I'm Back!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while! I have been so busy with work!
I just got back in town from visiting my parents in Atlanta. While I was there, my friends threw me a baby shower. It was great!! I enjoyed seeing everyone I haven't seen in sooo long! Also, Brenden got lots of fun toys and cute clothes! I will post some pictures soon!!!

We just got some new photos of Brenden today!! If you would like to see them they are on his website at www.babybrenden.homestead.com You will be amazed at how much he has changed from his referral picture!!! I could not even tell it was him. I got upset and started to cry thinking that they took pictures of the wrong child. I could on ly tell it was him by looking at his nose!

Seeing his new pictures makes me realize just how much time I have missed with him! I asked my agency when they thought we would travel since they told us to go ahead and get our Visa. They said they were not sure, but they hoped it would be soon!!! I just don't like that word - I was hoping to hear something more concrete than that!!!! Waiting is becoming increasingly difficult as each day passes! I will be so happy once we are done with this process!!! Only, we are planning on adopting again next year!!!

Enjoy looking at his pictures! I will post again soon!!!

Vietnam Visa

I got home from work today and saw that I had a message from our country coordinator about going ahead and applying for our Visas! She told us that we should apply for the 3-month Visa so that we don't have to put a specific travel date. She said that we should put a start date on the Visa for Sept. 15th. I almost passed out! I e-mailed her back to find out exactly when we would be travleing. She told us that she didn't have a date yet, but that when she knew something we will get 1 weeks notice to book tickets and get out there! She said that the Visa will take 1 week to process - so she just wants us to be prepared for when the call does come. I must say that I was kind of dissapointed when I read that she doesn't have a travel time for us. My mom thinks that we are probably close since she wants us to go ahead and get our Visa. My thought is that maybe we have been approved at the government level and it is now time for the province (Ho Chi Minh City) to set up a G & R date??? I am trying not to get my hopes up - that is what I did with the referral and I was let down with the long wait.

So - What do you think??? Do you think this is a good sign that they want us to go ahead and get the Visa, mind you, it is a 3 month Visa? If you have already, or are waiting to travel, when did you get your Visa? Did you get a 3-month Visa?

Thanks for your imput! My mind is going crazy right now!

Goodbye August - HELLO SEPTEMBER

I have never been more ready for a new month to begin!!!! August was great, but I am anxiously counting down the months until we are told it is our turn to get Brenden!! We still have not heard anything from the agency, but it has only been 1 month and 3 days since we got our referral (to be exact)! I am not expecting to hear anything this month either - so I have made sure that I am scheduled to the max every weekend. The faster time seems to go -the better!!!!

This weekend has been fun - we are trying to hang out with friends and do things we know we won't be able to do once we get Brenden. I must say, however, that no matter how much fun I am having I still feel a little empty inside. I miss my child even though I have yet to meet him! I can't wait for him to come home and meet everyone here who is anxiously waiting and praying for him!

I am starting to read up on the whole "attachment process". Seems very interesting and a little scary! I am not sure where to begin with it. Brenden tured 9 months old last week and will probably be 11 months or so when we get him. If you adopted a child around that age - how did you handle bonding? I know every child is different, but the fact that the director told our agency that he is one of the favorites makes me think he is getting lots of attention and already forming bonds.

I hope that everyone has a great week and that great news will abound!!!