Day 6 - Lots of running around

We did a lot of running around today and met with Dat (the man who will be facilitating the adoption tomorrow).  We are feeling very excited but also very nervous and anxious about all of the paper work.  Please pray that everything will go smoothly.

So excited to meet our daughter!!

Day 3,4,5 - Halong Bay

David and I have been without internet connection for the last few days.  We travelled east to cruise Halong Bay.  We had a wonderful time together.  It was nice to be away from the busyness of Hanoi and see another part of Vietnam.

Some of the highlights of our cruise included exploring a cave, visiting a fishing village, kayaking and swimming.  Here is a video of us jumping off our boat together.  

Day 2 - Old town Hanoi

It's 4am and we're jet-lagged so here we are blogging.  We began our day with a cyclo ride around town.  It was nice sitting in the cyclo, not having to worry about where to walk.  Despite the lawlessness on the road, I somehow felt safe under the red umbrella of my cyclo.  We stopped at a tailor where David will have a suit made.  It was fun picking out fabrics and colours.

I'm still amazed at what people can carry on their scooters.  We talked about this on the phone with Isaiah and Adam so these next few pictures are for you boys.  

Day 1 - We've arrived!

Here is a picture outside our hotel.  As you can see, scooters are a very popular form of transportation.  I've seen many families riding with their babies on their scooters.  I find this fascinating considering I just tossed my infant car seat because it expired.  Very different standards.

 
We're staying in old Hanoi.  It is very lively and exciting to explore.  We can't walk on the side walks because there are street vendors and that's where people park their scooters.  This leaves us to walking on the street which is very intimidating but I think I'll get the hang of it.  No one really stops.  It's a sort of weaving skill.  No sudden movements.  Make your way to the other side of the street one step at a time.  When in doubt, we shadow a local, especially crossing the big intersections.  

I love the hats.  I love seeing people sell fruit on the back of their bicycles.  It's so exciting to be here!

This is troubling.  How does it all connect?

We are just waking up now for our first full day in Hanoi.  I feel much better than yesterday and am ready to explore.  We have a few days to ourselves before we pick up Victoria so we will take advantage of some kid-free time.  

Pictures and Videos of Victoria

Since it's official that Victoria will be our child, I feel it's okay now to post the first pictures and videos that we received of Victoria.

Our very first picture of Victoria at 4 months old

6 months old

9 months old

9 months old

We will get Victoria at 11 months old and judging by how much she has changed in all of her pictures, I bet she looks even more different now.  Can't wait to see her!

We got the call!!

We got the call and will be leaving for Hanoi, Vietnam at 12:40am Monday morning!
We are so incredibly excited that this day has finally come.  It has been a lot of waiting and now we are in a mad rush to get everything organized for the trip.  I am already booked to work for the whole week, otherwise I would have taken this week off to get everything done.  So this week is going to be crazy.

We don't actually get Victoria until the 1st of December but found cheap tickets leaving on the 24th and decided that this was an opportunity for David and I to have some time together.  I'm going to miss the boys so much.  I can't even think about it because it makes me so emotional.  I know they will be well looked after and have fun with the grandparents but still, it's tough for a mommy who hasn't been away from them longer than one night.

So exciting!!!

Happy Birthday Adam!

The photos say it all about Adam's big personality.  I just love this little man.  He brings me so much joy.

Weekend Walking

We did a lot of walking on the weekend.  On both Saturday and Sunday we walked the trails at Burnaby Mountain.  Of course, stuffed animals came along.  We love spending time outside, especially when it isn't raining.  While we were walking, we imagined having Victoria with us.  It won't be long.  We look forward to building memories with her.

DA has issued final letter

Exciting news!

The department in Vietnam has issued the final letter in regards to our adoption.  We are now awaiting for the Thai Nguyen province (where Victoria's orphanage is) to schedule a giving and receiving ceremony so that we can book our flights.  The estimated travel time is end of this month or early December.  So excited!!

Prayer needs:

1) We are still awaiting for Part 1 of our Citizenship application for Victoria.  We could still travel without this but it could complicate things.  We would then be applying for Victoria to become a permanent resident which would mean we would likely spend more time in Vietnam.  This would be upsetting because we do not want to be away from the boys for an extended period of time.  Please pray that we will receive this soon!!

2)  It has been very busy around home lately.  I have been working full time to help with the adoption costs.  Anyone who has children knows how hard it is to balance work and family life.  Although we do not like to think of money when it comes to welcoming home our third child, the adoption has been a huge financial burden.  Please pray that we would trust God in His provision and that we would not become overwhelmed with the financial aspect of the adoption.