Thought I'd reference the whole baseball theme that tends to run throughout our family's names as the title for this posting....In an attempt to try my best at making it clear what our next steps are in this process....
May 11th: Giving & Receiving Ceremony (G&R)=Official adoption!!
May 14th: Apply for Molly's Passport
May 16th: Initial INS Interview & Molly's Passport picture taken
(INS file sent to HCMC...turnaround time dependent on review by one SINGLE person in the HCMC office reviewing our file and giving us her stamp of approval...usually takes several days)
May 21st: Pick up Molly's Passport & go to SOS clinic for Molly's official health exam for VISA
(Hopeful) May 22nd: 2nd INS interview and 24hrs later Molly's VISA is issued then....
a la casa baby! We could technically start our way home on May 23rd!!! Breaking the all time record of 10 days!! (VN only counts M-F, in case you were confused)...
We've run out of clean clothes & had to drop off some laundry at the local laundro-mat so that we didn't offend anyone! It's amazing that the Vietnamese wear long sleeve shirts and long pants in this heat & humidity! The phrase "it's not the heat it's the humidity" was invented in Hanoi!
This evening the Mausts and Lakritz family enjoyed the famous Water Puppet Theatre and made the short stroll home with 2 out of the 3 babies sleeping. I won't rat out which one was awake, but I'll give you a clue, she takes turns with her sister keeping her parents awake every 2 hours through the night! Guess that rules out our princess Molly, huh? We've been blessed with a daughter who takes after her big sister in the sleeping department. Our girls usually go to bed around 7:30-8pm and sleep through the night until about 5:30-6:30am! (I'm glancing upward with a grateful gesture!)
We're pretty much on our own, as far as the WC staff is concerned, until Monday the 21st. However Martin is trying to make arrangements for us to visit HaLong Bay sometime this coming weekend. It'll be good to keep our minds occupied as we'll miss our Casey's Senior Prom on the 19th. It's difficult to be away from our family & friends, but as you can see, we're setting records and hope to be home sometime next week!!!
Keep writing your comments! We LOVE hearing from you~ we'll be home soon! Love you! ~kate
by the way, we added a bunch of new pics to the previous blog, "A Ballet called Chaos"... and here's a couple of videos to enjoy:
First, Molly working out with her hand-made mobile:
And especially for the Maust family, Cindy and I think it's Lindsey???? playing with Emma:
12 comments:
Max and I check the blog everyday. We have really enjoyed being part of your journey. We loved the videos. We are so glad things are going smoothly for you. Can't wait to know that you are home safe with your 2 little princesses. Love and Kisses.
Me too, I have been checking your blog everyday and am so enjoying hearing what is going on. You write so well Howie, I think we all feel we are there with you!
So, it won't be long before you are home, and we will all get to meet your new daughter.
In the meantime keep sharing your thoughts and experiences - this is such a great way for Molly to learn about her journey in the future!! And who knows, Kate may make a scrapbook of it all (!?).
Love ya,
Brit
Hey guys. Loving the blog and all it's details! The pictures and videos are great and seeing the girls together brings tears to my eyes. It just seems like yesterday that I was driving you (Kate) to the hospital to have that baby a bit early!
Can't wait to see you soon. We wish you all the best and enjoy every moment during this life changing event.
Love, Vicky and the gang
congratulations all of you look so happy can't talk long work is busy see you when you get back love,l roemer
It is so exciting to be a part of this journey with you and be able to follow the daily blog. What an special time and we can just sense the joy and exitement in all of your pictures and postings. Enjoy Hanoi and this wonderful time of bonding. Emma is such a wonderful and caring sister. We can't wait to see you when you get back when your long journey is finally complete.
Love and best wishes,
Denise and gang
Our Dear Friends,
Computer is finally working and what a treat... to log on and read all about your wonderful news in this AMAZING blog you've created.
Meagan, Mary and I sat last night with grins on our faces (and tears in my eyes) as we looked at your beautiful photos and clips. We could not be more happy for all of you... sweet Molly is joining the most wonderful family!
Savor every moment of this well-deserved joy... We can't wait to meet your new addition and hug all of you when you return home.
Kiss sweet Emma and tell her that Mary loves her and KNOWS she's already the best big sister!
And Molly P. says to tell Molly T. that she can't wait to have her new friend home...
We love you!
Cheryl, Michael and kiddies
HI LAKRITZ CLAN. MOLLY SEEMS TO RESPOND SO WELL TO HER NAME WHEN SHE'S ON THE VIDEO.THIS ONLY CAPTURES A PIECE IN TIME.THE SMILE ON HER FACE WHEN EMMA IS PLAYING WITH HER IS PRICELESS.THEY SEEM TO BE SPEAKING TO EACH OTHER IN A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE. MAYBE IN A FAMILYWAY ONLY A CHILD WOULD UNDERSTAND.THE BONDING PROCESS SEEMS TO BE GOING VERY WELL.HOPEFULLY ONLY 6 MORE DAYS AND YOU'LL BE HOME. A PLACE WHERE MOLLY WILL FEEL THE LOVE OF BEING A MEMBER OF THE "LAKRITZ FAMILY" BE SAFE!
Hi my beautiful new cousin! Hi my beautiful namesake cousin, and hi to my other beautiful new mommy and daddy cousins. We love you!!! She is beautiful and looks so happy. I can not wait to meet her!!!! Safe journey.
Wow, she is beautiful, and when I signed on and saw the pics of her, I got chills! I cant wait to meet her in person. You all look so happy, and its sooo nice to see! G-d bless, and have a safe trip home!
What exciting days! Congrats on beautiful Miss Molly joining your family!
Still checking as much as possible, you all look so happy!!!!
Loving you!!!
Lyn
Howie- you are a born writer, I expect these awesome notes in emails when you get home, who knew you were so talented, I love reading your stories and seeing the girls together...Katie, how are you!!! You look so happy, I love you Sis!!!
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