Bringing Jake Home

Another late update

2008-10-29T21:48:00.008-05:00

Well, it is October and I am just now posting pictures from July! What can I say? Life is busy! We took Jake to Big Cedar Lodge for his first 4th of July and as an "official" American citizen. It was really special for all of us. We had such a great time. It has been a wonderful 10 months with him watching him experience so many "firsts". He is growing up so fast. His language is unbelievable and he doesn't remember any Vietnamese. He is very smart and well adjusted. He is great buddies with all of the other children . He is a very active boy....he doesn't walk anywhere! He still loves to play outside and he and Luke have a great time with their new dog Ollie. They have taught him to climb up the ladder to their fort and slide down the slide.....first Luke, then Jake and then Ollie. Over and over again. It is hilarious! Girls are super busy with school, soccer and basketball. They are a great help with the boys. It seems like we are always on the go with all of their activities. Nadia is playing soccer in Greenwood and Mia plays soccer in Fort Smith. Nadia has started basketball for the UCA team and Mia is now picking up tumbling again. They love to have their friends over for sleepovers....we always have a house full of kids. Nadia was recently selected to be in the football homecoming court as the princess. She looked so pretty that night.....just like a princess! I will try to post pictures sooner this time. Mia loves school and all her friends....our social butterfly. She is always so happy and has a smile on her face. Would love to hear from you. Hope everyone is having a great fall!
Take care, Natalie

Summertime

2008-06-18T22:50:00.004-05:00

I can't believe summer is here. We have been so busy since school ended. We are still busy with soccer, swim lessons and Vacation Bible School. We took Jake to Florida for his 2nd birthday! We all had so much fun. Ma and Pa came down and uncle Jeff flew in from Nevada. Jake loved playing in the sand and running to the edge of the water. We set up a tent and each afternoon he would say "night night time" and would run to the tent to lay down and take a nap! He is amazing! He would sleep for two hours in the tent!

Jake has adjusted beautifully. He no longer bites, lays on the floor in fits or hits. He is very affectionate and has learned his new boundaries and is a very happy boy. He is VERY strong willed but we think this can be a good trait and we are just working on focusing it in the right direction. His language is unbelievable. People that meet him for the first time think we have had him since birth b/c his language is much more advanced than the average two year old. They can't believe we have only had him for 6 months. He can repeat anything we say, understands everything we say and is putting 2-4 words together at a time. Every morning he asks , "momma, where dada", "momma, where Nadia", "momma, where Mia", "momma, where Lu?"...we go through this every morning. I tell him daddy is at work and Nadia, Mia and Luke are at school. Now I tell him the kids are sleeping (now that school is out!) and he says, "ssshhhhhh". It is so funny because he has learned to tattle quickly. If Luke takes a toy from him or he wants something one of the kids has he runs to me and loudly says, "MOMMA...LLUUUU!"....as to tell me "mommy, Luke! (has my toy, took my toy or I want that toy!). I told the kids he would quickly learn to tattle on them if they misbehave! They are all shocked at how quickly he learned to tell on them.

Jake loves to ride bikes, drive the battery ran jeeps (although he hasn't mastered steering it yet!), bubbles, swimming, going to the pond to feed the fish, swinging, coloring, reading, watching Diego and Dora...you name it! He loves everything and is doing everything. He cried every day we dropped of Luke at preschool and would say, "momma, stay stay, school school". I told him he would get to do all that soon enough. He just wants to keep up with his sisters and brother.

Nadia and Mia have been busy with soccer all spring and now doing 3v3 tournaments this summer. Rick coached Mia's team and they placed 1st this season. Nadia's team placed 2nd in the U-10 division. The boys already kick the ball around with each other. I think we are going to have four soccer players! After so many practices and games they would much rather be with our beloved babysitter Heather. They love to play with her and are so sad that she is moving away this summer. Jake asks about her all the time. He says, "where Hethy?". She was with us from the time we brought Jake home and he thinks she is just suppose to be part of our family. We don't know what we will do without her! The boys will be devastated when she leaves.

Luke finished up gymnastics and took a break this summer. He is really trying to grow up. Although he and Jake argue and battle it out over their toys, they have formed a deep love for each other. Luke tries to help out and is so proud when we brag on him for sharing. The kids all love just spending time together. Rick set up a two room tent in our basement and the kids have been sleeping down there all summer. They have it all set up with their stuffed animals and blankets and plan on sleeping down there until August!!! Guess I won't have to be making any beds. The girls have had some sleepovers and the kids go crazy when they see the tent down there. We dim the lights very low and it looks like stars on the ceiling. They think they are camping....in comfort with air conditioning! (smart kids!)

Well, I will post some current pictures. Everyone is doing great. We continue to pray for the Vietnam program to reopen. Our hearts were broken when we received the letter saying they would be closing. We pray for all the children who patiently wait for their forever families to come get them. Please pray that our two governments can come together in agreement for the benefit of these children of God. Happy Summer. Natalie

Some New Photos

2008-04-14T23:13:00.010-05:00

Again, sorry it has been so long I have updated the blog. Life is so busy! Jake is doing great. He is so smart and happy and blends in with the family as if he has always been with us. He has a great personality and loves to be silly. Rick jokes he has two volumes...."loud and louder"! He is going to make sure we hear what he has to say! It is soooo funny when he says, (loudly) "MAMA MAMA"...and then he says very seriously a long jumbled sentence as if he truly knows what he is telling me. I say, "really?" and then he says, "yea".

He is learning so much English. He is even trying to sing the alphabet along with Luke. He loves music and is singing the Barney song and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". He loves to watch Diego and Barney with Luke. He loves to play outside, go to his sister's soccer games, play on the swing set, help mow and cries when he can't stay at preschool with Luke. We were showing off his counting talents to our friends who own a Chinese restaurant (they are Vietnamese and speak it fluently) and they told us that some of the numbers he was saying was actually in Vietnamese! He mixes them back and forth...such as "one, two, ba (three)" etc.

We recently adopted Jake in the U.S. He did great with our attorney and in the court room...we were so proud! I think he knew something special was going on. He and Luke have become fast buddies. The play together all day and chase each other up and down the halls. We were laying in Luke's bed the other morning and he said, "I like having a brother".....melted my heart.

We plan on taking him to the beach in Florida for his 2nd birthday in June. Uncle Jeff will be flying there to meet us. We are so excited for him to experience the beach for the first time in his life....especially since it is all of our favorite place. We have a big trip planned to Big Cedar Lodge for the 4th of July too. It is another one of our favorite things to do with the wonderful fireworks show and beautiful scenery. It will be extremely special to us this year to have Jake home and experiencing the American celebration for the first time with us.

We are so blessed to have Jake in our family. He brings so much to our lives. God is so good.

Jake in our attorney's office.
Mommy and Jake outside the courtroom.
Daddy, mommy and Jake in the courtroom.
Mia, Nadia, Luke and Jake on Easter morning.
Kids getting ready to surprise daddy with his birthday cake.
Daddy and Jake
This stuff is good mama. He said, "MORE MORE MORE".
Luke and Jake helping mommy mow.

Okay, so it has been a while!

2008-03-02T22:57:00.011-06:00

Wow, it has been a long time since I last posted. Sorry to the loyal followers of our blog. Life is busy and it never seems I have time to sit and post anymore. Rick is on call tonight and I got all the kids in bed early, lunches made and laundry caught up so I thought I would make myself sit and download some photos!

Jake is doing great! He is so comfortable with his new life and routine that it is just natural for him to go with the flow. I don't think he would know anything different at this point. He is learning so many new words and understands everything we say. He and Luke have become very close buddies and love to pester their sisters. Wow...it is double trouble for the girls these days. Luke can do almost anything and put Jake into absolute giggles (he has the BEST laugh!). He thinks Luke is hilarious. Luke can just turn his head a funny way and make a silly noise and Jake goes to his knees cracking up and then tries to mock him. The first month I would constantly tell him how much I loved him and he would tell me if I asked him. Now he comes up to me on his own and kisses me, hugs my leg or tells me he loves momma. It melts my heart!!! It means so much coming from him on his own. Can you believe how well he is doing in barely over two months? Amazing!

He loved going to Nadia's basketball games, going to church and now soccer. So long as there are snacks around...he is happy wherever he is! We rarely have any fits or anger issues anymore....anything he does is just typical 20 month old stuff. He knows we love him, what is acceptable behavior and the yes's and no's at home! We worked hard every day to make the boundaries clear to him so that he would know his limitations and it has been well worth the effort. It may seem too "strict" for him being new but he is so smart and he wanted and needed to know. Now that it is all clear to him he is so much happier.

I know I sound like a "bragging mother" but he is sooooo smart. Everything comes to him so naturally. His determination to learn and understand things amazes Rick and I. I have never seen a child his age want to learn things so bad. He communicates beautifully....if he can't say it he is able to take us to a location and sign or show us exactly what he wants. He loves books and wants to go over them every night and works hard to say the words in the picture books. It seems like he understands most everything we tell him and if he doesn't the first time you can rest assured knowing he will figure it out quickly. His strong will comes in handy during this time...but can be interesting at other times! I am telling you .... this kid is smart! AND...he is soooo happy and affectionate. Okay...enough of my typing. I have lots of pictures to share. Hope you enjoy them. Have a wonderful week! Natalie

Rick and Natalie V-day 2008
Nadia performing at half-time UCA Homecoming Basketball 2008
Nadia and Friends
Mia with her friends before half-time performance
Mia and Jake riding the gator
Luke, Jake and Mia playing outside in Feb
Rick, Luke and Jake working at the pond in Feb
Boys working at the pond
Jake at the Dr
Jake at Dr appt
Jake with daddy at the dr

Can't imagine life without Jake!

2008-02-03T16:06:00.000-06:00

Well, there isn't a lot to update! Jake is doing great and just goes with the flow! He seems very comfortable with our family and very happy. I wonder sometimes if he even remembers his former life even in this short amount of time. I am sure there are things he thinks about and that probably go on in his little mind but from all appearances he seems to be so content and happy with his new life.

He is getting closer and closer with each of the kids and loves to play and interact with them. He can't wait for them to all get home from school. He has so much fun at all the basketball practices and games and is doing great at church. He even stayed in the church nursery today! You should see him put his hands together and close his eyes to pray!....it melts my heart. He doesn't really say anything ...just makes sounds...but he says them in this barely audible whisper....it is so precious. We have kept him on a very good routine so that he knows what to expect each day and I think this has really helped him adjust. He LOVES his bath and will even lay on his back now (remember when he would only squat?) and tries to swim! He loves to brush his teeth...even tries on his own now. Then he goes to each of the kids rooms and gets in bed with them and says "nightnight" and kisses them and when he leaves he says, "ssshhhhh" in a whisper.

We rarely have any behavior problems ...nothing other than typical 19 month old stuff...and that isn't very often any more. He is sooooo smart! He knows when he is doing something he shouldn't be doing and after he does it he looks at it and says, "no no no" and runs to give me a hug (with that big cheesy grin) as to say..."oh mommy, you don't have to correct me!"

I took him up to the girl's school Friday b/c Nadia had forgotten one of her novels. Everyone was so excited to see him up there. He is so comfortable and confident in new environments...it is truly amazing. He was telling her class "HI" and blowing them kisses. We ran into Mia in the hall and she asked if I could bring him in her class for "Show and Tell". Her teacher and I got the biggest kick out of it. She stood in front of the class and told them all about him and Vietnam. He was quite the little flirt in front of everyone which made it even funnier. He may have been the first brother to have been THE show and tell at school.

We took our first family picture last week and it was quite an adventure. It is amazingly difficult to get 6 people all looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. I think it took us 2 hours to try to get the "perfect" picture and just as we almost got it....RICK raised his hand in the picture to keep Jake from raising his hand. Our photographer just about died! He told Rick he would ground him if he could! Needless to say, it was less than perfect and by the time we got a decent picture, we were all sweating and our hair was a mess! It will work for Jake's announcement...it has to!!! I am not doing that again for a while! It was way too stressful!

As you can see, life is busy and great. We can't remember life without Jake. In just a few weeks, it is like he has been with us forever. He brings so much joy to our lives. If you would have told me we would be at this point in just a few weeks I would never have believed it. God is so good! Have a great week. Natalie

Welcome Home Jake Tea Party Pictures

2008-01-23T22:01:00.000-06:00

Jake meeting my best friend Patty for the first time! So many neat toys and clothes!

Good friends!
Jake received a doll that was called "Dress Me Jake"! Too Cute!
Mom, Jake and I, and the hostesses
The beautiful table setting

Jake has been home 1 month today!

2008-01-22T13:28:00.000-06:00

Wow! I can't believe that Jake flew home one month ago today. Time has flown! It is amazing to see how far he has come in such a short amount of time. He is doing great! I really can't imagine our family without him. He is so happy and blends in as if he was with us from day 1. He is eating great, still on great sleep schedules, and rarely bites or hits anymore. He will occasionally think about it but has gained the self control to choose another outlet that is much more acceptable.

He has also learned more words and some signing which has been his greatest help to control any of his frustrations...he can now tell someone "no!" if he doesn't want you to take his toy or if he isn't done with his plate, etc. I know most people don't like to hear "NO" from their children...but it has been a great help in communicating for us. He has also learned mama, dada, nana (Nadia), mimi (Mia), Lu (Luke), up, down, done, more, eat, baba, dipe (diaper), kittykitty, nightnight, bye bye, hi, Lu Ooh (love you)etc. He can now point to his eyes, nose, ears, mouth and hair when we ask him to. He understands many other things we tell him. He has an amazing vocabulary for a 19 month old who has heard English for a total of 4 weeks. He is absolutely so cuddly, silly, happy and full of life. He has the most beautiful smile too! (and he loves to brush his pretty teeth now!) He loves to run off with the other three children and play with them. They are all doing so good and thrilled to have him as their brother.

Last Friday, some dear friends threw a "Welcome Home Jake" tea party. It was so fun. We had many friends there and Jake received so many new toys and beautiful clothes. It was wonderful to have so many share in our joy. He is loved by so many already. I will try to post some pictures of the tea soon.

Thank you so much for all of you who encouraged us and prayed for us on this long journey. We have so much to be thankful for and learned so much along the way. Very importantly, we know that God has His perfect timing in everything. There were many times we became impatient and frustrated waiting on our sweet Jake. We know he was perfectly chosen for our family and God's timing placed him perfectly in our home. We thank Him everyday for allowing us the honor to raise Jake. Every day I look at him and I am in awe that God would allow us to have this awesome gift. It is our hope that everything we do in raising our children will glorify God. Have a wonderful week. Natalie

" 'I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him.' " 1 Samuel 1:27

Just keeps getting better and better!

2008-01-09T21:14:00.000-06:00

Well, I thought I would post another update on another ordinary day in the life of the Nelsons. We are getting into a great routine...I am all about schedule/routine if you couldn't tell by now. Jake is doing great and is more and more comfortable each day. Actually, if you didn't know us, you might think he has been with us forever. He is soooo happy every morning I wake him up and gives the most warm hugs you can imagine. He raises his head and looks at me to give me a kiss and buries his head back into my shoulder. Often he will just look at me and say "MaMA"...and I say, "YES, I AM your MaMa!". Can you even imagine a better way to start your day? Luke loves to be the first one in his room and says in a real high pitch voice, "Hi buddy!" Jake has learned to say approximately 10 words in English but understands a lot more of what we are saying. He is using some sign to communicate and it has helped his frustrations tremendously. His tantrums and hitting/biting episodes still occur but much much less (thank goodness).

Jake is still quite the ham. Every time we take him somewhere he waves and says loudly "HI HI" and then immediately starts blowing kisses to everyone. He loves the reaction he gets from everyone....all the ooohs and aaaahs. He loves to act silly and even when he does something bad he will look at us knowing we are displeased and smile big with his teeth showing and squint his eyes and give us this big look of "CHEEEEESE"....and like "how could anyone be upset with a cute silly fella like me?"!!!

We had the honor of speaking at a local CHI meeting Sunday afternoon and share our adoption story with some families. It was fun for everyone to see Jake too. He is quite the celebrity lately b/c everywhere we go someone will say, "Weren't you all on tv over the holidays?" Many people have recognized him around town and he doesn't shy away from the attention!

Now for the part that many of you will be a little uncomfortable with....

I got a call today from an individual I have never spoken with or met before. They live across the country but have been in contact with Tam Bihn 1 orphanage from their own personal adoption experience. They have become friends with the directors there b/c he is Vietnamese too and have kept in contact with them. The lady who loved Jake as her own got in contact with him and asked him to call me and check on Jake today. She is wanting updates and to keep in contact. Although somewhat reluctant to keep too close of contact, I do understand what she is going through. I gave him an update and he said he would contact her to tell her he is happy and bonding strongly with his new forever family. I pray it will give her some peace and comfort knowing that he has a family who loves him deeply and feels like God placed him in our lives with a great purpose. We have all committed to love him and provide a wonderful life for him.....we truly feel like he has been with us forever! Of course the first week was hard on everyone...but was to be expected. It is amazing how quickly he has adjusted and knows we are here for him forever.

Each night I rock him he just melts on me and before he goes to bed I sit him up and have him look at me and I take his hands and place them on me and say "Mama" . I then take his hands and place them on my heart and then hug him and say ,"LOVES"....and then I take his hands and place them on him and say "JAKE". He loves when I do this but is so calm as if he truly understands what I am saying and is soaking it completely up. Every time I rock him I can't help but think about the first 18 months of his life and how I wish I could have been there for him. I think about his past and I also think about his future. Tonight I kept whispering "Mama loves Jake" in his ear and he gave me a big hug and kissed me before I layed him down. I cannot even put into words how it makes me feel. I almost feel guilty saying that before I adopted I didn't know how the love would compare between a child I gave birth to and a child that we adopted. However, I can say with complete honesty, the love is no different. It may have taken me an extra week to feel "bonded" with him but I can tell you that even though I personally did not give him the "gift of life" I know and believe that God gave us the gift of Jake.
Have a wonderful week. Natalie

"For He planned in love for us to be adopted as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will." Ephesians 1:5

Life is Great!

2008-01-03T16:48:00.000-06:00

Things are finally coming together at the Nelson house! I am getting a routine together and things are going smoothly. Jake is doing AWESOME and he is so happy to fit right in....he was never too shy about it! :) Luke and Jake finally decided today that they were going to be buddies. They played together all day and had no problems. Now that the girls have started back to school it has finally hit them that it is just "us two brothers so we might as well have fun!". They are both on a great play, eat and nap schedule and I actually got some time today to pick up the house and do some laundry...it made me feel great. On top of that, I got my makeup on, hair curled and dressed at a decent time (I won't mention the time...but hey....it happened!)

The kids and I went to see my parents over New Year's (Rick was on call) and Jake got to meet all of his cousins and aunts and uncles (minus Jeff...but soon). He had no problem warming up to everyone and ended up playing in the play room with all the big guys each day. I really believe he sensed it was "all family" and was so at ease. I think everyone fell in love with him (and Jake knows it!....he likes to put on a show and make everyone laugh!).

He is such a great eater and takes a wonderful nap and goes to bed perfectly. He loves his bath but we are still battling brushing his teeth. He adjusted to the carseat and highchair beautifully too. I work hard every day to teach him that hitting, biting and tantrums aren't acceptable and we have worked on finding new outlets to let him show us when he is frustrated....I am telling you there has been some major improvements. He is bonding with me wonderfully....I think having Rick back at work forced him to come to me and trust me and meet all his daily needs. Last night he wanted me instead of dada!!!! YEA! We are working on his language and he has learned mama, dada, more (for food) , down(when he is done eating) , ball (thank you aunt Julie), hi and bye! He freely gives us lots of kisses and blows kisses and he LOVES to dance. He says many other things but I think they are in Vietnamese.... he will sign to us what he wants. Today when we went to pick up the girls from school he got so excited when he saw them he started yelling "YEA YEA YEA"! Once we got home, they all four took off upstairs playing together. It is amazing how well he has adjusted in such a short time. To be perfectly honest, the first few days were a little stressful, and I was unsure how well things would go. We have prayed everyday for guidance and patience and God has been very good to all of us. He always knows our needs and always has His perfect timing. We feel so blessed to have Jake in our lives. He has brought so much to each of us and he reminds us every day that love has no boundaries or borders. I love being a mother of four...life is certainly a lot more messy, chaotic and unorganized and I am learning to accept it joyfully! It is also more full of laughter, smiles, patience, hugs and kisses and I accept that joyfully too. Rick is threatening to hang a sign over our family room that says, "Nelson Daycare"....b/c that is what it looks like! I love it! Life is great!

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T09:19:00.001-06:00

Jake is really adjusting better each day. He is a very happy little guy and is starting to realize that there is "6" of it in his new forever family. He couldn't quite understand in the beginning why we were all here....."shouldn't it just be me and daddy?" was the look he had for the first couple of days. He will now let me feed him, hold him and put him down for his naps and bedtime. He hasn't even cried the last couple of days when he knows it is bedtime.

We are still struggling with his "fits" ...he isn't sure of how to handle his frustrations or anger when things don't go exactly the way he wants them to....his natural instinct from the orphanage is to "fight to survive". They had to be strong willed to keep the toys they had or they might lose it to a bigger older kid! He is still not confident that we are not going to come up to him and take his things....so he will occasionally hit, throw, scream or open his mouth as he might bite. Our other three children never went through this so I am not completely sure of how to handle it! James Dobson to the Rescue!!! I am getting one of his books this week! I am using some of the methods taught to us through Growing Kids God's Way and they have been working. We used them on our other children and had much success with them. It is what we used on the bedtime training with Jake and he got it in two days! We have been correcting Jake in his fits and then he turns into a "noodle" and scoots across the floor screaming. Wow! It can be overwhelming at times but I have been staying very calm and helping him work through it. I know it sounds like he is having a hard time but I need to make myself clear that this has gone from numerous times a day to no more than 2-3 times a day. Most of the time he plays just fine and is very happy, giggly and cuddly. He will actually leave Rick long enough to go into the other rooms and play with the other children on his own and he has fun!

Today is my first day with Jake alone! Rick had to go back to work today and we took the other kids to ma and pa's house to be with all their cousins on New Years. We got home sooooo late last night and Jake is still sleeping! I can't wait to give him all of my attention and to see how he reacts when he has to be "totally" dependent on "mommy"! I pray he fully accepts me and gets an even stronger bond with me this week. Slow and steady wins the race and I am willing to do what it takes. I keep reminding myself that it is hard to trust women when you have been abandoned by your birth mother (for the hopes of a better life), the caregiver in the orphanage he was loved by so much gave him up for a better life (he doesn't understand that yet) SO, why would he trust this other new woman? He has been through a lot and I begin each day and end each day with a prayer for God to soften his heart to completely trust me and to give me the patience he will need from me until he is fully ready to totally accept me.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Year. We are excited to see what 2008 brings us. We know just having our family complete and together will bring us much joy. May God bless each of you.

Brothers!
Jake says "YEA" and Luke says "Do I have to share all my toys?"
Mommy on her birthday...best present ever....all my kids together!
Jake in his favorite spot...stuck on daddy like glue!

New Motto: One day at a time!

2007-12-26T21:50:00.001-06:00

Well, with each day, things are getting a little smoother. It has taken me a while to find my way back to the computer but I actually found some time tonight. Never mind the kitchen, messy house and piles of laundry! Not only is Jake adjusting to his new life, we all are. He is a very sweet boy and is warming up a little more each day. He is so attached to Rick it has taken him a while to want to go to anyone else. Considering his past, he simply doesn't know who is truly "forever" and he doesn't want to let go of what he knows he loves and needs (to him it is his daddy). However, last night I was able to put him to bed and I was successful tonight too....not that it happened quickly...but it happened and with less tears tonight. He is even giving me hugs and kisses! Although I knew to expect this, it is harder for me than I expected. It was wonderful tonight when Rick was sitting in the same room and he came to me for something and didn't even seem to notice Rick! We were both thrilled! He loves his sisters and brother. It is taking everyone some adjusting to the fact that we can't just "get up and go" anymore...we have a new schedule and needs to be met. I must say the kids have been incredibly patient and understanding. We do know that with a lot of love, hugs and kisses.....oh and a lot of patience, things will continue to get better every day.

Jake is still off his schedule. He did so good sleeping in Vietnam but at home he thinks day is night and night is day. He has sat up in bed two nights now singing lullabies in Vietnamese and clapping his hands until 4:30 am. Needless to say, mommy has dark circles under her eyes and has worn sweat pants for two days! The sweetest moment was when I opened my eyes one night and he was staring at me and he said "ma ma"! He melted my heart.

Considering that he has grown up in an orphanage for the first 18 months of his life, we think he is doing great. There are a lot of things he must "relearn" but we are already working on them. Children in orphanages must learn to be "fighters" to survive....they have to fight to keep their toys, to get attention and some for nourishment. Jake is learning that he gets to keep his toys...no one is taking them away, to share other's toys (without hitting or yanking away) and that there is always food to eat....he sometimes will crawl under the table and eat crumbs off the floor even with a full tummy. He always cleans his plate and sometimes what is left on the other kid's plates! He still hides some of his new toys in "Jake piles" b/c he is afraid someone might take them. However, we can see that he is slowly beginning to trust us. And for those who have been following the blog....he now brushes his teeth! Yes, he will even show them to Rick and give him a big teeth smile!

Today was his first ride around town to get use to his carseat.....he hates being restrained! He doesn't like carseats or highchairs ...BUT....today we were successful with both....no tears in either seat! HOORAY! This was a big accomplishment for all of us! I know it sounds silly but we have learned that the littlest accomplishments mean soooo much to all of us. There are just so many things you have to deal with when you adopt a child who is a toddler and has been raised in an orphanage their whole life. However, I will tell you , with all the tears shed and lack of sleep....it is all worth it. He is such a blessing and he is a very happy little boy.

Jake is use to being the center of attention at the orphanage after being the "favorite" and he has had to learn that his siblings are important too. One thing he loved at the orphanage is the director would have Jake stand in the middle of a circle with all the other children and adults surrounding him and they would jump up and down with their hands in the air and shout "SON SON SON SON SON"! Jake would jump in the center and scream with excitement...it meant that he was being celebrated, exciting time, joy! Each evening we circle him and we all jump up and down and shout "JAKE JAKE JAKE JAKE" .....he starts jumping up and down, screaming and clapping...he gets so excited. We want him to know he is special to all of us too. He has a great belly laugh and the most beautiful smile and he shares it with us most of the day. His excitement for life and his new family is so pure and it truly melts our hearts. Rick looked at me the other night, totally exhausted, and with his sweet sleepy eyes he was looking at Jake and said, "All he wants in life is to be loved". We promise to love him our entire lives and it was our mission when we decided to adopt that if we could make the difference in even one child's life to let them know we believe it is so important to feel loved and to know God's love, then we have served our purpose. Please continue to pray for each of us as we adjust to our new life as a family of 6. For those of you who missed CBS news special on Jake's arrival home you can click on the link below. I haven't been able to get a link to the ABC story.

Family Gets Long Awaited Christmas Present
http://www.kfsm.com/Global/story.asp?s=7537489

or
http://www.kfsm.com

Oh, and to all the mother's of internationally adopted children that I have met through Children's Hope International who have been writing me, thank you for words of encouragement and advice. You have made each day so much easier for us. I have reread many of your letters over and over. You are an incredible source of support!

Another interview for ABC

2007-12-24T16:14:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to let you know that our local ABC channel 40/29 ...channel 7 if you have cable.....will be airing another interview on Christmas at either 6 pm or 10 pm. They are making it their Christmas story. We are all very tired but glad to have done the interviews. Jake is adjusting but still a little unsure of all of his new surroundings and family. He is now getting a cold and not feeling the greatest. He is still stuck to Rick like glue! I will update more later....just been very very busy since they got back. Kids can't wait to open presents. Have a very Merry Christmas and I hope to post new pictures soon. Natalie

Bringing Jake Home Televised Tonight

2007-12-23T17:16:00.001-06:00

Just letting everyone know in Fort Smith that two news stations were at the airport last night filming "Bringing Jake Home" and Channel 5 was here today. They will be airing the story tonight on channel 5 at 10 pm. Natalie

In Flight from LA to Dallas

2007-12-22T17:39:00.000-06:00

Just letting everyone know that is following the blog and curious about their arrival that they are in flight from LA to Dallas. Their flights have been delayed due to the strong winds. We don't know when or if they will get to leave Dallas yet. We are all about to go crazy around here right now! We are hesitant to leave for Fayetteville just yet and will follow more closely as the time gets near. We received a call from Channel 5 today and have been asked to do a story our on adoption journey and they may be at the airport tonight. If it gets too late, they are planning on being at our house tomorrow at 1 pm to do an interview. I know they are all going to be so tired but thought it would make a nice positive Christmas story. Please pray for safe flights during this bad weather. Anxiously awaiting, Natalie

Finally back in the states

2007-12-22T01:19:00.000-06:00

Well, Rick, mom and Jake are now in LA. They had a really great flight and slept much of the way home. They said they feel like it should be 10 in the morning even though it is 11 pm at night. Jake is running around pushing buttons and discovering all the new things he has never seen. We could hear him quite well in the background...he was having fun! While going through immigration, he was so hungry that he got in Rick's bag and pulled out his formula can and bottle and trying to figure out how he could make one for himself! The children in Vietnam stay on the bottle until they are 3-4 years old which may seem unusual to most Americans but we will keep him on his bottle for a while so that it will provide comfort to him and good bonding time between mom and Jake. We are all so excited to see them we can't sleep....as you can see I am posting this blog at 1:30 am....and Nadia is sitting next to me!!! I know it sounds crazy but I have been "nesting" with this adoption just as I did when I was pregnant. I have been vacuuming, washing sheets, organizing....pretty much cleaning anything I can get my hands on! It is crazy!!! Well, I guess I should sign off for now. I just wanted everyone to know that they made it back to the states safely. Please pray for safe travels all the way back to Arkansas. Have a great weekend. I know we will! Natalie

They got the Visa!!!!!

2007-12-21T02:22:00.000-06:00

Yea! The good ole' USA came through and got the Visa done for Jake! Rick just called and is on the way back to the hotel with Jake to pick up mom and luggage and then head to the airport. They wouldn't allow mom to go...only parents of adopted children. They will call one more time before leaving Hanoi and heading to Hong Kong and then on to LA. They should be in LA Fri night...they will gain a day. They have had a wonderful experience and everything went so smooth...even in a stressful time CHI was able to get things done. Thank you Nicky for everything you have done to help us and for putting up with my many calls and emails. You have been incredible. The staff in Vietnam has been incredible too. We appreciate all of you who helped bring Jake home and who have been a part of this from day one.

Thrilled and grateful mom of four,
Natalie

Pictures

2007-12-20T21:39:00.000-06:00

I have had a few people email me and tell me they can't few some of the images so I thought I would try to resend those again. Enjoy!

Riding the elephant
Woman working on the street
Boat ride down the Mekong Delta
Momma's sweet boy
Mom and Jake early in the morning
Mom holding a snake!

Nervously waiting for Visa

2007-12-20T13:04:00.002-06:00

Well, it is a little stressful today. I got a call from Rick and as they went down to the lobby yesterday to meet to go to the U.S. Embassy to have their appointment for Jake's Visa they were told that the Embassy had canceled their appointment. We knew they had to have it because it typically takes a full day to get the paperwork to leave the country. They have an appointment Friday at 3 pm and have to have all their interviews and process the paperwork to get his visa in two hours since they close at 5 pm. Their flight leaves at 7 pm! We don't even know if they will give them the visa the same day. The biggest problem with all of this is that the Embassy is closing their office until next Wednesday for the holidays. They had told our agency they would only be closed for Christmas and New Year's Day....somehow things changed in between that fax . Please pray that they are able to get all of this done tomorrow in record time of two hours! If not, they will have to stay 5 extra days and miss Christmas. It won't give Rick much time at home before he goes back to work for Jake to adjust to me. We are all very stressed at this time and are asking for prayers that this will work out. Rick will call me tonight at 5 am to let me know if it happens. I posted a few more pictures. Rick doesn't have any email access in Hanoi so we are only communicating via phone. I don't think I will have many more photos to post until they get back...which I pray is Sat night. I will keep everyone updated as we find out more information. Thanks so much. Natalie

Happy Boy!
Rick and Jake eating at an Italian Restaurant
City street in HCMC
The hospital where Jake got his medical exam

They are in Hanoi

2007-12-19T13:22:00.002-06:00

I am finally back! It has been a very busy week and I am starting to feel the effects of being a single parent! Rick said they are doing great. They have had a very busy schedule but are having a blast. They finally received Jake's passport and got his medical exam completed. Just before they were leaving to take him to the doctor Jake tripped over Rick's shoe and busted his lip open! Rick said it looks better already. They said he is still the happiest little guy. Rick said he is very active but never cries and just goes with the flow. Mom has bought him quite a few new toys and said he is so curious and interested in them. She said he likes to get all his new things and place them in a "Jake pile" and hides them in a drawer. I think he must be use to having to compete for toys and is going to protect what is now his own.

We had one more incident the other day. Rick, mom and Jake were anxiously wanting to go see the "American War Museum" (better known to us as The Vietnam War) and Thuy told them to be down in the lobby at 2 pm. She said that instead of taking them to the museum she was taking them back to the orphanage. The caregiver was still having a really hard time and the director was wanting to see him again too. Rick called me because we didn't want to put Jake through this again and we didn't want him to go back from all the progress he had made. My mom absolutely did not want to go and we decided against it. Once Rick told Thuy our decision she seemed very distressed and told Rick it would cause a conflict and encouraged him to please go. I spoke with our agency and they said this was very unusual and really didn't recommend it either. However, after much convincing, mom and Rick agreed to go but for only 30 minutes. Once they arrived they were all waiting on him and his mama-nana presented him with a traditional Vietnamese silk outfit. Mom said it was very emotional once again. Jake did run to her and was happy to see her and I think it was a little hard on Rick(but completely understood). He didn't leave his side the entire time...so much so that he didn't even get to take any pictures. They all celebrated his return but after 30 minutes Rick decided it was time to go. Rick said they were really glad they went in the end because they had made it really special and it was so important for all of them to see him one final time. When it was time to go, Rick called Jake and not knowing what to expect....lots of tears or struggle.....Jake turned to Rick and ran to his daddy. When they told me this I cried. He knows who is daddy is and he was ready to leave. It is our hope that this provided some comfort to all the people who loved him so much. I have promised to send letters and pictures for a while as they go through their grieving process. We are truly grateful for the love they had for our son and we know it is the reason that Jake has transitioned so beautifully. He seems so happy and at peace with his new family just as we do. Thuy did promise to take them to the museum the next morning before their flight and they really enjoyed the museum.

They flew out of HCMC and are now in Hanoi. They said it is very different from HCMC. Obviously being North Vietnam it is much cooler, but Rick said it just has a completely different feel to it. He said there are a lot more police walking around on the streets and even hotel. He thought it looked even more poor than HCMC. They are anxious to get up tomorrow and explore. They plan on seeing the Water Puppets tomorrow night and a few other things. They will receive Jake's Visa on Thursday and fly out Thursday night. I have posted a few more pictures and Rick is going to try to download some more before they leave. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a flight from LA to Fayetteville Friday night so they will have to stay in LA until Sat and if everything is on schedule arrive home 9pm Sat night in Fayetteville. I will keep you posted as were get closer and closer to bringing Jake home. Natalie

Mom early in the morning with Jake
Riding a boat down the Mekong Delta
Mom holding a snake!
Mom, Jake and Rick riding an elelphant! (Jake is somewhere in the middle! :) )
Woman on the street making a living.
Momma's sweet boy!

Pictures and Update!

2007-12-16T14:26:00.000-06:00

Yea! We finally figured out the problem with our phone and now we have everything working. Rick was also able to send a few pictures but then the computer jammed up on him again. He said he will try again tomorrow. I am thrilled with what I get! (You should be able to click on each image in the blog and they will individually enlarge).

They enjoyed the Mekong Delta and on the way home mom (matter of factly) mentioned how she would love to see the inside of one of the houses. Thuy said....lets pull over and go through this one! Mom and Rick were telling her that they didn't mean "literally" and felt it would be so imposing on the family. She explained to them that the people there are very friendly and would love for them to come to their home. They got to go through their home and they said it was amazing. They said they slept on wooden boards and there were two inch cracks in the walls and floors. They were very welcoming and so happy to have them in their house. Thuy and her husband have been so amazing on their trip. They have taken them wherever they wanted to go and are so efficient. CHI has taken such good care of them on their trip and the staff in the US and Vietnam should be commended. Rick said he was talking to some people in their hotel from another agency and they asked Rick ..."how do you all get to all of these places and how do you know where to go, etc"? Rick told them it was just part of the adoption process through CHI. They were shocked and said they had nothing like that provided for them. We appreciate it so much because it gives us such a great appreciation and love for the culture and country our child is from. Mom and Rick have fallen in love with Vietnam and we all plan to go there as a family when Jake gets old enough that he will remember the trip. Thank you CHI for everything you have done for us!

Yesterday they took Jake to the zoo. They rode an elephant and Jake fed it peanuts and sugar cane....he had no fear at all. He now loves his stroller....at first they couldn't get him to stay in it. When they were in the park, they saw what they "thought" were bunny rabbits....then Rick said, "oh, wait...Jake that isn't a bunny...they are Rats!"....wow!

Rick said Jake is absolutely unbelievable. He said he is very very busy but it is in the typical 18 month way. He is very curious and full of life. One story I forgot to mention is that Rick has been trying to brush Jake's teeth...and he can't stand it! Mom keeps telling Rick..."come on, he hasn't brushed his teeth this far so don't push it now...we will work him in to that at home!"....well, Mr Persistent tried again after breakfast and Jake threw up all over Rick! Mom couldn't help but get a chuckle out of it. The funny part of it now is that every time Rick brushes his own teeth...Jake sees him and runs and hides behind the bed or runs to Ma (his protector of the toothbrush!).

Mom and Rick said he is absolutely the sweetest and happiest guy you could meet. He never cries at all. He can't communicate with them very well verbally (but great at signing to them) but he understands everything they tell him. Thuy said he is speaking single Vietnamese words but Rick and mom just don't know what he is saying. They called the other night and the only English word he knows is "HI" and just as we got all the kids on the phone Jake said, "HI HI HI!" . Nadia, Mia and Luke all started giggling and jumping up and down. He has told dad and I hi and we can hear him belly laughing as he plays ball with Rick. He has the greatest laugh! Rick called this morning and feels sure Jake looked at him and said, "Daddy!". Mom said Jake has really taken to Rick. I love it!

We prayed for this child for two years and God has truly answered our prayers. Our family already feels blessed to have him and most of us haven't even met him. He was loved and cared for in the orphanage, healthy and happy....God is so good. Have a great Sunday. Natalie

Rick and Jake at the Delta
Jake after the G&R Ceremony
Jake loves to drink water from a straw!
Vietnam Staff member
G&R Ceremony

A couple of new photos

2007-12-15T14:28:00.001-06:00

Well, I don't have a lot of new news because now we are having phone trouble! The phone worked great but now Rick can't get it to recharge. I called the hotel directly but Rick said he only catches about every 3rd word I say. I am working hard to see what I can get done to fix our problem. Computer is officially a problem I think can't be fixed. He was able to send two more pictures but it won't let him send any more. I think some other families are having the same problem too.

They went to the Mekong Delta and really enjoyed it. Didn't get all the details but he said it was really neat and he said they stopped at some really great place to eat. They keep going on and on about the food! He said Jake slept the whole way there and the whole way back but was awake at the Delta. Before Rick could even get him in bed last night, he turned around and Jake was laying on the floor half asleep....it was only 7:30! He isn't used to going all the time and is staying worn out. ( I think Rick is too...mom is doing the best!!!!)

Rick said the lady from the orphanage that cares so much for Jake is really having a hard time. He said when they went to the G&R ceremony she was waiting there for them. She asked if she could play with Jake outside and he agreed. After the ceremony they went back to the hotel and she was there too. She asked if she could take him to the park but Rick and mom thought it was best if they "all" went to the park. It was making Jake upset to see her and Rick felt like it was very confusing for Jake. Jake had not cried at all since they got him and the only time he has ever cried is when he was first taken away from her or when he saw her again. They stayed with Rick, mom and Jake for a while and then followed them through the markets as well. She came back to the hotel because she was afraid she had forgotten to tell Rick about his favorite snack and had brought it to him. She also said she decided to give them something that she thought we would cherish that few families ever have....she had taken pictures of Jake since he was a baby at the orphanage and decided to part with them so we could have them. This is amazing ....I would venture to guess that few people have as many pictures as we have received of our son at an early age. What an amazing, thoughtful and generous woman she is....she was thinking of us during her time of grief. Their guide over there said she had even called her the night before worried about him and wanted to know if he was eating okay or upset so she called Rick to check on Jake and reported back to his orphanage "mommy". Rick was a little hesitant to tell me all of this and at first I didn't quite know what to think. My heart truly aches for this woman. I know she loves him so much and I can not imagine what she is going through. My mother hugged her the last time she was there and told her that our family thanks her and loves her for taking care and loving Jake during the first 18 months of his life. She told her what a great gift she gave Jake and how it has helped him adjust so easily to his new family. She told her how much our family already loves him. Mom and Rick said it broke their heart when she left because they knew how hard it was for her to hold back her tears. She is such an amazing woman and our family will always be grateful for the love she has shown our son and we will always tell him about her. We are so blessed to have her pictures with Jake and a few things she sent with him. Although he was an orphan, he was truly blessed to be loved by so many and we will always be able to tell him from birth how special he was. Please pray for this woman so that she may be comforted in her time of loss and pray for her to have peace with Jake's new family.

Our precious son in his crib at Tam Bihn 1 orphanage.
Jake meeting Rick and Mom and saying goodbye to the orphanage director.

Hey...2 pictures are better than none!

2007-12-14T19:04:00.001-06:00

Rick just called and they are heading out to the Mekong Delta. They are really excited. He said he has lots and lots of pictures but is still have trouble with the computer but he was able to send two to me today....better than nothing! They said Jake has completely come out of his shell. He is very silly and tries to make them laugh all the time. Rick said he is going to give Luke a run for his money! Rick said he plays lots of games with them too. He loves all the toys we took over there and won't leave the room without one in each hand. They said he is so incredibly happy and smiles often....doesn't shed a tear! Rick said he goes to bed perfectly and slept all night last night. We are all so anxious for them to come home. Rick will try to send more photos tomorrow. I have so much to tell but I promised the kids and dad for a ride to look at Christmas lights so we are heading out right now. I knew I would be getting more phone calls if I didn't get at least one picture posted! Have a great Friday night and I will post more soon. Natalie

Jake with his caregivers...the lady holding him is who he called "mommy"...she loves him dearly and please pray for her as she is having a very difficult time away from him. She is the lady who wanted to adopt him.

Jake a little concerned after they handed him to mom and Rick.

Getting Ready for the G & R Ceremony

2007-12-14T00:22:00.000-06:00

We have spoken with Rick and mom several times this evening. They said Jake did great last night and got up only once for a feeding and then again at 6 am but cuddled up next to Rick in bed after his 6 am feeding. Rick said he is very affectionate and cuddly. Mom was thrilled because today he bonded with my mom. She has been carrying him through the markets today and when the people on the streets come up to them to say "lucky baby" or try to hold him (I have been told that the Vietnamese people love children and try to hold babies they don't even know often) he would turn his back to the strangers and wrap his arms around the neck of the person who was holding (either mom or Rick) and bury his head in their chest. Mom said it would just melt her when he would do that. She told me on the phone today "I am totally in love with this little guy!". He doesn't really talk yet (he makes sounds but they don't know what he is saying...but he does say "Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi") but communicates by pulling them by their hands and directing them to what he wants. Mom said she will do certain things with his toys and he watches her and will do the exact same thing when she is done...she said he is a "genious".. :) !!!! Rick has played an Elmo dvd on the laptop and said he is completely mesmerized by it and he loves books. We sent him a stuffed puppy and they said he absolutely will not part with it other than bathtime. He sat the puppy in a chair next to himself at breakfast today(apparently they don't have high chairs) When they tried to leave for breakfast and didn't have it he pulled mom over by her hand and tried to let her know "I am not leaving this room without my puppy in that crib!". A friend sent a sweet soft blanket with us and they said he won't part with it either. They said he is just doing great.....very easy going and sweet....oh and very smart :)!

Oh yea...back to the main topic...sorry I am getting carried away as a proud mommy...but the G&R Ceremony will take place Vietnam time today at 3 pm (2 am here). We will officially be ours as far as the Vietnamese government is concerned. I think they still have to get a medical exam and passports for him while in HCMC. They are planning on taking a trip down the Mekong Delta tomorrow. I just got off the phone and he was heading down to the lobby to see if someone could come up and help him with the laptop. He has downloaded all the pictures but he just can't get them to email....he is officially very frustrated right now! I had a sweet family member of one of the people traveling at the same time email me and let me know that they had a photo of Jake that her niece had taken so she forwarded it to me. I will post them now. It is of Jake in the little suit and bow tie they put him in when he met Rick and mom for the first time. Well, I will post more as I receive it and hopefully Rick can get the pictures sent soon. Natalie

A quick update from the last post

2007-12-13T09:22:00.000-06:00

I spoke with Rick just now before they went to sleep. He said they got back to the hotel room and gave Jake a bath, "tried" to brush his teeth....had never had it done before and didn't like it, and met the other families out for dinner. They said the food was incredible and that Jake is being SOOOOO good. He won't go to mom yet and only wants Rick. Our agency told us this would be important so we are very grateful for this. He sat in Rick's lap and then they took a walk by the water and he didn't make a sound. They got back to the room tonight and he fell asleep in Rick's arms. Once Rick laid him in the crib he sat up to make sure he was still there and laid back down to go to sleep. Rick is having trouble with the computer and can't email or download pictures at this time but will send them as soon as he figures out the problem. He said they were too tired to even try tonight.

Rick gave me more details from the orphanage. We had been told that Son (Jake) was the assistant director's favorite...and Rick said it was true. He said actually he seemed to be the favorite of many. Many of the caregivers had a hard time seeing him leave. Rick said most of the kids are in old clothing that is too big etc and they had dressed him up in a suit with a bow tie for him to meet his new forever family. I can not wait to see this picture! She told Rick she wanted to adopt him and Son called her "mommy". She said he was "very very smart! and a "very lucky baby"". Rick said she may just be biased because she loved him so much but would like to believe he is going to be smart! We prayed for the entire wait that whoever God placed in in our family would feel loved while he waited on us and it has truly been an answer to our prayers. We are so grateful to her for loving our son and showing him how to bond with people. She has given him such a great gift.

I am going to call them tonight before we go to bed and when they are getting up and I will update more. They have the Giving and Receiving Ceremony tomorrow afternoon and as far as the Vietnamese government is concerned he will be officially ours. It will then be up to the US. I hope I will have some pictures to share with you. Have a great day. Natalie

They have Jake!

2007-12-13T04:06:00.000-06:00

I know it is in the middle of the night but I just got off the phone with Rick and mom again and yes, I spoke to Jake! He didn't like the phone at all....he had never seen a cell phone before and he couldn't figure out what the sound was coming out of it saying, "Hi Son (his Vietnamese name)...it is Mommy!"....he pushed it away and wanted to look out the window. I will update more tomorrow on the events that took place when Rick took him from the assistant director...who loved him so much (he even called her momma). It was very emotional for everyone involved. They told Rick that she was actually in the process of trying to adopt him but then our paperwork came through and he was matched up with us and she decided to give him to us. I had written her a letter and given her a gift and the translator read it to her as Rick gave her the necklace. Needless to say, it was very emotional for her and mom and Rick tried to console her with hugs and words of comfort and thankfulness. I will tell you now that Jake is crying in the van and was a little distressed. Rick was trying to console him and tell me everything at the same time so I am going to call early in the morning(our time) and get more details. They are with a group of 4 other families and their children were with them too.

I found out that he doesn't like monkeys...they scare him! I had sent a toy monkey over to him but he doesn't like it at all! I don't even think they sent it with him. Good thing I decided against the monkey backpack and got one with airplanes! I put a puppy dog inside and Rick said he was holding on pretty tight to it. He had a bag of animal crackers and Rick said there was not a chance of him parting with those either! Oh..one other note....they said "rest up Nat"....he is BUSY...as I had been warned by others over there...they said when they got there he was running all over the place half dressed under tables and chairs etc. They got him all "fancy" and he came out with a bow tie on....I can't wait to get the pictures of him. I am tired and rambling but will update more as I hear from Rick. Please pray for Jake's comfort during this huge adjustment period. I know he must be so scared and confused right now and I desperately wish I was there to hold him. I just want his transition to be as easy as it can be. More later I promise. Natalie

THEY MADE IT!!!!

2007-12-12T23:47:00.000-06:00

I just got off the phone with Rick and mom. They were in the car with their guide/translator pulling up the hotel. They said they were actually pretty rested and were going to make themselves stay up all day to get on "Vietnam" time. All they kept saying was it was so amazing. They said you would have to see it all to believe it. They said the flight was wonderful and that everyone on the plane was so polite, efficient and the food was excellent. Mom was so proud of herself because she was able to eat her entire meal in Hong Kong with chopsticks! The only bump was that Rick's luggage was torn up and the strap to pull it was torn off so he is having to carry it and Jake's luggage was ripped up too. Mom was so worried her luggage didn't make it because it was the last one unloaded. I am going to call them back in 30 minutes because they are unpacking and meeting down in the lobby to go to the orphanage at 2 pm (1 am our time). Rick was a little concerned because most families go to the orphanage and "receive" their child but he was told they were going to the orphanage to "meet" their child. He was going to check in to this after they got unpacked and showered. I am so much more relaxed now that I know they arrived safely, seem well rested and very excited. I will update more as I talk to them. I can't believe we will be parents of 4 very very soon. Natalie

And They Are Off!!!!!!

2007-12-11T22:37:00.000-06:00

Well, today was the big day. The kids and I drove mom and Rick up to Fayetteville to fly out. We let the kids miss school so they could spend some time with Rick because he has been so busy at work and not had a lot of time at home. Everything went pretty smooth for check in but when it was time for "good bye's"....well, it was pretty rough. The girls got really upset and started crying. It got so bad that one of the employees came over and gave them mints to try to console them...he said he couldn't stand to see them so upset over their daddy leaving...pretty sweet guy. Luke was busy running under all the lane ropes and kept saying, "Is daddy and ma getting Jake?"! I did pretty good at holding it back at the airport and on the way home.....but when we walked into our empty house I have to admit I cried! I know it sounds silly but Rick and I have only been apart a couple of times for only a couple of days in almost 12 years. We are very excited about everything but it also a little overwhelming too. We have waited for this moment for almost two years and when it finally happens it is very hard to describe all of the emotions you go through. It is very hard for me not to be there with Rick but I know it is very important for me to be here for our other three children too.....especially after the day and night we have had...lots of tears shed.

Once we got home we decided to go to basketball practice to get our minds off of things and it did help. We then went to eat at our favorite Chinese restaurant and to see our friends who own it who are actually Vietnamese. They are so kind and it was comforting to see them tonight and let them know Rick and mom were off. They could tell we were having a "sad" night and were so good to talk to the kids.

It is completely hard for me to imagine...but tomorrow my sweet husband will be holding our new son. They are leaving Los Angeles in a couple of hours and flying to Hong Kong....should get there around 4 pm tomorrow (Wed) our time. They will have a couple of hours lay over and then on to HCMC, Vietnam by 10:35 am (9:30 pm our time). Rick thinks he will have Jake by noon and said he would call me tomorrow night on the way to the orphanage. I wish I could type into words how amazing this experience is for all of us. It is exciting, scary, overwhelming and joyous all at the same time. A friend of mine whom I have not even met...only through CHI via email.....was so kind to share words of encouragement with me this morning and it meant so much coming from someone who recently went through all of this.

Through this entire journey, God has shown us so much and brought so many wonderful people in to our lives. It is our hope that we can provide a life pleasing to God for Jake and that we can bless his life with our love and hope for a wonderful future. We know he will bless our lives in ways we can not even imagine at this time. We are very thankful that God has placed him into our lives and it is with every ounce of our being that we want to glorify God through this journey. Please keep all of us in your prayers as we go through this together. Please pray for all four of our children that they will all adjust smoothly. As soon as Rick and mom get settled into their hotel room tomorrow and prayerfully can figure out the laptop and digital cameras...I will post updates and pictures. Natalie

Only a couple of days left

2007-12-08T22:31:00.001-06:00

Well, Nadia had great fun with all of her friends at her 9th b-day party. They did pottery and we came home to some games, movies and crafts. They all seemed to have a really great time. They have such a sweet group of friends in their class at school. Today they had a basketball game in Mountainburg and won the game in three over times! Most of her friends had been at the party and we had to get up at 6:30 am to be there on time! They were all pretty sleepy but were able to pull through with a win. It is so fun to watch the kids play basketball at this age. After the game, the third grade class was selected to be in the Fort Smith Christmas parade. It was a very fun busy day for all of them. Rick is on call today/tonight so it has been just the kids and I. Believe it or not, I actually got Jake packed during Luke's nap and with the great help of Mia. I am glad I did it today because I was able to make a list of things I forgot and will run out tomorrow after church to get all of those things. One bump in the day was that I took Luke back to the hospital today b/c I was up with him all night last night crying and had noticed his fingers were very swollen and he kept saying "too tight!". They had to cut the cast tonight to relieve the pressure from swelling. It seems to help some but he just can't stand having the cast on. It breaks my heart when he says, "please take it off momma". Thanks for all the kind encouraging notes you have left on the blog and emails. It is so nice to have so many people supporting us and praying for us on the wonderful journey. I have attached some photos below. Talk to you soon. Natalie

Nadia's birthday party!

Luke and his broken arm :(
I'm trying to smile momma but it hurts

We got our VISA's!

2007-12-07T14:38:00.001-06:00

Yea! We got the visa's, airline tickets for Rick, Mom and Jake, and the international phone all in the mail today. Such a relief before the weekend. Now all we need to do is pack but my mind is racing with things I have forgotten! I am throwing Nadia's b-day party tonight and I am focusing on that this afternoon...she is so excited. I have the basement all decorated with balloons, signs, goody bags and lots and lots of snacks! They will do pottery and pizza tonight and then come back to watch movies and do crafts! Mia is getting to bring a friend too and I am sure Luke will be right in the middle of all of it! Luke is having a hard time adjusting to his cast. He keeps asking us to "take it off!". I feel so bad for him. He was so brave at the doctors office...not a tear was shed! Well, I will be busy this weekend with parties, basketball and packing but I will try to update more before they leave. I will be updating and putting pictures on the blog (hopefully...if we can figure it out between Vietnam and Fort Smith) during the entire trip. Have a great weekend. Natalie

Just as things were starting to calm down..........

2007-12-06T07:50:00.001-06:00

Well, we are still waiting on our phones and more importantly VISA's. We have done our part and now we wait. We just need to pack now. Last night Rick surprised me with a really nice "last date before adoption" dinner in Fayetteville. It was so nice to just visit on the 45 minute drive and have some one on one time together. We got seated and ordered a salad and just as it was being brought to the table our phone rang. Our babysitter called and said Luke was on top of the stairs and had fallen. He cried for several minutes but seemed to calm down but not using his arm. We told her to call us back in a few minutes to see if there was any change. We inhaled our meal and got the phone call that it starting to swell. From experience, we knew it was probably broken. Our babysitters mom met us at the hospital so that our babysitter could stay with the girls. Sure enough....Luke broke his arm. Our romantic evening was spent in the hospital! Oh the lives of mommy's and daddy's! Life is always busy at the Nelson house and will soon be even busier with number 4! I guess Jake will get to meet his new big brother with a colorful cast. Have a great day. Natalie

Jake's First Shower at Church

2007-12-04T21:58:00.001-06:00

One Week Til Travel

2007-12-04T21:48:00.001-06:00

Well, it was certainly a very busy day. I worked hard to get the passports sent to the Vietnam Embassy with the hopes to have them back by Friday. My dear friend Patty drove all the way from Muskogee to bring me my mom's passport and paperwork so I could get it out with Rick's today. I started laying out clothes and going down the check list of things to bring and getting our paperwork ready to travel. I also booked plane tickets, got our international phone on the way and Rick worked hard trying to get his partners schedules rearranged. It has been incredibly stressful but we have been blessed with so many wonderful friends who have been very helpful with all of the arrangements. We have been so impressed with our agency too. They are on top of things at all times, very organized, always available to answer emails and phone calls (which I have provided them with so many) and they are so caring. They have truly made our experience wonderful. I can't imagine going through any of this without the help of Nicky and Sara. They and the rest of CHI have been amazing! I will attach a few photos of Jake's shower. We haven't received any new pictures lately so I will try to post some other pictures until we get in Vietnam and get some more. Have a wonderful evening. Natalie

An Amazing Day!

2007-12-04T00:37:00.000-06:00

Okay...where do I start? We got up this morning and found our letter from US CIS Immigration stating our I-600 had been processed and we were ready to travel. We were so excited and I spent the day running everywhere trying to finish up Christmas shopping and things for the trip. We were told our G&R would be on the 17th but leaving around the 13th so I had about a week and a half to wrap things up. Well, tonight I got an email from Nicky and she said....do ya think you can leave earlier???? We said sure! Mom and Rick will now be flying out on Monday the 10th! Now I am really panicked. Rick is going to have to get someone to cover him next week and we have some major packing and paperwork to do. I am sending out mom's and Rick's passport's tomorrow and PRAY they get here by Friday...yes, in four days! Stress!!!! Anyways, as if you can't tell by my update....I am in 5th gear and not slowing down any time soon. We are hoping by traveling sooner so that we can be home with Jake by Christmas. We didn't want to get stuck in Vietnam over the holidays because the US offices shut down and we would be waiting until they got back unable to do any paperwork. It is our hope and prayer that we can get back before Christmas. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for this huge journey. This is truly the journey of a lifetime. Natalie

We Got Our G&R Tonight!!!

2007-11-29T22:05:00.000-06:00

My heart is literally racing as I write this note. Rick is on call tonight and I just got home from a recipe exchange party and checked my email. Nicky emailed us tonight and said our G&R has been set for December 17th. Unfortunately, we are still waiting to hear from the US Immigration office in HCMC. It has been 10 days since they wrote us a letter stating they received our son's paperwork and it could take several weeks for it to be processed. CHI is hoping it will average to be a 3 week period. If all this comes in within the next two weeks we should be buying our tickets to Vietnam. We were praying this would happen before our group plans their vacation for the next year and I think it just may work out! The kids are going to be sad that Rick and my mom will be gone over Christmas but if things go faster while over there because of the new way of processing paperwork...they just may be home for Christmas or shortly after!!! Wow...what a true gift from God. I can't imagine a better way to celebrate Christmas. I am now panicked thinking of all the things I need to do. I still have Christmas shopping (and for one more now!) and packing for the trip to do in just a couple of weeks. Rick is going in tomorrow to get all of his shots and mom got hers last week. I will let everyone know as soon as I get the dates confirmed. I pray it all works out. I know that God has His own perfect timing. We have trusted in Him on this entire journey and even though at times we felt like things weren't going as smoothly as we had hoped and things were taking longer than we like, as time has gone by we realized it was all meant to be in the timing and order He planned for us. Have a blessed weekend. I can tell you we will be floating! Love, Natalie

New Pictures Today!

2007-11-15T13:32:00.001-06:00

We just got these pictures of Jake today! We were so excited and had just been saying that it seemed like a long time since had gotten any from the agency. He is really growing! We can't wait to hold him in our arms! Natalie

New News!!!!

2007-11-14T22:00:00.000-06:00

Yea! Today we received an email from Nicky telling us that our I-600 application was submitted with CIS office is HCMC today! We have been waiting on this email! They will be processing our application and will notify us directly when it is approved. She told us to expect it to take 3 weeks but it is all up in the air since this is a new process. This is something that use to be taken care of when you are "in country" but now we are doing this paperwork before we travel which should cut down the time we have to stay there. We are waiting on our G&R (Giving and Receiving Ceremony) dates but once we get both of these things we should be ready to travel. I am being optimistic but I have a feeling we could travel in approximately 6 weeks...give or take a week. However, as things have gone so far, we know all too well that any thing can change at any time. We are really excited about all of this and it has finally hit me that I have got to start getting things together for the short notice that we get to travel. There is a list they give us and I have gotten plenty of help from others who have traveled already. Well, I just wanted to let everyone know that we have finally gotten new news and it is good news! Natalie

Another family updates us on Jake!

2007-11-13T22:29:00.000-06:00

Well, we haven't heard anything from CHI lately. The family I was in contact with recently is now home from Vietnam. I met another family through CHI who just went to Vietnam to pick up their child in the same orphanage as Jake. She was kind enough to let me mail her a gift so that she could take it over with them. We sent him a little car and a stuffed animal. I received an email from her today and she said he was very excited to get it. I wish I could have seen his face! I had sent her pictures of Jake and she said she recognized him immediately and he actually followed her out in the courtyard while she was trying to bond with her new son. She said he was doing his "fake" grin that we have seen in other pictures of him. Even though we haven't met him yet I am beginning to think he might be a little "ham"! It pleased us when she said he was easy to smile. She took a few pictures and will try to send them later. I am sure it is very busy trying to bond with a toddler. We haven't heard any new news but we are getting all the information together for shots required to travel in Vietnam. Hope everyone has a great week!

Newest pictures of Jake

2007-11-06T21:50:00.001-06:00

I received these pictures of Jake from a friend who is getting ready to leave Vietnam after getting her son. She sent me these pictures on her blog. They are about a week old...so very current pictures of Jake.

Everything is in CHI's Hands

2007-11-06T21:35:00.000-06:00

Well, we finally got our fingerprints renewed and our I 171 sent back to CHI. We had to do some more paperwork to fix the problems we were having with Rick's passports since we had disposed of his old one when we got the new one. I finally got everything in the mail today and it is once again the waiting game. Rick and I both feel like we could get a call any time but it could be just wishful thinking. A friend that has been in Vietnam (and was so kind to take pictures of Jake and measure his foot for me) is probably getting close to being on her way home. I can't believe it.....very exciting. Her experiences in Vietnam have sounded so positive and it is getting us really excited.

Soccer is finally over and it has been really nice. We have had time to actually sit and eat as a family (at home!) and the kids have had time to play after homework is done. We almost forgot what it was like to be at home! Nadia starts basketball again this weekend but the schedule is much less demanding than soccer. Luke is enjoying his gymnastics class and it is nice to be able to take it during the day when the girls are in school. He feels really big that we are doing something just for him.

Have a great week! Hope to report something soon.

Our precious son and brother to Nadia, Mia and Luke

2007-11-04T22:37:00.001-06:00

We thought we would share some photos we have received from our agency or friends who have traveled to Vietnam recently. Jake is really growing up fast. We can't wait to bring him home!
Natalie and Rick

Hmmm....let me think about that!
I am a happy boy!

Now, who are you taking my picture?

Look mommy and daddy! I can walk! My first steps! I am a big boy!

Another Busy Weekend

2007-11-03T20:47:00.001-05:00

Ma teaching Nadia how to sew!

Pa in his favorite place...right in the middle of his grandkids!

Look at that handsome man!!!
Such a pretty ma!!!
Big Luke and Little Luke!
Ma and Pa at the kid's school program

Pa and Ma on a walk with Nadia and Mia
Together Forever.
One cool guy.

The master gardener!

Today we had three soccer games and finally finished our season. We had our soccer party for Mia's team afterwards and the kids had a great time. Rick was the coach for Mia's team and he really had a great time. We met a lot of new families and hope we get to play with them again next spring. Nadia's team lost their first game in over three seasons. It would have been a bigger deal to everyone but just before the game we learned that a child from our school tragically lost his life in a car wreck coming home from our school's last football game the night before. It made the game seem pretty "un"important and quickly reminds us how quickly life can change. Our hearts are aching with their family tonight and hope you can keep them in your prayers.

Tonight we had a Fort Smith adoption group dinner and we had a great time. We did it "pot luck" style and the kids all run around and play with each other while the parents all swap adoption stories. Many of the families are in the waiting phase and it is fun for us to see all of the adopted children and how well adjusted and happy they all seem. One family has four children they have adopted and they are the neatest family....very inspiring to us. It is really nice to have a local group you can talk with that has been through or going through the same emotions and experiences.

Well, there isn't a lot to update on today so I will add a few more pictures. I will send some pictures of Jake's ma and pa tonight. They are awesome grandparents and have so many things they teach to all their grandchildren. Our kids love them and feel so loved by them. Jake is going to be one lucky little guy to have ma and pa as grandparents....just ask Nadia, Mia and Luke! Natalie

Finally Friday

2007-11-02T21:50:00.000-05:00

Jake's cousin Andrew...Future Olympic Medalist in Swimming

Nadia, Mia and Luke with cousin Carra at the horse barn

Aunt Julie with her very big horse!

Nadia and cousin Carra with Flash
Mia with cousin Will "best buddies"

Uncle Mike and Aunt Julie (Mike, where is your suit?)

Cousins Andrew, Will and Carra

Natalie (Me), Mom (better known as "Ma") and Aunt Julie
Jake you are gonna love your ma and pa and all your extended family!

Well, I still didn't get my fingerprint renewal today. I am hoping it comes in next week since Rick got his back so fast. We have been told Fort Smith Immigration office is one of the more efficient offices. We are just lacking some updated paperwork from our social worker and then it is back to US Immigration Office in Vietnam. I met another lady online from our adoption group chat room and she is leaving for her son next week. He is in the same orphanage as Jake and was so kind to offer to take a gift to Jake for us. We took the kids to Toys R Us tonight and the picked out a small stuffed puppy and a little tiny truck. We have to find something small because they ask those who are traveling to pack as lightly as you can for two weeks!

Tomorrow Nadia will be playing in the end of the season soccer tournament for 1st place (or 2nd... ). They haven't lost a game in 3 seasons now and we are playing a good team tomorrow. A lot of the girls on the other team are her friends and travel on the same soccer team so it is hard for them to play each other. Rick is coaching Mia's team this year and they have their last two games tomorrow too. We are having their soccer party after the game. Just when I thought we would have the weekends to rest Nadia decided to sign up for basketball! She starts practice tomorrow. We really are happy for her to be so excited to try something new. Luke is such a good boy to tag along to all of their activities...and he never complains. Give him a snack and a few trucks to play with and he is happy! He did start gymnastics this year and he loves it. Well, it has been a long busy week and I am going to put my feet up. I posted a few pictures tonight of Jake's aunt and uncle and cousins from Houston. Until next time.....

No New News

2007-11-01T16:38:00.001-05:00

Well, another day of no new news. We had to get our fingerprints redone last week (they expired according to CIS)...as if our fingerprints have changed! Anyways, we got them done and Rick has already gotten his approval back. I am still waiting on mine! Rick also had to renew his passport because it had expired and we did not know that we would have to keep the old one. CHI called and said we would need it in Vietnam so we are having to do some paperwork and having it notorized. Who would have thought you would need an old passport when you have a new current one? We don't question the process too much even though it doesn't always make sense to us. We know in the end all the paper work will be more than worth it when we have Jake in our arms. Just thought I would entertain you with some pictures while we continue to wait. Have a great Thursday! Natalie

Uncle Jeff and Luke at the Beach

Luke waiting for his hotdog at his birthday cookout!

Nadia and Mia before school

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T22:21:00.000-05:00

Thought I would share a photo of the Nadia, Mia and Luke tonight. They had so much fun and the weather was perfect. The only thing missing was Jake! Happy Halloween!!!

More News on Jake

2007-10-30T08:10:00.000-05:00

We are so blessed to have met so many nice and wonderful people from CHI (Children's Hope International). A couple of families that have recently traveled have taken the time to go meet Jake, give him a hug for us and take some pictures. It is nice to get some feedback on his personality. The last couple of families have all told us that he is the assistant directors favorite and he is always with her....either in her arms and by her side. We prayed for this before we even met him with the hopes our child would bond with someone while he waited on his forever family and feel loved. I have to admit that lately I am a little worried about the moment we take him from her. They are really close to each other and I know it is going to be very difficult for both of them...including us. One family that is already back from Vietnam met him and said he was very busy! I met someone through our agency recently and she is currently over there right now getting her son. She said he was a little quiet around her. She was so kind to even measure his foot for us to give us an idea on shoe size. Once I receive some of her photos I will post them for everyone to see. Well, I will post more information as I hear it.

The Nelson Kiddos

2007-10-28T23:44:00.000-05:00

Sisters and brother to Jake. Hurry Home Jake!
Nadia, Luke and Mia

Finally Bloggers

2007-10-27T15:13:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it! We have finally set up our first blog. We have had several people asking about our blog so that they could follow us on our adoption journey. Our story began almost two years ago when we were sitting in church and heard a missionary speaking about his life spent in Asia ministering to the elderly and the orphans. His story and pictures were powerful and life changing for both Rick and I. We prayed about it for a long time and we knew that God had touched our hearts in a way that would change us forever. It was at that time that we found our hearts in Vietnam.

After 18 months of paperwork and waiting and waiting we received a referral for our son, Jake. At the time he was 13 months old and is now almost 17 months old. Our three biological children can not wait for him to get here. We feel like he has always been a part of our family even if we have only met him through pictures and a video. It is getting harder each day to see him growing up through pictures and we pray that our trip to Vietnam will be soon. I will try to keep the blog updated often. Right now we are just "waiting and waiting and waiting". This has been the most difficult part thus far. As soon as I figure out how to post pictures and other data I will get it on the blog site. Natalie