Friday, July 21, 2006
Update - finally!
Hi Everyone,
Some of you may be a little more up to date than others, so I apologize if I am just jumping in here. I didn't have time to write some of you to let you know that we found out on July 5th that we need to leave in less than 2 weeks to be in Hanoi. But I'm sure you'll be able to fill in the gap. This is the first chance I've had to email,so hopefully you haven't been worried.
It's been pretty crazy trip thus far in terms of being the most hectic experience we've ever had and lack of sleep! -ugh, not to mention incredibly emotional, but everything is calming down. After travelling to Vietnam 20 hours, remember we left at midnight, we had to drive another 10 hours to the province Fiona came from. (That's her name we've decided on. Her middle name is Thuong, which means "love forever.") Stayed there 1 day for giving and receiving ceremony which was the official ceremony where we became her parents. It was a little business but mostly very touching. Two officicals from the government where there, the orphanage director and then all the nurses and other workers from the orphanage attended to on their own time. We also visited the orphanage. Then turned around and came straight back. Literally went 3-4 days without a bed. Slept a little in the car. Now we're back in Han oi resting. We already had meeting to get her passport which we pick up on monday. Then we had the medical appointment and the international clinic where the australian doctor proclaimed her as healthy and fat! Bunch of other meetings lined up...embassy, department of justice, etc.
The culture is amazing. In her province, we were the only non-Vietnamese people. Food is fantastic. Lots of spices and fish. Weather is incredibly hot and muggy. Hanoi is a crazy and wonderful city. Very, very pretty. Definetly the most different place we've ever been.
Fiona is healthy and beautiful, and adjusting well to all the changes. Very calm baby. She was well looked after at the orphanage as she was one of 2 babies there. She received lots of attention from two nurses who were obviously extremely attached to her. One of them who travelled all the way in the car from Hanoi to her provence with us was very protective of her (so sweet!). All the nurses cried when she left. very sad. And all the other children where so sad to see her go.
We are taking lots of pictures. It's been quite an experience.
Will write more in a couple of days.
Some of you may be a little more up to date than others, so I apologize if I am just jumping in here. I didn't have time to write some of you to let you know that we found out on July 5th that we need to leave in less than 2 weeks to be in Hanoi. But I'm sure you'll be able to fill in the gap. This is the first chance I've had to email,so hopefully you haven't been worried.
It's been pretty crazy trip thus far in terms of being the most hectic experience we've ever had and lack of sleep! -ugh, not to mention incredibly emotional, but everything is calming down. After travelling to Vietnam 20 hours, remember we left at midnight, we had to drive another 10 hours to the province Fiona came from. (That's her name we've decided on. Her middle name is Thuong, which means "love forever.") Stayed there 1 day for giving and receiving ceremony which was the official ceremony where we became her parents. It was a little business but mostly very touching. Two officicals from the government where there, the orphanage director and then all the nurses and other workers from the orphanage attended to on their own time. We also visited the orphanage. Then turned around and came straight back. Literally went 3-4 days without a bed. Slept a little in the car. Now we're back in Han oi resting. We already had meeting to get her passport which we pick up on monday. Then we had the medical appointment and the international clinic where the australian doctor proclaimed her as healthy and fat! Bunch of other meetings lined up...embassy, department of justice, etc.
The culture is amazing. In her province, we were the only non-Vietnamese people. Food is fantastic. Lots of spices and fish. Weather is incredibly hot and muggy. Hanoi is a crazy and wonderful city. Very, very pretty. Definetly the most different place we've ever been.
Fiona is healthy and beautiful, and adjusting well to all the changes. Very calm baby. She was well looked after at the orphanage as she was one of 2 babies there. She received lots of attention from two nurses who were obviously extremely attached to her. One of them who travelled all the way in the car from Hanoi to her provence with us was very protective of her (so sweet!). All the nurses cried when she left. very sad. And all the other children where so sad to see her go.
We are taking lots of pictures. It's been quite an experience.
Will write more in a couple of days.
# posted by Alice @ 11:38 PM 
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oh wow, you've had a busy few days! Congrats on officially adopting your little Fiona. Can't wait to see pics.
How exciting! Have you gotten to use those cute little Janie & Jack shoes yet? Leave it to me to focus on the clothes :-) I absolutely love the name Fiona! Can't wait to see pictures!
Yeah Alice! Our first FTIA baby has a beautiful name to go with her cute little self. Get some sleep our faithful pioneer... and don't forget to post lots of pitures on the message board!!
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