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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

We won the lottery.


Sorry for the long delay in posting but the Ninh Thuan and HCMC internet situations were not terrific - particularly in NT. We are now in Hanoi and have a couple of 'free' days before we get Izzy Thu's US Visa. For a little more detail on the past few days....


We traveled the seven hours on the bus to HCMC to the REX with four children - and the kids all did great, the adults managed, too.

HCMC is a BUSY city - and it is amazing that the entire group actually made it to Hanoi given the near-death experience of crossing the streets. but somehow, we managed.


Debbie (we think it's Chi but it may be Bac - aunt) and I and Izzy have managed to spend nearly all our dong on beautiful items and yet are still craving more and will plan to add to our collections in Hanoi. Shopping with a little one has it's challenges for sure; that said, as other families have reported, there is so much love and care for children here--particularly those that they are concerned might catch cold because of their silly american parent(s) that izzy is in good hands (often others) when we venture out and about.

Today we explored Hanoi a bit and will likely venture out to eat shortly. Izzy is still very interested in checking in on me at night and making sure i am awake but she is smiling more and more and is eating well and sleeping more. She is fighting a cold and we are hoping that it doesn't get worse before we subject her to the long journey home. Likey December 23rd with an arrival in DC early, early on the 24th. More details later when we finalize our travel plans.

I am thrilled with Izzy's new extended family - Susan and her brother George and her wonderful little boy, Teo, and Kim and her parents Al and Kay, and of course, Izzy's prom date Isaac have been experiencing the journey in parallel. Jessica and Michael and Emaline are doing great.

The Dillon staff is wonderful and they are so full of talent and love for what they are doing to unite families that it is really a special thing to know them. I am hopeful that we will be able to see them all again in the future.

Thank you everyone for the wonderful notes.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ruth,

I am so happy for you! Izzy looks so calm and content in all the pictures. And the two of you look perfect together. What a gift.

Best wishes
Andrea Morris

Dianna said...

Isn't it such a relief to have the prom date issue taken care of so early??? :) Glad to hear everything is going well! Make the most of your last few days in Vietnam and give sweet Izzy a huge hug from me!

Scott and Leslie said...

Izzy is too cute! You will cherish that picture of her with Thomas forever! What an experience that you will one day be able to share with her! Enjoy Hanoi - you will soon be headed home to the states! It seems like only yesterday you were departing for VN! Tell the Dillon staff hello!

Anonymous said...

i love that third pic of you guys!! safe SAFE travels we miss you tons and i'm back in dc on the 28th so if Izzy's ready i'd love to meet her.
xoxo
aly

Anonymous said...

Ruth - I'm so delighted to finally see Izzy in your arms! Thank you so much for keeping us posted on this incredibly special journey. Please keep me posted when you get back and let me know how I can help.
-Mina

Heather M. said...

Oh, so sweet! I am so glad that your trip is going well & everyone has stayed healthy thus far! That is wonderful news. I hope that you continue to enjoy your stay...Congrats Mommy!
Heather M.

Anonymous said...

Ruth,
Izzy is way too adorable and I love all the pix. Send more! I will be in DC after xmas so please add me to the list of Izzy visitors. I can't wait to meet her when she is ready to hold court for all of her fans! Have a safe trip back. --Carmella

Cindy said...

Ruth, Izzy is a beautiful little girl and you make a perfect pair! Safe travels and Thanks! You were right on about the Travel dates. You'll be coming home and we will be going over. Enjoy the Holidays!

Heather said...

I can't get over how tiny, delicate, and precious your daughter is. Enjoy the rest of your stay and safe travels home.

Anonymous said...

Ms. Stern,

You look so cute with Izzy and she is adorable. Congratulations on adding a new member to the family.

Love,
The best class in the world!!!