described as social and loving. He has been learning in school and can count to 10, knows more letters and can carry on short conversations. He saw his social worker on Tet (New Year's) and wished her health, happiness and prosperity! He understands the concepts of before and after and has been asking "what is that for?" Our curious boy! He has been healthy since the last report, has grown a bit and had 3 cavities filled. He has been giving lots of hugs to his foster parents.

We got a few new pictures with this report. I love the one with the smirk!