We are Home

Hello All,

I am sorry it has taken me so long to post but between jet lag, vertigo and an active 13 month old; I haven't had much time to sit, let alone type. Jon posted a few updated pictures for you to view. (Isn't she beautiful?) It is so amazing what 2 weeks of love, attention, and good nutrition will do. Thanks to Tad and Chu our trip was amazingly smoothe. Or should I say, they were able to handle all the glitches with professional and determined tact; therefore our trip was able to be completed smoothly and without interuption. Thanks Tad, Chu, and everyone who has been there with us through this incredible journey.

Ann

Hi everyone. This is Jon. Ann is in Vietnam now anxiously awaiting the G&R. Tad was gracious enough to send us a couple of updated pics that we wanted to share with you. We should know and have more to share tomorrow.

Greetings from Hanoi

Hello All,

I made it to Vietnam!!!! I met with our agency director today after he visited the orphanage. He was able to bring me an updated picture of Brooke. I will try to upload it as soon as he is able to send it to me via e-mail. She is so adorable!!! He tells me she is about 16 pounds, is able to sit alone, stand while holding on to something but is not yet walking. I can not express in words the excitement I am feeling right now....to know that tomorrow I will be able to hold my little girl. The G&R is suppose to be scheduled for tomorrow but we still do not have a time yet. If it gets posted poned, we are still going to go visit. It will be so hard to hold Brooke and then have to leave her.

Cleared for Take off

We finally got our Giving and Receiving Date!!!!! On Tuesday, August 12.....Thi Lan (also known as Brooke) will officially become a member of our family. I am leaving Friday and will arrive in Hanoi on Sunday, giving me Monday to acclimate to Vietnam before picking up our precious little girl. There are not words to express the excitement and joy in my heart right now. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel and meet each other for the first time.

Ann

I'm coming Brooke

I am so excited to tell everyone we got our approval to go pick up Brooke this morning. Yes, my bags are packed and I'm ready to go. I sent for my visa today and are hoping to get the date for the Giving and Receiving Ceremony tomorrow. I am hoping to leave on Wednesday and arrive on Friday, so I can acclimate to Vietnam and sight see a little before the ceremony. I will keep you posted. I'm coming Brooke!!!!!!!!

Ann

Brooke Turns One

Brooke turned one yesterday as most of the United States celebrated Independence Day. To celebrate, Jon and I along with my brother and future sister in law went shopping for birthday presents. We bought many "stimulating" and "sensory" toys as well as bath toys. Daddy picked out a special stuffed animal....guess what it is???? A cuddly frog:) for our little tadpole. I hope little Ms. Thi loves it as much as we love her. I also ordered her a Vietnamese doll from E-bay. I can't wait to bring her home. Let's keep our fingers crossed for good news this week. Happy Birthday Brooke Thi. We love you!!!!!