The Big 1-0 !!!

Today is Isaac's 10-month birthday. It's hard to believe we've already been home a month. As someone else said....in some ways being in Vietnam really seems just like a dream. It went by so fast. It's hard for me to remember life before Isaac. He is adjusting so well. It's really amazing. He loves cheerios and puffs (as you can see from the picture....sometimes they don't always make it in his mouth). He can paddy-cake, wave bye-bye, give 5, and best of all.....he gives big sloppy kisses and occasionally says....Momma. He likes playing with his toys and has started watching some dvds, which is great.....because it gives me a chance to do a little here and there.....while he is being entertained. :-)

I still plan to do a semi-Vietnam-recap. But i know the longer i wait.....the less and less i will remember. Need to get on that for sure.

Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive throughout this journey!

Isaac and the water bowl

Isaac found Molly's water bowl last night and had a fun time playing in it. I think maybe he will like going swimming next summer.

Pictures at home

HOME - Christmas Eve!!!

We made it to Little Rock this morning at 8:00. And were greeted at the airport by so many friends and family! What a very very special homecoming!

During out LONG journey home, we decided maybe Isaac isn't quite the jet-setter....maybe he doesn't like to travel that much. :-) Actually all things considered, he did ok on the trip......was just a very long, exhausting couple of days.

We said an emotional goodbye Sunday night to Izzy and Aunt Ruth and Aunt Debbie at LAX as we parted ways to return home. We know we'll be in touch though.....and hopefully will get together for reunions.

I think Isaac likes his new home. He seems really comfy in his blue and brown bedroom/crib with his new pillow and sock monkey quilt (thanks Aunt Marty)! He has so many new toys.....maybe just a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what to play with first. Oh.....and Isaac had a very cool baby annoucement sign / balloons waiting on him in our yard when we got home.....from the Gadberrys! :-)

Hard to believe it's Christmas already. For obvious reasons this holiday season has been anything but normal for our family. Our normal activities for Christmas Eve, include getting together with family and going to Midnight Mass. We had comtemplated still doing this.......as we felt pretty good the early part of the day. But sometime mid-afternoon i think it finally hit......and hit hard. We were so sorry not to be able to see family tonight. Tomorrow will be low-key as well.....just trying to get used to being home again......and trying to get Isaac settled in and into a routine. (mommy may have to start writing things down....so she can figure out how to get in a routine as well....remember this is ALL NEW!!)

Thanks to everyone for all their thoughts and prayers while we were in Vietnam....bringing baby Isaac home! It is appreciated more than you know.

What a truly blessed year! Ending in the best Christmas present ever......sweet precious Isaac. And along the way, we were reminded how fortunate we are for all of God's blessings.... especially our friends and family.....also including the many new lasting friendships made on this journey.

Love to everyone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Saturday evening update

This may be my last post from Vietnam. We leave tomorrow for home!! Izzy & family have the same flight schedule to LAX as us. And Teo & family fly out a little later in the evening. And Emaline & family i belive head out the following day.

We have definitely enjoyed out Vietnamese adventure.......but are ready to get home!

We didn't go on the Halong Bay outing today with the other families. Isaac still isn't feeling very well. We just hung out at the room, then late afternoon decided to get out for a walk,little shopping,and dinner. He really likes riding in his carrier. Even though he doesn't feel good......he just takes it all in......when hanging out in it.

We miss everyone and can't wait to see you.

Visa & Sick Baby

Good news.......(after a little bit of excitement), we got Isaac's Visa today so we are set to leave Hanoi Sunday evening arriving in LR Monday morning (if all goes well with domestic flights).

But Isaac woke up this morning with a fever. Probably a combination of a cold he has had and his teething. He hasn't felt well all day. Definitely not his usual happy self. so hoping he will feel a little better in the morning.

our flight is AA 4446

Hello from Hanoi

We've been at Hanoi for a few days....since Tuesday night. Wednesday and Thursday were rest days. Friday we have our visa appointments.

Our family has been feeling a bit under the weather at times this week. But at least it was all at different times. We're all feeling much better now.

Saturday we are thinking about going on a tour of Halong Bay.....but not sure if it will work out. Kiddos may not be up to it.

We have our return flights changed for Sunday night December 23rd. We will be arriving in Little Rock at 7:50 AM Monday morning. (unless we get stuck in Chicago).

Will post more later.