He's Officially An American

Well, it will be official when he steps on American soil. We met up with the other families this morning at breakfast and walked to the US Embassy. We met Mo there. There was a line of probably 200 Thai's waiting to get in. We went to the front of the line and were escorted right inside. Needless to say the Thai's were probably not saying kind things. Something about we are American citizens and have preference. The whole process probably took less than an hour. We were even able to get Seth's visa. Joel told the lady helping us that he would kiss her if she wasn't behind the glass. We said an emotional good-bye to Mo. She got a little teary eyed kissing the babies for the last time. All of the staff at the Sahathai are really special.

We went back to the hotel and dropped our paper work off. Leah and Brian headed to Hua Hin and we went with Chad and Hirally to the Grand Palace. Oh my, what an experience. Bangkok is so huge that it just overwhelms me with the size. The social class is so different too. We took the sky train to the water way and rode a boat to the palace. The palace is beautiful. I thought that we would get some history and see some neat things about Thailand. Well, everything and I mean everything is completely in twined w/ Buddhism. I used my second Asian toilet today. It is not pretty.
We were not able to go into the palace itself b/c the Thai people are mourning The King's oldest sister who died earlier this year. Only Thai's can go in. Joel told the guard that Seth was Thai. He laughed and played with Seth. All Thai offical people must wear black for 100 days. The princess is lying in state for 100 days. As we passed by part of the palace we could hear people chanting. Maybe the monks? Oh, by the way, Joel rented pants at the Palace. Luckily, they weren't that bad. They kind of remind me of scrubs.

Afterwards we went to Siam Paragon and ate at at great Portugese place. Seth has done so much better this afternoon. It was rough again this morning as he woke up crying. It wasn't until we put him on a plastic mat thingie that they had at the palace to rest on. It was kind of like the one he had at Mrs. Ting's house. He actually got down and played a little. He ate a great dinner and really played with us. He smiled and cooed. He let us love on him. Of course, he still hates the room and cried when we went in. Bath time was still rough tonight. I laid down with him and he cried big crocodile tears crying out for his "mae" or momma. It really broke my heart b/c I know that he was grieving her. Hopefully, tomorrow will be even better than today.

Kara and Will, I miss you so so much. I have heard good reports about you two. Kara, please be good at school and make me proud. Will, I hope you have a good "green light" day at school today. We love you very, very, much. It won't be long now until Mommy and Daddy are home with Seth. You are both very brave.

Tomorrow we fly out for Chiang Mai for the weekend. I think they said there is an internet cafe across from our hotel. I will try to blog tomorrow night. I love doing this b/c it makes me feel in touch with home. Home is sweet iced tea and a turkey sandwich. Nothing here tastes like home.

The outside of the King's palace. He doesn't live there anymore.

This is the boat we rode on. Let's just say it wouldn't stand up to US safety standards.


Another section of the King's Palace.



Seth has started imitating us. This was on the sky train.

On of our first and seldom smiles.

At the entrance of the Palace. Notice Joel's rented pants. :)