The Chronicles of The Peacocks, Gene, Deanna, Sadie and Emma!

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T23:22:00.002-05:00

So I admit, I have been pretty bad about updating the blog and stuff. Facebook is pretty much where all of our family pics, journeys etc. are these days. I will at some point get a few pics up from the holidays. Until then, the family is well! Emma made Jr Honor SOciety at school and wrapped up a Grand Champion for United MArtial Arts Tournament Alliance sweeping first place in her division for the season. Sadie is itching to compete in martial arts tournaments like her big sister and we will turn her loose on the world this Feb. March maybe.

We will expand and add more when I get a chance but Happy NEw Year to anybody who follows this these days and we wish you much happiness in 2012!

School is back in Session

2011-09-02T15:33:00.002-04:00

Well summer is over the house is empty during the days once again but we had a good summer. Lets see, couple of trips to Myrtle beach with the inlaws, girls had a blast both times, lots of just hanging out around the house. Fixed up the spare bedroom for Emma so now she has her own room. It was always there for her when she was ready. Martial arts all summer. Emma competed in the Karate for Christ world championships end of June and walked away with a third place in forms and actually won first in sparring. anyway Emma is now in 7th Grade, Sadie is at 4year old kindergarten sort of. She is at moms and my mother is working with her. Mom is a retired teacher so she will get more there than most 4yr old classes. Hmm Hurricane Irene was a pain. Lost power for 3 days, loads of limbs down in our yard still have to clean the backyard. Well that is a brief update to just touch base

Summer is Here!

2011-06-14T15:00:00.002-04:00

Well I know, I have been very bad about posting and updating this blog. Honestly if you follow this and are that interested in keeping up with THE PEACOCKS, find me on facebook under Gene Peacock and shot me a friend request. That being said I will probably continue here every month or so for a friendly update.

Speaking of update,,,,,,, school is now out for the summer and the girls are both wide open. Emma has become a mini martial arts guru! She has participated in 4 tournaments this spring and has 11 first place trophies and one third. The third came in the team pairs form competition in the black belt division! Sadie has also progressed quite alot in her martial arts. She has come out of her shell so to speak and now thoroughly enjoys performing in public! I mean performing,,,, she has decided that in the house is just not enough and loves doing public demos with her martial arts teacher!

Sadie spent some time at Myrtle Beach with her grandparents down from Knoxville and we even headed down for a weekend. Now they both spend alot of time at a local pool with their aunt and cousins. Sadie in particular loves the water, Emma likes to float and take it easy. I will add pics one of these days but loads on FB so anyway,,, that's all for now!

Disney Pics!

2011-02-24T07:24:00.003-05:00

feb. 2011

2011-02-23T14:12:00.003-05:00

So been a very busy month for the peacock clan. Where to start,,,, well the highlight, we spent a week at Disney World! Yep, we were there from feb. 11-16 and had a blast. We stayed at Coronado Springs Resort which is part of WDW and visited each of the parks over the course of four days. The girls liked the Animal Kingdom and Magic kingdom. My self and Dee like Epcot and the Animal Kingdom and all of us though Hollywood Studios was ehhh. They got to meet all of the characters and princesses and rode rides ate loads of good food and in general had a grea time. I still have to download some pics and I will post a few here.

Other big news Emma and Sadie both tested in their martial arts. Sadie now has her yellow stripe belt(which is for little kids) and Emma has her high Yellow Belt just a step away from Green. Gotta say Emma has turned out to be a martial arts expert in a way. As she has learned more myself and her instructor have found out she already knew lots. Turns out she was also selected to go to a martial arts school in china at the age of 10 but she talked her foster mother out of it as she told us the uniforms were ugly. We are very amazed at what all she knows and it is almost frightening at times watching her. She routinely spars with higher belts(sometimes much higher) and gives them fits. She is participating in a tourney in two weeks and is very excited about that as well. Will post some more pics of the girls t practice as well.

Oh and Sadie is quite funny doing this at home. Our washer nd dryer will never be the same after becoming practice targets for a 4 year old!

Welcome 2011

2011-01-18T16:01:00.002-05:00

Yes I know I am a little late on this put we have been s busy it is not funny. Christmas was great at the Peacock household. Emma and Sadie had a blast got lots of goodies, visited with family and friends and in general had a good time. Christmas Eve we went to a candlelight service at our church. We go to very small church out in the country(by choice of course) and loads of folks showed up. past members family etc. It ws great , we ended up getting home about 10pm and the girls proclaimed they were staying up. Well took no time for them to be out cold. They woe us up about 6am and into presents we went. Emma got cowgirl boots and hat as well as some Ugg type boots(not real Uggs with growing feet). She got and Itunes card , a Chinese Kids TV series that she loves and other stuff. Sadie got an Ipod shuffle plus princess stuff. All in all they were surprised and happy.

New Years Eve we had their grandparents from Tennessee in. we pretty much just hung out at the house and honesty we hit the sck early. I ued to have a grand old time New years Eve but now ehhh ,, no big deal anymore. We are now gearing up for Chinese New Year /Tet. Same basic festival but called two different things in China and Vietnam. We are going to have a nice family dinner with their cousins over and grandmother. We converted the tree to a Spring festival tree with red and green and little envelope all over it.

we are planning a big trip this spring, not gonna say when but we are hitting Disney World for week. The girls are over the moon they are so excited. Got a great deal, all four of us at Coronado Springs Disney resort, dining plan and park tickets for our stay for 1800$. That is $600 a person for hotel at a Disney resort for a week, food and entrance for 5 days into the parks. Pretty darn good deal.

Well more later as I get time. May even have to post some holiday pics. It snowed here Christmas (like it seemed to do almost everywhere). We ended up with about 11 inches and I am sick of winter now!

Christmas 2010 is almost here

2010-12-22T22:14:00.002-05:00

Well it has been since Oct that I last posted, mainly because it has been crazy busy around the Peacock household. Thanksgiving saw us in Knoxville at Deanna's parents house. Good times had by all. December has seen us all buys. I have been all over the state with my work, and we stay buys taking the girls to martial arts classes and other activities. Top that off with getting ready for Christmas. Both girls are literally bouncing off the walls with excitement. I would go into more detail but will write a more in depth rundown of the holidays maybe sometime next week. Here is a Christmas pic of the girls. Until the Merry Christmas to all!

October Updates from Gene

2010-10-26T10:20:00.002-04:00

Well it has been almost two months since my last post and alot has been going on. Between school and work all four of the Peacocks have been busy, Deanna and myself with work and the girls, Emma with school, martial arts and her modeling and Sadie,,, well being Sadie. She is a force to reckon with and I predict by the time she is in kindergarten I will have to have a conference within the first month of school. Lets just say she is intelligent, strong willed and outspoken, which gets her in time-out every once in awhile! Funny Sadie moment here to insert. I was walking down the hall the other day and she had an unused paint roller pretending it was a microphone. As I passed by she was singing held it out to me and sings, sing it Daddy! I just laughed as she was on her 'Stage" and in the moment.

Emma had her 13th birthday early in the month. She was very excited but did not want big party, just family at her request. We went and ate at a very good local Chinese place for a good sit down lunch and then at home it was cake and presents. She did pretty good but she got the Ipod and the flat iron she had been wanting. Those long with all of the other presents from grandparents aunts and uncles made her day. In other news she had her first mrtial arts test and did great. She has not been at the school long enough to test for a belt but has done so well her instructor gave her 4 black stripes for her white belt. She can test again in December and will get a belt then. She is a natural and has told me she took kung fu in China for several years so she has fallen right in step and is quite advanced for her rank but she has to go through the steps. It is her thing and her choice and she loves it. Better than video games and sitting around so I am glad she is a very active young lady. Although at school a boy challenged her to see who could kick the highest and do the best split. She won. Sadie has been taking in a little kids class for over a year so she has a test coming up soon. While not at Em's level it is amazing how it has helped Sadies coordination and out goingness.

Halloween is almost here as well. Both girls are keyed up. Apparently in China Emma knew about Halloween but to her it is the holiday where all the kids get candy. Which seems to ring true!. We have a big event at the park I work at so the girls will be there for trunk or treat and a hayride. Should be fun. I will post more pics of this and some other stuff in a few days. Until then.

Thanh Hoa 3 Get Together

2010-09-07T11:16:00.002-04:00

Here are a couple of pics of Sadie (one with Emma) and her two Vietnamese "sisters". All had a blast and the porch swing is always a hit. The blue mouth btw is due to just finishing a blue ringpop!

Emma First Photo Shoot

2010-09-07T11:09:00.003-04:00

She had a blast doing this and it was all her. She wanted to do this. I told her you don't have to but she says yes that way I can be in movies with Jackie Chan! So you can probably figure out she is a huge fan of his and we have loads of his movies now. Apparently she watched his movies in her foster home quite often in China. My the way in China he is known as Chun Long.

School has Started!

2010-09-07T11:02:00.002-04:00

So a new school year is upon us. Deanna has started back teaching at two different schools. Makes for a tough day but she loves being able to teach a wide range of kids. Emma has started 6th Grade. She is at the middle school her mom teaches at so that is turning out to be fun. We will see how it goes when she has her mom for art during the second semester! Emma has started off the school year with a bang. She has popped off 3 100's on three test this past week. A 105 on a Science test and 100 and 101 on spelling and definition tests. She study hard all week, and it may have had something to do with a deal I made that if she made A's on 2 out of 3 I would take her to eat crablegs, which she loves!

Sadie is still her wide open self! Full speed full time is the way it goes. She is in "school" also she says. It is in a way. We considered putting her in Pre K/3 yr olds but decided to let her get another year with her Gaga. My mother is a retired elementary school teacher and she essentially works and teaches Sadie during the week in small doses. She is counting to 10 sometimes to 20, working on ABC's and can say most of them when she feels like it. Has learned to write her name and loves to draw.

What else, Emma caught the eye of a talent scout and was asked to do some modeling pics for a local agency. We let her decide and she really wanted to so she had her first real photo shoot two weeks ago. We have some of the proofs and I will post a few to see as well as a couple of photos from our recent get together with Sadie's two Thanh Hoa "sisters". As all three girls are less than a couple of weeks apart, all from the same place and all adopted at the same time, we try and get together a couple of times a year. It works out as all of us live in central NC sort of.

Summer is coming to an end!

2010-08-20T15:43:00.002-04:00

well summer is almost over and the family is doing great. Emma is starting 6th grade next week and is excited. She met her new teachers this week and thinks it will be a good year. She s dreading her rt class some however, Why? Her mother will be her art teacher! I almost for sorry for her. Ms Sadie is still a mess if there ever was one. She is turning into quite the character. She also is ready for school, although it is really her gaga teaching her to read count etc. Both girls are in martial arts classes and they love it. Emma says it is fun to kick on boys! Sadie just likes to scream hiyaa!!!1 as loud as she can. So photos and more as we get a chance.

Photo Update

2010-07-15T19:13:00.002-04:00

Not going to do a long post about how things are. It is all good. Emma and Sadie are enjoying the summer with their Mom. We have traveled a little but mostly just enjoyed being a family. Here are a few pics from the spring and summer.

New Blog

2010-06-02T15:44:00.002-04:00

Well, I have been getting loads of questions about adoption and adoption travel over the past couple of years. I have started a blog dedicated to that. This blog mainly documents my family adventures, the new one is morespecifically about travel and travel issues. Feel free to read it, comment etc. And like this blog, not all agree with what I may say or type and that is certainly cool with me. My views are always mine and I know that to each his own. I will update this one occasionally but the otehr blog will be far less personal and more informative.
Thanks

oh here is the link

http://adopteddad.blogspot.com/

May. Mothers Day and Summer Approaching

2010-05-14T15:12:00.002-04:00

Well first off, I have been bad about posting new pics for folks,, just have not gotten around to downloading the loads we have. For the life of the Peacock family,, here we go!

it has been about a month and the girls are doing great. Both Dee and myself have been really tired lately but more so due to work related stuff than anything. She is a school teacher and this time of the year is crazy, me I am in state parks and we are gearing up for the summer season.

Emma at school is doing great. She does very well in math and science and as her English improves her social studies is getting better. She is reading a couple of levels below grade level but is improving and doing well on her AR test. Emma and Sadie are two peas in a pod. If Emma does something you can be assured that Sadie will be doing it, eating it or saying it! Emma has several dvd's from china, she along with the videos is even teaching Sadie Chinese.

Mothers day was pretty exciting. Once Emma got the gist of what the day was about, I took the two girls to Old navy so each could pick out something for their mother. It took a while but I convinced them that Dee does not necessarily want a pink shirt and pink pants. Oh and when they found the things they started laughing and asking to get that. Sadie was even proclaiming loudly that she wanted one. A couple of ladies looked at us, I explained mothers day shopping and no we were not buying things and they laughed and said how sweet. Anyway I finally convinced them and we had our purchases. Mothers Day they were both so excited to give Dee her presents, which also included jde earrings I bought in China.

So life goes on and summer is approaching. The girls have a swing set and has already been used so much. My mother bought a giant waterslide thing and it is in her backyard so when the girls go over there, loads of chaos happens. All in all pretty good, looking for some summer fun and getting Emma ready for middle school.

Thoughts in General 2 months home

2010-04-18T08:07:00.003-04:00

Well 2 months home, almost three with Emma and things are pretty much standard family things. She has fit in remarkably well in the family and at school. Went on a field trip with her school class last week and well there are two boys who follow her around like puppy dogs and it was quite funny. They would even come over to me and raise their eyebrows and look over at her. I just shook my head. Things I will worry about in another 3 years or so, but for now just funny.

Had alot of emails from folks traveling soon to China asking about Guangzhou. Well we loved it, but alot of questions have been about Shamain Island and why I seem to not like it. I have even had some folks get nasty with me via email about how great it is. You know I do have my own opinion and to me the Island while ok is not any place we would choose to stay even if it was not under construction as is now. It really strikes me as a nife safe haven for westerners(which is what it's original intention was.) Our family really enjoyed where we stayed and prefer that kind of experience, to each his own really.

Anyway things are good at home. Emma had her first trip to Deanna's mothers and father and loved the mountains but was a little in awe about it all. She has fallen in love with her Papa, especially since he gave her a dollar to sit in his lap. But after that she was all about him and really was before. He is the only person she will literally hang on, kiss their cheek and follow everywhere. It tickles him to death as well. I do have pics from the trip and will get some up as I get a chance.

A pic of the Cousins

2010-03-30T13:13:00.002-04:00

Ok Sadie Emma Nic and Nathan

2 Months with Emma

2010-03-30T12:56:00.002-04:00

Well Emma has been with us for two months and home in the US for about a month and a half. I have to say and not just because she is our daughter, but she is a remarkable young lady. I have traveled and lived over seas twice (UK and Mexico) and been to many countries, so I know how strange it can be with language, customs, food etc. Well she is one heck of a kid. Her and Sadie have really fallen into the role of being sisters. She does not let their Mom really dress or do Sadie's hair anymore, she does it and with pleasure, sometimes they each change clothes several times a day,,, like sister dress up party! Emma has also fallen in good with relatives, loves playing with her cousins Nic and Nathan, although Nic(6 yrs old) is very enamored with her and is dying to kiss her. She always tells him NO and she will bop him! By the way Nic would kiss any older girl he meets, he is a ladies man!LOL! She loves my sister Jamie and her huby Bruce and is all about Gaga(my mother.) She only spent day or two with Deanna's parents before they went home to Tennessee but we are headed up for a week at Easter and she is very excited. When I told her it would be a 7 hour drive through mountains she said Oh My God! Then asked if we would stop to use the bathroom. I told her no, and Deanna got on me !LOL Emma and I have really taken to picking and teasing each other. We joke alot and she plays tricks on me. Mom is the comfort zone and homework helper, Dad is the fun one. Her and Sadie have even figured out f they team up Dad is a softie and they can get what they want.

School wise she has adapted remarkably well. Several girls in the class have become close friends with her. She likes school food(no idea why!) and enjoys her classes. She excels in Math, and her English has improved at a very very rapid pace. She read 15-20 mins of English out loud a night to myself or Deanna and we have even seen her reading some of Sadie's kids books to her. Her AR reading level tested at about mid 2nd grade for English, In Chinese she reads everything a typical teen would read and then some. A friend of hers who is in a local Chinese Language school has had Emma help her on homework. She said it was 7 and 8th grade level and Emma said oh 3rd grade in China! They help each other on Sunday afternoons when we get together. Emma even has 5 different boys competing to be her boyfriend but she tells me she says no to all of them, just what a father needs to hear!

Food wise, we still eat lots of noodles and hit one of the several Chinese places in town at least once a week. However, she likes sushi alot, spicier the better, hot wings(as hot as you can get them, so good for me!), Bojangles chicken., fajitas, spaghetti and hot dogs.Also lots of broccoli, peppers, onions etc. Munchos potato chips are a hit but we try and limit sweets and junk food. She is willing to at least try things, really only melted cheese is the only thing she has detested.

So going pretty good, I am sure there will be bumps in the road. We have had metltdowns and crying spells, but you expect that. It happened every day or two at first and now almost never. She says if she ever goes back to China to live we have to live with her and when I asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up and finished school,,,, live with us or either Gaga! SO Sadie and Emma have become as tight as sisters can be,,, we have a happy 12 year old who is a big big bundle of energy and growing like a weed and a 3 year old who has to do and be just like her big sister.(even down to trying to speak Chinese, which makes us all laugh)

One Month Home

2010-03-12T09:52:00.002-05:00

Well Emma has been a part of our family since Feb 1 and we have been home for a month. She is an amazing child and very strong spirited. We are so lucky to have her as our daughter. So Emma has been in school for two weeks and loves it. She is up and ready to go and is very good about coming home and doing homework. Math is her favorite so she gets help from Mama as I stink at math. Her reading is coming along well and as she gets more comfortable we are realizing how much English she not only understands but can speak. I have had several lengthy conversations with her about her life in China, when she found out about us and when she knew we were coming over. She wants to go back to visit China in 3 years she says nd only wants to visit, says she is much happier here.

Emma and Sadie get along like sisters. You would think they have always been together from the way they act. 99% of the time they love each other, 1% of the time cannot stand each other. Sadie got in trouble the other day for biting Emma and she was punished(lecture and time out that led to tears). Emma asked us for Sadie's punishment to be over as she said she was ok. Other times they both want to be left alone but overall they are doing great and will team up together to cause trouble.

As Emma gets more comfortable at school I have been told that everyone loves her. They kids in her class have decided she has the best smile in class and a few boys have argued over if she would be their girlfriend. She always says no to them, which is just fine by me! She has fit in remarkably well overall at school and hopefully this will be a trend that continues. Sadie on the other hand, I predict I will be at school for a conference within 2weeks once she starts school!

Well it is a birthday weekend her as Sadie is turning 3 so pics and updates after the big day.

Day one of school down

2010-03-02T09:17:00.002-05:00

Well Emma had her first day of school and we made it through it. I took her to school and went to class with her and told her I would stay as long as she wanted me to. By the way started her in 5th Grade. So I stayed for 1st period and second period , which was music. After her teacher came and got the class I asked her if she wanted me to stay she said no i am ok go. So I did. Resisted the urge to stay and just hand back and left as she asked me to do. Picked her up at 3pm sharp, she was outside with teachers and other students from class nd hopped into the car and was ready to go to Mama's school so she could go with her to pick up little sister. Essentially after I left she was fine. Did not talk much but smiled and laughed and was ok. Did her homework promptly later in the evening and was up and ready to go at 7am this morning. Got her to school just before 8 and asked if she wanted me to stay,,, no back at 3. Today is PE day and she is pumped about that. LOL Anyway also wanted money to buy milk at lunch(she has decided she likes milk alot). We know it will be rough at times, but she likes being with kids her age and even the teachers realized she knew quite a bit of English, just will take some time to warm up to folks.

The Two Sisters and Gaga

2010-02-28T20:56:00.001-05:00

Well we have been home for two weeks and things are going well. You would think Emma and Sadie had been together forever. 99% of the time the love each other and are attached at the hip. Sit in a chair together, watch movies, share candy etc. 1% I don't like you and I don't like you. To be expected eh! Anyway here is a picture at home of the two of them on a couch with my mother, Gaga as she is called trying to get them to show their faces for the camera as neither wanted to. As time goes more and more of Emma's amazing personality comes out. She understands probably 75 to 80% of what we ask her and is speaking more and more English. Food wise she likes Bojangles chicken. We have been to a local Chinese restaurant 3 times in 2 weeks but that is ok. Chili's was ok, she liked the french fries but not the shrimp.

Emma starts to school tomorrow in 5th grade. She is excited she says and ready but you can also tell the nerves are there. Will post in a few days after the initial shock of school.

Looking Back on China

2010-02-17T14:57:00.003-05:00

Wow so many things I could say about our trip to China. Probably the best thing in the entire trip is our new daughter Emma Yunwen. She is an amazing young lady who is very strong. I will post more about her and pics of the trip later, for now I am going to post mainly about China the sights people etc.

Ok China itself, more specifically Guangzhou. We spent our entire two weeks in that city and it is a great city. It has about 12 million people and is a cultural and financial hub in China. The World Trade Center organization is there and loads and loads of international businesses. People wise it is a very international city with people from all over the world visiting and living there. Because of this it is very much a melting pot type city. You see faces from all over the world and cuisines of all types are available. Cost wise it is a little more than smaller cities in China but still cheaper than the states. It was overall a very clean city and safe. I heard some complaints about traffic and crossing the street, but crossing the road in china has nothing on Vietnamese cities. Taxi rides,, our ride from JFK to LaGuardia when we got home was much much more insane. Overall getting taxis to and from in China is easy and fairly inexpensive. If you get ripped off ,, so what you spent maybe an extra 2$. Almost everyone we met was friendly and accommodating. In some cases I struck out alone and ended up where zero English was spoken. So what,,, we all worked though it and had a good laugh. That is part of the fun of traveling internationally.

Food wise,, here is a list of my favorites. Some I cannot remember the names so I will give location as best as possible.

Banana Leaf THai Restaurant. World Trade Center Tower across the street from garden Hotel. It is fusion Chinese Thai food. And all of it is excellent. Our family of 3 ate with starters veggie, rice and an entree with dessert for about 20$ Everything I had was great, menus in English and Chinese and most wait staff speaks both.

Chinese Restaurant upstairs from banana Leaf. It is an atmosphere place only. A little pricey and food soso. Went to take out places far better.

Take out behind Garden Hotel. Cannot remember the name but directly in back of Garden Hotel across from Japanese Consulate. It is authentic Chinese take out. No English but does have menu translated sort of. Just go and dive in. Emma speaks Cantonese so we had an advantage. Had dumplings, fried rice dishes, congee, spicy noodles and more. Everything here is amazing and all 3 ate for less than 6$

Lemon Tree. Down street from Garden Hotel. Serves mostly Vietnamese food but also Chinese dishes. Nothing in this place is bad Took some families with us and they found things they like. Menu in English and Chinese, very little English spoken. So what point at something and go for it. The soups are great their lemongrass dishes are amazing as are the springrools. It is all good.

Malaysian Restaurant in mall across form Garden Hotel. Good but not as good as Lemon Tree. Very good satay and rice dishes. noodle dishes not as flavorful but still not bad at all.

We ate at 2 places on Shamain Island(more on the island in a minute) Both Chinese places. Did not go to the much mentioned Lucy's. Looked at the menu and well frankly did not need pseudo American food as to many better choices around. Tried some take out Lucy's and frankly hated it. probably single worst thing I ate in China. It is comfort food for Westerns. Two Chinese places across from White swan. The one with the gold statues out front is great, one next door just ok. The better of the two we let Emma order. Had Tarot root and sea cucumber soup in coconut milk, chicken satay, pork, and seasonal veggies. All of it was amazing. This was probably the single best place we ate at the entire time.

Pizza Hut China. Nothing like in the USA. I would highly recommend it. The seafood pizza with crab shrimp and octopus was great as were the panko shrimp starters. If it was like this at home I would go more often. But alas stateside it is greasy nasty pizza.

Ate alot of stuff at little stalls There was a little meat shack that sold kabobs sausages etc I went to some and it was quite tasty. Nver knew what it was did not care as it was damn good!

Ok areas in Guangzhou. I was mainly around the Garden Hotel. Loads of shopping food etc and it is an safe easy are to get around. Metro station right there and you can take the subway anywhere. It is easy to use flow the maps and just buy a ticket. instructions in English as well.

Shamain Island. All I can say is I am glad we did not stay there. It was all torn up and loads closed down. Personally if it ws not like that still would not want to be there,, seems like a little haven for westerners in the middle of the city. I would much rather have a more fun and real experience than cater to my eastern tastes. I know others love it and more power to them,,, us we will stay away as we plan to come back for visits and even then have no intentions of going there. Went twice for medical and TB test,, opted out of a third day s well it sucks I think.

You just have to go and experience China. It is a force of nature and a civilization that has been around that long has done a few things right. we are very proud and honored to have China as a part of our lives and our family and feel as much a part of China now as Emma is American. I just feel proud of our family and my wife and girls. I feel we have a true melting pot, American Vietnamese and Chinese. Well more later and pics. As always comments and opinions are my own and if it offends sorry just my thoughts.

Home

2010-02-15T04:37:00.001-05:00

Ok I have been lazy about posting pics and updates the last week of our stay in China. I will do a couple of detailed posts on things to do places to eat etc this week. Also loads of pics. Just wanted to let everyone know we made it home safely. My sister and brother in law picked us up at the airport and everyone was waiting at the house when we got home. Emma fell right into playing with her cousins and little sister and was comfortable enough with them to ride to dinner in their car. All is good so far and check back fr more in a day or so after jet lag wears off.

GZ Zoo pics

2010-02-10T01:33:00.001-05:00

Weenend and Monday

2010-02-08T04:11:00.001-05:00

Well it is late Sunday afternoon in China as I write this. It has been a good weekend. We do miss Sadie
alot. We are not skyping home to see her as I think she is starting to
miss us alot as well so it is just easier on her if we don't.

So
what happened in china over the weekend. We yesterday as I mention was
Shamain Island,, shopping TB test check etc. Sunday was group picture
day. Emma dressed up in her tradition Chinese outfit and Dee wore a
dress che bought over here. When she walk down stairs she got oohhs and
ahhs from American and Chinese alike,, some who do not know her. One
lady asked if she had it made or did she bring from home,, no bought of
the rack here and all the folks are like,,, wow off the rock and in
China, wish I could do that. Anyway we told Emma a few pics and then
off to the jade/pearl market. I took two pics and she was ready to
change,,, I mean this was one of the uncool things her parents made her
do but she as well as all of the other kids looked great for the photo.

Afterwards to Linwa market and Dee and Emma bought all kinds of
stuff. Alot of jewelry in particular pearls. Lot of jade as well but
Dee did not find anything she liked. We gave Emma 100CNY about 15 US
dollars, which goes along way over here in markets. She spent it all in
30 minutes but bought absolutely nothing for herself. She bought gifts
for both grandmas, her mother, her sister and something special for her
Mama. I just followed her and she did it on her own,, and as she speaks
Cantonese she got great deals. We ht an art/craft shop for some Chinese
treasures and Emma wanted a little purse and coin bag. Well she spent
all her m oney but after what she did and bought I most certainly
bought it for her. Our guide Rebecca comments how sweet she is and she
really is a great kid. Gets very excited at times but over all is
incredibly thoughtful of others. We then bought a skirt and sweater
and hit MickyD's for a quick lunch. On the way there we passed a
head band store, she has been wanting one for days and we keep telling
her to wait. So she got her headband finally! Anyway back to the hotel
it is rainy here today so naps and tv, just relaxing really. Eating
with the group tonight at a Malaysian place, and I cannot wait. Overall
we have a great group of folks,,, willing to head out and just
experience things for what they area. All wonderful families with
adorable children. Well more later, we love it here but home and the
rest of teh family will be nice to be with again. 6 days.

Monday we went Tian He Shopping Mall. One of the 10 largest in the world. We bought stuff for Chinese New Years, gifts, some clothes for Emma. Stuff like that. It is the cheapest place to get things like his and a great deal. The place is 7 stories high with each level a different focus. 6th floor was all games. Picture a fair midway indoors and everything in Chinese(of course) Emma and I played a Barbie dress up video game, yes I did it. Then we played a sort of what is missing type game. Spent about 10 CNY all together but had a blast. They had the game where you throw a pingpong ball into a bowl, but not goldfish here, stuffed animals. Emma did it and had me throw for her as well. Got her a pin rabbit stuffed animal. We hit the 7th floor for lunch she(Emma) picked Pizza Hut. Unlike home, I will eat here anytime. We had spicy waffle fries, some herbed shrimp and a seafood pizza with a little cheese, shrimp octopus and crab with wasabi sauce. It was
delicous. Toped all off with Mango shakes. Game back to the room and we essentially just crashed for the afternoon. No idea what is on tap tonight but tomorrow the zoo.

Two Ladies all Dresse Up

2010-02-08T02:12:00.001-05:00

More weekend pics

2010-02-07T02:45:00.000-05:00

Emma at 5 rams temple looking around,,, you can see some other families behind her. This is a hill in downtown Guangzhou where legend is 5 angles or spirits came down on celestial rams and founded the city. The rams mark the spot of this. Really beautiful area.

Weekend Pics

2010-02-07T02:43:00.001-05:00

One picture is Emma with Rebecca our in country guide, She is now her Auntie Rebecca and loves her to death.
Other is Sun Yat Sen Memorial, her was the founder and first president of modern China in the ealry 20th Century. Amazing building

2010-02-06T18:20:00.001-05:00

Well Friday was a good day here in GZ but also bittersweet. We went
sightseeing and saw Dr Sun Yat Sen's Memorial. he was the first
president of modern Chna in the 1920s after the last emperor fell. It
is an amazing complex. Deanna and Emma and Dee had a great time at a
couple of craft shops in the complex also. Took loads of pictures as
well. Afterward we went to 5 ram temple which is the spot where legend
says 5 celestial beings came down on 5 rams and the city of Guangzhou was founded on that spot. They left the rams and a statue and temple
commemorates the spot. it is an absolutely beautiful park. From there
headed back to the hotel and napped the afternoon away. Dinner at the
Bana Leaf cafe again and Emma's request. Afterwards hit the friendship
store where she bought a plaid skirt and a Betty Boops shirt to go with
it. Home a shower and she tried it on. Looks cute as can be on her. We
ended the nite skyping home. It was good to see evryone and
especially Sadie but I think it is starting to hit her the hardest. We
have been gone one week plus and this is the longest she has been away
from either of us. She has started to really miss us and was crying I
miss you mommy the whole time. Really tough to see her like this but
she is welled cared for. We only have one week left so it won't be
long. Mimi is coming this week so that should be a change of pace. I
know this is tough on her and it is on us but all will be ok in the
end. Well back to Shamain Island for TB test reading, and should be no
issue as you can hardly tell where Emma had hers two days ago. More
shopping and probably just resting rest of the day.

sat. was back to the island to have Emma's TB test checked was was fine and the doctor gave her a quick check as she has had a bi f drainage and cold causing a cough in the mornings. They gave her a herbal tea prescription, smells horrible but I sipped it and not to bad of a taste. It seemed to help her alot. Slept with almost no coughing. Anyway on the island had lunch of fried noodles, a chicken dish and some seasonal veggis. All pretty good ut not as tatsy as the place we ate at earlier in the week where Emma ordered. We have managed to avoid Lucy's which is completely ok with us. I know some folks thrive on it as it is pseudo American food ( I say based on the menu as we did not eat). Personally if I want a burger I can get it at McD's for way cheaper and better I imagine. But to each his own, just I prefer to try so much of the other varieties around than have that. Then shopping, Dee and Emma were in fine form,,, once store they went into overload
and started placing things on the counter. Lady said 1800yuen, which was about 250$ US. Lot of stuff, including several pieces of art but uhuh. We haggled and I ended up paying about 100$ US for everything, including really nice papercutouts, scrollwork, tshirts, toys ifts fans etc etc. We filled a large walmart style bag so pretty good deal all in all, at least I felt like but se the lady was happy also. Dinner was Italian, Dee and myself like it aot. Emma does not like Italian. She liked Pizza Hut pizza but not this place at all, but she tried it. Ate a piece of her pizza and her moms and one bread starter. Afterwards she wanted an ice cream cone from 7-11 and we grabbed that walked around and then crashed for the evening. Shopping(go figure) in a market tomorrow. so bye for now.

Hmm A few more updates on the week.

2010-02-04T07:04:00.001-05:00

So Weds. was medical day and Emma was stressed all morning about it. She was wringing her hands all morning and fretting in general. On the ride over she sat on her hands and would not ackowldge anybody in Chinese or English. Physical went well may need to get eyes checked when we get home. Afterwards time for shots and TB tests. This was the big fear I think, and had a whimper and a tear but it was over. Once over we had a couple of hours of free time to ourselves so we explored the island and shopped.

Anyway just for folks coming in, the island was really torn up today. Could not even hardly get to the clinic and noway if you have strollers as a big hole inthe sidewalk. Personally we were really unimpressed with the island, even the non torn up areas and are glad to be where we are. Mind you we tend to be a little more adventurous than most. Also alot of shops have closed down in the
area. Hey Emma Yunwen even handled ordering lunch, we ended up with a sea cucumber and tarot root coconut soup, some type of Chinese kelp veggie and custard. Said hey she ordered it we eat it. Low and behold it was delicious. As
was everything else she ordered. We slipped money to her under that table and when the waitress brought me the bill told her to give to Emma, she grinned as all the businessmen just stopped and watched! Afterwards shopped where I was wrangled into a tug of war event for Chinese New Year. Sort of became a minor celebrity for a bit and qite funny. Anyway once back at the hotel we hit Pizza Hut for dinner, Emma's choice. Well Pizza Hut in China blows away what is in the States. I mean it is essentially a fine dining place, even serves escargot, veal lamb etc. We had a spicy chicken pizza and a shirmp starter, all was very very good. Anyway very good afternoon considering the morning was rough but day ended up good and more later.

2010-02-04T06:05:00.000-05:00

One pic is of a 110 year old lady we met and I chatted with via interpreter. She was excited I wanted her pic and I showed her afterwards and got a hug. Othe rtwo pics are of Ms Emma and in one se is walking around the other a man was making figures out of a rice clay and every kid there was on him like a magnet watching.

More GZ Thursdayish

2010-02-04T06:01:00.001-05:00

Random GZ Pics Set 1

2010-02-04T05:58:00.000-05:00

Think one of these is already posted but oh well. Other is three of us with me in a tree at Xian Jiang village. I s approx. 150 banyan tree, so I climbed it

day 2 was a good day!

2010-02-02T01:45:00.001-05:00

Well day two started off with a skip and a hop, literally. Emma is skipping around the room, doing stretches this morning with her mom and just in general in a great mood. Breakfast she filed her plate up at the hotel buffet with fruits, dumplings, waffles(with chocolate syrup and whipped cream and several chicken sausages. She cleaned the plate. We walked around and looked at the koi pond and then got ready to go back to CCAA to finalize her adoption. she knew why we were going and said she was very ready. Once there we got our family photo taken and interviewed. After that a notary asked a few questions and asked Emma some. Emma read what was written down by the notary when asked why we wanted to adopt her, she started to cry and hugged her mom. She told the notary this was one of the happiest times ever for her. All in all it took about and hour and half and we were done. very informal for the most part but very special none the less. Emma likes the
digital camera and took pictures here as well as in the htel all morning. I am going to post loads for her maybe on flickr when we get home. Afterwards we went to the Guangzhou book store, 5 stories of books and book related stuff. All three of us loved it. Emma bought a Barbie magazine(she loves Barbie by the way,,,alot), a pack of three books in English and Chinese, a comic book and a jump rope. We then hit KFC, again her choice. we all shared a large combo of spicy chicken wings, which I have to say I think I could become addicted to if they had them back home. Just a little fried mini wing but spicy in the crust and reaaaalllllly good. We had 2 or 3 each some fries and a drink. Ok don't knock us but she wanted an iced coffee with ic cream, no worries. Anyway afterwards back to the hotel, where we all read for awhile then I showed Emma the mahjong on the laptop. She played for about an hour an dis now reading again. She has fit right in, warmed up
to me greatly, likes to tease and is all about her mom. If Dee goes somewhere she is right there. Well no pics today just an update. Tomorrow is the medical and a visit to Shamain island so probably pics there. Tonight dinner at Banana Leaf Cafe for Thai food and watching the Spring Festival lights. Funny thig been in China now 4 days and yet to eat at a Chinese restaurant! And I really want to. had Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese and KFC and McD's. Had plenty of Dim Sum at breakfast buffet every morning and it is tasty. The garden hotel dimsum is rated in top 100 in town. I will have plenty soon, afterall I pay!

Day 1 with Emma Yunwen

2010-02-01T16:04:00.001-05:00

Well the some pics from day 1 posted but here is a recap. We left at 2pm and headed to the CCAA office where we would meet her. Went with two other families, one getting a 6 year old and one a 17 month old. Once there is was all pretty quick and informal. There were about 30 other families there from all over getting children so it was completely crazy. We sat on a couch for about 5 minutes, got called up and there she was, happened that fast. We stayed about 1 hour. While there Yunwen was very quite and visibly tense, who could blame her at all. We took some photos and shared a lemonade and a chocolate. She clung to the teddy vear her sister Sadie sent over for her. Fr te most part she just sat there. Eventually our in country facilitator and the lady from Yunwens orphanage came over and we talked with her. She did not want anymore chocolate as she did not want to look like me!(but she did smile when she said it.) She was scared but also very excited,
she had know about us since September and said she wanted us to come then but understood we had to wait. I think now that the moment was here and the reality of it hot her it was touch, I know we annot imagine but she stayed strong all afternoon there, She all she had that we had bought via redthread or sent to her was the lovely bag Ann made for her(which turns out has been well used and she kept with her all of the time. She also had our photo book we sent and the coat we bought for her. In her bad she had pictures of her foster family, all of her school achievement certificates, her school grades from his year and a few other items. Clotheswise, a pair of new boots, leggings and a pink shirt with a sweater on over that. We found out she gave all of the lothes we sent her to her foster brothers and sisters as gifts upon her leaving so they don't forget her. From what we gather she is an amazing young lady. Anyway she was now upset she had nothing, so
we fixed that after we left. She really started bonding with her mother and I think a round at a shopping mall spending daddy's money helped alot. We bought her two pair of shoes, black patent leather and a pair of tennis shoes. Got underclothes, a pair of pants and a shirt and she was very excited. Then the ladies went to a store and bought hair brushes combs etc. She held Deanna's hand the entire time and by the end was very cheerful. Even got a thank you in English. We also told her more stuff at the hotel and we would buy her more. At the room she was very reserved told her to look around and well the bathroom was what she needed. After that it was all good! She has informed us that she wants to go only by her new name Emma, completely her choice. In the room more gifts, loved the Barbie Doll, more clothes which she started really smiling alot , some pens and drawing material also brought a big smile. I had to leave to do paperwork for tomorrow and
get more money changed so Deanna and Emma could spend it! LOL When I got back they were sitting together on the couch, she had brought gifts for us and had given them to Deanna. According to Dee, Emma showered and they tried on all of the clothes. She settled on her new shirt, a pair of pants we brought for her, sweat jacket from her MIMI and her new black shoes(which will have to be broken in it seems). Off to McDonalds for dinner, again Emma's choice although I called this one before the trip. In actuality it was not bad. fries and burgers tasted the same. She then wanted to walk around and see things so we just walked for awhile. Back in the room we skyped home and Emma and Sadie saw each other for the first time. Emma had a huge grin on her face seeing all of her family in the US. She said hello to them all, counted to 10 in English and just started smiled and waved alot all very excited. We then called Mimi and talked but no video. Emma sat in
Dee's lap the entire time and listened and said hello several times as well as bye bye. She and I then played on the laptop on a Cantonese/English website where you click a button and says the phrase in Cantonese. we also played with the Ipod,,, she did not like Guns n Roses but liked Bob Marley alot!. The night ended up with a much much much more cheerful 12 year old then we met. She was very bouncy and excited when she put on her new pj's Climbed in bed waved at me with a big grin and said good night. Dee informed me this morning she snores as much as I do lol! So day one is down we will write more later.

Emma Yunwen is now our daughter!

2010-02-01T07:26:00.001-05:00

Here are pics of the day (Feb1) that Tian Yun Wen became Emma Yunwen Peacock. Pics are at the CCAA office and one at a Spring Festival exhibit.

Hotel Set 2

2010-01-30T04:44:00.001-05:00

The sitting room/office of our business suite. Oh yes and we are getting a great rate on it. Last shot is he view of Downtown Guangzhou outside our Dee is and was exhausted so it was here, easy and pretty good. She had Malaysian rice with kabobs and I had a Japanese style Udon with pork and miso soup. Was good and hit the spot. From here on more adventurous as far as I am concerned. Well lets see. we have our schedule of things, we get to meet YunWen at 2pm monday. After that she is one of us(oh my!) going to be a busy week but also some fun mixed in, visit to the zoo, several local historical spots nd much more. I wil try and post every night or two.
No idea what they look like on my log but oh well.

Hotel set 1

2010-01-30T04:37:00.000-05:00

Views of the bathroom and bedroom at Garden Hotel. We have two beds as we will have a 12 year old wih s n Monday and she can have one They are sort of between a twin and a double back in the states so Dee and YunWen may share leaving me with a bed all to myself!

We are in Guangzhou

2010-01-30T01:16:00.000-05:00

Well folks we have made it to china. Lilly one of the in country agency folks met us at the airport and brought us to our hotel . The Garden Hoetl in Downtown Guangzhou, and it is very very nice. Spending today just unpacking, taking much needed showers and just resting. We will probably go out and fin a nearby noodle shop for dinner and just take it easy. Will shoot some pics for everybody later today. So 36 hours straight of travel, 3 flights 3 different countries, temp change from oh 50s in NC freezing in NYC and Seoul and now close to 70 here now.

Nice

2010-01-26T18:34:00.001-05:00

Well looks favorable weather wise for travel in the sates Thursday(keep fingers crossed) and into China. All next week in Guangzhou forecast calls for highs in the low to mid 70s with lows in the upper 50s. Oh that is going to be such a shame but we will suck it up and enjoy the warm weather. Last minute things to do but all is going well. Thanks for all of the support and well wishes both here and on message boards, we appreciate it very much!

Countdown Continues

2010-01-25T21:04:00.001-05:00

Well just a few days before we leave for China and loads of last minute things to do. We are packed pretty much , airfares confirmed and just little things. Looks like we are flying form NC into JFK in New York. From there onto Korea and into Guangzhou. All told from the time we leave NC until China is 29 hours of travel. We get to China at noon their time on the 30th so we will stay awake and try and get to bed at our normal time. I sleep on planes pretty good and Korean Air has good room and service in economy so hopefully not too bad a leg from JFK to Seoul(14 hours). Hey we did a 17 hour leg in 2007 to get Sadie! Anyway We get YunWen on Feb 1 go through all of the China proceedings week one with it ending with her physical on Saturday. our consulate appoint is Feb.10 and we should get her final visa on the 12th. So wish us good travels, I will post from China as I can and have time. Next post will be from somewhere in route or in China!

Last set for now! Enjoy

2010-01-25T06:52:00.001-05:00

Bowling with Nic and dancing with gaga at Chucky Cheese

set 3

2010-01-25T06:49:00.001-05:00

At Disney on Ice

set 2

2010-01-25T06:46:00.000-05:00

pis set 1

2010-01-25T06:43:00.001-05:00

Christmas Pics and others from that time of the Year!

2010-01-24T19:12:00.002-05:00

So here are several pictures from the Christmas Season. We had our nephew Nic's birthday party at ChuckyCheese where Sadie and Gaga danced with Chucky, went bowling, traveled to Knoxville to see MIMI, helped her bake cookies for Santa and had Santa come to Knoxville and leave presents. And teh snow! Played in the snow!

test 2

2010-01-24T08:43:00.001-05:00

test for pics! and why we are going!

test

2010-01-24T08:42:00.001-05:00

Ok so I am sending a test email from an account to my blog to make sure it will load properly while we are in China. This is a test, it is only a test, in the event of an actual posting ........you would have more information and maybe a photo!

We are headed to China

2010-01-21T20:37:00.001-05:00

We got our travel approval this past Monday and our consulate appointment set. We leave next week and get YunWen on Monday Feb.1 and go through the process in China and come home Feb.13 Very excited and apologies if I don't post a whole lot, loads to do.

Just waiting on TA

2010-01-08T14:11:00.002-05:00

Well we know all of our I800 info was cabled to the US consulate in guangzhou before christmas. We also know that the US consulate has approved everything and sen word to CCAA before the end of 2009. Well now we are just waiting our travel approval which hoefully willc ome in the next 3 weeks from Jan1. Please keep fingers crossed and pray we get this notice soon so we can travel get YunWen and get home before Chinese new Year9feb 14)

Ok here is a pic Of Our Emma YunWen

2009-12-27T10:26:00.002-05:00

This is her. The shirt is one we sent over in a care package in September. We waited to post pics until now just so the process would be further along. Hopefully we will be in China with Yun Wen in Jan.

More Good News!

2009-12-27T10:23:00.000-05:00

We got home from Christmas at Deanna's parents and had a great surprise. A notice form National Visa Center that all of Yun Wen's paperwork has been approved and cabled to China. Now we just wait for our Travel Approval. Hopefully soon and we get home before CNY!.

Christmas was great. Sadie had an absolute blast being at Mimi and Papaws house. There was lots of snow on the trip up but clear roads so when we stopped at rest areas for a break Sadie had to play in the snow!. Will post pics when we get rested from the trip!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I800 Approved

2009-12-20T08:57:00.003-05:00

We heard from CIS this past week that our I800 application has been approved. Now it will all get transmitted to the US Consulate in China, processed with our DS230 form and forwarded to the CCAA. Hopefully 4-6 weeks form now we will be getting our travel approval and booking flights to China! We have our Chinese Visa's so ready to go from that aspect now just gotta get word! We wish everyone who may happen to stumble across our little blog a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We have our LOA from China

2009-11-25T12:30:00.002-05:00

Well folks the last of the major steps on the part of China is done. We got our LOA )Letter of Acceptance)today at Day 57 from our log in date. So once we get the official paperwork from our agency who fed exed it today we will fill out and send back. Next step is just get the I800 immigration approval from US government and get our travel dates. Based on timeframes at the moment looks like Late Jan. to mid Feb travel. That means we will be in China at Chinese New Year. Busy crazy time but will be way cool.

Day46

2009-11-12T21:36:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to post , day 46 since we had our log in date for adopting YunWen. Some folks have received their LOA's around 45 days,, maybe we will here something soon. I hope we can get it soon and everything else moves quickly. We would love to have her home by Feb at the latest. Waiting stinks , it is tough and frustrating but part of the process. Just been bummed and wanting the good news to come through.

Emma Yun Wen

2009-11-06T14:28:00.003-05:00

Yes , decided to at least leak out this much information. Our daughter we waiting for from China is named Yun Wen. We have decided once we get back and go through the re-adoption process and all of that her name will be Emma YunWen. We will give her the choice as to what she wants to go by. Figured that at 12 she has been called YunWen her entire life and that is an important part of who she is so it should remain her name. However we also wanted to give her a name of our choosing and Emma was what we decided on after much much discussion. At one point we threw Josie out there just for the heck of it. Sadie latched on to that one so quick it wasn't even funny. Took forever to convince her that big sisters name was Emma YunWen. Well Pictures will come once we have the LOA, I promise.

Day 40

2009-11-06T14:23:00.003-05:00

Well today makes day 40 that our dossier has been logged in in China. Not really much to report as far as that goes. Good news is a few folks from our agency have gotten their LOA's in 40-50 days so maybe fingers crossed, we will be getting that announcement soon. From there we have to process our I800 and wait to hear back for travel approval. That process seems to run anywhere from 5-12 weeks. That being said looks like we may go sometime late Jan. to late Feb. Who knows. The waiting is tough and no fun at all. But it is something you have to go through as part of the process. I will post more once we get that LOA folks.

Update from China!

2009-10-04T16:25:00.002-04:00

Well we have been logged in a couple of weeks and all is going along smoothly, hope it stays that way. On the update from , we got an email where our daughter in China answered a bunch of our questions and we got 6 new photos that are about a week old. In the pics she is wearing an outfit we sent over to her in a care package. We still are not posting pics yet online or giving out any info as we just want to keep it with the family. Once we get an LOA we may post more so we hope you understand. But it continues to be an exciting time for our family and thanks for all of the support.

News news news!

2009-09-28T12:15:00.001-04:00

We I have not had a chance to update as Sadie has been down with the flu, she is better now just staying home one more day with her to be safe.

Anyway we officially have our Log in Date in China and now just wait for the process to continue!

Still waiting.....

2009-09-25T15:13:00.002-04:00

Well we are in that period of just hanging out and waiting and waiting some more. Our dossier has been complete and it has been sent to China and is the the translation stage with CCAA. From what we have been told we probably won't here much over the next month or so as it all just has to go through the process. That is a part of it.

On the homefront looks like Sadie may have H1n1. Nephew had it and shook it and she was around him before he came down with it. Hopefully it will be mild and we can get through it. Other than that business as usual in the Peacock household.

The Thanh Hoa Girls get together!

2009-09-08T19:29:00.003-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we got together with the other two families who traveled to Vietnam with us back in late 07. We try and get together once or twice a year for the girls to play and just stay in contact. Really cool connection for all three, all born a couple of weeks apart, all at the same orphanage and all adopted at the same time by families who were over there together. It is a nice link for Sadie to have with her birth country and all three girls have had a blast the times we get together. Good families, great kids and a wonderful bond. Anyway pic is of the three at the get together, Sadie is on the right with the green shirt.

DTC/ Dossier to China!

2009-09-08T19:11:00.002-04:00

Wee we got word officially from our agency that we are DTC/ dossier to China. All of our paperwork made it through the channels at the US State Dept. and the Chinese Embassy and got all of the necessary stamps and signatures and was sent back to our agency. Our caseworker at the agency got it all sorted made sure it was all in order and sent it off to China via FedEx today!. So one more step down to get our daughter. She will be 12 in October, we know we won't be able to go there that soon but we hope to go early next year!. More posts as we know!

Our China Timeline

2009-08-06T19:20:00.003-04:00

Well we started this process in depth early this year. Once we saw our soon to be child on a list through an agency it changed things drastically buta ll involved have been great in getting us this far.

Feb.2009
Start the adoption process, apply with a local agency start pre paperwork

March 2009
Start homestudy process and begin education requirements for a Hague Country adoption. In this case Mexico.

April2009
Continue with homestudy and education, get all of the necessary paperwork together for CIS applications

May 2009
Homestudy is complete Class part of education done, still have some on our own reading to do.

June 2009
Early June apply to CIS for I800A, get receiving notice and fingerprint appointment about a week later

Late June Find child on another agency waiting child list in China. After much thought we decide we want her to be apart of our family and initiate work with this agency and our original agency to amend homestudy and get process started.

July 2009
July 1st is fingerprint appointment
Mid July get notice from CIS for more info( I forgot to but birth Certificate copies in packet! DOH) Got our I800A approval later in the month based on amended homestudy for China adoption.
Late July get our pre approval from CCAA in China to proceed with adoption.

August 2009
Early August dossier is complete and on its way!
We sent a care package to our future daughter in China with goodies for her, her foster parents and foster brothers and sisters.

More as we progress!

Short Update

2009-08-06T19:18:00.003-04:00

Dossier is complete, all is notarized and it was neatly packed up and sent to our agency today for the final steps at the Chinese Embassy before sending to China. Looking down the home stretch here. Hopefully it won't take a long time. More psots when we know more.

Approval

2009-07-29T15:54:00.002-04:00

We just got our I797C in the mail today. This is our approval to proceed with the adoption of our soon to be daughter from China. It is what you get after sending in fees and paperwork for an I800A. So the journey continues. Hope to have our dossier in the mail by mid to late next week as most of it is done minus one form I am getting Monday!.
More later

Picture time

2009-07-25T17:03:00.003-04:00

Ok, not pics of our daughter in waiting, those will have to wait, keeping that private. But some pics of Ms Sadie. She is becoming a mess, but all in a good way!

From top down
Yes it is a SadieBug
I love chocolate
Alot
I have mommies boxers on hahahaha

Big Big Change of Plans!!!!!

2009-07-24T22:12:00.002-04:00

Ok we started this process of a second adoption oh Feb. of this year I think. We had decided on Mexico as we had a fondness for the country( I lived there in 1990). The main reason was Vietnam is now closed so not an option and waits in other Asian countries were to long. Why Asian, not for the trend reasons at all, instead Sadie is from an Asian country and we fely having a sibling who had that in common could be a good thing. However diversity was not an issue either for us with a different region.

Anyway we had been on some waiting children lists and on one of them a girl from China who was an older child caught our attention. We inquired and then off on a whirlwind adventure where we changed countries, dealt with the issues of going on with that and moving forward. This was not done on a whim. We talked to doctors, other parents of older adoptive children, friends in the adoption business etc. In the end we decided this child was meant to be a part of our family. She is a healthy child and I really do not ant to give many details at the moment as I just want to keep it a family thing and will post more the closer we get. I will just say she is female if you have not figured that out yet and she is older than 7.

Where do we stand? We are pre approved from the CCAA in China to adopt this child. We have our homestudy complete and all of our dossier except a couple of things. One is the I800A and I just received word today it is approved and we should have official paperwork sometime next week. As we get closer I will leak out more details but for now I will just say she is in Guangzhou and we hope to have her as a member of our family lat ethis year or early next. Stay tuned for updates!

2009-05-28T09:06:00.001-04:00

Just a couple of more recent pics of MS SADIE. Top pic is Sadie and Dee on her b-day opening presents. Bottom pic is ust a fashion shot!

The joureny continues and HOMESTUDY IS DONE!!!!!!

2009-05-28T08:48:00.002-04:00

Well, it has been oh 4 or 5 months since we started our second adoption. Sadie is almost 2 and half growing like crazy and talking alot. Sometimes I wonder maybe too much!LOL We took a vacatio over Easter to Nags Hed on the Outer Banks of NC and while the weather sucked we did have a good time. Sadie has decided she likes boats and boat docks and was up every morning at 630 or 7 waking us up saying,, We gonna go see boat! We went on a couple of bots including the Elizabeth II replica sailing ship and she had a blast. It rained and was cold but good food took in some great sights and it was relaxing most importantly.

On the second adoption we were very lucky. The wonderful social worker who did our first home study is our social worker for this adoption so the home study process was very comfortable and went very smooth as we were all familiar with each other. We got the official hometudy from our agency in the mail a few days ago and will be starting our I800 paperowork probably this weekend. All is really up in the air as far a adoptions in Mexico due to teh swine flu outbreak mostly but next year, when we expect is closer to when we know more hard information that should be well behind everyone(we hope.) Delays an dissue ssuch as this are to be expected. During the process with Sadie we were delyed a few times, one by an unrelated investigation in her home province that took up manpower( it was a corrupt land deal that was a big deal) and then a typhoon hit when we were supposed to go and delayed us another month. Also in Vietnam it was not swine flu but avaian flu so it seems this is all part of the process and you just prepare you self for the ups and downs long the way. Well not much more to report besides that, sorry for the delay but I will post more as we know more.

Plugging Along

2009-03-24T14:27:00.002-04:00

Sorry for such a time span between the last post but just been really busy with work, paperwork and other real life things. Sadie had her second birthday last week and she had a blast. Her grandmother from Tennessee and grandfather came down for the week and she got a present every day leading up to the big day from them. Spoiled!???? Naaahhhhhh!!!! Both Grandmothers do this LOL! Only thing that was not picture perfect was our little Sadie had a case of pink eye which reared its ugly head the Saturday before. So probably no pictures posted but it was a good day.

On the adoption front, we have started our homestudy and adoption prep classes. Kind of funny as most of the classes deal with international adoption issues and being through one already alot of it is repetative. However you always gain a little new information or knowledge with each new thing you do.

We are also getting all of the paperwork together and that part should actually go pretty quick for us. anyway more later.

The Adoption Journey Part II

2009-01-27T21:12:00.002-05:00

Well the holidays have come and gone and we have been pondering something fr quite some time and finally decided to act. We have decided to start the process of our second adoption! Why now, well the process takes some time and with the paperchase and all we felt we were in a postion where that is what we want t do. It was not a decision made lightly but now that we have decided we are ready to go for it. This time we are going to adopt from Mexico! Why? Well several reasons. Mexico was a country we looked at originally several years ago and at the time we decided against it due to the process, as well as we felt Vietnam was where we should be for the journey we made.( Which proved oh so true!) Now as we hope our family grows we looked at Mexico again and it seemed the right fit for us. No specifics on age gender etc, that sort of thing we hope to keep to the family until later. But why Mexico,? Gene lived there in 1990 and has a very strong affinity for the country and the people. Because of that and other factors we felt strongly about Mexico the second time around. Like the journey for Sadie, we do not expect smooth sailing. It will be a time of ups and downs, headaches and joys but we hope to chronicle as much as we can here in this blog for folks. So stay tuned!

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T17:56:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year 2009 from Sadie and Gene and Dee!

Christmas Pics of Sadie

2008-12-04T11:25:00.002-05:00

Well we took some photos of Sadie around the house in her Christmas dress and a snowman sleeper. Here are a few. That is our dog Reese in a couple of pics,,, Sadie adores her and Reese acts like she is her puppy sometimes!

Vietnam Annual Report

2008-12-04T08:08:00.002-05:00

This is for some folks who I know that have asked about this. I found this form in a group somewhere cannot remember but it is not mine. However what I use for my yearlies. If you have seen it post a comment where folks can find the file please.

BIÊN BẢN VIÊT NAM HÀNG NĂM / VIETNAM ANNUAL REPORT

Cơ quan nhận nuôi / Adoption Agency:
Tên đứa con Việt Nam / Child’s Vietnamese name:
Ngày sinh / Birthday:
Ngày nhận làm con nuôi / Date of Adoption: (Place Photo Here)
Tên hiện nuôi / Present name:

Tên cha mẹ / Adoptive Parents:
Địa chỉ / Present Address:

thông tin SỨC KHỎE / HEALTH INFORMATION

Chiều cao / Height: Trọng lượng / Weight:
Dị ứng hoặc nhu cầu đặc biệt khác / Allergies or other special needs:
Thị lực / Vision: Thính giác / Hearing:
Sự hô hấp / Respiration:
Sức khoẻ chung / General health condition:
Vấn đề đặc biệt / Special Problems:

thông tin chung / GENERAL INFORMATION

Thành tích đặc biệt năm này / Special achievements or accomplishments this year:

Kỳ nghỉ hoặc cuộc hành trình khác / Vacations or other trips taken (dates and places):

thông tin nỀn giÁo dỤc / EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

Đứa con có đi học không / Does child attend school?
Tên trủờng học / Name of school:
Lớp / Class level:
Môn học tốt nhất / Best subject:
Môn học thích nhất / Favorite subject:
Phần thưởng và hoạt động đặc biệt khác / Special awards or activities:

SỰ nhẬn xÉt / REMARKS

Ngày tháng biên bản / Date of report:
Chữ ký cha mẹ / Signature of parents:

Ok So What is Sadie Up To Today?

2008-09-29T22:02:00.003-04:00

Well, I also had a few folks ask how Sadie is doing. Well she is an absolute mess, but in a good way. She attended her first wedding, (not hers) went to the county fair(loves the horses), has been made a little sister to a local Thai couple who own a restaurant we frequent and enjoys the beach, her grandparents and food of all kinds. She talks up a storm, but if you meet her she will act all shy. It is a ploy to get what she wants!

Ok the pics, at the beach, eating corn on the cob (sort of) and sleeping hard with my yellow hat.

Thanh Hoa Orphanage and Getting Sadie

2008-09-29T21:49:00.004-04:00

Ok the orphanage. Lots of folks have asked me about the orphanage in Thanh Hoa. When were were there they were very open and friendly and it was a very clean well run facility. The babies and children we saw all looked healthy. Again this was last year so while things change I cannot imagine to drastic a change, maybe someone with more current info can update that. Ok shots 1 and 2 are of the outside and the outer courtyard of the facility. Third pic is from a balcony and overlooking an nice inner courtyard. Fourth shot is of Sadie and her nanny at the orphanage in the courtyard and the last shot is of the room Sadie lived in up until this day. From what I can remember 2 or 3 nannies lived in each room and each cared for only 2 or 3 babies. Overall seemed they got quite alot of attention. We had a meeting with the Director signed paperwork releasing the babies to the three families there and waited for a couple of days for the G/R.

The G/R in Thanh Hoa seems a little more formal than in some areas from what I can tell based on other families stories. here they have a book that all families sign, a ceremony where the child is given to their new parents and really stress they hope you help the child understand their Vietnamese heritage as best you can. Finally I had to get up and say a few words and then we all had tea and cakes with gifts( we brought t shirts and hats with cologne or soaps etc for gifts) and photos after that. A very memorable experience overall.

Van Chai Resort in Thanh Hoa

2008-09-29T21:38:00.003-04:00

Well several folks have asked me about Thanh Hoa, where we stayed and what the area was like. First a few pics of Van Chai resort which is where we stayed for two nights after getting Sadie. It was a very nice place and a very good price. I know you can google their website for more info. Anyway , top pic is outside of our room, pic 2 is of our room with Deanna sitting on the bed with Sadie, pic 3 is the grounds outside our balcony and 4 is of the beach at the resort.

We were there in late October 2007. It was rainy and windy on one day but the other two really nice. I went swimming in the sea with the in country staff folks, it was pretty warn but a little choppy that day. The cafe on site has alot of different Vietnamese dishes and loads of seafood. We both love seafood and I grew up in coastal NC but this was some of the freshest I have ever had. Breakfast was included with the room and they had a congee(pork on day and shrimp another) that they gave Sadie. When they say baby porridge they mean regular porridge in a smaller bowl. I tasted it and it was very good, Sadie at 7 months loved the stuff as well as pho. By the way they serve a great bowl of it. The resort was about 20-25 minutes from town and 15 minutes or so from the orphange.

Been A Long Time,

2008-09-29T21:35:00.002-04:00

Well alot has changed since my last few posts. Many things have come to light regarding adoptions in Vietnam, some pointing a US problems some on Vietnamese problems. I had posted thoughts on this many many moths ago prior to closing down but have decided with what some folks are going through it is best to delete those posts. They were my rants which is what you do in a blog but lately I have spoken to many folks who read my blog during and after our travels last year and said they liked the information. So I am editing it a little spicing things up some and adding some info on a few specifics I have been asked about, in particular Thanh Hoa which we spent some time in.

Thoughts on Parenthood

2008-01-13T21:05:00.000-05:00

Well we have been with Sadie since the end of October and I just thought I would list some of my observations on parenthood.(Most amusing)

1. Yes she is amazing enough said on that one, more than we ever expected.
2. She does not really look like us, go figure but I say she looks like me most! LOL
3. We tell people she has handled the language issue very well even though she is Vietnamese, she can cry in 2 languages.(You would not believe how many people ask how she will learn English. She is almost 10 months now.)
4. In her mind it is all about her and rightly so, I would just love to know exactly what is going on in that mind sometimes, or maybe not.
5. How in the world does that much poop come out of such a little body? I mean that much didn't go in.
6. Lesson learned the hardway. DO NOT snatch the pants off in one quick movement trying to be cute and make baby laugh. If the diaper has overflowed with poop it will go everywhere. I learned the hard way.
7.Most baby food taste like the poop that comes out of baby.(Yes I know what both taste like see #6 and you will know how) However the little Graduate puffy cookies that are apple cinnamon taste like apple jacks!
8. What baby does not have she will usually get from Grandmothers or aunts. I see this as a trend continuing for many years.
9. I get to play with her toys. I think sh eis ready for Weii and a 42@ flat panel TV but her mother does not seem to agree.
10. Man she is just too darn cute.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-21T19:08:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone, we are all doing well and enjoying our first holiday season as a family. This will probably be it for regular(sort of) post to the blog as real life is keeping us busy. I may occasionally post for updates but not often. Thanks to all of you who have read and commented here.

Some things just make you sad

2007-12-07T09:58:00.001-05:00

Hmm I posted a long piece about the way some folks treat others via the internet and how being behind a keyboard empowers folks to say all kinds of things, especially if you can do it anonymously. I just decided to retype it, mostly as I was long winded and can sum it up much better. Usually when doing so it is with the excuse of saying I am protecting so and so. Just think before you post, would you be brave enough to say or talk to this person in this manner if you were in person face to face? If no maybe you should think twice about what you are doing. Just my 2cents and I know somebody will post something in regards to how I just don't know. Ok whatever. Just think before you hit that enter key. And yes I sign my name and yes I call it like I see it, even in real life.

Holiday Greetings and a few answers to questions I have been asked via this blog.

2007-12-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

Just a picture to let you know how things are going in the Peacock household. Sadie is doing great and adjusting wonderfully. her first doctor's visit went well, proclaimed healthy and on track for her age. We have not found much she does not like to eat, but we knew that from Vietnam as well, she ate everything there!.

After being home almost a month, I have to say I do miss Vietnam. The only negative experience I can relate is the waiting we had courtesy of USCIS after our first meeting. Sounds like several families had to go through it, but from what I have read things are now moving along since the change in the US process over there. as for Vietnam itself, amazing place with amazing people. I really cannot wait to take Sadie back when she is older.

Some of the questions we have been asked. Adjustment on returning home. We were very lucky. Sadie slept through the night in Hanoi and after a few days to get over jetlag and time change she does so here as well. Goes to bed around 8 830ish plays a bit in the crib and then is out for the night. usually wakes between 630 and 7. So in that regard we are very lucky. As for attachment, she took to my wife almost immediately over there and me in a couple of days. She is very social and loves to meet new people and be the center of attention as long as she can see us. She has been around my mother and sister enough she is comfortable with them if we leave and comes to us when we get back. Deanna has gone back to work, so at the end of the day when she comes home Sadie is all about her mommy. Guess being with me all day will do that!

Food and new things. Our doctor kind of laughed after he told u try new things slowly. In Vietnam you almost use what is available to feed them if the will eat it. The congees and porridge they serve are great for breakfast for the little ones. Some have pork, shrimp or beef in them. Allergy worries, well seems seafood allergies are not as big of a deal in Vietnam as here, babies get fish sauce from a young age over there and yes Sadie loves the stuff as do I. we pulled out the list of things she had tried he just chuckled and said the big issue would be letting her adjust from fresh food she had over there to jarred stuff here. It cause a little rash on her cheeks at first but has cleared up and she just likes to eat.

Her vocabulary is progressing very well for an almost 9 month old. she is bright and alert as were most of the babies I saw being adopted from over there.

Our agency. We are very pleased with them. We knew when we signed on it would be a very long process as we started prior to the country re-opening. Our agency went slowly at every step but to me it was a good thing, we felt each step was followed throughly and completely which is what you want for an international adopton. Their in country staff was amazing every step of the way. They will cater to whatever you need if you are that type of person to help make your stay comfortable. That was not our style we were more go with the flow you guys pick stuff out and we will be ok on our own. Regardless of what type of person you are they are great. I know it is hard to admit if you are the former but alot of folks are and never traveling internationally can be quite a shock.(Note I would not consider Canada or the Caribbean international truly even though they are foreign countries. I have visited many many countries and covered 5 of the 7 continents and East Asia is more unique than anywhere I have been). Oh the in country staff. Great as I said. Since returning I have exchanged emails with some of them and would count a couple as friends at this point who I hope to stay in touch with. Our agency was very open and accessible the entire process, so we are pleased and if we do adopt again in the future we would use them.

Hmmm I am out of words for now so more later, Happy Holidays

Traffic and various views in Hanoi

2007-11-29T22:50:00.000-05:00

Well lets see, first couple of pics are of the traffic, one at a red light(yes they stop at them in Hanoi and the view from a cab.

Middle pic is of the skyline of Hanoi or part of it from our hotel room at the Fortuna.

Last two are from Hoan Kiem Lake the bridge and the last is the pagoda on Turtle Island in the middle.

More photos later of the Ethnology Museum and other things. Enjoy

Photos of Hanoi Sights Temple of Literature

2007-11-29T22:43:00.001-05:00

Ok Just a few shots of the Temple of Literature. A Must see while in Hanoi

Hanoi Hotels,Things To Do

2007-11-29T22:08:00.000-05:00

OK This may be a long post as well but a few more things about Vietnam.

Hotels, In Hanoi we were very lucky and only stayed in two hotels. We flew to HCM first and did the tourist thing. There we stayed at the Kim Do Hotel. Pretty good and I would stay again. We stayed in Hanoi 1 night before traveling to Thanh Hoa to get our girl. That night we stayed in the Gaouman Hotel(spelling?) It was very very nice and ran around 175 for a triple. Breakfast was buffet of Asian and Western foods. Rooms very nice.

In Thanh Hoa we stayed in Sam Son on the coast at Van Chai Resort. All I will say it is like a little hidden paradise. They have a website but I cannot remember the address. I know you can google it. family Villa here on the beach was 70$ a night and the place was amazing.

The majority of our stay in Hanoi (16 days) we stayed at The Fortuna. It was right across the street from the US Embassy and around the corner from the consulate. It is a Korean or Japanese chain so caters to alot of businessmen from there. However it was a great hotel and the staff treated us wonderful. Buffet breakfast is the usual mix of western and Asian but good. They have three restaurants a Japanese sushi bar, did not eat there - expensive, a Chinese (wonderful) and a cafe in lobby (ok but Al fresco's is literally next door and same stuff. ) They also have a night club and bowling alley(yes I said that ) We had a triple it had room for three single beds, room for a crib and a good size bathroom. Housekeeping was great to us as was the restaurant and lobby staff. Internet is available in rooms and the business center had it for a fee. Laundry was expensive. A small market across the street provided cokes chips etc. and the Hapro down the street had diapers formula and pretty much anything else.

Hmmm things to do, of course shopping in the Old Quarter or anywhere else for that matter. Loads of parks with lakes you can walk around and relax or exercise. Temple of Literature(it was truly amazing) probably the #1 thing I would recommend to see. Museum of Ethnology is also great. It will take at least a half day to see properly and there is a nice cafe on grounds. Museum of Fine Art was nice and in an old French Municipal Building. traveling exhibit sucked but the pottery collection and exhibits on cultural arts and the people was on par with what we saw at the Museum of Ethnology. Hanoi Hilton Prison(Cannot remember actual name at the moment) Only a small portion is left but it is a moving experience, not just as US Soldiers were held there but to see what all happened at the hands of the French there. It is ugly but it is history. The memorial gardens they have at the site are very relaxing and a nice tribute. Vin Con Towers Mall. OK for a change of pace it is a fun place to go walk around and people watch. They have everything from Gucci and Versacci stores here to 5 and 10 discount places. Food court upstairs has a good selection also and the giant Citi Mart grocery store has tons and tons of stuff.Hoan Kim Lake. You just have to go it is great. People fishing exercise relaxing and yes the red bridge across the lake is a sight to see. A little temple sits on the island you cross to. We did spend a Sunday in the park at the Hanoi Zoo. Lets just say it is nothing like a zoo here but an adventure never the less. It is sort of a street fair, vendor, market, mini amusement park all around a lake. It was actually fun but Sundays is the day everyone gets out and just hangs out in the city so everywhere tends to be even more crowded that day. Oh and there is a skating rink at the zoo and it was fun to see all the kids skating to 1990s and 80s music .

Well I think I will post on shopping later

Enjoy

Eating in Hanoi A Subject I Love

2007-11-25T18:12:00.000-05:00

Ok when and if you go to Hanoi there is food of all kinds available. You want it you can find it. The picky American palate(a shame in this place) and it is ok, Al Fresco's has pizza, ribs, pseudo Mexican and other western style dishes. Actually their ribs and wings are quite good and the pizza is ok in a pinch. Also The Press Club Restaurant and Deli serve western style meals and sandwiches. Really desperate for good ole' American there are several KFC's in Hanoi. I went once just to see how it stacked up. Chicken was ok, fries ok ketchup sucked!

In general I avoided western food as I live Asian cuisine as well as food from other parts of the world. I imagine there are other good western eats but I do not know as I really did not look for them. Now for what I liked.

1. Quan An Ngan. This is a very traditional Vietnamese restaurant. when we were there we were the only non Vietnamese until a group of Aussies came in as we were leaving. One of our in country facilitators took us here and said it was one of her favorite places. Well it was packed and we had to wait put oh man was it worth it. We had grilled rice cakes, fried tofu, a pork ball and noodle soup, spring rolls, shrimp fritters and ginger chicken wings with rice. All was topped off by a seaweed and coconut milk shake. The place was amazing and for 4 people all of that food cost something like 8 dollars US. I would rate it as my number 1 favorite place to eat here.
Address is
18 Phan Boi Chau
Quan Hoan Kiem Hanoi

2. Lan Van ( Spelling is wrong I know and I forgot the address)
We went here twice and both times also amazing. It was a close second to the above. Hmm like above it is served Vietnamese style lots of dishes and you get alittle at a time in your bowl. Ok some of the things we had, beef with chili and lemongrass, chicken and lemon, glazed pork in clay pot(amazing), variety of spring rolls, grilled corn, eggplant, squid and chicken salad(not like a salad you are thinking and very good), sauteed veggies in claypot, a great spinach dish and cabbage stew which was also great. Entire meal for 9 persons was around 25$

3. Dinh Lang Thuy Resturant. This place is a little pricey by Vietnamese standards($7-10 a person) and you choose from several set menus. For ours we had spring roll starters, a spicy hot beef salad, grilled fish, Vietnamese bbq pork, Vietnamese veggie soup and lotus wrapped rice topped of with great ice cream for dessert. Location is amazing as it over look Hoan Kiem Lake. Address is
1 Le Thai To St. 2nd floor.

4. Street food, well I ate at several street food vendors, from beef or pork balls, to pho to kebabs all were amazing and you cannot list them all, be brave and give it a shot.

5. Brothers Cafe. This is also a little pricey but worth it to try alot of different things.(14$ a person) It is a huge Vietnamese buffet and BBQ set in the courtyard of a french villa. They have roast suckling pig and carve what you want right there. They grill fresh as you watch a variety of meats poultry and seafood(you name it they have it. There is also so many rice noodle and other dishes you will be stuffed to try them all. They have 4 different ladies making all kinds of soups fresh as you watch. We went once it was worth it but other cheaper places. Oh the desserts were great here.
26 Nguyen Thai Hoc St.

6.Tandoor Hanoi. If you like Indian food you have to go here. I had probably one of the best chicken vindaloos i have ever had. Garlic nan bread awesome as well. three of us ate here for 9$
24 Hang Be St
Hoan Kiem Dist.

7. Cyclobar. It is a cool concept, sit in old cyclos to eat. Not quite as authentic Vietnamese but still good. We wanted to try some Vietnamese French fusion why we were here and this place did not disappoint. Starter was Taste of Hanoi, It was grilled prawns, calamari and spring rolls with fish sauce to dip..BTW fish sauce is everywhere and I love it. Our meal was grilled duck breast over scalloped potatoes with veggies and a caramelized apple sauce. It was sinful it was so good. Dessert was probably the best I had in Hanoi. I had bignets with ice cream and chocolate sauce and the wife had chocolate mousse. Both amazing. Entire meal was about 14 dollars including wine and beer.
38 Duong Thanh St.

8. Shark Fin restaurant Hotel Fortuna. Ok it was in a hotel but pretty good Chinese food. We had sauteed veggies and a duck in black pepper sauce with rice. very good and was about 10$. he hotel food tends to be a little more pricey but all in all ok.

Strangest thing I ate? Pickled jellyfish. It was pretty good, and finally authentic kimchee was great. Sea cucumber was good but texture kind of funny. The seaweed and coconut milkshake while very good was just way to sweet for me. You just have to be adventurous and have the guts to say order for me, heck I will try it. I tried many kinds of foods some i would eat over and over some not ever again(durian) but just go for it. Funny thing I ate so much of the local food when I got home my sister said I smelled funny as i was sweating. MMM god I love that fish sauce!LOL!

Home and Resting

2007-11-20T12:32:00.000-05:00

well it took about 36 hours but we made it home Sunday night. Give me a few days and I will post some things about the trip, tips etc. I have posted some on Vietnam travel yahoo board about some things available in Hanoi like diapers etc. I will gather thoughts and do a complete run down here maybe after Thanksgiving. Plus I will get more pics up. Until than have a good Thanksgiving

we are outta here

2007-11-15T06:22:00.000-05:00

well we had our meeting today get our visa tomorrow and leave saturday morning. we should be home early sunday yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ok lets try the pics again

2007-11-14T02:27:00.001-05:00

well here are three pics of the reason why we are halfway around the world

Still Waiting

2007-11-13T23:57:00.000-05:00

Well it is miday here in Hanoi and again no word from CIS about our second apporintment. It is beginning to feel like we are being held hostage by the US Government. I hate to sound negative but it really does seem they do not give a ssecond thought to the families here. We have callled back as have our agency reps here in country and basicallly got the dont call us we will call you.I just love to see our hard earned taxc money being put to such good use.

This is not any reflection on the people or government of Vietnam. The people have been wonderful to us. I am ready to go home as are all of the families but I will have some great memories and look forward to coming back under less stressful means. Well keep you fingers crossed and hope we get home by Thanksgiving although I am starting to have my doubts

More Waiting in Hanoi

2007-11-13T03:07:00.000-05:00

Yes we are still in Hanoi. We had our first interview on Nov 1 and are just waiting for a call back for the second part. Passport med checkup and everything else is done , just waiting on USCIS to get us our paperwork back so we can go home. I know with the change in the process of paperwork is maybe taking longer and they told us there was a back log in HCM where final approval comes from so hopefully today or tomorrow we get the interview part 2 and go home.

Hanoi is a great city loads to do and pretty much anything you need you can get here. Diapers formula baby food wipes you name it and it is available. A bag of 20 Huggies diapers cost 90,000 dong which is about $5.50 US So I can tell you no need to back tons of stuff like mentioned above, it is here and easy to get, hapro and Citi Mart(two market chains in Hanoi have all you need)

Well more later if we get word, we may have to switch hotels if this drags out much longer and well it gets expensive after awhile plus changing flights etc. So maybe word real soon

Hanoi Update

2007-11-02T22:45:00.001-04:00

well we have been in Hanoi for a week now. Sadie has adjusted wonderfully to all of us and is quite a little mess. She likes to eat, alot. We had our first interview at the embassy on Thursday and all went fine. lasted all of 5 minutes and we talked more about comparing Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh than anything else. The gentleman who interviewed us was very nice and no problems. We also applied for her passport and had her physical done for her visa. Looks like next Wednesday we pick up the passport and physical paperwork and hopefully have interview 2 weds. or Thursday to go home. Keep you fingers crossed.

About Hanoi, be adventurous and it is great. We found a citi mart at Vin Com towers with everything you need. diapers formula wipes. an entire wall, they had pampers huggies and other brands and wipes aplenty. formula of every type and if you need cereal or that stuff all of that is readily available in Hanoi as well. we over packed for sure as you can get pretty much anything you need if you just get out a little.

A lot of shopping has happened. It feels like we have purchased several thousand dollars of stuff and have only spent about 200$ This includes all kins of silk items robes purses etc. get out and explore the old city and the deals are great.

Visited the Temple of Literature yesterday. Words cannot describe it, it is an amazing place. Just go if you are in Hanoi. Finally we had a traditional 10 course Vietnamese meal last night. Oh my god it was amazing. Had soup then a prawn and pork salad then grilled shrimp etc etc etc. Amazing and all for just 13$ a person drinks included.

Ok more later all is well great city, only think getting old is living in a suitcase, get past that and you will love this place.

hmmm sorry

2007-10-31T00:22:00.000-04:00

hmmm my pics are not posting for some reason. i have a ton of email to catch up on so i will get back to the blog later . sorry folks. let me just say this is a great place where you can give and take as much as you allow it. the culture is very different but i think we get kind of spoiled and arrogant living in the states and traveling abroad is a good way to put things into perspective. freash fruit and fruit juices, good food be it veitnamese japanes korean american whatewver something to suit any tatse if you just take you time and look for it. and while the people can be aggresive with trying to sell things i have found that to be the case anywhere you go. i mean the folks following you on the streets here is far more enjoyable than all of te tacky neaon of myrtle beach. well i will try the pics again later.

van chai resort

2007-10-31T00:12:00.000-04:00

pics of paradise in sam son

van chai resort

pics of the girl

2007-10-31T00:03:00.001-04:00

this is a few shots of sadie. some from teh day we got her at the orphanage and some at the van chai resort enjoy

sorry it took awhile but we are in hanoi

2007-10-30T23:55:00.000-04:00

well we have been in vietnam for one week. It is great. I know some people love it and some hate it but if you just go with the flow it is a truly amazing place. we spent t4 days in ho chi minh city. toured the mekong delta and I promptly got a nast stomach but while on an island in the delta. it was an intersteing experience. a hole in the corer standing on two wooden blocks. hey i just count it as another part of the joureny. our tour guide was wonderful even with my problems and we enjoyed the trip.

we flew to hanoi on saturday about a two hour flight then headed to Thanh Hoa and got the babies. there are three familes all together and all three babies are wonderful little girls. we have all had a great time. spent two nights at van chai resort of the china sea in sam son. it is a hidden paradise. great food great room and wonderful staff.

the giving and recieving was a very moving experience. the orpanage personel and provincial representatives provided a wonderful and memorial experience for all of us.

Hanoi. All I can say is it is great. It is very busy but you get used to it. Crossing the road, no problem just go and you are ok. the people are friendly and curious but wonderful. It strikes me as the kind of place if you open up and take it all in you will really have a good time. The smells sounds and tastes are all new different and exciting. We applied for passport today and hope to have interviews by friday. our agency staff in country is wonderful as well. they really o the extra mile to help you out. well sorry for no caps is this is a strange laptop for me and i will see if i can get some pics up

Almost Time To Go

2007-10-21T17:28:00.001-04:00

Well folks, I said I was going to wait until we were about to leave to present our little girl to the world. Here she is! She is the little one in the picture !LOL!! That is her nanny that has cared for her since she was a few days old. Looks like we will get to meet her which is great and truly an honor. A chance to say thank you! This is our most recent photo, end of August early September.

We leave in less than 36 hours to head to the airport. We have a 6am flight from NC to Atlanta, then on to Korea and into Vietnam. As it is about a one to one and half hour drive to the airport(we live in the sticks!) we will be heading out around 1 or 2 am to be at the airport 2 hours before our flight. We are actually flying in to Ho Chi Minh to do the tourist thing for a few days and then flying up to Hanoi over the weekend for our G/R on Monday(29). We actually have to drive down to Thanh Hoa where she is on Sunday so alot of traveling in a week. As there are loads of last minute things to do tomorrow and an early turn in, I figured I would do my pre-travel post now.

If I can I am planning to post every 2 or 3 days from Vietnam if at all possible and try and get some pics up. Well here is to traveling and parenthood ! Updates by the end of the week!

Just Running a Test Pic Before We Travel!

2007-10-13T21:09:00.001-04:00

I figured I better make sure blogspot will upload pics from my camera before I get over there so I am attaching an image of a diaper cake that Deanna's co-workers gave her for a shower. It was an entire pack of huggies rolled up and made to look like a layer cake with little roses all over it. I thought it was pretty cool and very nice of her co-workers. Anyway, packing continues and just getting final stuff done. I plan to try and post every couple of days and upload photos once we are there. No promises but I am going to try.

1 week to go

2007-10-12T11:08:00.000-04:00

Friday is here and just over 1 week before we leave. I have 1 more week at work and then off for several weeks. We have our tickets and leave Oct 23. It's going to be a long flight one segment is 15 hours but well worth it. Packing is underway and loads of last minute things. I probably will not post mush over the next week but I am going to try and post every couple of days once we get to Vietnam and try an get a few pictures on from there if I can download stuff. Well that's about it for now!

Just Getting ready

2007-10-09T14:42:00.000-04:00

Well the initial excitement has worn off and realty has set in. We have alot to do before we go. We will be in Than Hoa province in Thanh Hoa city. Flooding hit the province pretty hard but from what I have been told and seen online is it is mostly west and north of the city by quite a ways. Either way it is horrible to have happened. I know here in eastern NC the problems from the Hurricane Floyd flood still linger to this day in some places and that was 1999. We are still on schedule however and leaving in a couple of weeks. just loads of arrangements to make for the dogs, the house etc. We will keep you posted