Hi
Today, Mommy and GG took Chloe to the doctor for her first U.S. check up.
Since she has to start from scratch with immunizations, she got three shots today. She has begun with age 2 months. So, Chloe will be getting shots pretty frequently until she catches up. :(
She also needs alot of blood work to check on any other possible diseases she might have. Since we don't have any record of family history, all these tests need to be done. But, we thought she had enough just with shots today.
She cried for 5 minutes at the hospital and then was fine. She even slept well, considering all shots she got.
She is now sleeping through the night in her crib, just like in Hanoi.
Chloe is also moving away from random sounds and saying ga ga, ma ma, and sometimes da da!
Our little girl is growing up so fast already! I keep telling her that I don't want her to walk yet cause I still enjoy my little girl crawling around. Of course, she is not listening and trying hard to keep on her feet as much as possible.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Unpacked, sleeping, and work
Hi all,
Sorry we have not written sooner. It took three days just to unpack!
Daddy is back at work today, and Mommy and Chloe woke up to see him off.
Chloe had some problems with jeg lag ( as did all of us). She is now sleeping most of the night. She does not like her crib much right now at night. But, we are doing whatever we can to get some sleep.
Her baptism will be on September 16th. Grandma Schaefer and Aunt Sue will come out to be with us. We are very excited for them to see the new little girl.
Chloe travelled great across the ocean. Daddy was air sick most of the trip back and Mommy did not sleep at all.
We are now just enjoying being home.
Sorry we have not written sooner. It took three days just to unpack!
Daddy is back at work today, and Mommy and Chloe woke up to see him off.
Chloe had some problems with jeg lag ( as did all of us). She is now sleeping most of the night. She does not like her crib much right now at night. But, we are doing whatever we can to get some sleep.
Her baptism will be on September 16th. Grandma Schaefer and Aunt Sue will come out to be with us. We are very excited for them to see the new little girl.
Chloe travelled great across the ocean. Daddy was air sick most of the trip back and Mommy did not sleep at all.
We are now just enjoying being home.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
leaving saturday the 18
Hi
Well, as of yesterday, all families we travelled with are gone. We reminded ourselves of the realities of this trip. Most people have delays. Other families are now here and we are enjoying seeing their children.
Yesterday, we went out to buy more things for home. We got some good things for us and for Chloe's room.
Today, we went to the Army Museum. Very interesting, but hot. Even at 11 AM, we were ready for a rest after an hour and a half. We have many pictures of U.S. planes, tanks, and helicopters captured during the war.
Later today, we hope to go back out and enjoy the afternoon.
Our flight will leave here at 11AM on the 18th, and will land in LA at 2PM.
Well, as of yesterday, all families we travelled with are gone. We reminded ourselves of the realities of this trip. Most people have delays. Other families are now here and we are enjoying seeing their children.
Yesterday, we went out to buy more things for home. We got some good things for us and for Chloe's room.
Today, we went to the Army Museum. Very interesting, but hot. Even at 11 AM, we were ready for a rest after an hour and a half. We have many pictures of U.S. planes, tanks, and helicopters captured during the war.
Later today, we hope to go back out and enjoy the afternoon.
Our flight will leave here at 11AM on the 18th, and will land in LA at 2PM.
Monday, August 13, 2007
day 17 - - apointmnents done, now what?
Hi,
Sorry, we did not post yesterday. There really was not much going on.
This morning, we had Chloe's medical exam. She is very healthy ( we already knew that), according to the doctor. She currently weighs 15 pounds. Every day, she is very active.
At 2 PM, the three families went to the second interview at the Embassy. Things got wrapped up and all three children will have their visas for the U.S. by tomorrow afternoon.
The Lockwoods will be on a flight out tomorrow evening.
Currently, we are on a waiting list for the 16th, with holding confirmation for the 18th.
The latter afternoon was spent looking for a flight earlier. Not possible.
So, Mommy said " If we are going to be here anyway, let's live it up!"
So, instead of spending money on new tickets, we will take advantage of the city with a massage at the hotel, buying more souvenirs, etc.
We will still call the airline everyday, and pray that we will at least get a flight on Thursday morning.
Sorry, we did not post yesterday. There really was not much going on.
This morning, we had Chloe's medical exam. She is very healthy ( we already knew that), according to the doctor. She currently weighs 15 pounds. Every day, she is very active.
At 2 PM, the three families went to the second interview at the Embassy. Things got wrapped up and all three children will have their visas for the U.S. by tomorrow afternoon.
The Lockwoods will be on a flight out tomorrow evening.
Currently, we are on a waiting list for the 16th, with holding confirmation for the 18th.
The latter afternoon was spent looking for a flight earlier. Not possible.
So, Mommy said " If we are going to be here anyway, let's live it up!"
So, instead of spending money on new tickets, we will take advantage of the city with a massage at the hotel, buying more souvenirs, etc.
We will still call the airline everyday, and pray that we will at least get a flight on Thursday morning.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
day 15`- - appointments
Hello all,
It is good that we waited to write this a bit later today.
After a rainy morning, we left to go get some baby formula. It was cooler walking, but when we were done, we still took a cab home.
Chloe is doing fine. We think she is doing major teething right now. She is not as happy as the past couple days, but she is still pretty perfect.
Late this afternoon, we got a phone call saying that we have our medical appointment confirmed for Monday morning. We also are confirmed for the second visa appointment for Monday afternoon. Also for sure is that we will have Chloe's visa on Tuesday! We are officially clear!
Our flight is still leaving on the 18th. We call every day looking for earlier flights and our escort told us today that she will work on it on Monday.
This is very good news. Please thank God for our blessings and pray for a flight earlier than the 18th.
It is good that we waited to write this a bit later today.
After a rainy morning, we left to go get some baby formula. It was cooler walking, but when we were done, we still took a cab home.
Chloe is doing fine. We think she is doing major teething right now. She is not as happy as the past couple days, but she is still pretty perfect.
Late this afternoon, we got a phone call saying that we have our medical appointment confirmed for Monday morning. We also are confirmed for the second visa appointment for Monday afternoon. Also for sure is that we will have Chloe's visa on Tuesday! We are officially clear!
Our flight is still leaving on the 18th. We call every day looking for earlier flights and our escort told us today that she will work on it on Monday.
This is very good news. Please thank God for our blessings and pray for a flight earlier than the 18th.
Friday, August 10, 2007
day 14 - - more travel changes
Hi
Today, we got more information about travel. Since we knew we would not be leaving on the 11th, we started working on changing our tickets.
Flights out of Hanoi are very difficult, we found out.
We called China Airlines and they told us the soonest to leave would be the 26th. We talked them down to a waiting list for the 18th. An hour later, we got confirmed on the 18th.
We are also calling every day to see if a cancellation will show up for the 16th or 17th. We are not even looking at the 15th yet because the weekend is coming up and so far we do not have definite dates for government approval.
We all knew this was possible, but the thought of being away for another week is hard.
We thank God that there are no real commitments for Mommy and Daddy next week in the States.
After nap time, we went to find an Amerian B2 bomber that crashed in a nearby water area in 1972. It is almost completely submerged, but we saw it.
Very hot walking today. We are staying close by the air conditioning the rest of the day.
For those of you wondering about rain, there has not been much. But last night, we watched a great thunderstorm from our room. It lasted over 2 hours!
Today, we got more information about travel. Since we knew we would not be leaving on the 11th, we started working on changing our tickets.
Flights out of Hanoi are very difficult, we found out.
We called China Airlines and they told us the soonest to leave would be the 26th. We talked them down to a waiting list for the 18th. An hour later, we got confirmed on the 18th.
We are also calling every day to see if a cancellation will show up for the 16th or 17th. We are not even looking at the 15th yet because the weekend is coming up and so far we do not have definite dates for government approval.
We all knew this was possible, but the thought of being away for another week is hard.
We thank God that there are no real commitments for Mommy and Daddy next week in the States.
After nap time, we went to find an Amerian B2 bomber that crashed in a nearby water area in 1972. It is almost completely submerged, but we saw it.
Very hot walking today. We are staying close by the air conditioning the rest of the day.
For those of you wondering about rain, there has not been much. But last night, we watched a great thunderstorm from our room. It lasted over 2 hours!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
day 13 - - the wait for VISAS
Hi all,
Well, we could not go the the appointment today because Chloe's passport was still not ready. It is arriving today. However, the doctor for physicals is off this afternoon and tomorrow. So, we think it will be Monday.
Also, our second appointment for the VISA to leave the country is delayed at least until Monday the 13th. Possible plans are to have her VISA the morning of the 15th and leave that evening.
Please be patient. We are glad to have support families around us.
So, after all this news this morning, we spent the day around the hotel. Yesterday, Chloe did not get a good nap. Today, she got a good one until 2PM.
This evening we will go out and look at the city some more. It is always nice to find new restaurants. Chloe will have to get used to eating food at home when she gets in the States.
Since we will be later coming home, we have included more pictures, thanks to Kevin!
Love you all!!
Well, we could not go the the appointment today because Chloe's passport was still not ready. It is arriving today. However, the doctor for physicals is off this afternoon and tomorrow. So, we think it will be Monday.
Also, our second appointment for the VISA to leave the country is delayed at least until Monday the 13th. Possible plans are to have her VISA the morning of the 15th and leave that evening.
Please be patient. We are glad to have support families around us.
So, after all this news this morning, we spent the day around the hotel. Yesterday, Chloe did not get a good nap. Today, she got a good one until 2PM.
This evening we will go out and look at the city some more. It is always nice to find new restaurants. Chloe will have to get used to eating food at home when she gets in the States.
Since we will be later coming home, we have included more pictures, thanks to Kevin!
Love you all!!
day 12 - - change of plans
Hello,
We received a call last night around 8PM from our escort saying that we would not be going to the medical appointment with the others. Chloe's passport was not ready yet, since her paperwork was begun a day after the other two children. We will be going tomorrow at 1 PM.
This does not effect our second Embassy appointment, though. However, we are not very confident that things will be wrapped up in order to travel on the 11th. We keep praying, though.
So, this morning we slept in late and went out to look at more shops. After a nice lunch with the Lockwoods, we continued shopping until 2 and took a cab home.
The afternoon was supposed to be nap time. However, after a bottle, Chloe was more energetic than ever. So, we played all afternoon.
Not much else going on. Except to say that we are finally getting rain at least once a day. The thunder and lightning is still very far off in the distance, so the rain does not last long. We enjoy it, though.
In fact, walking back to the hotel last night in a mild shower was pretty fun. Chloe was singing all the way!
We received a call last night around 8PM from our escort saying that we would not be going to the medical appointment with the others. Chloe's passport was not ready yet, since her paperwork was begun a day after the other two children. We will be going tomorrow at 1 PM.
This does not effect our second Embassy appointment, though. However, we are not very confident that things will be wrapped up in order to travel on the 11th. We keep praying, though.
So, this morning we slept in late and went out to look at more shops. After a nice lunch with the Lockwoods, we continued shopping until 2 and took a cab home.
The afternoon was supposed to be nap time. However, after a bottle, Chloe was more energetic than ever. So, we played all afternoon.
Not much else going on. Except to say that we are finally getting rain at least once a day. The thunder and lightning is still very far off in the distance, so the rain does not last long. We enjoy it, though.
In fact, walking back to the hotel last night in a mild shower was pretty fun. Chloe was singing all the way!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
day 11 - - seeing the pagoda
Hi
Today, we got moving earlier beacuse we wanted to go in to the city before it got too hot.
We walked to the nearby lake, crossed a nice bridge , and saw a very beautiful pagoda. We spent sometime on this little island in the middle of the lake.
Lunch was very nice in some air conditioning, which we needed alot.
We then did some good shopping and got some deals. We are doing well walking the streets today.
Back to the room by taxi and had some playing time.
Evening will be quiet. Tomorrow morning, the babies have physicals for their VISA 's.
We miss you all and pray that we will be home soon.
Today, we got moving earlier beacuse we wanted to go in to the city before it got too hot.
We walked to the nearby lake, crossed a nice bridge , and saw a very beautiful pagoda. We spent sometime on this little island in the middle of the lake.
Lunch was very nice in some air conditioning, which we needed alot.
We then did some good shopping and got some deals. We are doing well walking the streets today.
Back to the room by taxi and had some playing time.
Evening will be quiet. Tomorrow morning, the babies have physicals for their VISA 's.
We miss you all and pray that we will be home soon.
day 10 - - U.S. Embassy
Hi
Today, was a busy day at the Embassy.
The morning was very typical with sleeping late, going to breakfast, and playing.
We all had our first appointment at the U.S. Embassy at 2:30 PM.
Everything went smoothly. We are now waiting for the second VISA interview. We will not know when that will be. It could be on Thursday, Friday, or next week. Alot of clearance checking going on.
When we got back, it was time for a bit of quiet time and dinner.
These days seem to go by very fast because of the scheduled events.
Today, was a busy day at the Embassy.
The morning was very typical with sleeping late, going to breakfast, and playing.
We all had our first appointment at the U.S. Embassy at 2:30 PM.
Everything went smoothly. We are now waiting for the second VISA interview. We will not know when that will be. It could be on Thursday, Friday, or next week. Alot of clearance checking going on.
When we got back, it was time for a bit of quiet time and dinner.
These days seem to go by very fast because of the scheduled events.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
day 9 - - warm clothes for Chloe
Hello all,
This morning, the three of us went searching for long pants and clothes for Chloe for the plane ride home. On the way over, both Mommy and Daddy had to use blankets to be comfortable.
A cab took us to the big mall. All American stores in a 5 story mall. Unfortunately, the prices were also American. So, we went walking looking for a steet that is known for baby stores. We had a nice walk along the lake, and happened to be at the same restaurant as a couple nights ago.
After lunch, we tried one more time to find the street. We finally found it, but they had no clothes. But, Daddy is getting pretty comfortable crossing the steets with traffic coming at him.
We came home and Chloe took a nice nap. She spent the rest of the afternoon playing and watching the Sound of Music. She really enjoys musicals!
Dinner was with the Lockwoods in the city. We finally found a small shop that had clothes for baby Chloe!
She likes playing more before bed time, and is not as eager to go to sleep as a couple day ago. But, she finally went down and we put her in her crib for the first time at night.
The three of us slept straight through to around 7 AM.
Chloe is doing great and charming anyone she sees!
This morning, the three of us went searching for long pants and clothes for Chloe for the plane ride home. On the way over, both Mommy and Daddy had to use blankets to be comfortable.
A cab took us to the big mall. All American stores in a 5 story mall. Unfortunately, the prices were also American. So, we went walking looking for a steet that is known for baby stores. We had a nice walk along the lake, and happened to be at the same restaurant as a couple nights ago.
After lunch, we tried one more time to find the street. We finally found it, but they had no clothes. But, Daddy is getting pretty comfortable crossing the steets with traffic coming at him.
We came home and Chloe took a nice nap. She spent the rest of the afternoon playing and watching the Sound of Music. She really enjoys musicals!
Dinner was with the Lockwoods in the city. We finally found a small shop that had clothes for baby Chloe!
She likes playing more before bed time, and is not as eager to go to sleep as a couple day ago. But, she finally went down and we put her in her crib for the first time at night.
The three of us slept straight through to around 7 AM.
Chloe is doing great and charming anyone she sees!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Hi
Here is a link to the web site of another family we're traveling with, in case you want to check it out too:
http://thelockwoodhome.com
Here is a link to the web site of another family we're traveling with, in case you want to check it out too:
http://thelockwoodhome.com
day 8 - - a morning with the kids
Hi
Well, the women of the group decided to go shopping this morning before it got too hot. So, the two dads took care of Chloe, Clara ( daughter of another mom), Eli and Katie ( the two year old). Luckily, the experienced dad of Eli and Katie was there to handle most of the work. It worked out fine, and the women got some good clothes. They began to learn the fine art of negotiating with the shopkeepers.
Daddy and Chloe got some good bonding time.
The afternoon was an adventure into the big city of Hanoi. The three of us did some shopping on the streets. After an hour of sweating, we took a cab ride home.
The evening had a nice meal in the restaurant.
Chloe is now completely mobile. She crawls around a lot and is very happy. Restaurants are now more exciting because she wants to move around so much. More fun for Mommy and Daddy.
We really love our girl and look forward to seeing you.
Well, the women of the group decided to go shopping this morning before it got too hot. So, the two dads took care of Chloe, Clara ( daughter of another mom), Eli and Katie ( the two year old). Luckily, the experienced dad of Eli and Katie was there to handle most of the work. It worked out fine, and the women got some good clothes. They began to learn the fine art of negotiating with the shopkeepers.
Daddy and Chloe got some good bonding time.
The afternoon was an adventure into the big city of Hanoi. The three of us did some shopping on the streets. After an hour of sweating, we took a cab ride home.
The evening had a nice meal in the restaurant.
Chloe is now completely mobile. She crawls around a lot and is very happy. Restaurants are now more exciting because she wants to move around so much. More fun for Mommy and Daddy.
We really love our girl and look forward to seeing you.
Friday, August 3, 2007
day 7 - - keeping entertained
Hello,
Today was a good day. Chloe is getting us used to her eating, sleeping, and playing habits. After a great breakfest, we played in the room all morning. It is nice to play with her instead of distracting her so she won't be upset.
Lunch was with the families at a local restaurant.
The afternoons can get long for all of us, when there is no nap. Around 3 we went to the lobby to give all three of us some distraction. Chloe loves to climb on Mommy and Daddy! It makes sense that she gets bored with just the two of us in a room all day. She is used to alot of action and people around.
Evening was spent at a restaurant on the river. All of us enjoyed the warm evening.
Bath time, feeding,and bed followed and wrapped up around 8.
Today was a good day. Chloe is getting us used to her eating, sleeping, and playing habits. After a great breakfest, we played in the room all morning. It is nice to play with her instead of distracting her so she won't be upset.
Lunch was with the families at a local restaurant.
The afternoons can get long for all of us, when there is no nap. Around 3 we went to the lobby to give all three of us some distraction. Chloe loves to climb on Mommy and Daddy! It makes sense that she gets bored with just the two of us in a room all day. She is used to alot of action and people around.
Evening was spent at a restaurant on the river. All of us enjoyed the warm evening.
Bath time, feeding,and bed followed and wrapped up around 8.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Day 6 - - busy travelers
Hello all,
What a busy day! We left for the airport at 11:30 AM. All families were ready for a day of traveling.
We arrived in Hanoi around 4 PM. Following advice given about takeoffs and landings, we had two bottles ready to be given to baby Chloe. She ate the first before we got on the plane, though. She was working on the second when we took off, and of course fell asleep soon after. She was out until we were at the gate in Hanoi. She is now referred to as the perfect traveler!
Hanoi is much different from DaNang. We got to see alot of the city on the ride to the hotel. This will be a nice place to stay for awhile.
The hotel is very big and fancy. We have alot of room for movement and keeping everyone happy. There are other adoptive families here, so this must be a popular place for waiting for Embassy appointments.
After arrival at the hotel, a hungry Chloe looked at the lobby with Daddy while Mommy had to do a half hour worth of paperwork for the appointment. We did not get to eat until 6, and by that time, we were in nitetime mode.
We have been informed that the Embassy is backlogged with paperwork. Our appointment is on Monday, and we have to wait for processing until we leave. They said not to be suprised if it takes a week. So, that would mean that our arrival in the States on the 11th might not happen. We will give you further updates on this next week, but for now, we are going into relax mode and enjoy the country of Vietnam.
Chloe is all smiles now! Be prepared to have your hearts melt. She has a large assortment of faces, smiles, sounds, and actions that will steal your heart.
Still eating great and sleeping 10-12 hours at night.
Chloe say hi to all of you and look forward to meeting you !
We miss you all.
What a busy day! We left for the airport at 11:30 AM. All families were ready for a day of traveling.
We arrived in Hanoi around 4 PM. Following advice given about takeoffs and landings, we had two bottles ready to be given to baby Chloe. She ate the first before we got on the plane, though. She was working on the second when we took off, and of course fell asleep soon after. She was out until we were at the gate in Hanoi. She is now referred to as the perfect traveler!
Hanoi is much different from DaNang. We got to see alot of the city on the ride to the hotel. This will be a nice place to stay for awhile.
The hotel is very big and fancy. We have alot of room for movement and keeping everyone happy. There are other adoptive families here, so this must be a popular place for waiting for Embassy appointments.
After arrival at the hotel, a hungry Chloe looked at the lobby with Daddy while Mommy had to do a half hour worth of paperwork for the appointment. We did not get to eat until 6, and by that time, we were in nitetime mode.
We have been informed that the Embassy is backlogged with paperwork. Our appointment is on Monday, and we have to wait for processing until we leave. They said not to be suprised if it takes a week. So, that would mean that our arrival in the States on the 11th might not happen. We will give you further updates on this next week, but for now, we are going into relax mode and enjoy the country of Vietnam.
Chloe is all smiles now! Be prepared to have your hearts melt. She has a large assortment of faces, smiles, sounds, and actions that will steal your heart.
Still eating great and sleeping 10-12 hours at night.
Chloe say hi to all of you and look forward to meeting you !
We miss you all.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
day 5 - - the first 24 hours
Hello,
First of all, we would like to thank all of you who have followed us so far. The pictures were taken by one of the other families with us. Thanks to them, and their thoughtfulness.
Chloe had a nice evening with the other family ( as did Mom and Dad). She went to sleep at 7 PM, got some formula at 4 AM, and finally woke up at 6 or 7. She is eating well, and sleeping great.
Her schedule is off, though, so we are having some problems with naptime this afternoon.
We all went for lunch at a restaurant on the river. It is cooler today.
Tomorrow, we leave for Hanoi at 11:30 AM. This is our final destination, because it is where the U.S. Embassy is. Everything is on schedule for now.
We made it through the first 24 hours, which they say are the hardest. A few smiles today, more vocal, and atttaching nicely. In fact, she likes close contact all the time. She holds on tight most times. Oh, and she got her first bath today! I guess with a busy day like this, she would be a little grumpy in the afternoon.
First of all, we would like to thank all of you who have followed us so far. The pictures were taken by one of the other families with us. Thanks to them, and their thoughtfulness.
Chloe had a nice evening with the other family ( as did Mom and Dad). She went to sleep at 7 PM, got some formula at 4 AM, and finally woke up at 6 or 7. She is eating well, and sleeping great.
Her schedule is off, though, so we are having some problems with naptime this afternoon.
We all went for lunch at a restaurant on the river. It is cooler today.
Tomorrow, we leave for Hanoi at 11:30 AM. This is our final destination, because it is where the U.S. Embassy is. Everything is on schedule for now.
We made it through the first 24 hours, which they say are the hardest. A few smiles today, more vocal, and atttaching nicely. In fact, she likes close contact all the time. She holds on tight most times. Oh, and she got her first bath today! I guess with a busy day like this, she would be a little grumpy in the afternoon.
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