A Few Pics

Lounging on the top of the Junk in Halong Bay




Love that Face






Greetings at the Airport

We're Home

It's been a busy couple of days since we arrived home. The flights were long but no major problems, just a few small ones that were soon sorted out. We did get stopped by Customs and sent to Citizenship and Immigration as we entered at Pearson. We waited in a long line, it seemed forever, only to be asked why Macy has a different last name. What? the lady at Customs could not ask me why? When I told them why, all they said was OK, you can go. Never asked to see any paperwork, but it delayed us getting out of the airport. We had a wonderful welcome from Julia, Bev, Ben, Ron and Devon. It was great to be home. Thank you so much for the warm welcome everyone. It was wonderful to see you all standing there, with a sign and everything. Macy and Ben got to greet each other, some poking of eyes on Macy's part, but it was very nice to see them meet.
The drive home to Brantford started off loud, with Macy screaming for about 25 minutes, needless to say she does not like the car seat. (getting a bit better I must say even 2 days later there is less crying) I arrived home to find the front and inside of my house decorated with signs, ribbons, balloons, posters etc. What another nice surprise. As I came in the door Karen and Gord called and they soon arrived as did their daughter Danette, they were eager to meet Macy. It was great. We finally got to bed about 1 but Macy was awake at 5 or so. Thursday, she slept most of the day, a bit of jet lag I think and a bit because she is not feeling the best. She has a stuffy nose etc and I had to take her to the walk in today as her voice is hoarse, but the MD said her chest and ears are clear, I got a cream for her face, (red blotches again) and I am to put saline drops in her nose to help keep her passages clear. I went to Hamilton and applied for her OHIP card today, it will come from Kingston and will be here??????? no one could tell me. Macy stayed home with Uncle Ron and Devon, and she was laughing when Kathy and I arrived home. Macy has been a little stressed since we arrived home, if we are here alone, I have to carry her, she will not let me out of her site, she will play, but has to be right with me, but she will play with others when they are here.
Everyone has been wonderful. A few friends have dropped over, it is so nice to see everyone and Macy has been great.
I will post a few pics a bit later, she is stirring and I need to get her something to eat

Our Last Few Hours in Hanoi

I've been looking for this...
Do you remember where that shop was with the...?
I'll organize this suitcase from the inside.
Don't be confused by the smile - this 5 point harness has GOT to go!

We're down to our last few hours in Hanoi. It seems like it was just yesterday that we arrived, anxious to meet our Macy and now we can't even remember what life was like before she arrived!

Yesterday, we took one of the other families to our favorite massage parlour and introduced them to foot and body massage - they loved it. We finished up some last minute shopping and then we were back pool side for a swim before we headed out for the Water Puppet Show.

Macy was less than impressed with this cultural event. She covered her ears with the women sang in Vietnamese, had a poop - which really impressed the guy sitting beside her (NOT) and fell asleep drinking a bottle, about half an hour into the performance. We managed to find the ONLY squatter toilet in Vietnam - and it was a stinking one!! Of course, we forgot the wet ones, so we were crammed into one the the two Western toilet stalls, holding our breath, trying to change a poopy diaper while Macy dangled from her armpits - and to make it even more enjoyable, she was screaming at the top of her lungs.

We then headed over to a local Vietnamese restaurant to meet with the other three families still here. We had a great dinner - with great company.

This morning after we finished packing, we headed over to Hua Soa - another training school, supporting disadvantaged Vietnamese youth. We had a wonderful lunch and then headed back to the Army Hotel for another swim. Macy floated in her blow up car and swam until her hands and feet were all wrinkled before we headed back to the room for a bottle and a nap.

And here we are, writing our last blog while in Vietnam. We head for the airport at 10:30 at night for our 1:50 a.m. flight to Shanghai, then Tokyo, then home to Toronto. This flight, starting in the middle of the night would be hard on any seasoned traveler, but making it Macy's first flight will either be heaven or hell! We'll let you know how it goes later!!!

Thank you to all of you who followed our adventures - who sent us your wonderful comments and warm thoughts. We can't wait for each and every one of you to meet Macy!

See you back home!

One of our Last Days

This pic is for my brothers! Take note guys she chose the can of beer!


Well, here we are, 2 days left in this amazing City. The City where I spent the first 3 weeks with my amazing daughter.
To say she is wonderful is an understatement. She is everything I wished for, only 1000 times more. I could never have hoped for a more wonderful gift.
She is so great to be with, I truly cannot remember what is was like before we were together.
I knew I would have fun, but I never expected it to be this great so soon. She is funny, loves to laugh, and loves to be the centre of attention. She will sway back and forth whenever she hears music. If she hears you start to sing the Patty Cake song she immediately starts to clap. Her new thing is to try to blow a raspberry, but she doesn't quite have it down and ends up doing this little half spit, half raspberry thing, then she starts laughing. She loves the water and now that we are back at the Army Hotel for our remaining days we are taking good advantage of the pool. She is like a little fish, she kicks her feet, waves her arms and generally has a great time in the pool. We ventured back to the Old Quarter this morning to do a bit more shopping, and decided to get her a blowup seat for the pool. (no Mickey head). We got one that has a steering wheel like a boat and she loves it. She will play in it for awhile, then she wants out to splash and play with us. She does not mind if her face or head get wet, just goes back for more.
She is a joy to be with. What more can I say.

Random Pics

I'm ready for my closeup




An afternoon of fun in the pool tired me out


This asparagus soup is amazing


This is how I spend the end of a busy day!!

On the Road Again!

Check out the traffic! Motor bike heaven!
Macy, pay attention - we need to have a chat
Hold on Macy!
Don't look - we're in the middle of a thousand motor bikes
We're ready for our cyclo ride now!

Well the Cyclo Bar and Restaurant, where we planned to have dinner was out of business, so the cyclo drivers took us to our next choice, a great Indian place called Tandoor. We all enjoyed the cyclo ride, but Macy was holding on for dear life! Kathy was a bit freaked when the motor bikes started coming down the street toward her - on the wrong side of the road and cutting in front of the cyclo, but she soon relaxed and enjoyed the ride.

Today was NOT a good shopping day - hot and not great deals to be found, except for a wonderful little OshKosh dress for Macy.

We've decided to move back to the Army Hotel for our last few days. They have a great pool and we thought it would be great to relax and chill by the pool with our friends. We've almost completed our "Must Do List" for Hanoi - just a few last things to shop for - a water puppet show to see and few restaurants we haven't eaten in. Of course, we hope to have one last massage before we head back to Canada.

Kathy took a picture of one of my "heart to heart" chats with Macy. It's sometimes hard to keep her attention, when all she wants is the Vietnam guide book. These heart to heart chats so far have been a bust - but I'll keep trying!

This little princess continues to amaze me each and every day. She's developing a strong personality - knows what she wants and does not want, but is usually the most happy, content little girl. She's curious about everything new and will start rocking back and forth to dance as soon as she hears any music.

Kathy is amazed at her development. She says that Macy is ahead or on target in all areas of development and is thrilled at how focused she is when she's trying to figure out something new. She obviously received a lot of attention and stimulation, because she's right where we'd hope she'd be developmentally!

We've both been thrilled watching her growing attachment to us. She now prefers me when she's stressed and is rarely comfortable going to people she doesn't know. She'll still goes with the boys here at the hotel, but needs to be able to see us. It's amazing how quickly she's changing in this regard.

A Message from Macy

They can't find me!
Check out my new stroller!
The Hanoi tour was riveting!
Swimming with my friends

My Mom and Aunt Kathy are too exhausted in the evenings to blog, so I thought I'd take over for today. I know that the blog-stalkers back home (of which my Mom is a self confessed member) will be waiting for the next adventure.

Tuesday I convinced my Mom and Aunt Kathy that we needed to get down to some serious shopping - time is running out! We wandered the old quarter intent on shopping, but they soon were sidetracked by the foot massage parlor. I was entertained by a few young ladies while my Mom and Aunt Kathy made sighing noises from the lounge chairs while someone rubbed their feet - I don't get the attraction, but they seemed to like it. They were particularly excited that it only cost them 9USD.

Dinner on Tuesday night was at the Little Hanoi Restaurant with all the adoptive families and us six girls. They stuck us upstairs by ourselves - apparently we're a bit loud at times. It was nice to relax and chat. A good time was had by all.

Wednesday started with a pool side play date. It was especially nice because Sadie, her Mom and the fairies were heading back to Canada later that day. I love swimming, but that blow up Mickey Mouse pool toy scares the #%&* out of me. I told my Mom, NO Disney World for me!!!!

Wednesday afternoon we went on a city tour of Hanoi. My Mom needed to learn more about my birth country. As you can see, I found the trip to be riveting!

After the city tour, A - K's dad treated us to a drink at the Opera House Restaurant before we headed over to Koto - one of the culinary training schools designed to give the street youth in Vietnam some marketable skills. The food was great, but I had a tummy ache, so Mom and Aunt Kathy took their dessert home - they didn't even share it with me. They don't share well!

Breakfast this morning was interesting. I got to eat prunes and cheese again - yum, yum and my Mom taught the two young guys at our hotel to make French Toast. Mom was disappointed that there was no ketchup - whatever that is.

I again convinced them to try shopping and we were successful in buying some cool stuff as well as a new stroller for me. Mom and Aunt Kathy just couldn't figure out how to work the last one. This one is a new model - very light and apparently drives well!

I got some really cool children's picture books that have both English and Vietnamese writing in them. Mom bought some books about Vietnam so we can read up on this amazing country.

We're off for manicures and pedicures at the Hilton this afternoon, then for a cyclo ride to the restaurant that's using old cyclos for tables and chairs. I'll send those pictures later.

We bought tickets for the Water Puppet Show on Monday afternoon. That should be fun!

Can't wait to meet you all when I arrive home next week.

Love Macy

OFFICIAL

Lunch at Brothers Cafe
My Passports


Macy now has a CANADIAN passport. We picked up her Canadian passport this morning. What a great feeling! We celebrated by having lunch at a great place called Brothers Cafe. It is in an old temple. We sat out back, which is where the buffet is, under giant umbrella's. It turned out to be a good thing the umbrellas were there as remember this is the rainy season. In the middle of our lunch it started to pour, and thunder, and pour some more. It was a site to see. The waiters all scurrying around to escort the diners to and from the buffet table, the waiters holding umbrellas so the diners did not get wet. Service, and with a smile too. The food was excellent, and the company great . Not only did I have lunch with my Little Princess and my sister, but we got to spend the end of the meal chatting to another couple from Canada. A lovely couple that adopted a handsome little boy. I have chatted online with them before and after we arrived here in Vietnam but had yet to connect with. We met first at the Canadian Embassy, then by chance we all had lunch at the same place. Small world!
This afternoon we have to take care of yet another paper glitch, but hopefully that will be it.

Halong Bay and a Trip to the Orphanage

Halong Bay
Macy and One of her Nannies
Macy and Aunt Kathy
Macy and another of her Nannies

Our trip this past week to Halong Bay was just what we all needed. 4 of the 5 families were together for a 48 hr cruise around the Bay. We had the boat to ourselves. What a treat. We boarded, had a wonderful lunch, cruised a bit, explored caves, and then went for a relaxing swim. Dinner was again wonderful ( as were all the meals) The second day we were at a fishing village, we were able to see their school and chat with the children. We spend the rest of the day relaxing, swimming at 2 different private beaches, life was good. The final day we dropped one family of 5 and another person off at Cat Ba Island, where they stayed for a few days, before we headed back to the wharfe and headed to Hanoi. Along the way we explored a small Vietnamese Village. The village makes ceramic coffins (yes coffins) It seems the custom here is to bury the deceased in a pine box. After 3 years they dig them up, take the bones and put the bones into small ceramic boxes, then bury the ceramic coffin.(about the size of a regular small tool box ) We have learned so many things in the time we have been here and there is so much more to know. The entire trip to Halong was wonderful and we were all glad we decided on the 48 hr cruise as we all felt rested by the end. The scenery is out of this world, you feel like you are on another planet and being on a wooden junk was the another fun thing to do.

Today, Sunday we were fortunate to be given the opportunity to visit the orphanage. The day of the G&R we were not able to see anything or tour the grounds. We asked Dien for a chance to go again and today was the day. I wanted to go but I was also a bit hesitant. I was not sure of what to expect. Kathy and I had made the decision to go, but only I would go in, she would stay in the van with Macy. When we got there, we decided at the last minute to bring Macy. What a wonderful time we had. The Nannies were thrilled to see her, she was happy with them, but kept looking to me. The nannies loved on her, hugged her, kissed her, played with her and asked if I would send them pictures. I assured them I would send pictures with the next group to come. I am so glad we went. I now had a wonderful sense of how much she was loved. I know where she slept, played and lived. I have pictures to share with her if she should ever ask.

We were lucky enough to be able to gaze at the sweet faces of the babies that will be coming home to Canada in the near future, and they too are loved and cared for by wonderful nannies.

Tomorrow I expect to pick up Macy's Canadian passport, I am trying to teach her O Canada, but Kathy keeps laughing and tells me I have the words wrong, I guess I will have to brush up on that as well as learn childrens songs. We Will Rock You does not really count as a bedtime lullaby.

pics

I need the camera closer
I don't know who did it, but it wasn't me
Having fun with the other kids
water play in Halong Bay

Tired

I discovered I LOVE the water
Just Hanging out on the Lido Deck with my friends


Hi All We are back from Halong Bay. FANTASTIC is all I can say. We are exhausted and are off to bed. I will try to post later tomorrow, but here are a few pics.
Oh, the good news is the Canadian Passports are ready, but because we were away, we will be picking them up on Monday!!!!!
We are still planning on staying our original time. We still have lots we hope to do. We are scheduled to arrive in Toronto May 27 3:50 from Tokyo.

One Down One to go

Today went back to the Vietnamese Passport Office to pick up Macy's Vietnamese passport. We are still waiting for the call from the Canadian Embassy to tell us to come pick up the Canadian Passport. We are off to Halong Bay in the morning, so even if they call, we cannot pick it up until Monday. On Sunday we are planning a trip back to Macy's City and a tour of the orphanage. We are hoping to catch a glimpse of the 3 new referrals, and if we are lucky snap a few pics for the waiting parents.

Just a few Pics

Pho for Breakfast
Hamming it up for the wait staff at a restaurant
My Black Hmong hemp cap
More Pho



We had a nice evening. We went out for Vietnamese local food, great as usual. We walked the 6 or 7 blocks back to the hotel, not so easy when all the motor bikes not driving helter skelter on the road are parked on the sidewalk. Macy was up late this evening, happy, but awake. We are going to try new bottles, the nipples on the ones I brought are now too big and we could not find the same kind here. I will let you know how that goes, we only have one nipple that does not leak of the old kind, so I figure by 3 or 4 am I will know.
Macy continues to amaze us. She is starting to shake her head no when she does not want something. She already knows some of the things she should not do and watches for my reaction. (like pull herself up using the sheets on the bed) She loves her little stuffed Tigger(he has a bunny costume on) we call it tickle Tigger and she laughs and giggles every time we play with him as she knows he will tickle her tummy and neck. She still is a flirt with all the guys and loves the attention.
Her rash already seems to be better with just a dose or 2 of the cream. She is now drinking her water and formula at room temp and actually gained a small amt of weight since our 1st SOS medical visit.
One of my best things so far???? Tonight when she was having a bottle before bed , 10:30 pm Hanoi time, she reached over and held my finger while she fell asleep. Life is Good!!

We're Back

Terraced farming on the drive from the train in Lao Cai
View from the balcony
View from the Balcony
Walking back to the hotel through the town of Sapa
The view on the drive



We were off to amazing beautiful Sapa for a visit. Sapa is in the mountainous area of Vietnam, north west of Hanoi, almost at the Chinese border. The scenery was amazing. The hotel we were at was perched on the edge of the mountain. Out the front door of the hotel was a narrow rubble/crumbling road, the other side of the road was the cliff. The view from our balcony was a showcase of cloud shrouded mountain tops, foliage covered valleys and mountain sides with terraced crops. The sun was out and the humidity high. As we stood outside the hotel we could hear water dripping, it was the condensation from the air, running down the steep roofs and dripping on the ground. Everyone was friendly, the local ethnic Black Hmong, easily identified by their blue hemp clothing, are persistant to get you to buy their handicrafts. I did break down and buy a little dress and hat for Macy and a small over the shoulder bag for me. Kathy, Macy and I strolled the streets for awhile, before stopping for a late lunch. We then realized that the rash on Macy's face, and her stuffy nose were much worse. We called our wonderful, trusty tour guide, Yann, who directed us to the local hospital, however they are not open Sunday's. After a couple of more phone calls, we decided to come back a day early to take Macy back to the SOS (medical clinic.) Our original plan was to stay for 2 days one night, as the 1st and 3rd nights are on the sleeper train from Hanoi, but Yann arranged a driver to come and pick us up for the 45 min drive down the mountain to the Lao Cai train station where we had a great supper while waiting for the train. Our train compartment companions were a young Vietnamese couple, they were wonderul, playing and entertaining Macy, and the young man even rocked her to sleep and sang her Vietnamese lullabys. Today we took her back to the clinic, they put her on something to clear up her stuff nose and a mild steriod cream for her face,(apparantly the cream the other day was just to stop the discomfort but not to clear it up, which explains why it was getting worse) if it is not clear in a week, or if it gets worse we have to go back. We spent an hour or so shopping, came back to the hotel, Macy and I hung out downstairs for awhile so Kathy could nap, now I am waiting for Kathy and Macy to wake up so we can go for dinner.
Tomorrow we pick up the girls Vietnamese passports at 3, Wed morning we leave for Halong Bay for a 48 hr cruise. We are trying to arrange a trip for early next week to Hai Duong the city where the girls lived, we want to know a bit more about it. We are also trying to arrange a visit to the orphange but we have not received word yet.
Amazingly Kathy and I have done virtually no shopping except for baby supplies and basic stuff like water and snacks. We still want to do a city tour of Hanoi and stroll the streets of this amazing Old Quarter where we are staying. I want to stroll around the Lake, and cross The Rising Sun (Huc) Bridge to visit the Ngoc Son Temple, maybe take in water puppet show, and check out a few of the restaurants my friend B. discoevered on her visit here in January.

Check out my new sleeping digs

pics

I was entertaining Mommy and Aunt Kathy as well as the staff at the restaurant.