Closer #2

Last time we waiting over three years for Vietnam to reopen and get our referral, but at the end of that long tunnel was a bright shinning star, our daughter. The wait wasn't easy and didn't go away when we saw our daughter for the first time. But each and every day with her is that much sweeter and cannot believe how lucky I have become.

Today we would like a sibling for our daughter, but again Vietnam is closing it's doors to us, the question is for how long this time. Since we have been through this before I know that it can be a long road.

So here I stand in front of another long tunnel, should we stay the course, only time will tell.

A Child's Right Campaign

Please do not forget to email your letter of support for the JCICS "A Child's Right Campaign" to Advocate@JCICS.org. You must send your email by tomorrow, May 30, 2008 to be included in the petition to Congress. Visit JCICS's web site for full information at http://www.jcics.org/Vietnam.htm.

Snow Bunny

We had some snow yesterday so we got all dressed in our snow pants and jackets went outside in hope of playing in the snow and making snow angels. Well our little toddler had other plans and wasn't a fan of the snow. But she looks so cute all marshmallow like in her gear. :)

This weekend we watched 'Heaven & Earth' a move about the Vietnam war. The movie wasn't bad, but we have watched a lot of depressing movies about Vietnam and wish there where some more uplifting movies about Vietnam. If you know of any *Please!* leave a comment. I worry that as our daughter gets older she will feel that same. I anticipate that will be a challenging subject. But hope we can expose her to a lot of positives too.

I really hope adoptions from Vietnam can move forward in a positive light and the two governments will progress in there efforts. We would really like to adopt from Vietnam again but are keeping our eyes open at our options. I'm a little leary of what our adoption agency is saying because when we got caught in the closer last time they said it would only be close a few months, and we all know what happened then. I hope things will be different this time.

January 8th, 2008

Christmas was amazing! We waited so long for our first Christmas, it was very special. She got a big girl play kitchen, which she loves, she has been "cooking" up things ever since. Yesterday I looked over just as she tried to give her dolly a drink :)

We are going to be flying for the first time since we have been home, we are going to Dallas to visit family. We aren't too excited about trying to keep a 17 month old entertained for the whole 4 hour flight. We make a mistake and didn't get her a seat, but I'm crossing my fingers that they can find us a extra seat for her. That should be fun (not!)

2 month review!

I know I haven't posted in awhile. I have been actually contemplating what to do with this blog and where or not to make it private. I have decided (i think) to leave it public. There has been a lot of negativity in blogland in the last few months but I think it's important to remember why we want to adopt and why we wait.

Adoption is very special to us and if I can in any way help to give someone a glimpse into the happiness it has brought our family then I'll be happy. There is a lot of information on the internet about adopting ethically from Vietnam, so I won't give advice on that. But what I can tell you about is our special little girl.

So, the past two months. Wow, how things change in that little bit of time. Babycakes is 16mns now, just tipping the scale at 20lbs and talking up a storm. She is doing excellent at daycare and really enjoys her time there. She knows a few friends names, and tries to say her own name. She is also becoming more demanding, actually 'more' is one of her favorite words and lately 'no', oh boy. You cannot eat bread in front of her or she freaks out and wants all of it. My husband says just like mommy. Not sure what that means... :)

Other news, we did get 'on the list' for #2! Yes, we are very excited but our agency has a 2+ year wait, which we planned for.

Six Month Post Placement

We had our six month post placement visit this week. It feels like our little girl has been home for a lot longer than six months! One more post placement visit at 12months and we can move onto writing the reports ourselves, that will be nice.

We went to our agencies picnic, the weather was pretty bad so not many people showed up. Next year I hope they have it a little earlier in the year so all the families can enjoy the weather more.

Here's some things she has been up to:
-walking!
-trying to run (we aren't thrilled about that)
-recognizing more and more words
-says ditty (for kitty)
-snuggling
-switched daycares and started the toddler room at new daycare

Cannot think of anything else, but I'm sure I missed something. I guess summer is officially over, bummer!!!