Happy New Year

Jake is really adjusting better each day. He is a very happy little guy and is starting to realize that there is "6" of it in his new forever family. He couldn't quite understand in the beginning why we were all here....."shouldn't it just be me and daddy?" was the look he had for the first couple of days. He will now let me feed him, hold him and put him down for his naps and bedtime. He hasn't even cried the last couple of days when he knows it is bedtime.

We are still struggling with his "fits" ...he isn't sure of how to handle his frustrations or anger when things don't go exactly the way he wants them to....his natural instinct from the orphanage is to "fight to survive". They had to be strong willed to keep the toys they had or they might lose it to a bigger older kid! He is still not confident that we are not going to come up to him and take his things....so he will occasionally hit, throw, scream or open his mouth as he might bite. Our other three children never went through this so I am not completely sure of how to handle it! James Dobson to the Rescue!!! I am getting one of his books this week! I am using some of the methods taught to us through Growing Kids God's Way and they have been working. We used them on our other children and had much success with them. It is what we used on the bedtime training with Jake and he got it in two days! We have been correcting Jake in his fits and then he turns into a "noodle" and scoots across the floor screaming. Wow! It can be overwhelming at times but I have been staying very calm and helping him work through it. I know it sounds like he is having a hard time but I need to make myself clear that this has gone from numerous times a day to no more than 2-3 times a day. Most of the time he plays just fine and is very happy, giggly and cuddly. He will actually leave Rick long enough to go into the other rooms and play with the other children on his own and he has fun!

Today is my first day with Jake alone! Rick had to go back to work today and we took the other kids to ma and pa's house to be with all their cousins on New Years. We got home sooooo late last night and Jake is still sleeping! I can't wait to give him all of my attention and to see how he reacts when he has to be "totally" dependent on "mommy"! I pray he fully accepts me and gets an even stronger bond with me this week. Slow and steady wins the race and I am willing to do what it takes. I keep reminding myself that it is hard to trust women when you have been abandoned by your birth mother (for the hopes of a better life), the caregiver in the orphanage he was loved by so much gave him up for a better life (he doesn't understand that yet) SO, why would he trust this other new woman? He has been through a lot and I begin each day and end each day with a prayer for God to soften his heart to completely trust me and to give me the patience he will need from me until he is fully ready to totally accept me.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Year. We are excited to see what 2008 brings us. We know just having our family complete and together will bring us much joy. May God bless each of you.


Brothers!
Jake says "YEA" and Luke says "Do I have to share all my toys?"
Mommy on her birthday...best present ever....all my kids together!
Jake in his favorite spot...stuck on daddy like glue!

New Motto: One day at a time!

Well, with each day, things are getting a little smoother. It has taken me a while to find my way back to the computer but I actually found some time tonight. Never mind the kitchen, messy house and piles of laundry! Not only is Jake adjusting to his new life, we all are. He is a very sweet boy and is warming up a little more each day. He is so attached to Rick it has taken him a while to want to go to anyone else. Considering his past, he simply doesn't know who is truly "forever" and he doesn't want to let go of what he knows he loves and needs (to him it is his daddy). However, last night I was able to put him to bed and I was successful tonight too....not that it happened quickly...but it happened and with less tears tonight. He is even giving me hugs and kisses! Although I knew to expect this, it is harder for me than I expected. It was wonderful tonight when Rick was sitting in the same room and he came to me for something and didn't even seem to notice Rick! We were both thrilled! He loves his sisters and brother. It is taking everyone some adjusting to the fact that we can't just "get up and go" anymore...we have a new schedule and needs to be met. I must say the kids have been incredibly patient and understanding. We do know that with a lot of love, hugs and kisses.....oh and a lot of patience, things will continue to get better every day.

Jake is still off his schedule. He did so good sleeping in Vietnam but at home he thinks day is night and night is day. He has sat up in bed two nights now singing lullabies in Vietnamese and clapping his hands until 4:30 am. Needless to say, mommy has dark circles under her eyes and has worn sweat pants for two days! The sweetest moment was when I opened my eyes one night and he was staring at me and he said "ma ma"! He melted my heart.

Considering that he has grown up in an orphanage for the first 18 months of his life, we think he is doing great. There are a lot of things he must "relearn" but we are already working on them. Children in orphanages must learn to be "fighters" to survive....they have to fight to keep their toys, to get attention and some for nourishment. Jake is learning that he gets to keep his toys...no one is taking them away, to share other's toys (without hitting or yanking away) and that there is always food to eat....he sometimes will crawl under the table and eat crumbs off the floor even with a full tummy. He always cleans his plate and sometimes what is left on the other kid's plates! He still hides some of his new toys in "Jake piles" b/c he is afraid someone might take them. However, we can see that he is slowly beginning to trust us. And for those who have been following the blog....he now brushes his teeth! Yes, he will even show them to Rick and give him a big teeth smile!

Today was his first ride around town to get use to his carseat.....he hates being restrained! He doesn't like carseats or highchairs ...BUT....today we were successful with both....no tears in either seat! HOORAY! This was a big accomplishment for all of us! I know it sounds silly but we have learned that the littlest accomplishments mean soooo much to all of us. There are just so many things you have to deal with when you adopt a child who is a toddler and has been raised in an orphanage their whole life. However, I will tell you , with all the tears shed and lack of sleep....it is all worth it. He is such a blessing and he is a very happy little boy.

Jake is use to being the center of attention at the orphanage after being the "favorite" and he has had to learn that his siblings are important too. One thing he loved at the orphanage is the director would have Jake stand in the middle of a circle with all the other children and adults surrounding him and they would jump up and down with their hands in the air and shout "SON SON SON SON SON"! Jake would jump in the center and scream with excitement...it meant that he was being celebrated, exciting time, joy! Each evening we circle him and we all jump up and down and shout "JAKE JAKE JAKE JAKE" .....he starts jumping up and down, screaming and clapping...he gets so excited. We want him to know he is special to all of us too. He has a great belly laugh and the most beautiful smile and he shares it with us most of the day. His excitement for life and his new family is so pure and it truly melts our hearts. Rick looked at me the other night, totally exhausted, and with his sweet sleepy eyes he was looking at Jake and said, "All he wants in life is to be loved". We promise to love him our entire lives and it was our mission when we decided to adopt that if we could make the difference in even one child's life to let them know we believe it is so important to feel loved and to know God's love, then we have served our purpose. Please continue to pray for each of us as we adjust to our new life as a family of 6. For those of you who missed CBS news special on Jake's arrival home you can click on the link below. I haven't been able to get a link to the ABC story.


Family Gets Long Awaited Christmas Present
http://www.kfsm.com/Global/story.asp?s=7537489

or
http://www.kfsm.com

Oh, and to all the mother's of internationally adopted children that I have met through Children's Hope International who have been writing me, thank you for words of encouragement and advice. You have made each day so much easier for us. I have reread many of your letters over and over. You are an incredible source of support!

Another interview for ABC

I just wanted to let you know that our local ABC channel 40/29 ...channel 7 if you have cable.....will be airing another interview on Christmas at either 6 pm or 10 pm. They are making it their Christmas story. We are all very tired but glad to have done the interviews. Jake is adjusting but still a little unsure of all of his new surroundings and family. He is now getting a cold and not feeling the greatest. He is still stuck to Rick like glue! I will update more later....just been very very busy since they got back. Kids can't wait to open presents. Have a very Merry Christmas and I hope to post new pictures soon. Natalie

Bringing Jake Home Televised Tonight

Just letting everyone know in Fort Smith that two news stations were at the airport last night filming "Bringing Jake Home" and Channel 5 was here today. They will be airing the story tonight on channel 5 at 10 pm. Natalie

In Flight from LA to Dallas

Just letting everyone know that is following the blog and curious about their arrival that they are in flight from LA to Dallas. Their flights have been delayed due to the strong winds. We don't know when or if they will get to leave Dallas yet. We are all about to go crazy around here right now! We are hesitant to leave for Fayetteville just yet and will follow more closely as the time gets near. We received a call from Channel 5 today and have been asked to do a story our on adoption journey and they may be at the airport tonight. If it gets too late, they are planning on being at our house tomorrow at 1 pm to do an interview. I know they are all going to be so tired but thought it would make a nice positive Christmas story. Please pray for safe flights during this bad weather. Anxiously awaiting, Natalie

Finally back in the states

Well, Rick, mom and Jake are now in LA. They had a really great flight and slept much of the way home. They said they feel like it should be 10 in the morning even though it is 11 pm at night. Jake is running around pushing buttons and discovering all the new things he has never seen. We could hear him quite well in the background...he was having fun! While going through immigration, he was so hungry that he got in Rick's bag and pulled out his formula can and bottle and trying to figure out how he could make one for himself! The children in Vietnam stay on the bottle until they are 3-4 years old which may seem unusual to most Americans but we will keep him on his bottle for a while so that it will provide comfort to him and good bonding time between mom and Jake. We are all so excited to see them we can't sleep....as you can see I am posting this blog at 1:30 am....and Nadia is sitting next to me!!! I know it sounds crazy but I have been "nesting" with this adoption just as I did when I was pregnant. I have been vacuuming, washing sheets, organizing....pretty much cleaning anything I can get my hands on! It is crazy!!! Well, I guess I should sign off for now. I just wanted everyone to know that they made it back to the states safely. Please pray for safe travels all the way back to Arkansas. Have a great weekend. I know we will! Natalie

They got the Visa!!!!!

Yea! The good ole' USA came through and got the Visa done for Jake! Rick just called and is on the way back to the hotel with Jake to pick up mom and luggage and then head to the airport. They wouldn't allow mom to go...only parents of adopted children. They will call one more time before leaving Hanoi and heading to Hong Kong and then on to LA. They should be in LA Fri night...they will gain a day. They have had a wonderful experience and everything went so smooth...even in a stressful time CHI was able to get things done. Thank you Nicky for everything you have done to help us and for putting up with my many calls and emails. You have been incredible. The staff in Vietnam has been incredible too. We appreciate all of you who helped bring Jake home and who have been a part of this from day one.

Thrilled and grateful mom of four,
Natalie

Pictures

I have had a few people email me and tell me they can't few some of the images so I thought I would try to resend those again. Enjoy!

Riding the elephant
Woman working on the street
Boat ride down the Mekong Delta
Momma's sweet boy
Mom and Jake early in the morning
Mom holding a snake!

Nervously waiting for Visa

Well, it is a little stressful today. I got a call from Rick and as they went down to the lobby yesterday to meet to go to the U.S. Embassy to have their appointment for Jake's Visa they were told that the Embassy had canceled their appointment. We knew they had to have it because it typically takes a full day to get the paperwork to leave the country. They have an appointment Friday at 3 pm and have to have all their interviews and process the paperwork to get his visa in two hours since they close at 5 pm. Their flight leaves at 7 pm! We don't even know if they will give them the visa the same day. The biggest problem with all of this is that the Embassy is closing their office until next Wednesday for the holidays. They had told our agency they would only be closed for Christmas and New Year's Day....somehow things changed in between that fax . Please pray that they are able to get all of this done tomorrow in record time of two hours! If not, they will have to stay 5 extra days and miss Christmas. It won't give Rick much time at home before he goes back to work for Jake to adjust to me. We are all very stressed at this time and are asking for prayers that this will work out. Rick will call me tonight at 5 am to let me know if it happens. I posted a few more pictures. Rick doesn't have any email access in Hanoi so we are only communicating via phone. I don't think I will have many more photos to post until they get back...which I pray is Sat night. I will keep everyone updated as we find out more information. Thanks so much. Natalie

Happy Boy!
Rick and Jake eating at an Italian Restaurant
City street in HCMC
The hospital where Jake got his medical exam

They are in Hanoi

I am finally back! It has been a very busy week and I am starting to feel the effects of being a single parent! Rick said they are doing great. They have had a very busy schedule but are having a blast. They finally received Jake's passport and got his medical exam completed. Just before they were leaving to take him to the doctor Jake tripped over Rick's shoe and busted his lip open! Rick said it looks better already. They said he is still the happiest little guy. Rick said he is very active but never cries and just goes with the flow. Mom has bought him quite a few new toys and said he is so curious and interested in them. She said he likes to get all his new things and place them in a "Jake pile" and hides them in a drawer. I think he must be use to having to compete for toys and is going to protect what is now his own.

We had one more incident the other day. Rick, mom and Jake were anxiously wanting to go see the "American War Museum" (better known to us as The Vietnam War) and Thuy told them to be down in the lobby at 2 pm. She said that instead of taking them to the museum she was taking them back to the orphanage. The caregiver was still having a really hard time and the director was wanting to see him again too. Rick called me because we didn't want to put Jake through this again and we didn't want him to go back from all the progress he had made. My mom absolutely did not want to go and we decided against it. Once Rick told Thuy our decision she seemed very distressed and told Rick it would cause a conflict and encouraged him to please go. I spoke with our agency and they said this was very unusual and really didn't recommend it either. However, after much convincing, mom and Rick agreed to go but for only 30 minutes. Once they arrived they were all waiting on him and his mama-nana presented him with a traditional Vietnamese silk outfit. Mom said it was very emotional once again. Jake did run to her and was happy to see her and I think it was a little hard on Rick(but completely understood). He didn't leave his side the entire time...so much so that he didn't even get to take any pictures. They all celebrated his return but after 30 minutes Rick decided it was time to go. Rick said they were really glad they went in the end because they had made it really special and it was so important for all of them to see him one final time. When it was time to go, Rick called Jake and not knowing what to expect....lots of tears or struggle.....Jake turned to Rick and ran to his daddy. When they told me this I cried. He knows who is daddy is and he was ready to leave. It is our hope that this provided some comfort to all the people who loved him so much. I have promised to send letters and pictures for a while as they go through their grieving process. We are truly grateful for the love they had for our son and we know it is the reason that Jake has transitioned so beautifully. He seems so happy and at peace with his new family just as we do. Thuy did promise to take them to the museum the next morning before their flight and they really enjoyed the museum.

They flew out of HCMC and are now in Hanoi. They said it is very different from HCMC. Obviously being North Vietnam it is much cooler, but Rick said it just has a completely different feel to it. He said there are a lot more police walking around on the streets and even hotel. He thought it looked even more poor than HCMC. They are anxious to get up tomorrow and explore. They plan on seeing the Water Puppets tomorrow night and a few other things. They will receive Jake's Visa on Thursday and fly out Thursday night. I have posted a few more pictures and Rick is going to try to download some more before they leave. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a flight from LA to Fayetteville Friday night so they will have to stay in LA until Sat and if everything is on schedule arrive home 9pm Sat night in Fayetteville. I will keep you posted as were get closer and closer to bringing Jake home. Natalie



Mom early in the morning with Jake
Riding a boat down the Mekong Delta
Mom holding a snake!
Mom, Jake and Rick riding an elelphant! (Jake is somewhere in the middle! :) )
Woman on the street making a living.
Momma's sweet boy!

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

A couple of new photos

Well, I don't have a lot of new news because now we are having phone trouble! The phone worked great but now Rick can't get it to recharge. I called the hotel directly but Rick said he only catches about every 3rd word I say. I am working hard to see what I can get done to fix our problem. Computer is officially a problem I think can't be fixed. He was able to send two more pictures but it won't let him send any more. I think some other families are having the same problem too.

They went to the Mekong Delta and really enjoyed it. Didn't get all the details but he said it was really neat and he said they stopped at some really great place to eat. They keep going on and on about the food! He said Jake slept the whole way there and the whole way back but was awake at the Delta. Before Rick could even get him in bed last night, he turned around and Jake was laying on the floor half asleep....it was only 7:30! He isn't used to going all the time and is staying worn out. ( I think Rick is too...mom is doing the best!!!!)

Rick said the lady from the orphanage that cares so much for Jake is really having a hard time. He said when they went to the G&R ceremony she was waiting there for them. She asked if she could play with Jake outside and he agreed. After the ceremony they went back to the hotel and she was there too. She asked if she could take him to the park but Rick and mom thought it was best if they "all" went to the park. It was making Jake upset to see her and Rick felt like it was very confusing for Jake. Jake had not cried at all since they got him and the only time he has ever cried is when he was first taken away from her or when he saw her again. They stayed with Rick, mom and Jake for a while and then followed them through the markets as well. She came back to the hotel because she was afraid she had forgotten to tell Rick about his favorite snack and had brought it to him. She also said she decided to give them something that she thought we would cherish that few families ever have....she had taken pictures of Jake since he was a baby at the orphanage and decided to part with them so we could have them. This is amazing ....I would venture to guess that few people have as many pictures as we have received of our son at an early age. What an amazing, thoughtful and generous woman she is....she was thinking of us during her time of grief. Their guide over there said she had even called her the night before worried about him and wanted to know if he was eating okay or upset so she called Rick to check on Jake and reported back to his orphanage "mommy". Rick was a little hesitant to tell me all of this and at first I didn't quite know what to think. My heart truly aches for this woman. I know she loves him so much and I can not imagine what she is going through. My mother hugged her the last time she was there and told her that our family thanks her and loves her for taking care and loving Jake during the first 18 months of his life. She told her what a great gift she gave Jake and how it has helped him adjust so easily to his new family. She told her how much our family already loves him. Mom and Rick said it broke their heart when she left because they knew how hard it was for her to hold back her tears. She is such an amazing woman and our family will always be grateful for the love she has shown our son and we will always tell him about her. We are so blessed to have her pictures with Jake and a few things she sent with him. Although he was an orphan, he was truly blessed to be loved by so many and we will always be able to tell him from birth how special he was. Please pray for this woman so that she may be comforted in her time of loss and pray for her to have peace with Jake's new family.

Our precious son in his crib at Tam Bihn 1 orphanage.
Jake meeting Rick and Mom and saying goodbye to the orphanage director.

Hey...2 pictures are better than none!

Rick just called and they are heading out to the Mekong Delta. They are really excited. He said he has lots and lots of pictures but is still have trouble with the computer but he was able to send two to me today....better than nothing! They said Jake has completely come out of his shell. He is very silly and tries to make them laugh all the time. Rick said he is going to give Luke a run for his money! Rick said he plays lots of games with them too. He loves all the toys we took over there and won't leave the room without one in each hand. They said he is so incredibly happy and smiles often....doesn't shed a tear! Rick said he goes to bed perfectly and slept all night last night. We are all so anxious for them to come home. Rick will try to send more photos tomorrow. I have so much to tell but I promised the kids and dad for a ride to look at Christmas lights so we are heading out right now. I knew I would be getting more phone calls if I didn't get at least one picture posted! Have a great Friday night and I will post more soon. Natalie


Jake with his caregivers...the lady holding him is who he called "mommy"...she loves him dearly and please pray for her as she is having a very difficult time away from him. She is the lady who wanted to adopt him.

Jake a little concerned after they handed him to mom and Rick.

Getting Ready for the G & R Ceremony

We have spoken with Rick and mom several times this evening. They said Jake did great last night and got up only once for a feeding and then again at 6 am but cuddled up next to Rick in bed after his 6 am feeding. Rick said he is very affectionate and cuddly. Mom was thrilled because today he bonded with my mom. She has been carrying him through the markets today and when the people on the streets come up to them to say "lucky baby" or try to hold him (I have been told that the Vietnamese people love children and try to hold babies they don't even know often) he would turn his back to the strangers and wrap his arms around the neck of the person who was holding (either mom or Rick) and bury his head in their chest. Mom said it would just melt her when he would do that. She told me on the phone today "I am totally in love with this little guy!". He doesn't really talk yet (he makes sounds but they don't know what he is saying...but he does say "Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi") but communicates by pulling them by their hands and directing them to what he wants. Mom said she will do certain things with his toys and he watches her and will do the exact same thing when she is done...she said he is a "genious".. :) !!!! Rick has played an Elmo dvd on the laptop and said he is completely mesmerized by it and he loves books. We sent him a stuffed puppy and they said he absolutely will not part with it other than bathtime. He sat the puppy in a chair next to himself at breakfast today(apparently they don't have high chairs) When they tried to leave for breakfast and didn't have it he pulled mom over by her hand and tried to let her know "I am not leaving this room without my puppy in that crib!". A friend sent a sweet soft blanket with us and they said he won't part with it either. They said he is just doing great.....very easy going and sweet....oh and very smart :)!

Oh yea...back to the main topic...sorry I am getting carried away as a proud mommy...but the G&R Ceremony will take place Vietnam time today at 3 pm (2 am here). We will officially be ours as far as the Vietnamese government is concerned. I think they still have to get a medical exam and passports for him while in HCMC. They are planning on taking a trip down the Mekong Delta tomorrow. I just got off the phone and he was heading down to the lobby to see if someone could come up and help him with the laptop. He has downloaded all the pictures but he just can't get them to email....he is officially very frustrated right now! I had a sweet family member of one of the people traveling at the same time email me and let me know that they had a photo of Jake that her niece had taken so she forwarded it to me. I will post them now. It is of Jake in the little suit and bow tie they put him in when he met Rick and mom for the first time. Well, I will post more as I receive it and hopefully Rick can get the pictures sent soon. Natalie

A quick update from the last post

I spoke with Rick just now before they went to sleep. He said they got back to the hotel room and gave Jake a bath, "tried" to brush his teeth....had never had it done before and didn't like it, and met the other families out for dinner. They said the food was incredible and that Jake is being SOOOOO good. He won't go to mom yet and only wants Rick. Our agency told us this would be important so we are very grateful for this. He sat in Rick's lap and then they took a walk by the water and he didn't make a sound. They got back to the room tonight and he fell asleep in Rick's arms. Once Rick laid him in the crib he sat up to make sure he was still there and laid back down to go to sleep. Rick is having trouble with the computer and can't email or download pictures at this time but will send them as soon as he figures out the problem. He said they were too tired to even try tonight.

Rick gave me more details from the orphanage. We had been told that Son (Jake) was the assistant director's favorite...and Rick said it was true. He said actually he seemed to be the favorite of many. Many of the caregivers had a hard time seeing him leave. Rick said most of the kids are in old clothing that is too big etc and they had dressed him up in a suit with a bow tie for him to meet his new forever family. I can not wait to see this picture! She told Rick she wanted to adopt him and Son called her "mommy". She said he was "very very smart! and a "very lucky baby"". Rick said she may just be biased because she loved him so much but would like to believe he is going to be smart! We prayed for the entire wait that whoever God placed in in our family would feel loved while he waited on us and it has truly been an answer to our prayers. We are so grateful to her for loving our son and showing him how to bond with people. She has given him such a great gift.

I am going to call them tonight before we go to bed and when they are getting up and I will update more. They have the Giving and Receiving Ceremony tomorrow afternoon and as far as the Vietnamese government is concerned he will be officially ours. It will then be up to the US. I hope I will have some pictures to share with you. Have a great day. Natalie

They have Jake!

I know it is in the middle of the night but I just got off the phone with Rick and mom again and yes, I spoke to Jake! He didn't like the phone at all....he had never seen a cell phone before and he couldn't figure out what the sound was coming out of it saying, "Hi Son (his Vietnamese name)...it is Mommy!"....he pushed it away and wanted to look out the window. I will update more tomorrow on the events that took place when Rick took him from the assistant director...who loved him so much (he even called her momma). It was very emotional for everyone involved. They told Rick that she was actually in the process of trying to adopt him but then our paperwork came through and he was matched up with us and she decided to give him to us. I had written her a letter and given her a gift and the translator read it to her as Rick gave her the necklace. Needless to say, it was very emotional for her and mom and Rick tried to console her with hugs and words of comfort and thankfulness. I will tell you now that Jake is crying in the van and was a little distressed. Rick was trying to console him and tell me everything at the same time so I am going to call early in the morning(our time) and get more details. They are with a group of 4 other families and their children were with them too.

I found out that he doesn't like monkeys...they scare him! I had sent a toy monkey over to him but he doesn't like it at all! I don't even think they sent it with him. Good thing I decided against the monkey backpack and got one with airplanes! I put a puppy dog inside and Rick said he was holding on pretty tight to it. He had a bag of animal crackers and Rick said there was not a chance of him parting with those either! Oh..one other note....they said "rest up Nat"....he is BUSY...as I had been warned by others over there...they said when they got there he was running all over the place half dressed under tables and chairs etc. They got him all "fancy" and he came out with a bow tie on....I can't wait to get the pictures of him. I am tired and rambling but will update more as I hear from Rick. Please pray for Jake's comfort during this huge adjustment period. I know he must be so scared and confused right now and I desperately wish I was there to hold him. I just want his transition to be as easy as it can be. More later I promise. Natalie

THEY MADE IT!!!!

I just got off the phone with Rick and mom. They were in the car with their guide/translator pulling up the hotel. They said they were actually pretty rested and were going to make themselves stay up all day to get on "Vietnam" time. All they kept saying was it was so amazing. They said you would have to see it all to believe it. They said the flight was wonderful and that everyone on the plane was so polite, efficient and the food was excellent. Mom was so proud of herself because she was able to eat her entire meal in Hong Kong with chopsticks! The only bump was that Rick's luggage was torn up and the strap to pull it was torn off so he is having to carry it and Jake's luggage was ripped up too. Mom was so worried her luggage didn't make it because it was the last one unloaded. I am going to call them back in 30 minutes because they are unpacking and meeting down in the lobby to go to the orphanage at 2 pm (1 am our time). Rick was a little concerned because most families go to the orphanage and "receive" their child but he was told they were going to the orphanage to "meet" their child. He was going to check in to this after they got unpacked and showered. I am so much more relaxed now that I know they arrived safely, seem well rested and very excited. I will update more as I talk to them. I can't believe we will be parents of 4 very very soon. Natalie

And They Are Off!!!!!!

Well, today was the big day. The kids and I drove mom and Rick up to Fayetteville to fly out. We let the kids miss school so they could spend some time with Rick because he has been so busy at work and not had a lot of time at home. Everything went pretty smooth for check in but when it was time for "good bye's"....well, it was pretty rough. The girls got really upset and started crying. It got so bad that one of the employees came over and gave them mints to try to console them...he said he couldn't stand to see them so upset over their daddy leaving...pretty sweet guy. Luke was busy running under all the lane ropes and kept saying, "Is daddy and ma getting Jake?"! I did pretty good at holding it back at the airport and on the way home.....but when we walked into our empty house I have to admit I cried! I know it sounds silly but Rick and I have only been apart a couple of times for only a couple of days in almost 12 years. We are very excited about everything but it also a little overwhelming too. We have waited for this moment for almost two years and when it finally happens it is very hard to describe all of the emotions you go through. It is very hard for me not to be there with Rick but I know it is very important for me to be here for our other three children too.....especially after the day and night we have had...lots of tears shed.

Once we got home we decided to go to basketball practice to get our minds off of things and it did help. We then went to eat at our favorite Chinese restaurant and to see our friends who own it who are actually Vietnamese. They are so kind and it was comforting to see them tonight and let them know Rick and mom were off. They could tell we were having a "sad" night and were so good to talk to the kids.

It is completely hard for me to imagine...but tomorrow my sweet husband will be holding our new son. They are leaving Los Angeles in a couple of hours and flying to Hong Kong....should get there around 4 pm tomorrow (Wed) our time. They will have a couple of hours lay over and then on to HCMC, Vietnam by 10:35 am (9:30 pm our time). Rick thinks he will have Jake by noon and said he would call me tomorrow night on the way to the orphanage. I wish I could type into words how amazing this experience is for all of us. It is exciting, scary, overwhelming and joyous all at the same time. A friend of mine whom I have not even met...only through CHI via email.....was so kind to share words of encouragement with me this morning and it meant so much coming from someone who recently went through all of this.

Through this entire journey, God has shown us so much and brought so many wonderful people in to our lives. It is our hope that we can provide a life pleasing to God for Jake and that we can bless his life with our love and hope for a wonderful future. We know he will bless our lives in ways we can not even imagine at this time. We are very thankful that God has placed him into our lives and it is with every ounce of our being that we want to glorify God through this journey. Please keep all of us in your prayers as we go through this together. Please pray for all four of our children that they will all adjust smoothly. As soon as Rick and mom get settled into their hotel room tomorrow and prayerfully can figure out the laptop and digital cameras...I will post updates and pictures. Natalie

Only a couple of days left

Well, Nadia had great fun with all of her friends at her 9th b-day party. They did pottery and we came home to some games, movies and crafts. They all seemed to have a really great time. They have such a sweet group of friends in their class at school. Today they had a basketball game in Mountainburg and won the game in three over times! Most of her friends had been at the party and we had to get up at 6:30 am to be there on time! They were all pretty sleepy but were able to pull through with a win. It is so fun to watch the kids play basketball at this age. After the game, the third grade class was selected to be in the Fort Smith Christmas parade. It was a very fun busy day for all of them. Rick is on call today/tonight so it has been just the kids and I. Believe it or not, I actually got Jake packed during Luke's nap and with the great help of Mia. I am glad I did it today because I was able to make a list of things I forgot and will run out tomorrow after church to get all of those things. One bump in the day was that I took Luke back to the hospital today b/c I was up with him all night last night crying and had noticed his fingers were very swollen and he kept saying "too tight!". They had to cut the cast tonight to relieve the pressure from swelling. It seems to help some but he just can't stand having the cast on. It breaks my heart when he says, "please take it off momma". Thanks for all the kind encouraging notes you have left on the blog and emails. It is so nice to have so many people supporting us and praying for us on the wonderful journey. I have attached some photos below. Talk to you soon. Natalie


Nadia's birthday party!

Luke and his broken arm :(
I'm trying to smile momma but it hurts

We got our VISA's!

Yea! We got the visa's, airline tickets for Rick, Mom and Jake, and the international phone all in the mail today. Such a relief before the weekend. Now all we need to do is pack but my mind is racing with things I have forgotten! I am throwing Nadia's b-day party tonight and I am focusing on that this afternoon...she is so excited. I have the basement all decorated with balloons, signs, goody bags and lots and lots of snacks! They will do pottery and pizza tonight and then come back to watch movies and do crafts! Mia is getting to bring a friend too and I am sure Luke will be right in the middle of all of it! Luke is having a hard time adjusting to his cast. He keeps asking us to "take it off!". I feel so bad for him. He was so brave at the doctors office...not a tear was shed! Well, I will be busy this weekend with parties, basketball and packing but I will try to update more before they leave. I will be updating and putting pictures on the blog (hopefully...if we can figure it out between Vietnam and Fort Smith) during the entire trip. Have a great weekend. Natalie

Just as things were starting to calm down..........

Well, we are still waiting on our phones and more importantly VISA's. We have done our part and now we wait. We just need to pack now. Last night Rick surprised me with a really nice "last date before adoption" dinner in Fayetteville. It was so nice to just visit on the 45 minute drive and have some one on one time together. We got seated and ordered a salad and just as it was being brought to the table our phone rang. Our babysitter called and said Luke was on top of the stairs and had fallen. He cried for several minutes but seemed to calm down but not using his arm. We told her to call us back in a few minutes to see if there was any change. We inhaled our meal and got the phone call that it starting to swell. From experience, we knew it was probably broken. Our babysitters mom met us at the hospital so that our babysitter could stay with the girls. Sure enough....Luke broke his arm. Our romantic evening was spent in the hospital! Oh the lives of mommy's and daddy's! Life is always busy at the Nelson house and will soon be even busier with number 4! I guess Jake will get to meet his new big brother with a colorful cast. Have a great day. Natalie

Jake's First Shower at Church

One Week Til Travel

Well, it was certainly a very busy day. I worked hard to get the passports sent to the Vietnam Embassy with the hopes to have them back by Friday. My dear friend Patty drove all the way from Muskogee to bring me my mom's passport and paperwork so I could get it out with Rick's today. I started laying out clothes and going down the check list of things to bring and getting our paperwork ready to travel. I also booked plane tickets, got our international phone on the way and Rick worked hard trying to get his partners schedules rearranged. It has been incredibly stressful but we have been blessed with so many wonderful friends who have been very helpful with all of the arrangements. We have been so impressed with our agency too. They are on top of things at all times, very organized, always available to answer emails and phone calls (which I have provided them with so many) and they are so caring. They have truly made our experience wonderful. I can't imagine going through any of this without the help of Nicky and Sara. They and the rest of CHI have been amazing! I will attach a few photos of Jake's shower. We haven't received any new pictures lately so I will try to post some other pictures until we get in Vietnam and get some more. Have a wonderful evening. Natalie

An Amazing Day!

Okay...where do I start? We got up this morning and found our letter from US CIS Immigration stating our I-600 had been processed and we were ready to travel. We were so excited and I spent the day running everywhere trying to finish up Christmas shopping and things for the trip. We were told our G&R would be on the 17th but leaving around the 13th so I had about a week and a half to wrap things up. Well, tonight I got an email from Nicky and she said....do ya think you can leave earlier???? We said sure! Mom and Rick will now be flying out on Monday the 10th! Now I am really panicked. Rick is going to have to get someone to cover him next week and we have some major packing and paperwork to do. I am sending out mom's and Rick's passport's tomorrow and PRAY they get here by Friday...yes, in four days! Stress!!!! Anyways, as if you can't tell by my update....I am in 5th gear and not slowing down any time soon. We are hoping by traveling sooner so that we can be home with Jake by Christmas. We didn't want to get stuck in Vietnam over the holidays because the US offices shut down and we would be waiting until they got back unable to do any paperwork. It is our hope and prayer that we can get back before Christmas. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for this huge journey. This is truly the journey of a lifetime. Natalie