Gutentagen

More pics from Italy

We're back in the swing of things after being gone last week. The MILs left on Tuesday, and though it was a very tearful goodbye we have managed to get through the rest of week on our own. I usually get into a bit of a slump after family leaves and I end up feeling a little, err ok, a lot, homesick. This week was no different, though we've been singing Christmas carols and decorating our flat and I do think the Christmas cheer has helped brighten my mood. I cannot believe Christmas is less than a month away and we'll be back in the states in a few weeks. These are the things that have helped me get over this week's hump.

This weekend we are on the road again. We are leaving for Munich in the am. Our little globetrotter is in for a real treat. The Christmas markets in Germany are supposed to be so much fun - wooden stalls selling Bavarian delights, mulled wine, handmade toys, choir singing, nativity scenes and more - umm, and let's not forget the beer! It will be a great time I am sure. In addition to all of this fun stuff I've also heard that Munich has fabulous shopping, and so I am also looking forward to some retail therapy in addition to the holiday festivities. Nothing brightens my mood like a good old fashioned shopping spree. I was just sitting here doing a quick search online and here's the first thing I read "Shopaholics are in for a treat in Munich". Say no more - I'm there!!

Have a great weekend!
Prost (cheers in German )

dana

We are back from Tuscany and had a GREAT time. The weather was beautiful, the food incredible, the scenery to die for. The moms had a fantastic time too and Kaneu was in heaven with them there. We stayed at Il Borro, which is owned by the Ferragamo family. It was a small and quaint village and the best part was we basically had it all to ourselves as November is not a popular time for tourists.The trip was a nice mix of low-key - lounging around our villa, taking walks, cooking, playing cards - and on the go/sight seeing: visiting Siena, drinking wine in Montalcino, shopping in Lucca, more shopping in Cortona and ceramic-shopping in Deruta. I guess you could say we did a lot of shopping! We did most of our Christmas shopping and I'm happy to say we are almost done! Thanksgiving was really nice - the moms cooked an Italian feast and we had a nice day of relaxing. I have so much to be thankful for and am feeling very blessed with all of the special people in our lives. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

The Duomo in Siena

the whole fam in Siena

Cortona

Il Borro

Montalcino

olive tree

Hitching a lift at Victoria Station

Buds

Last Sunday we got to play with Ava for the day while her parents were doing some work on their rental flat. We had a lot of fun and it made me really look forward to when our family growns and when Kaneu has a little sibling to play with, boss around and love. Ava is SO sweet and she and Kaneu really get along great. Here are some pics of our day.

Our MILs (moms-in-law) are intown and we are all heading to Italy tomorrow. We are spending the week in Tuscany - eating and drinking. I cannot wait and am planning on coming home at least 5 pounds heavier. I'll be sure to pack my elastic-waist pants because that is how much I plan on enjoying the Italian culture and all that is has to ffer. I've been doing a no-refined/sugar diet since May and I'm ready to treat myself - wine, gelato here I come!! I hope you all have a warm and happy Thanksgiving. xo.dana

Adoption buzz

Update
I just received an update from our agency coordinator and we are currently between #25-30 on the list for a boy referral, and between #75-80 to receive a girl referral. On the boy list 4 people ahead of us have been matched but have not received/accepted official referrals. Note: People do not drop off the list until after the agency has received their referral acceptance paperwork. There are many families on the girl list who are also open to boys. 6 people ahead of us on the girl list have been matched but have not received/accepted official referrals. This is very encouraging to know we are moving up on the list! We initially set out with the intentions and the desire to adopt a girl, but along the way we have come to a place where we are open to either gender. This is something I continue to pray for clarity on. I would really love to have a girl, but I also would love for Kaneu to have a brother. Thankfully we have got plenty of time to think about this and decide what is best for our family.

Been taking a break...
I have not been online a lot lately as I have been trying to manage my time more efficiently. I don't know about you, but I get sucked into the Internet and what is intended to be a quick email check turns into hours of surfing. I usually intend on spending 15 or 20 minutes online during Kaneu's nap, and then before I know it it's been 2 hours and I've accomplished absolutely nothing! My house has been a wreck, the laundry piling up, the fridge bare, BUT I was up-to-date on celeb gossip, adoption news, new arrivals at Old Navy, etc. So, I've been taking strides in spending my free time taking care of the house, reading books and knitting. I am happy to report that my house is clean and I feel a bit more balanced in how I'm managing my time ... that was until Wednesday. I was spending "a little time" catching up on all of the adoption blogs I like to read and three hours later I'm having to pull myself away from the computer because I had a grumpy, waking child to take care of.


Corruption in VN
During my time online I learned that there have been some really heated discussions regarding questionable agency practices, ethics, and NOIDs. Many of the blogs I read have summarized, discussed and debated these topics really well and from many perspectives and so I'll refer you to them. The US Embassy in Hanoi has also issued a statement addressing these issues. I was saddened and surprised to read that CAS was issued a NOID. When we adopted Kaneu we initially worked with CAS but halfway through the process we left them and began working directly with FCA. The reasons we left CAS were for customer service and communication issues. At the time we felt devastated and discouraged - we felt as though we were starting over and felt heartbroken. However, after our first conversation with Kathy, our Korean coordinator at FCA, we felt an immediate connection and knew we made the right decision.

My heart and prayers go out to all of the families and children that are being impacted by these issues. We knew when we signed up to adopt from Vietnam that corruption was happening. We were discouraged but also determined to find an agency that was working towards strengthening the system, shutting out the corruption and truly working toward creating a hopeful future for the children. We did extensive research, prayed, and talked to many ppl before signing up with FTIA. I am happy to say that we still feel 100% about our choice. I am learning to really listen to my gut and follow my instincts. During our research we learned of other agencies that promised shorter waiting times and younger babies. I was tempted to ignore my gut and go with the promises of having a baby home in less than year versus waiting 18 months for a referral. For us, those agencies did not "feel" right. It seemed too good to be true. Our wait time continues to grow, and at times it is extremely frustrating, but I have faith this will prove to be the course we were intended to take. I am comforted in knowing that our agency is not taking shortcuts, not accepting bribes and refusing to work with such corrupt individuals. These are the reasons why the wait times are growing, and I can live with that. I hope all PAPs out there feel confident in the agency they've chosen to work with - and if you do not then please ask questions, demand answers and gain a true understanding of how your agency is conducting business - and don't forget to really listen to your instincts. dana

Rockin' and Rollin'

Lastnight Brian and I went to see David Gray at the Roundhouse. OMG, we had THE BEST time. Honestly, the concert falls into the top 5 of all time shows for both of us. We were blown away and delightfully (I don't think this would be Brian's choice of words, but I was delighted) wowed by his talent. The first set was acoustic with a hing of bluegrass, which I love -- he had my heart when he sang Johnny Cash's Long Black Veil. The second set was with the entire band and they rocked the house. I have listened to David Gray for years but have never known him to be such a rocker. He was also really funny, cracking jokes and and you could tell that the crowd LOVED him. If he is coming to a town near you must go - you will have a great time!!

Christmas Parade

Last weekend we attended the Harrods Christmas Parade. It was 8am on Sat - I know, way too early in the morning! Somehow we managed to get there just in time. There was fake snow blowing and it really set the mood and made me realize this - winter is here! I am excited to put up the tree - last year I put it up Nov. 1. I was just so excited and couldn't help myself. I think I'll wait until after Thanksgiving this year.

After the parade we had some fun at Battersea Park. We rented bikes and rode around and had such a good time. I forgot my camera and so used my phone camera. The quality is not great and I wasn't exactly sure how to use it, but I managed to get a few shots.

Hope you're having a great week. :0) dana

What goes in must come out!

I mentioned in my previous post that Brian's dental needs took us to the US. He had some pretty major procedures done and thankfully they went smoothly. Last week one of his crowns popped off, though this was not from either of the teeth there were recently worked on. He was able to put the crown back on with no problems BUT the following day realized that it had come off again. He realized this after he had swallowed it while eating a sandwich .... gulp! So, a $600 crown is making it's way through his system. He knows it has not made it's way out yet (I'll spare you the details) and he knows for sure. I'll just leave it at that. Grossed out? You betcha. I can't believe I'm actually posting this ... yes, I can actually. Hope that makes you smile. Have a great Friday!

Catch up

We are back! We were in the US for a visit and are now back in the swing of things. Jetlag has passed and we're back on London time. It was a quick trip and was planned so Brian could have some much needed dental work done (see tomorrow's post for details on that) and the days flew by. We got to spend some quality time with our very dear friends, Di & Bri, and our adorable Godsons, Simon & Griffin. Kaneu had such a fun visit w/his buds. We also got to spend 2 nights in Blacksburg, which was a lot of fun. Unforch, the Hokies lost to BC in the last 2 minutes and 10 seconds, but it was nice to be back in our little college town. It has been more than 2 yrs since we've been back to the 'burg - June 2005, just one week before we travelled to Korea to meet Kaneu and bring him home. Ahh, how time has flown. The weather was not great - it rained cats and dogs - but we had a lot of fun walking down memory lane and reminiscing of our younger days. Kaneu did not come with - he enjoyed a couple of days w/his grandmothers and was spoiled I'm sure. He misses them terribly and is anxiously awaiting Grammy Sue's and Meme's arrival for Thanksgiving.

Here are some pictures of our trip home.

Virginia Tech/Boston College game

The Virginia Tech Campus and memorial to those killed in the shootings

Turkeys

I cannot believe it is November. Can somebody please tell me what happened to October?! I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend. We are - more updates to follow. xo.dana