Pictures and Update!

Yea! We finally figured out the problem with our phone and now we have everything working. Rick was also able to send a few pictures but then the computer jammed up on him again. He said he will try again tomorrow. I am thrilled with what I get! (You should be able to click on each image in the blog and they will individually enlarge).

They enjoyed the Mekong Delta and on the way home mom (matter of factly) mentioned how she would love to see the inside of one of the houses. Thuy said....lets pull over and go through this one! Mom and Rick were telling her that they didn't mean "literally" and felt it would be so imposing on the family. She explained to them that the people there are very friendly and would love for them to come to their home. They got to go through their home and they said it was amazing. They said they slept on wooden boards and there were two inch cracks in the walls and floors. They were very welcoming and so happy to have them in their house. Thuy and her husband have been so amazing on their trip. They have taken them wherever they wanted to go and are so efficient. CHI has taken such good care of them on their trip and the staff in the US and Vietnam should be commended. Rick said he was talking to some people in their hotel from another agency and they asked Rick ..."how do you all get to all of these places and how do you know where to go, etc"? Rick told them it was just part of the adoption process through CHI. They were shocked and said they had nothing like that provided for them. We appreciate it so much because it gives us such a great appreciation and love for the culture and country our child is from. Mom and Rick have fallen in love with Vietnam and we all plan to go there as a family when Jake gets old enough that he will remember the trip. Thank you CHI for everything you have done for us!

Yesterday they took Jake to the zoo. They rode an elephant and Jake fed it peanuts and sugar cane....he had no fear at all. He now loves his stroller....at first they couldn't get him to stay in it. When they were in the park, they saw what they "thought" were bunny rabbits....then Rick said, "oh, wait...Jake that isn't a bunny...they are Rats!"....wow!

Rick said Jake is absolutely unbelievable. He said he is very very busy but it is in the typical 18 month way. He is very curious and full of life. One story I forgot to mention is that Rick has been trying to brush Jake's teeth...and he can't stand it! Mom keeps telling Rick..."come on, he hasn't brushed his teeth this far so don't push it now...we will work him in to that at home!"....well, Mr Persistent tried again after breakfast and Jake threw up all over Rick! Mom couldn't help but get a chuckle out of it. The funny part of it now is that every time Rick brushes his own teeth...Jake sees him and runs and hides behind the bed or runs to Ma (his protector of the toothbrush!).

Mom and Rick said he is absolutely the sweetest and happiest guy you could meet. He never cries at all. He can't communicate with them very well verbally (but great at signing to them) but he understands everything they tell him. Thuy said he is speaking single Vietnamese words but Rick and mom just don't know what he is saying. They called the other night and the only English word he knows is "HI" and just as we got all the kids on the phone Jake said, "HI HI HI!" . Nadia, Mia and Luke all started giggling and jumping up and down. He has told dad and I hi and we can hear him belly laughing as he plays ball with Rick. He has the greatest laugh! Rick called this morning and feels sure Jake looked at him and said, "Daddy!". Mom said Jake has really taken to Rick. I love it!

We prayed for this child for two years and God has truly answered our prayers. Our family already feels blessed to have him and most of us haven't even met him. He was loved and cared for in the orphanage, healthy and happy....God is so good. Have a great Sunday. Natalie


Rick and Jake at the Delta
Jake after the G&R Ceremony
Jake loves to drink water from a straw!
Vietnam Staff member
G&R Ceremony