Drive-Thru

A mom must have invented the drive-thru. I can think of nothing more convenient than a drive-thru when you've got a baby in a car seat. Yesterday, I was jones-ing for a Diet Coke but I didn't want to haul Zeke out of his car seat just to dash into the convenience store for two seconds. Then I realized...I can DRIVE THRU someplace and get a drink. Brilliant! That's one of only several revelations I've had the last two days as I've traveled around town, just me and my little man. Businesses that don't have automatic doors for people in wheelchairs are a pain for moms with strollers. Thankfully, there's usually some kind person around to help but trying to navigate it on your own is tough.

Homecoming Photos!!

You asked for it. Here are some photos from our homecoming Saturday morning. Thanks to Greg for these great pics!! Again, a BIG thank you to all who came and to those who were with us in spirit. We were honored to receive such an incredible welcome!

HOME

We're home!!! We're happy and exhausted (happily exhausted?). A HUGE thank you to our airport posse who made our homecoming SO special. It brings tears to my eyes just to think about our friends who came out for this very big moment. What great stories we'll have to share with Zeke about the day he arrived home and how so many of his friends came to see him!!

He has napped on and off this afternoon. He had a big play session when we got home from the airport. He was keyed up and happy after getting held by so many people and having a big time at the airport. So, he romped around, greeted the kitties and after a while, conked out. We're glad he's resting but we're also a little worried about what this means for tonight when Brad and I are ready to sleep. I think the little guy is just exhausted too and may still sleep quite a bit this evening.

Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes through this amazing journey. God is good all the time.

One chapter ends and a whole new one begins. We couldn't have done it without YOU!!

Visa "Interview" Done

The visa interview consisted of signing three forms and saying, yes, I hereby swear that everything in the visa application is true to my knowledge. They will have Zeke's visa ready to pick up at 4PM. (On a side note, his visa photos are SO CUTE. We got copies today. Oh, what a darling little face!) We're leaving the hotel at 3PM. The bottom line? We should make our flight out of Hanoi just fine. It's a humid day here with lots of clouds so I hope the weather will be good for tonight. Two other families who are here are staying through til Monday. We feel for them. Ok! More when we get stateside!!

Adventures Around Hanoi

Zeke's a conehead!
A cone's not just for ice cream!
Brad and Zeke in the taxi!
Random cute girl with SUPER CUTE kittie. The kittie was TINY. And CUTE.

We didn't have any official business today. After breakfast we went to an area that had handicrafts from ethnic minority groups in Vietnam. We bought a blanket by the Tay people in Lang Son. It's very pretty. We got some other goodies too. Then, the rain started. I took Zeke back to the hotel. Brad kept at it a bit longer on his own by foot in the rain. When Zeke had a brief afternoon nap, we used the time to pack. It's amazing...we have so much room in our suitcases! Seriously! Are we forgetting something?!?! We had a late lunch/early dinner at KFC. We followed that up with more shopping in the Old Quarter. We came back to the hotel, Zeke played and then fell asleep.

We found out that our visa appointment got moved up in the morning so we are happy about that. We hope and pray that it means we'll be able to get out easily on time tomorrow night. Please pray for: smooth, easy flights, good flying weather, ease in making our connections and a REALLY EASY time for Zeke on the flights and the time in-between.

If all goes on-time, we'll be in Springfield at 10AM Saturday. We would be honored to have friends waiting for us at the airport. *smiles*

Vietnamese Water Puppet Torture

So, we had the brilliant idea to wait until we got the baby to go see the water puppet show. Many adoptive families report taking their babies to this cultural must-see and say the babies love it.

So, we "splurged" and spent $3/ticket for the primo seats. That meant second row. The rows were quite narrow and we were toward the middle. Before the show, Zeke is doing great. We go to a nearby shop to pick up his custom Vietnamese teddy bear. (It has Zeke embroidered on its foot and I picked out the teddy bear's outfit.)


We walk around. We wait in the hot lobby of the theatre. He's doing fine. We feed him rice cereal and give him a bottle right before the show starts. We think that if his belly is sluggish with formula and cereal, he'll be a sweet, docile baby and will enjoy the show or else will quickly nod off.

Au contraire.

The first thing is a musical interlude. No puppet action. So, he starts squirming and "singing" loudly along with the music and it's clearly not an opportune time for a baby to be making noise. It's hard trying to get him to quiet down and by the time the puppets start, he has no interest in sitting and watching anything.

I begin bouncing him in rhythm to the music and let him play with the paper program. This is a hit and he quiets down. But after a bit, he's back to making noise and being restless. So, I wait until an applause line and then make a run for it. There are empty seats down below us on the front row. I crawl past the very nice, patient people beside us and swoop into a front row seat. There, Zeke has more room to engage in his machinations. It's enough to allow him to wiggle, then settle down and fall asleep.




My adrenaline is so high at this point and my arms are locked in position holding him that I can't fully enjoy the show. Meanwhile, Brad is videotaping (smirk and all) the whole thing (the show itself, not the Zeke sideshow). By the end of the hour-long show, I am sick to my stomach...not from food icky-ness but from frayed nerves. You see, as childless people, we obliviously used to wonder, "Why would you bring a baby to a show where the baby will make loud noises?" So, I just felt like there was a theatre full of those people staring at me because I was now one of THOSE people and here I am, doing all I can to quiet the baby.

Darn it, we had the best of intentions and thought for sure the baby would enjoy the beauty and theatrics of the puppets. They were very animated and colorful. Ugg. I felt badly that Zeke was suffering through this. I came back to the hotel, curled up on the bed and cried (Brad carried the baby home and put him right to bed).

Brad's mom visited us in Springfield right before we left for Vietnam. She told me that even though I love the baby with all my heart and have wanted the baby for YEARS, I would have days where I would just cry from the stress of it all and that would be OK.

So, today was the first of those days. I share this experience because I know there are others who read this blog who are waiting to adopt. After you get your baby, it IS ok to cry. This initial time with your baby is wonderful, beautiful, amazing, more incredible than you could even imagine...but it's also stressful and exhausting.

Not only are you adjusting to having less sleep and the demands of a little one, you're also dealing with the stress of finishing up all the "official" adoption stuff and wondering if you'll get out on time. Throw in some upset stomachs and well, you can see why a good cry would be in order.

Thus concludes the tale of the Vietnamese Water Puppet Torture. But wait!...Our story has a happy ending. After my cry, I looked at the baby in his crib and felt nothing but love and joy at having this little guy in my life. We are SO BLESSED!

Jowly and the Whale

You've heard of Jonah and the Whale? Here's Jowly and the Whale!

And this is Brad serenading Zeke with whale sounds. (Has anyone in this family ever heard a whale?)

Brad and Zeke bond over formula.

Brad put on the Bjorn and put Zeke to sleep.

Home, Please

Zeke probably thinks this hotel is home. So, we can't wait to get him home-home to much more spacious quarters and to his two kitties. (We can't help but miss our furry babies who have kept our arms from being empty for so many years.)

We now wait to find out if we can catch our flight out of Vietnam Friday night. PLEASE pray that we can indeed make this flight. It's not that we don't love Vietnam (we do!) or haven't had fun (we have!) but we're all just ready to be in our own home and to find a routine. Here, each day is different. We try to keep him on a regular eating and napping schedule but it's hard. Once we get home, we can give him more structure and I think that will make him a bit happier.

We continue to feel better. We ate some breakfast and have mapped our meals for the rest of today. We may try to get over to the famous water puppet show this evening...and it just so happens there's a KFC nearby. I'm sure it sounds awful, eating at an American chain here but hey, if you'd been through the stomach travails we've had, you'd also want something with a familiar taste. Speaking of taste...Zeke has expanded his eating repertoire tremendously. He has had bread, banana, banana cake (not as sugary as it sounds), apple juice, baby food pears, scrambled egg, and baby food chicken. We hope to keep adding things to his diet.

Monday's Misadventures

When we last left you, everyone was pretty miserable - Missy's tummy was tangled, Brad's belly was bellicose and Zeke was becoming an 11-month-old unleashed.

Now as the day ends, Brad's tummy trouble appears to have settled, Missy was able to down some bread and yogurt, and Zeke's squeals are from a happy place.

That wasn't the case throughout the day. Zeke is pretty attached to Missy. Because she was down for the count, he wasn't able to spend as much time with her. And he wasn't happy about it.

He's also starting to sprout teeth. So he was FUSSY on and off throughout the day.

Brad introduced him to pots and pans. And he's all into everything, particularly things that make loud noise. But even that runs off after a while and Brad has to go to the well: strapping him into the stroller and taking him for a ride. Down the street, throughout the hotel -- anywhere that gave Missy enough time to deal with GI issues and an activity that keeps Zeke quiet during the transit.

In his third trip out on the town, Zeke finally gave into this sleepiness and konked out in the stroller. The Vietnamese people must look at me and laugh: the sidewalks aren't conducive to small-wheeled devices (strollers, wheelchairs, etc.) and you just don't see Vietnamese people using strollers. So here's Mr. Caucasian walking down the street, picking it up to avoid traffic and bumps, with his Asian baby.

No official meals in light of our situation. Some Ritz crackers, ice cream, yogurt, and bread.

Brad and Missy parted ways in the early afternoon. Brad picked up Zeke's Vietnam passport. Missy took the baby to get his photo for his Visa into the EEUU. Next stop on the road home: a doctor's appointment Wednesday morning. That precludes an interview at the U.S. consolate. Our flight leaves in the evening Friday. We could be coming down to the wire to make that flight if we elect not to re-schedule. We'll know more following the doctor's appointment Wednesday.

I've got a BAD feeling about this...

It's never good when you go to bed with that "funny" feeling in your tummy. Such was the case for Brad. About an hour later, he was on his knees, hugging the potty. Poor thing. Brad is notorious for doing "scales" when he has this kind of episode so it's loud. The baby and I didn't sleep much either. My tummy was upset and I have been super nauseated but have no ability to find relief. Zeke meanwhile was fussier than usual during the night. Bottom line? It's been a miserable 12 hours for all 3 of us. Please pray for us...we need to get better SOON. We have no idea what caused our misery. We just want to get better.

What Do We Do When Zeke Sleeps?

Well, sometimes we sleep too. I crashed this morning right along with the baby. Brad crashed yesterday morning. Sometimes we find something amusing on TV to watch (Jimmy Kimmel, anyone?). But we also really like looking for funny stuff on YouTube. Among our favorite finds today? This great Star Wars edit of Darth Vader being a jerk. Quite clever.

Today, we all got up around 5AM. Zeke had a bottle and shortly thereafter laid back down for a little snooze. We were up and stayed up. Then he woke up and we got him dressed and went down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. He's a pretty good sport about it but definitely wants in on the eating action. We again fed him congee. We also mushed up a banana and gave him tiny, tiny pieces. Today was the first time he had juice with us (apple). After breakfast, we went to Highlands Coffee. Brad had "opera cake" and I had a caramel frozen coffee drink. Yum! The baby got a bit restless so he and Brad came back up to the room while I finished and paid. Then, Zeke took a bottle and a nap. He woke up after noon and we packed him up for a walk. We went to what is quickly becoming a favorite place to get sandwiches. It's a french bakery shop called l'Epicerie. They have DELICIOUS ham and cheese croissants (me) and quiche lorraine (Brad). They also have great breads, cakes, petit fours and ice cream. After that, we walked to Hoan Kiem Lake and saw troupes of young girls dancing for a film crew. It was interesting to watch them. Then we walked around the perimeter of the Old Quarter. Zeke was getting hot (me too!) so we took a cab back to the hotel. Then, we put on our suits and headed for the pool. Zeke really enjoys the water. We get in the baby pool with him. We came back to the room, he had a bottle and is now in bed for the second nap. We will wake him up in a little while to go out for dinner. This will be our first dinner out since his arrival. We'll see how he does!

Photos from today's big adventure:


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Imagine..

if life were like an 80s sitcom..

Florida 30, Tennessee 6 - What do you think Zeke?

Going for the Jugular

Before the western hemisphere goes to bed Saturday night, I thought I would go for the jugular. Get your hankies ready:

Congee

Rice congee is a type of rice porridge that is eaten in many Asian countries. The word "congee" is possibly derived from the Dravidian word kanji.^[1] In some cultures, congee is eaten primarily as a breakfast food or late supper; while in others, it is eaten as a substitute for rice at other meals.

Congee can be made in a pot or in a rice cooker. Some rice cookers even have a "congee" setting, allowing the user to cook their breakfast congee overnight.

Day Two Observations from Mom & Dad

A collection of observations from our second day as parents:

- God bless single moms. This is a lot of work and doing it with a committed partner is hard enough.

- It's all about making messes and cleaning them up. At least at this stage. Brad's more partial to clean up than mess making. (That's a first!)

- Missy is the most beautiful Brad has ever seen her.

- Crying isn't about pain. It's a communication frustration.

- It's a marvel to see developmental progress happen before your eyes. Even the small act of a child mimicking his parent tossing a plastic cup is a sight to behold.

- Maybe he'll be big enough to go see The Hobbit when it comes out in a few years.

- I keep trying to prepare an answer for when someone asks how much HE cost. Here's what I've come up with so far:
On behalf of adoptive parents everywhere, allow me the utmost courtesy to make you aware of how offensive that question framed that way is. By asking how much a child costs, you relegate them down to a big screen TV or a new car. They aren't things that are purchased.

You probably didn't mean it that way. You've probably heard that adoptions, particularly international ones, can be expensive and you were just curious. There are substantial fees for the U.S. government, the government of the country from which you are adopting, the agencies that make it all possible as well as the travel there. But the child is priceless. I hope that answers your question. If you have any other questions about the adoption process,
I would love to tell you about it. It's a remarkable journey and one I love sharing, douche bag.

- It's really trial and error. Will he eat congee? Will he get in the pool? Will he wear a hat? You just try and see how he reacts. It's all about building the new neurons.

- I told him his grandchildren will be paying for the federal mortgage bailout.

- Some pictures from Saturday's adventures:






- And now for this final funny in light of what we're learning about:

More Zeke Goodness

Showing off his mad walking skillz.
Happy, happy boy!
Inspecting Daddy's hairy leg.
Happy in Daddy's lap!

Some random Zeke-ness:
*Last night, we laid him on our bed before we all went to sleep on the big fluffy comforter. He flipped onto his belly, put his cheek on the comforter and ran his hand across it back and forth. You could just see his little brain working...like he'd never seen or felt anything so soft. He also rubbed Brad's hairy leg like this was a new thing too (see photo above).
*He loves to throw things! Brad and I are encouraging all of his playfulness and he seems to enjoy throwing things...He cracks himself up when he does it!
*He likes congee (blah!). There was some on the breakfast buffet this morning and he ate it right up. Thanks to Joanne for letting us in on this little secret...Lang Son babies dig congee!!
*He's itching to talk. He jabbers all the time. His nanny seemed to be telling us that she had tried to get him to say Ma-ma. He's trying! And when I fed him congee this morning, it sounded like he said, "Num-num."
*He hates to get his face washed. He's snotting around a good bit but when I whisk out the bulb to try to relieve him, he's none too happy. And when a "sheep's leg" hangs out of his nose, he really resists getting it wiped away.
*He's curious about diapers. It's our understanding that in the orphanage, they really don't wear diapers so this is a whole new thing for him. He's ok with it but you can tell this is something new.
*When he sleeps, he's OUT. Efforts to awaken him are futile until he's ready to be awakened. The maid was in this morning while he napped. She asked about running the vaccuum. I told her to have at it. He didn't even stir.
*We see more and more of his personality all the time. He's SO cute!
*There's a play room at the hotel. We took him there after breakfast. There was a riding toy shaped like an elephant. The baby sits on the elephant's back and holds on and then you pull the baby around the room. He seemed to enjoy it.
*His nanny must have held him all the time. He loves to be held.
*He spent some time this morning touching Brad's face. This was so sweet. I think it's his way of getting to know us.

In case you can't tell, we are in love!!

Thank you for all your sweet comments and prayers. We are giddy every morning to check to see who has commented and what they had to say. Many of your comments make us smile or laugh...some make us tear up (and that's ok too!!). We have felt your prayers lifting us up. Yesterday was so emotional. While we were overjoyed to become parents, it was so bittersweet because it was clear to us that Zeke's birthmother loves him very much. She holds a very special place in our hearts and will always be an important part of Zeke's life. We will pray for her always.

A Little Something Before Everyone Turns In for the Night

Introducing...ZEKE!!!

Hello World!

Counting Down the Hours

As of this writing we are 10 hours from our departure to Lang Son. Our bellies are sluggish, our hearts are primed. We hope our bodies will be rested.

Enjoy this musical interlude from Missy:

Highlights from Thursday's Journeys

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Temple of Lit

We're off this morning to the Temple of Literature with another WC family. Chicken Boy will be making an appearance, no doubt. We decided that if Brad is Chicken Boy, then Zeke is Chicken Little. Ha ha ha ha! I woke up this morning and thought, "Two mornings from now, we will wake up and Zeke will be in his little crib in our room." WOW! It's amazing! Brad had a bit of a rough night (though I was apparently in a coma and didn't hear any of it) so prayers for his tummy. My stomach feels better today.

The time zone debate had me laughing this morning. Brad and I have adapted a schtick by comedian Hugh Fink about time zones. It goes something like this:
"It's 9AM here. What time is it there?"
"It's 2008 here. What year is it there?"
"It's the industrial revolution here. What is it - the Renaissance there?"

So, the simplest way to remember the time difference for our friends in the Central Time Zone is that Vietnam is 12 hours ahead (if it's noon there, it's midnight here). All the other time zones can figure it out based on the Central Time Zone. (Crystal, great explanation...thanks for that!) Here's the important thing to remember: When you're going to bed Thursday, we're getting up Friday and going to Lang Son. We will get Zeke while you are in bed. So, you might say a prayer for us and everyone else before you hit the hay Thursday night. We hope to have at least a photo of the THREE of us posted when you wake up Friday morning. If not, just keep checking...we'll get there! WOW!! How will we ever sleep tonight?!?!

Oh yeah...and Brad installed a clock on the blog that shows Vietnam time. Enjoy!

G&R Scheduled--FRIDAY

Our G&R has been set. We leave the hotel at 5:30AM (!) Friday. We're not yet sure what this means for our return plane tickets, which have us leaving out of Hanoi late next Friday. We will have to consult our agency guides about this. We have enjoyed our free time but are more than ready to get Zeke. He turns 11 months old tomorrow.

Now that we know that we have a firm appointment, we are relieved. I also have found a silver lining in NOT having the G&R tomorrow: it gives me a day to get my stomach back on track...it's been feeling a little off kilter today. I haven't had any bad episodes but my stomach definitely would be put to the test if I had to ride in a van 6 hours total tomorrow. So pray that my stomach will resolve its issues before Friday morning.

A list of prayer requests:
*Our emotional strength
*Zeke, as his life is about to undergo profound changes
*Zeke's birth mother who we expect to meet Friday
*The nanny who has cared for Zeke
*The driver and agency workers who will escort us to Lang Son and through this process
*The officials who will make it all legal
*The three other adoptive families who are going to Lang Son
*The babies, birth parents, and nannies of these families

I need some dudes who speak American.

Well, the language and cultural barrier hit an all-time high in a Nine West shop. I naively asked if they had size 11. Their eyes grew big as they tried to comprehend the fact that a woman could have feet as big as skis.

We have had little trouble getting around. Even when we encounter someone who doesn't speak "American," we seem to be able to get our point across. The people here are lovely and really try to help you.

I found some really great fashion t-shirts, one with a design of Hoan Kiem Lake and the lake's legendary turtle ("I like turtles"). The other has an artistic rendering of the Red River and the city. These were real finds...much better than any other t-shirts I've seen around town. I got them in a shop called Things of Substance, 5 Nha Tho...just down the street from Nagu where you'll want to go to order a custom teddy bear for your baby (we put our order in Monday). There was also a cool purse/jewelry shop on that street called Ipa-Nima, 17 Nha Tho. I think we may go back to that street now for lunch.

The smells here are weird to the western nose. Brad claims he smelled "Hills popcorn" (Mom!) yesterday on the street. I never caught a whiff of that. The hotel is lovely but the hallway going from our front door to the elevator smells odd.

Finally, a bit about the heat. It's HOT and HUMID. I don't mean you break a little sweat after walking around for 30 minutes. I mean you take a step outside and in less than 5 minutes, you're bathing in your own sweat. No joke. It's that intense. What's amazing is that I'm standing in a puddle of my own sweat wearing a little t-shirt and thin capris while the Vietnamese around me are wearing pants and thicker shirts and they're not even perspiring. I want to know their secret!

Up and At Em

We got up early today (6AM or a little before). That's just the reality of the jetlag and not being on daylight saving time, which means the sun is up early. On the plus side, I did wake up around 2:30AM, tossed until 3AM, got up and read my book then went back to bed and slept--no Tylenol PM! Yay! We're going to have breakfast at Highland Coffee this morning. This will be our first time NOT eating breakfast in the hotel. They have a very good buffet in the hotel's restaurant but it's getting a wee bit old. We just want to mix it up...and as Brad said, we have many meals at Jaspa's ahead of us once the baby arrives. Speaking of which...we will find out this afternoon whether or not the G&R will happen tomorrow. We pray that it will happen tomorrow. We're ready, little guy!!

We got some new Zeke photos the day we left the states. Brad says our baby is the "jowliest" (see Jon Stewart's description of Henry Hyde). The fact that Zeke is "jowl-y" means that he has super sweet chubby cheeks. I can't wait to post a photo of the world's most adorable baby! In these latest photos, he looks so much more grown up. He's sitting up! He's wearing a white t-shirt and his wispy hair is askew. I said he looks like an old man who got awoken from his nap. His expression in a couple of the photos is, "Wha' happened?" But the best is the photo where he has this sweet, expectant look on his face. Our caption for this photo? "Are they here yet?" PLEASE, LORD LET US GET ZEKE TOMORROW!!!! HE'S WAITING FOR US!!!!

Embracing our DINK-dom and CAT FINGERS

Since we don't have a G&R tomorrow, we decided to go out for a nice dinner. We had scoped out a place earlier in the day at the Sofitel. It looked lovely. We read the menu and the prices seemed high for Vietnam but reasonable based on American restaurant prices. So, we arrive around 5:45PM to discover that Brad's attire was too casual for their restaurant. We hastily walked back to the hotel and he changed. (This should've been our first hint that this was a hoity-toity restaurant.) We were back at the restaurant by 6:30PM. We sat down and immediately realized that this was a tad more expensive than we initially thought. Yeah. But we figured that since there's a child allegedly coming into our lives very soon, we'd embrace our DINK-dom (Duel Income, No Kids) and indulge in a nice meal. It was great.

On an unrelated note, we found that the Vietnamese have unusual tastes. Cat fingers, anyone?

No G&R Yet

We just found out that we will not be having our G&R tomorrow. We're obviously disappointed but there's nothing we can do. There's a Lang Son official who is out of the province and we are waiting for him to return. Our agency staff said they will call us tomorrow to let us know if the G&R will be Thursday or Friday. Friday is a little concerning only because we have hotel reservations through next Friday and return airline tickets for next Friday. They are changeable but it would be nice to not have to deal with that. So, we will keep you posted as we learn more.

As for today...after the visit to Ho Chi Minh's museum, we came back to the hotel and just wandered. We found our way to a Highland Coffee and had an enjoyable snack of french fries and a brownie. Brad had a smoothie and seems to be fine (we wondered if the ice used to make the smoothie might be a problem). Then, we wandered toward the Hanoi Opera. Leave it to me to find the most upscale shops in the city: Cartier, Louis Vuitton. We took a cab back to the hotel because we made so many turns that we weren't sure exactly how to get back ourselves...plus it was hot so the air conditioned taxi was completely worth $2. You can go about anywhere worth going by taxi for $2US. Very nice!

Giant White People

Yep, that's us! This morning, we went to visit Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum. It was closed and will remain closed for two months, presumably so they can repair the body. Anyway, we got tickets to the HCM museum. It didn't take long for a young Vietnamese woman to take my arm and say, "Photo?" She wanted to have her picture taken with me. So, we posed. A few minutes later, another lady approached me because she also wanted her picture taken. Then she had a photo taken with Brad. In both instances, these women put their arms around us. It was sweet. So, what's the deal, you ask? Well, I experienced this in China. Our guides in China said many people are fascinated by a tall, white, dark-haired woman. There was a guy in our China group who was a tall, white, dark-haired man whose hair was wavy. He was quite a favorite with the Chinese ladies and again, our guides said it was his "uniqueness," especially the WAVY dark hair. But the crowning moment of this morning's adventure was when I stopped to buy an embroidered tote bag (I forgot to pack a small purse). The vendor lady patted her belly and said, "Baby?" She was asking if I was pregnant. Sorry, lady. Just fat! Brad thought this was funny. I was quite deflated because I thought I looked cute in my little sun dress...I guess the cut is a little too billowy. After that, Brad and I couldn't resist sketching out an article for People Magazine's "bump watch:"

"Does Missy have a bump? She wore a loose fitting dress during a recent visit to the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi. She also bought this tote bag and used it to cover her belly. A close friend says Missy would be thrilled to have a baby. She was also spotted at a local market looking at baby clothes. When asked about a possible pregnancy, the American journalist laughed and said, 'I'm just eating more breakfast than usual.'"

Photo Stream Updated Monday Evening

More Pictures from Monday

Click on the image to see a brief slideshow.

The Adventures of Chicken Boy

This was lunch.

Not exactly - this was part of lunch.

In our travels with another expecting family, we dined at a restaurant attached to a hotel. The menu was entirely in Vietnamese. They were much more culinary adventurous so we let them order: shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings and our friend here to the left.

Needless to say, Brad couldn't resist animating this long-since cooked bird using a Cartman-like voice to sing Whitney Houston songs.

Brad wasn't the only one amused at his antics. Along for the ride was this family's 4-soon-to-be-5-year-old daughter, Maia. She's adopted from China and quite delightful. She took to Missy real fast and saw right through Brad's attempt at ventriliquism.

Later while browsing infant formula, gummy candy and Coca Cola Light, Missy dubbed her husband of 9 years, "Chicken Boy," to the delight of herself and young Maia. As Brad wandered away from the group and explored the aisles of a market, Maia would gleefully exclaim, "Where's Chicken Boy?"

That amusement aside, the day's travels took us to the Hoan Kiem Lake in the eastern part of Hanoi, very near the Old French Quarter. We enjoyed the sights at Jade Mountain Temple located on an islet of the lake. In and out of stores we went, snagging a quilt made by an NGO that employs Vietnamese women.

We also met today with representatives from World Child. They offered no definitive word on when we would travel to Lang Son, only that the earliest it could be would be Wednesday. (5:00am departure!) They also outlined a timetable for processing once we get rolling: G&R, passport application, then some waiting, followed by a doctor's visit and visa interview and we are cleared for home return.

Good Morning, Vietnam!

Even though I hate cliches, I couldn't resist using this for my blog title. We slept well and got up around 6:30AM. We had a lovely breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant. The breakfast highlights were pineapple jam and chicken in a curry/Indian spice sauce. I know that chicken thing sounds weird for breakfast but it was delish. There were also fresh made donuts. They're very different from Krispy Kremes but the taste was on par if not better! The coffee was heavenly...it almost tasted like caramel! Yum!!

We meet with our agency staff in a little while to get the details on our G&R. Then, we're going with another family from our agency to shop for baby formula. We want to get the same kind that Zeke's been having at the orphanage. We brought some formula from home that we want to use as our regular formula. We want to start the process of very, very gradually changing him over to it.

We've also decided to buy a stroller here. We think it will be practical and especially useful in the airports (we can do it as a carry-on so we'll have it for each layover). That's it from here. More later!

What time is it?

I woke up at 2:30AM...finally got up and took some Tylenol PM...now I'm waiting for that puppy to kick in so I can go back to bed. What an adventure. We are having so much fun. I hope we can get somewhat caught up on our rest before Zeke makes his debut so it's kind of nice to have a couple of days to do that before the G&R. On the other hand, if someone called right now and said, "Let's go get him!" I'd be ready!!!

Forgive my appearance yesterday in the photos and videos. I was looking quite rough. But after traveling 30 plus hours, that's about how you'd expect a person to look.

Ok, I think I might be getting a little sleepy. More later!

The Cardinal Rule and Why You Don't Break it

It's after 6PM here. We just awoke from a LONG afternoon nap. Brad was quite disoriented when I asked him if he wanted to get up now so he could be sure to sleep through the night. My cardinal rule of international travel (other than don't drink the water when in doubt) is don't take a long nap when you arrive. But we collapsed. We will collapse again in a few hours. We are tired.

We meet with our agency staff tomorrow to find out when our Giving and Receiving (G&R) ceremony will be. I talked to our agency's staff on the phone briefly today and he said our G&R is Wednesday but would confirm tomorrow. By the way, here's how we got the deal on our hotel. Our agency booked us a single bedroom (totally fine because there's just going to be the 3 of us) but when we arrived, the hotel staff said they only had 2 bedrooms and would upgrade us for free. SCORE! So, that's it. If you want a 2 bedroom when you come over, don't risk it and ask for a single. I think this was kind of a fluke.

Thankfully, Brad is in charge of posting most of the multi-media so he did that while I unpacked. A few of my thoughts so far:
*We were so blessed with smooth flights. There was very little turbulence. Most of our flights were early!! Truly a miracle from God! I'm already praying that the flights home will be just as good when there's 3 instead of 2!
*Our favorite game around the hotel is "spotting the new families." It's so cool to see all the families with their adopted children.
*Vietnamese children are beautiful. There were a bunch of kids in the hotel restaurant when we had lunch there today. They were so cute!
*The Vietnamese love them some US dollars.
*I can't wait to get me and Zeke matching cone hats!! We've seen them everywhere. Practical and stylish!
*The reality is STARTING to set in. WE'RE HERE!!!
*Thank you for all your prayers. When I felt tired or worried, I thought of all of you praying for us and how God had made provision for this journey and I was fine. That and the Coke Light. The Coke Light at breakfast helped refresh me too. Ha ha ha!

Wheels Down Somerset Hotel, Ha Noi, Viet Nam

We're here!!!




No problems getting from Hong Kong to Viet Nam. About an hour's drive from the Hanoi Airport to our hotel, the Somerset Grand (right next door to the infamous Hanoi Hilton).

On first impressions, Viet Nam is a rural country retro-fitting itself for modernity. Telephone and power lines are strung along city streets, bunched up and left as if improvised by the utility. Motor scooter is the transportation of choice - they are everywhere. Helmets are now mandatory, although ranging in degree of protection offered. Masks to protect your nose and throat from the pollution are optional, although quite popular.

By chance we got a two-room apartment for a one-room rate. In the lobby, it's like the haven for folks like us - we met two couples who picked up their new young uns Monday.


We are out of the rainy season and into the warm muggy season.

Wheels Down Hong Kong

Running on low laptop battery -- we've arrived in Hong Kong safe and sound.. tired to say the least..

Three good flights so far -- John Goodman and Terry Bradshaw were flying first class on the DFW - LAX flight..

LAX terrible amenities in the Intl terminal

Brad watched Casino, 21 and Recount on the long 14+ hour flight..

Currently waiting in the HKIA terminal.. talking to another family who is adopting a baby from Viet Nam.

What day is it anyway?

We're Off to See the Wizard!!

It has taken brains, heart and courage to navigate this long journey but at last, we are ready to visit the Emerald City! We leave this afternoon. We WILL blog from Vietnam and expect to post loads of photos from the G&R and our first days with baby Zeke. Thank you for your love, support and prayers...please keep it coming as we begin this new chapter as Zeke's mom and dad!

Tidying Up

We said a long time ago that we would clean the carpet right before the baby came home. So, as I type, the carpet cleaners are here. It forced me to get most of the packing done (almost there!) so I could move all the junk out of the nursery. So, the suitcases are packed. I've just got to finalize my carry-ons. Slowly but surely we're getting there! It's so surreal to think that in less than a week, Zeke will be in our arms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Plane Sleeping

I'm notorious for not sleeping on flights. This summer, I barely closed my eyes on the Chicago to London flight. When I went to China in 2005, I barely dozed after two Tylenol PMs. BUT this time, I think I will sleep. We will leave LA at 1:45AM, which will be like 3:45AM to us. It's a 14 hour flight. I'm hopeful that since it will be the middle of the night and I will be exhausted that I will get in some deeper sleep. My sister falls into a coma the minute she steps onto a plane. I think she actually LIKES sleeping on planes. I'm going to do my best and I'll have my usual gear which will help: earplugs, mask and travel pillow.

Getting packed

We are packing and making final arrangements. I'm so exhausted. Once I get past tomorrow, I should be able to cool my heels a little and slow down. Tomorrow will be my last day at work and once I get all that squared away, I can breathe a little easier. I went to Target tonight and bought the car seat. I also bought diapers and other necessities...WOW!! This is really happening.

Please pray now that our travel weather will be good. I would just hate to think about getting stuck somewhere before we hit LA. Ugg. We'll be flying first to Dallas, then to LA, then Hong Kong and finally, Hanoi. I think of myself as a seasoned traveler but this itinerary sure does look intimidating. Pray that all will go smoothly. God has gotten us this far and I trust He'll make provisions to get us there safely!

FRIDAY!!!

We leave Friday for Vietnam!!! WOW!! We have so much to do and all this hasn't quite sunk in yet. Please pray that we will accomplish at that we have to do between now and when we leave!!! AND of course, pray for safe, smooth travels...no bumpy flights, no lost luggage, no delays...we're almost there!!!

When will we travel?

We don't know yet. We'll find out this morning if we get to leave FRIDAY!! Can you even believe it?!?! That means we would get Zeke next week!! WOW! It's our prayer that we will get to go Friday. We will update you as soon as we know.

APPROVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE'RE GOING TO VIETNAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We don't know yet when we'll travel. We'll talk to our adoption agency later today and get a better idea of when we need to get to Vietnam. I'm in a daze. Brad is so low key and calm about the whole thing. I was literally jumping up and down.

So, here's how it happened. The alarm went off this morning at the usual time. Brad got up first. He has our special email account forwarded to his cell phone. I heard him go into the kitchen and pick up his cell. I figured there was no news. Then he said, "There's an email." My stomach sank. I figured it would NOT be good news. And he added, "I think it's a good one." Still in a bit of disbelief, I jumped out of bed and we ran to the computer. And there was our approval email. THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!!!

And thanks to all of you for your love, support, and prayers during this time. We could NOT have done it without you!!!

How we Spent Sunday Evening

9 years and counting

To celebrate our anniversary, Brad surprised Missy by telling her she had 10 minutes to pack an overnight bag. We stopped and grabbed her favorite pizza on our way out of town to this place..






The Dickey House in Marshfield, Mo., a bed and breakfast. I'd give it a 3 out of 5

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Nine years ago today, we got married at Allandale Mansion in Kingsport, Tennessee. It rained that morning but it cleared up in time to dry the chairs and have a beautiful wedding in the garden behind the mansion. Here's what we had on our invitations...song lyrics from the Broadway musical "The Secret Garden":

Come to my garden,
Nestled in the hills.
There I'll keep you safe beside me.

Come to my garden.
Rest there in my arms.
There I'll see you
Safely grown and on your way.

Stay there in the garden,
Where love grows free and wild.
Come to my garden.
Come, sweet child.

Lift me up and lead me to the garden,
Where life begins anew.
Where I'll find you,
And I'll find you love me too.

I shall see you in the garden,
Where spring will come and stay.
Come to my garden,
Come, sweet day!

Marrying Brad made me the happiest girl in the world. I love you, Brad with all my heart. I can't wait to begin this new chapter of our lives together:

Stay there in the garden,
Where love grows free and wild.
Come to my garden.
Come, sweet child.

Bra Burning and Miss America

You may recall that I blogged about meeting Miss America because I recorded an interview with her for NPR and another pub radio program to mark the anniversary of the feminist protests that interrupted the pageant in 1968. The piece on NPR aired this morning. Click here. I was only involved in the interview with Debra Barnes Snodgrass. It's an interesting story so give it a listen.

Brother Trav and other items

Say a word of prayer for Brad's brother Travis. He's defending his dissertation today. We are so incredibly proud of him. He's not only got lots o' smarts but he's passionate about what he studies. We look forward to seeing him pass his enthusiasm and love for the environment on to his colleagues and students in his new role as Dr. Travis.

Speaking of Travis...He sent us this clip from the Daily Show. It's definitely worth watching the whole thing.

It's really cooled off here. I love it. I had two really bad days yesterday and Wednesday. I'm determined to have a "happy day" today. Our nine year (!) anniversary is Saturday and we're celebrating all weekend so I have lots to be happy about. To get my spirits up, here's a list of things that float my boat these days:

1. Shopping at Target
2. New fall shoes from Payless
3. Halloween-y decor
4. Tom Cruise, Bill Hader, Matt McConaughey and Robert Downey, Jr. in Tropic Thunder
5. The clothes from Sex and the City: The Movie
6. Not teaching this fall
7. Weedy being back in the states
8. Good food and good friends

Bucket List

That's why Brad was bawling his eyes out the other day (for those who saw his "twittering"). We started watching the movie together and I just got bored with it. He finished it the next day by himself. The ending sounded great but the build up was too slow for me.

Don't Know What to Do

Our DNA kits have been at the Embassy for a week and a half now. They're just sitting and rotting. I have no idea why it's taking so long to schedule the test. Others have had their kits there longer than mine and they also don't have an appointment yet. Once the test is done, things should move along...we'd get results in two weeks and (I hope), an approval 2 weeks later. My frustration is at an all-time high. I am so sick of the whole thing.

We Have Weed

So, my sister, Weed and her room mate Court have arrived back in the states. They moved back from Thailand. While I was so happy for Weed to have the grand adventure of living and working in Thailand, I'm just as happy to have her back on the same continent as me. She made it back safely with her baby, Moo who flew back in the airplane cabin with them. Weed said Moo amused all the flight attendants who acted like they had never seen a dog as cute and tiny as Moo.

Rainy remnants

We're getting rain from the remnants of Gustav. Blah. At least it means a break from the heat.

We attended the wedding of a friend (one of Brad's former co-workers) this weekend. Here's a pic of us enjoying the reception afterwards:

Back to work

Brad and I enjoyed having the day off together yesterday. We started with breakfast at a lovely place downtown. Then, we played a round of miniature golf (fun!) and then saw Tropic Thunder (again!). So, we're back to work today and I keep thinking it's Monday! I'm so off kilter!

Last night, I said that this is the farthest I've felt from approval in a long time. I guess I'm just coming to grips with the reality of the situation. I told Brad I was going to buy some jellybeans and put 60 of them in a jar. Each day, I will eat one. At least that way, I can visualize getting closer to approval. I'm just guessing that it will be 60 more days. I really have no idea. I can't imagine it taking longer than that but who knows.

For those who were wondering...yes, those turtles and the frog were actually in our yard!! It's so cool to share our home with these creatures.