Yesterday was a great day, she seemed to warm up to my mom and I both so we could take turns with carrying her in this heat. We had trouble getting her to sleep last night and this morning it seems she will only let me hold her. We had to go back to the orphaning this morning and she only wanted the nannies, This must be a very hard time for her, the transition from the orphanage to 3 strangers. She loves bubbles and watermelon. I didn't bring many toys to Vung Tau so I think she is kinda bored in the hotel compared to the craziness in the orphanage. It has been emotionally and physically draining on all of us. Looking forward to getting back to Ho Chi Minh city where we will have a pool and I really can't wait to get back home to finally settle in. Thanks for all the thoughts and prays, they are truly appreciated.

We arrived yesterday in Vung Tau and finally got to see Nghi (pronounced knee). We were told ahead of time that she is very she and doesn't like strangers but My prayers have been answered and God prepared her because the came right to me and snuggled in. She wouldnt look at me while I was holding her but fell asleep in my arms. The nannies were shocked.

This morning after an interesting Vietnamese style breakfast we headed back to the orphanage. I didn't know how she would react but again she came to me and we were able to take her out the play. She was laughing and smiling and when my mom takes her she is always looking for me, which is a great sign. The director of the orphanage is very pleased with the bonding and tomorrow we should be able to bring her back to the hotel to stay with us. it's as though she was waiting for me.

It is very hot here and I am finding it hard to carrier her in this heat.

Internet is on and off, hope this goes through. I am unable to post pictures until after the G&R ceremony but if anyone with and IPad (Aaron or Evan) can maybe give me some help on how to post pictures on here and I cant seem to attach pictures to my email either.

The day I have been waiting for

Finally got some sleep last night. Today we are checking out at 1:30 and taking the boat to Vung Tau. We should be at the orphanage around 4:30 where I will get to see where my daughter spent her first year. I am told she is very shy so I will be visiting with her in the orphanage everyday so she can get use to me until we have the G&R ceremony then she will be with me. It should make the transition alittle less traumatic for her. After dreaming about this day since I was like 7 years old it is finally here. I can't believe it. So many emotions running thru me right now.

Vung Tau Tomorrow

My dossier has been released from the department of adoption yesterday and should be in Vung Tau today. We are leaving Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow and heading to the coast to Vung Tau. I should be meeting Amelia Nghi later tomorrow afternoon. Still jet lagged and feeling excited and nervous about becoming a mom. Next step is the giving and recieving ceremony when she will officially be my daughter. Pray that this happens early next week. There are also slow downs in Singapore with getting paperwork through. Another mom is being held up from leaving with her son, pray that our paperwork will get through quickly for both of us.

So tired

Good Morning Vietnam

We are here!!! It's about 5:30 am and I am lying awake listening to the busy horns in the streets. I completely underestimated the heat and it was 11pm once we finally got out of the airport so I haven't even felt the mid afternoon heat yet. Feeling like you're in the shower with your clothes on is a pretty good description! Very hard to breath and very sticky! Loan met us at the airport, she is meeting us this morning to go over plans. It seems that my dossier was not released on Monday like I thought so my paperwork is still in the capital. My dossier has been approved but still needs to be signed and then sent to Vung Tau were the orphanage is to be approved before a giving and receiving ceremony can take place.(still a long process) I am a little disappointed to hear things aren't as far along as I thought. I will be leaving either Friday afternoon or Saturday for Vung Tau to meet Amelia in the orphanage. Apparently she cries whenever strangers come so I will be spending my time at the orphanage waiting for the paperwork and getting to know this little girl so the transition will be as easy as possible for her.
Internet is very slow an d unpredictable and I still can't figure out how to add pictures on here with the IPad. tech support is needed!

Please pray that paperwork moves through quickly and that God would prepare both Amelia Nghi and I for the transition that is about to take place and for the health of my family while we are away. It is very overwhelming but through Him it's possible.

South Korea

One flight down, one more to go. We followed the sun so it has been day time since I woke up in Peterborough at 5:00am Tues morning and it is now 3:30am Wed morning. I still can't believe I will see Amelia in a few days. It still feels surreal.

Getting packed

After 9 months of waiting to meet Nghi and feeling like time was standing still suddenly time is flying by. There is not enough hours in the day to get everything done. Car seat installed, baby proofing done, bags almost packed, house is a mess and nerves are setting in. I can't wait to meet my baby girl, just wish I could bypass the long flight and time away from home.

Found out this morning that my dossier wasn't released by the department of adoption on Thursday as hoped. Praying that it get released before I get there and that the giving and receiving ceremony can soon follow.