A Good Day

We woke up around 6 this morning and packed up for Chiang Mai. We left some of our luggage at the hotel as we will be back on Monday. Seth woke up crying and cried until we left the room.

Seth's first plane ride went smoothly. He played for a little bit and then fell asleep for the rest of the flight.

A couple from West Memphis Arkansas live here in Chiang Mai. They are a relative of some friends at church. We emailed them before we came and they have been gracious hosts already. Connie picked us up from the airport and had flowers for us. We went to pick up her husband, Richard, and then went to lunch. We had ACTUAL AUTHENTIC Mexican food. I was in heaven. They took us to our hotel room which they arranged. This evening they picked us up and we went to their house to visit their children. They foster 7 kids from ages 2 to 4. Most of the kids will be adopted out to other countries. They have a well oiled routine. The kids are on a schedule and even have learning time. It blessed my heart to see the kids. They are bi-lingual. We brought some things from home and they kids loved it. Connie also teaches Thai girls to be nanny's in the US. I will share pics later. They have a 7 year old adopted daughter. The same age as Kara. I hope they become pen pals. After our visit they took us to dinner. We were at a mall and shopped a little afterwards. I bought Seth and Kara some shoes. Seth did wonderful tonight and opened up a ton. Today was definatly a better day for him.

Tomorrow we are going to the night safari (during the day). We are also going to Connie and Richard's kids school to watch a movie. I have felt more at home today than I have the whole trip. Chiang Mai is super nice. We have only explored a little bit. Can't wait to see more tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for praying for us.

Love to all!!!!
Tracy

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. :)

Thai Board Day

Seth went right to sleep last night. We try to wear him out!! :-)

Here we are with the Thai adoption board.


Mo is our social worker. She is absolutely the best. We have enjoyed her sweet spirit.

Nap time with Daddy.

Seth slept all night. He sat up some time in the night and I drew him close to me. After that he fell right back to sleep. We actually had to wake him. All 3 families met Mo and Pat in the lobby at 8:30. We headed over to the building where we me with the Thai adoption board. There were many families waiting also. They were from all over the world. It was so neat to see all of the families that were adopting like us. The board was very friendly. There were 4 ladies on the board and they were all professionals. The one that talked the most was a doctor. She had lived in Kansas City for a few years. They loved Seth and said that he was a very handsome "Thai Boy". They asked why we wanted to adopt. Joel told about his mission trip and how he fell in love with the Thai people. She asked what he liked about them. She also asked about his job and if he owned his own company. Seth had his little elephant lovie and covered his eye so he wouldn't have to look at them. They thought that was funny. In the end they said that we were a "PERFECT FAMILY FOR HIM". I couldn't agree more.

Afterwards we came back to the hotel and changed clothes. Seth took a nap with Joel and I went and got a foot massage. There is a great one across the street. After he woke up he and Joel went swimming. Pics were on Joel's camera so I will try to post those later.

We went to MBK tonight to eat dinner. It is like a huge mall. I gave Seth some juice and forgot that you should water it down for babies. He puked all over the furniture section at MBK. I felt terrible for him. It has been so long since we have had a baby that I am a little rusty. Seth really grieved today. He cried most of the day. Pat said that sometimes it is b/c it is reality for them that they are not going back home. It breaks my heart for him b/c we can't always comfort him. He still loves the Ergo most of the time and quiets down when I put him in it. Seth has not stepped on toe on the floor. Either Joel or I have to hold him all of time. He cries if you set him down for even a minute. The bath is torture for him. His foster mom washed him in a little plastic tub with cold water. He is pitiful. He won't play or act interested in anything. He also only eats soupy foods with rice and chicken. I am having an adjustment trying to feed him. I hope that he has a better day tomorrow. I forgot to mention, he started getting sick on Sunday and they took him to the doctor. He is on medication. It has been extremely difficult trying to learn him and figure out if he is hungary, tired, sick, or just grieving. I hope that we figure it out somewhat before we fly home on Tuesday.

Tomorrow we go to the US Embassy to get our baby's visas. After that we are going to try and see the palace. Friday morning we fly to Chiang Mai for the weekend.

I am missing Kara and Will terribly. This is so bitter sweet for me. I love being with Seth but I miss my kids so so much. I can't wait to be at home as a family of 5.

Prayers Answered!

"Gotcha Day" with Brian, Leah, and Olivia and Hirally, Chad, Diego, and Khirrissa.
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This is the social worker that was assigned to Seth's foster family. She was great help and even bought Seth lunch today. She is so wonderful.



We received word today that the US Embassy here has our cable. Thank you, thank you everyone for praying!!! We go tomorrow (Wed.) to our board meeting.

Seth did great today. He did cry a lot but was easily soothed and has started reaching for Joel and I. He doesn't seem to be particular about which one of us holds him. We were out a lot today and he loved the Ergo. We wore him out tonight and he went right to sleep. Let's just hope he cuts out the night feedings by himself! :-)

A Night at Siam Niramit

Last night at 5:30

Day Two

All 3 families met in the lobby at 10:30 and waited for the babies to arrive. Seth came in and I just can't get over how cute he is. He had on a little Christmas shirt and shorts and green camo shoes and socks. Gotta love it. He only cried a little bit when we first met him. He does OK for a little bit and it's like he thinks about it and cries. Today was a lot better and we could easily soothe him. We got into the van and headed to Central Shopping. It is the biggest department store that I have ever been in. It smelled like home. Nothing here smells like home. Kara, they even had a Build-A-Bear in this store. We ate at their restaurant first. You know that there will always be rice on the menu. I am adjusting to the food. After lunch we headed over to the home products. We bought Mrs. Ting and her family an oscolating fan. That is what they asked for. We also bought them a water boiler. It is like an instant water heater. They boil their water before they drink it. Thinking back, they didn't have a kitchen. It still blows my mind. After shopping the van dropped Mo (our social worker) off to the Homeland Security. As you see from the previous post things didn't go well. We walked back and then took the sky train to our hotel. I only had a minute to say good-bye to Seth. Joel had taken him up to the room. Seth is still not comfortable yet to be let down. Hopefully, today will be better. We meet him in the lobby at 11:00 - FOREVER OURS!!!

This is the fan and water boiler we bought Mrs. Ting.


Joel holding Seth right before he left to go home for the last time.


We were cheek to cheek!!

Joel and Seth at lunch

Mommy and Seth at the department store. His first time in the Ergo. I think he likes it.


Here we are at lunch

VISA Prayers

Before I blog about our meeting with Seth yesterday and I am writing to ask for your prayers. Yesterday I called the US Embassy as well as visiting the Homeland Security office here in Bangkok. Neither place has received Seth's cable from Maryland's Visa Processing Center. They "cabled" it on Feb 11th. I called our local congressman's office last night and she said that is not very long and that the approval might still be in transit. I am about to lose my mind!!!!!!! We are going to call again this afternoon and hopefully they will have it. Please, please, please pray for us and that the approval will arrive here. I am afraid that if it doesn't then we will be delayed. My kids and family are having a hard time with us being gone. Not to mention that I am struggling too. I know that I serve a God that answers prayers. He has been with us every step of this journey and will not forget us now. Thank you for your prayers. I a in tears in the lobby after reading everyone's sweet comments. It is so encouraging.