Monday, December 29, 2008

Kiah Has His Visa Appointment!







We got a call from the US Embassy this morning (how cool are we?). Kiah's visa appointment has been scheduled for 2pm tomorrow (Tuesday), and we should have his visa in hand by 4pm. We are still planning on flying out on New Year's Eve and arriving back home on New Year's Day!



Yesterday, we went to the Water Puppet Theater, which is a huge attraction here in Hanoi. We had to buy our tickets the day before because it always sells out. After piling into a completely full theater and watching about 20 minutes of the show, Kiah decided that he was just not that into it. So he and I spent the next 40 minutes walking back and forth in the lobby. Fun for all.



But, after Perry and Laney emerged, the shopping commenced! Mommy scored a $25 Burberry purse and Laney and Kiah both got some traditional Vietnamese hats. We also purchased some silk outfits for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration. I can't wait to see Kiah's lack of enthusiasm when we try putting that ensemble on him. Laney, on the other hand, couldn't wait to try hers on! We have really enjoyed venturing out and navigating the extremely busy streets. New York City will have nothing on us! Kiah can somehow sleep through the constant beeping and other street noise, and Laney has really gotten the hang of directing traffic with her hands (thanks to First Presbyterian Preschool and the ever-dangerous crossing of Orange Street to get to Chapel each Wednesday). Part of us will definitely miss this whole atmosphere, but we can't wait to establish our new "normal" with walks through the very quiet streets of Magnolia Greens and drives through the annoying but comparibly safe traffic of Highway 17. Hopefully we will have just one or two more posts before embarking on the journey of our lives back home (we're talking over 30 hours in transit with a 1 year old who has no idea what we are saying and who may drop a "bomb" of atomic proportions at the drop of a hat plus an almost 5 year old who's new DS Lite is not charging for some reason and who greatly misses her "Cheetah Girls", people). We'll let you know how the visa appointment goes!

9 comments:

taylors said...

No squeaky shoes? You can't forget the squeaky shoes! But Scuttle may think they a toy for him. Oh well. We can't believe you all will be home in 3 days! Anna asked last night "when is Laney gonna be home?" If there is anything that Kiah likes to eat that you would like in the fridge when you get back let me know. Or anything you may need let me know via Facebook or email. We hope everything continues to go smoothly so you can get on that plane. Love to all!

Heinrichs Family said...

Ahh, quit your complaining! I actually had to roll out of my (very comfortable) bed this morning at 8:30 am. Now that's hard work.

Please get home - nobody else wants to go to Moe's with us. Can't imagine why.

Paula said...

Kiah is adorable!! I am so happy for you. All is well here in the pharmacy. Have a safe trip home.

Tara Huneycutt said...

Great glad you got the Visa, and glad this experience seems to have been quiet different. Kiah fits in perfectly, as God intended. It's just amazing to see the pictures of your pretty family. I can't IMAGINE that flight home. We'll be praying, praying!

Anonymous said...

Every day about this time I give Scuttle the "Coming Home" countdown. So far he has not shown any excitement as the number of days decline, but I believe that he knows what I am saying. The Vietnamese hats look cute, and I am sure that they will be a big hit at the Chinese New Year party. You have just a little over two more days to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hanoi. Maybe you will get the same Korean Air crew from your previous flight so that Laney can reunite with them. We hope that the visaing process goes smoothly and that you will soon be home. Love -- Grampie

Anonymous said...

I love the hats! We know you all are happy to have the Visa appointment, and we hope all goes well. Frances and I are continuing to keep Mom and Dad informed, and they're looking forward to having you back in N.C. We will continue to pray for you all, especially about the flight. We'll see you soon!
Love, Lori

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness! Let me start by forewarning you there will be 2 crazy messages from me on Emily's cell phone! I had no idea you guys were in Vietnam! Have I ever told you how sad it is to be in Raleigh so far away from all our Wilmington friends! So I have read through all the posts and am so thrilled for you all! He is absolutely adorable...he has such a contagiously cute smile! Laney seems to be truly enjoying him! Emily...he looks completely at home in your arms my friend. Your intended son! God is so good! It sounds like your journey at beginning your life as a family of four has been quite an adventure! We will be praying fervently for the next phases of the journey: for your remaining time there, your travels home and the transitions for him and you all go smoothly. We rejoice with you guys and join you in praising the Lord for your precious son! Please tell Laney Madyson and Sophia said hello and that they hope to see her soon and they can't wait to meet Kiah...they think it is cool that Laney has a little brother now too like them. Looking forward to seeing you all and meeting your cutie Kiah!

We love and miss you guys!
April, Derek, Madyson, Sophia, Shepard

Tricia said...

So glad things are going well! Love the pictures.
Good luck on that flight.

Anonymous said...

Get home so we can start planning our annual visit!!!!

We miss you guys so much~ I even call your cell phone just HOPING that we would be able to talk!!!