The Crazy "Carlson Krew" Blog

2010-06-29T14:10:00.002-05:00

After Encore's big annual Student Concert - I flew to Las Vegas to see the sites and sounds with Heather from GA!!! Oh my goodness, the bond & friendship from March 2007 after adopting our babies from Vietnam would be an amazing blessing far greater than I could have ever predicted. Thank you God for hand-picking the family we would share "Labor and Delivery" stories with at the MOST exilerating journey to our daughter!!

Thank you HEATHER for your love & friendship. I can'twait to see you again asap!!!

Here's Heather and I ready to take a bite out of the BIG APPLE of NYC :)...haha

Here's a bird's eye view of the Mirage Hotel from our room!!! Ahhhhh

Heather is the SCIENCE buff with excitment in learning enough for the both of us!!!! This is HOOVER DAM - wow, what a site to see in it's magnificant beauty. It was so enormous, awesome, raw and stunning!!!

Yes, laughing, singing, jumping around & asking questions are the BEST ways to learn, esp. with friends!!!

Almost every night we were there, we would walk to the Bellagio for the DANCIN' Lights & Music show!!! It was so magical to see the syncronized song and lights twirling together like a ballet at the Opera. The dancer in me stood in awe and amazement as much as Heather probably did at Hoover Dam!!! Isn't neat how we are all different but can appreciate our passions, uniqueness and diversity in humanity???

Missing Saigon...

2010-04-22T23:03:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe I was in Saigon just over a week ago... It feels like yesterday and yet a lifetime ago as well...
I think I will always feel like I have ONE foot in the States and ONE in my homeland of Vietnam.
I will always remember this journey back to my homeland with Denise.
God went before us, was with us and continues to show us more of WHO He is in us today...our hearts...our memories...our lives....
I
It’s been bittersweet to see the way of life here again on this side of the ocean, city life is so, so poor, dirty and desperate…
desperate locals looking for money to find next meal...
desperate homes needing renovation...
desperate economy needing restoration…
desperate hearts needing God...

Here's a picture with our new friends that we made, some from a boys' home/ shelter in the heart of Saigon...precious, sweet, generous people that opened their hearts and home to us. Thank you!!!

Spirit of Saigon & Mekong Delta

2010-04-13T23:01:00.001-05:00

As you can see, there is just a few things you can carry by bike or scooter...we took a bunch of pictures of things carried around town. The Locals are VERY creative and resourceful in getting around town and carrying what they need!!!! I don't know where the time went but we are heading to the airport soon for our return flights back to USA!!!

One of the highlights of our trip was going down the Mekong Delta by bus, boats and "canoe." It was VERY humid and hot...no exception from the city life. The Mekong Delta people are VERY primitive and had water buffalo and fish in the "pond" on the property.

We didn't buy rice hats here but had some given to us during our Mekong Delta tour. You can see the Asian side of Denise come out with this rice hat on her head!!!! :)

We got to see, taste and buy coconut candy made on the Mekong Delta Island. It was an interesting yet simple process for them.

We were humbled to see how simple the VN people live. We are grateful the rich nation we live in, it's hard to explain without seeing with your own eyes how VERY poor Vietnam is still today. I will write more later...time to sign off...xoxo Ms. Saigon

Thurs 8 April 2010 - My orphanage

2010-04-09T11:24:00.000-05:00

The days are starting to run together and i don't know the dates anymore...but right now it's FRI PM here in Saigon, but FRI AM in USA??? I'm writing about Thurs. PM but your Thurs. had not happened yet...haha!????

We went with another Hoi Duc Anh (HDA) adoptee, Tricia (on right)...she was @ HDA only 2 mos. as a baby and then airlifted out in 1975. But, we have gone back together in search of anyone/ any information at that time.

We got a tour of the orphanage with Ms. Phung (on far right) and she is partially blind. She didn't start working at HDA after 1985 (which is now a School for the Blind after Saigon fell). She didn't remember me of course but did run into the "cook" at HDA that WAS THERE since 1970's - remembers the 200+ babies/ kids in my orphanage in the mid-1970's!!!!! Ms. Chau told me that she cared for the kids 7 yrs. of age and older so she did not remember me either. She speculates I was there at HDA since infant/ birth...but since i was a toddler, she didn't recognize me or remember anything about me whereabouts when at HDA. Ms. Chau was so sweet and i told her i would come back to see her in a few days (if/ when i had more information or questions.)

We had a photo shoot and DNA meeting and it was GREAT to hang out with fellow adoptees, sharing stories and hysterical and historical memories.) It's really pretty overwhelming and indescribeable to meet/ greet adoptees from my "hood," my background, my timeframe, etc... and here their stories, struggles, blessings...Wow. God has had His hand in all of this...i just sit back and watch Him at work. Yay God....

I don't have a group picture from last night dinner with the VN adoptees yet online but here is a pic. of "Bong So" (i don't know at all) = VN crepe-like thin pancake...stuffed with foods i don't know or like...haha. Actually this one had bean sprouts and shrimp, it was interesting... but Denise actually really liked it. We at the "Night Market" with about 10-15 other adoptees...it was a great bonding night and time together!!!

WED 07 April 2010

2010-04-07T18:45:00.003-05:00

Wed. we went to Dam Sen Park in HCM (Ho Chi Minh) City, District 11 where we met several UK VAD (VN adoptees) and one VAD from Austrailia, Germany and Sweden. It was really neat to meet them and start to hear their stories. 3 of the VAD were ON the plane that crashed in early April 1975 when Saigon was falling. Wow, that is amazing...again looking in the face of the God's handiwork.

Here is the group, I will try to name them from left to right, back row to front: (back) JoKim, Peter, Le Thanh, Victoria, Patrick, (middle) Kim-Lan, Safi, Emma, Dominic, (front) Tricia, Jackie

The park was really pretty, made a large loop where there was gardens, pagoda houses, engined & paddle boats and even a small amusement park. We hung out there almost all day, it was SOOOO HOT & humid. It was probably 90's in temp & 90% humidity at least.

Here's a cool dragon from the garden.

It appeared to me the UK VAD had already met up/ communicated much before the trip. They had established friendships and it was appearant there was a silent bond in place.

How awesome is our God to reunite VAD from around the world, scattered from a result of a chaotic, crazy time of the VN War!!! God DOES make beauty out of our messes... "And we know that for those who love God ALL things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose..." Roman 8:28

We made it to Saigon!!!!

2010-04-06T21:10:00.000-05:00

Well...after 24+ hrs. of traveling and 3 flights from DFW to Seattle, then to Seoul, then onto Saigon...we made it. We made through all securities and check points... My first entry point into Vietnam was greeted by a VN custom man very upset with me that I had a VN name, USA passport, back to my Homeland and no speaky VN= he not happy with me. But, we made it through and then look for David Nguyen since he arrived before us, we were going to taxi to the hotel together. However, in the sea of 300+ VN locals looking for their party, I had NO idea where were going to find VN adoptee!!! I think all Vietnamese people "look the same same." (ha ha)

Then thankfully out of NO where, Anh Dao found me and Denise!!! David was with the welcome group by this point too, I was SO relieved. I KNEW at this point, we were going to be OK :). Like clowns packed in a car.... Anh Dao, Tricia, Jo Kim, David, Mike, Denise and I (PLUS the driver) got into a MINI-van to head to Sanouva hotel. (YES, 8 of us plus all of our luggage in trunk & on laps!!!)

After settling into our room and getting rest, we woke up to look at our hotel views...here is outside our window looking down from the4th floor, narrow alleys, horns honking and simple living here.

Right below our window looking down was VN locals making Pho soup on the streets. We opted for the hotel buffet for breakfast instead which included pureed "vegetable" soup, fried rice, eggs, seafood spaghetti, jack fruit, watermelon, juices and "cafe su da" (Yummy VN coffee, just like how Don makes for me.)
Well, we are off to meet some VN adoptees and go to the park...signing off.
xoxo Ms. Saigon

April5-6， 2010 　Ｎｏ　ｎｉｇｈｔ　ｆａｌｌ　ｈｅｒｅ　ｏｎ　ｐｌａｎｅ

2010-04-06T04:03:00.002-05:00

we are at Seoul and I'm struggling头typethis message in English。 I am on a provided
free Internet computer and it's inJapanese。 Hence， the symbols that婆婆 show up。

为head头saigon浓雾，ha ha 。。。。We leave soon - justwanted 2 say hello， chao ban!!!!

xoxoxoxo please hug my babies and tell them how much i love and miss them!!!!!

ｓｅｅ　ｙｏｕ　ｉｎ　ｖｉｅｔｎａｍ．．．
ｍｓ．　ｓａｉｇｏｎ　：）

Saigon bound....

2010-04-05T05:30:00.002-05:00

I think i'm still in shock that the time has come for me to head to airport for Saigon, VIETNAM. I've waited and anticpated this trip for months and now departure time is upon us. I am traveling with my friend, Denise, who has 2 daughters beautiful, adopted daughters - now teenagers!! One is from Vietnam and one is from India, they are precious and amazing young ladies!!! I am not sure how i feel...I am groggy froggy for sure right now but getting ready to head to the airport. Our first leg will be to Seattle, then Seoul, Korea, then on into Saigon, VIETNAM. Please pray for us, our safe travels, health and whatever God wants to do in our lives through this journey.

I will keep you posted should you be interested to see Vietnam through one set of eyes, these orphan eyes.

Signing off now...See you Saigon!!!

A weekend to REMEMBER!!!!!! March 26-28, 2010

2010-04-02T18:32:00.009-05:00

Well, the journey to revisit the beginning years of my life has begun...I am not sure that I will have closure, answers or complete healing in the coming weeks or months that lie ahead...but I am trying to let God hold me through this journey. Last weekend, Don and I flew into Atlanta, GA for Ms. Betty Tisdale's An Lac Orphans Reunion in Columbus, GA!!!!!

My American Twin, Heather & me :)

After arriving into Atlanta, our dear friends that we met in Vietnam- 3 years ago - to adopt our babies met us at the airport to go to dinner. We have been blessed beyond words to have Jason, Heather and Rocco Willis to travel, bond and connect with during our adoption pregnancy & after. We got to see Rocco on his birthday weekend, reminiscing when we were coming home to the States with our babies on Rocco's longest and first birthday ever. Because of the time zones & traveling, March 29, 2007 ended up being like 36 hours :).

Kim-Lan with Ms. Betty Tisdale & Ms. Truc (Mdm. Ngai's niece)

It was an honor to meet and thank in person the woman that helped get me out of Vietnam, 35 years ago. I was in one orphanage then transferred to An Lac, then airlifted out with over 200 other babies. I arrived in the States mid April, landed in CA, then onto GA. I was then escorted to Detroit, MI on Tax Day = April 15, 1975 to my mom & grandma.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Truc at the airport and finding our way to the Columbus shuttle together. Ms. Truc was Madame Ngai's niece, the VN Director of An Lac Orphanage. Mdm. Ngai came to the States after the fall of Saigon in 1975 and died 3 years later, 1978 at the age of 73. We had a memorial service for Mdm. Ngai at her grave site. Local & Fox National News covered the whole weekend.

There were over 50 adoptees gathered here to honor, thank and hug Ms. Betty Tisdale & Ms. Truc.

Well, I got to meet the FIRST, taller, prettier Kim-Lan in Ms. Betty's life!!! Betty's 4 daughters came to the GA reunion and they are so beautiful, precious and kind in person as I imagined they would be.

From Left to Right in the picture above: MaiLara, Kim-Lan (me), Ms. Betty, Xuan, TuVan, Kim Lan (Betty's daughter).

I am packing now for the next BIG trip to Saigon, Vietnam - in less than 2 days....WOW!!!! Yikes...I'm not sure what I'm feeling but I am thinking, I can't believe the time has come, months of planning, dreaming, praying, waiting...coming down to this moment in time.

Officially FOREVER OURS 2day - 3 yrs ago!!!

2010-03-14T23:49:00.001-05:00

Here were are the "Giving and Reciving" Ceremony that we had long to receive from our adoption agency. Maile slept through the whole ceremony, but it was still official...and officially for real, forever!!! (Prov. 3:5-6)

We stayed at the nicest Ninh Thuan Hotel (probably the only one)...Heather and I took Maile and Rocco to the pool/ South China Sea beach on the property out our hotel!!!! Maile was 27 mos. and Rocco 11.5 mos. old, they were PRECIOUS to watch explore, hold and get to know in our beginning weeks with them after delivery :)

Maile let me hold her, take care of her and snuggle/ love on her...it was an incredible time of bonding and letting her attach to me. I am honored, humbled and amazed on how well she transitioned into my love and care for her...accepting me & my love for her with open arms and heart. She NEVER cried with me, not from the moment I held her throughout the whole trip...only if Don held her or if she was scared or hurt... (Jer. 33:3)

We had a GREAT G&R dinner that night celebrating our babies new lives with us. The caregivers & directors of the orphanage celebrated in Vietnamese style = FAMILY style, hugging, singing, welcoming us all into their lives for the moment in time. It was magical, surreal and totally GOD to orchestrate it all!!!! (Phil. 1:6)

First time i saw your face....

2010-03-14T23:27:00.001-05:00

i want to never forget what it felt like to see MYSELF in my daughter's eyes...holding her on the balcony of Ninh Thuan's orphanage.
I remember the warm breeze briskly sweeping over our heads as i held her close to me...she seems so tiny her, tentative, scared and rightfully guarded of what was going on & the future that lied ahead of her...

We could NOT have had a better family to travel with...we are honored and blessed beyond words to go through Labor & Delivery of our babies with the Willis family!!!! Look at Rooco squeezin' his Mama's cheek and arm around Daddy!!! This was after many tears shed, snuggling and reassuring Rocco he was in GOOD HANDS!!! Well, Rocco was ALWAYS in GOOD HANDS because GOD was carrying Rocco in the palm of His hands!!! We love Jason, Heather & Rocco, a bond and shared memories that will reign in our hearts forever.

Look at our baby girl's litle face...oh wow!!!! We had prayed, waited and stared at her referral pictures 100's times a day for over 5 months...then to HOLD her IN PERSON and see her face IN PERSON was surreal. Thuy Trang was NOT as prepared as we were to receive her but she let us take her in, care for her, love her and start the journey of reassuring her she was NOW with her FOREVER FAMILY... March 14, 2007. Wow, God...thank you!!!

Oh my heart ached to leave her that 1st day...Look at Maile staring at us, "So, you are going to leave me, like everyone else who has come and gone???" - is what I imagine her saying!!!! Rocco is sitting on floor behind her and VN caregivers off in the background. It was sooooo difficult to somehow communicate NON verbally, we would be back the next day to get her FOREVER!!!! My heart still aches and cries bittersweet tears to want to tell Maile's birthmother, she is in good hands...we love her...we choose her....we will take care of her heart and life. It's NOT by accident her birthmother's MOST courageous act of LOVE ended up to be our answered prayer on this side of the ocean. We have 2 amazing, brave and strong BIG brothers who love and adore their littl' sister too. Wow, again God... I say THANK YOU!!!!

3 years ago TODAY -March 13 - we met our babies for the FIRST time

2010-03-13T22:39:00.001-06:00

Oh my goodness, this picture was taken moments before entering Ninh Thuan Social Services (Rocco & Maile's orphanage). Heather and I had our hearts pounding and palms sweating!!!! We were in Labor & Delivery together of our adoption pregnancy... ALL coming down to this Moment in Time = March 13, 2007 - 15:00 hr!!!!!! Meeting less than 50 hrs. prior to this moment, God would BOND us FOREVER in a journey to our babies that would last a lifetime!!!

As we parked at the orphanage, we could see the babies at the top of the steps. I could NOT believe MY baby was looking at us NOT knowing what would lie ahead. Maile Noel (Thuy
Trang) would be the one at the top of steps in yellow shorts looking, watching and maybe NOT even hoping we were there for HER!!! I don't know what ran through her precious little mind, but they would soon whisk her away to change her clothes. Rocco was already summoned and being dressed as he would come onto the scene - MINUTES after WE met Maile for the FIRST time!!! Climbing the stairs to her was SURREAL like a scene out of "Chariots of Fire" - we could not climb them fast enough, felt like slow motion....

I held Maile and she didn't cry, get scared or budge...she let me HOLD her and talk softly to her. But, when Daddy held her for the first time (above) ...She was SCARED TO DEATH to see "white monster" holding her!!!! Her little cry - was actually loud, but i had NEVER heard her voice, cry, talk, nothing... She CRIED when Don held her!!! Instinctively, I took her from Don to relieve them both, she STOPPED crying!!! I don't know, but can only HOPE, they prepared the "older" kids that their "forever families" were coming to get them??

I don't know much about Maile's days while there or leading her to get there to begin with... but I DO KNOW

God is good... ALL the time!! And ALL the time....God is good!!!

I had SO many precious moments with Maile... we STILL call her "Thuy Trang" (Twee Jang) or Trang-y (Jangy). She let me hold her, touch her, explore her body, hair & eyes... I SAW the reflection of ME in HER eyes...wow!!! She was/ is so precious, sweet and so unsure of what to expect. I don't blame her one bit... 2mrrow 3/14 marks the actual G&R date - Giving & Receiving Maile.... i will try to post more pictures. Sharing Labor & Delivery with the Willis Family was one of God's greatest blessings He poured out to us on this journey!!! THANK YOU Heather & Jason (& Rocco) ...and THANK YOU GOD for them!!!! (Phil. 1:3)

Mung Chua Nam Moi

2009-12-25T15:08:00.002-06:00

Christmas Morning...look at our little angels looking for the reindeer tracks from Santa!! It was a great Christmas for our "babies." You might be able to see through the window, we have a little snow outside. It was the first time in 100 years that N. TEXAS got a white Christmas!!

Look at these happy faces with cool gifts:

Joseph = hockey gear;

Maile = rock star guitar & sunglasses;

Sammy = new basketball

Grandma Lizzy enjoying her grandkids...and holding picture ornaments.

Look how cute our Joe Joe Hockey Star is...He is so adorable, striking, ready for the ice and now stands taller than me!!! Oh how I love my "babies." They are the light of my life and gifts from God far more than I could ever ask for or deserve.

Chua Mung Nam Moi = Merry Christmas & Happy New Year in Vietnamese

We pray God holds you throughout the New Year and tells you WHO you are, not the "things" of this world or by people, status or jobs... Jesus Christ came INTO THIS WORLD to be a light and offer HIS gift of salvation for all those who open & receive His gift. May you KNOW He died on the cross for your sins and rose again to have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Whoa...where did JUNE go???

2009-06-27T19:45:00.000-05:00

27 JUNE 2009...Yes, I know it's been a long while since my last entry...I don't know even know when the last one was. My American "blonde" twin Heather in GA says I need to update my blog so here is the BRIEF re-cap of the last 2 weeks in a tailspin, crazy, mind blowing but give GOD ALL THE GLORY events!!!!

God totally made me step OUT of my comfort box and into the arena of NOT only PUBLIC SPEAKING event, but share about MY PERSONAL JOURNEY of being adopted and then adopting our daughter, just over 2 years ago, March 2007. I had the distinct honor to be asked by Dillon International Adoption Agency to be the KEYNOTE SPEAKER to Vietnam Heritage Weekend this past JUNE 13, 2009!!! Yikes, I had NEVER spoken over 3 mins. in my life, did they even know this before asking me??? There was pressure leading up to getting ready for my DANCE studio annual season-ending concert, then this speech thrown in ONE WEEK before my Student Concert!!! God is good, He let me share slideshows, pictures, my heart, my fears, my story...past, present and future. I could learn some things I'm sure, but overall very well recieved by all. BEST compliment of all was when JERRY DILLON, himself (upper RT in pic), that I emotionally engaged the audience and he thinks I have a natural and hidden talent in PUBLIC SPEAKING!!! wow!!!

This adorable picture of Maile & Alex reunited from days in the Ninh Thuan Orphanage...the 3 little boys that Maile hung out with in the orphanage were back together again, out of their SANTA outfits and into "All American" clothing. CUTE as can be....SWEET as American Apple Pie!!!

I believe that Maile was prepared in being "trained up" to handle her BIG brothers here in TEXAS with the help of her playmates - SAMUEL (Left of Maile in Pic) and ALEX (Rt of Maile in Pic) with her Big brothers (on top of pic). Wow, as I shared in my speech, the FINGERPRINTS OF GOD has carried me through many hardships, heart breaks, blessings and honors in my life. And I see HIS HAND in it all when I kiss my babies good night...and then again in the morning!!! I am humbled to be Joseph, Samuel & Maile's Mommy...FOREVER!!!!

To my "Joe Joe," "Sammy Shoe Shine," & "Smiley Maile"....wow, to share my life, dance studio, passion in ministry to lead and love others, our dreams, hopes and fears...together--- I THANK YOU. We had an AMAZING year end concert, one week after my speech. Sat. June 20, 2009 we had almost 2 SOLD OUT shows (approx. 600 seats) to cheer, love and support my Encore DANCERS!!! I KNOW God was FAMOUS that day as we rocked the house for HIS glory...DANCING with PURPOSE for Him!!! We serve a Mighty God.... Heather, you're right... Jer. 33:3 "Call unto Me, I will answer you and show you Great and Mighty things that you do NOT know..." I made it through a tough season, leaning, crying and seeking God. He was FAITHFUL to show me HIS ways, HIS love, HIS truths. I cannot wait for a NEW season at Encore...renewed, stronger and better than ever!!! Yay God!!!

I come...Just as I am...

2009-03-09T21:42:00.003-05:00

Today 3 9 2009 my heart aches on many fronts, it's a season of growth for me...and I am feeling the growing pains. I have had to come to learn to stand on my own 2 feet, finding my identity in Christ alone...no one else, not my husband, mom, family, friends, job, etc... We had an "Encounter" with God at church this past weekend and it was humbling and encouraging to feel God's presence. It is VERY hard for me to wrap my brain and heart around HIS blood was shed for ME too, there is forgiveness for me as well. I DO have the Faith of a MUSTARD SEED, so I thought that alone would be enough. However, I know the enemy is trying to weigh me down, I feel I'm under attack. I KNOW the Enemy will NOT win, but my heart is searching healing, love, grace and peace...

My American blond, sometimes red head "twin" Heather shared with me this past summer the SIMPLE ASIAN VERSION of a verse that I have come to find great peace & comfort in, " Call unto me and I will answer you & show you great & mighty things that you do not know..." (Jer. 33:3)
Where there is brokenness, I am seeking God to restore...
Where there is betrayal, I am looking to God for trust in the truth...
Where there is rejection, I am searching to God for acceptance...
Where there is guilt & shame, I am praying for God's grace...
Where there is loss, I am hoping for God to fill me...
Where there are fears, I am waiting for God's peace...
Where there is lonliness...I am counting on God to hold me...
Where there are tears...I am holding onto God's LOVE...

2 years ago we were packing and anxiously anticipating our travels to get our baby girl, Thuy Trang from VIETNAM. We would be traveling to meet lifelong friends, the Willis Family - Jason & Heather, who would be receiving their first born son!!! THIS SAT 3/14/09 We (& total 4 other families around the USA from our agency) will be celebrating our 2 years anniversary of our "GIVING & RECEIVING DATE" of getting our babies FOREVER!!! Wow, look at how amazingly well Miss Maile Girl fits into our family of 5 now!!! She is tenacious, sassy, incredibly sweet & sensitve, determined, so smart and most importantly...FOREVER OURS!!!!

Here are our sweet babies from last spring, true love...forever true!!! Could I even imagine it getting any better than this?? I think not.. We love you Joseph & Samuel & Maile Noel...we are honored & privileged to be your parents. We thank God for you everyday!!! We pray to the core of your souls, you know how VERY MUCH we LOVE YOU & so PROUD of you, not what you DO in life, but WHO you are in Christ!!!!

One of my FAVORITE pictures of Maile with dance friends, Taylor & Savannah, back stage getting ready to dance in Student Concert. How sweet are these glitter girls...ahhhh makes my heart DANCE to see them!!! Encore & these dancers (all of my dancers at the studio) are a dream come true...to see the Handiwork of God in HIS purpose & glory be shown through the ministries in DANCE!!! Wow, THANK YOU GOD!!!

"If they could see us now..." We have all come a long way and continue to strive to serve Him daily. I heard this song today and the lyrics made me cry...just to feel so vulnerable to God, trying to do the best I can...yet it's NOT about MY WORKS on this side of heaven...it's about coming to Him "Just as I am" (by Kristen Michelle Reynolds for lyrics). Here's some of the lyrics:

I wondered how to come to You,
I did not dare believe it true, that You regard the orphaned ones:
beloved daughters, worthy sons,
the broken and the barren too,
I heard I could find some rest in You.

What kind of love in injury's place,
would leave instead the stain of grace?
So I come in sorrow and I come in shame.
I come to the cross with my pain.

Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me
and that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Chuc Mung Nam Moi = Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-03T23:23:00.003-06:00

Thank goodness 2008 is over and we begin a New Year... Last year was NOT horrible, but not great to be completely honest. It was year of loss, grief, sadness, rebuilding and growth for me. I KNOW God will continue to use me for HIS glory as I push through the pain of change, learning and growing closer to Him and others that He blesses me to be in relationship/ friendships with. Just like my "twin-kie" Heather and my "S.A.V." (Simple Asian Version) of the bible verse: "Call unto me and I will answer you, show you great and mighty things that you do not know..." - Jer. 33:3. I get a sense of renewal in beginning a New Year of HIS Grace, Hope, Love & Mercy...May it bring healing, truth, unconditional love and friendships that are built on HIS foundation of honor, respect and integrity.

This is a poem from Heather that she shared on her blog. Having the honor and privilege to visit our "2nd" family: Willis in GA after Christmas, I see more and more the blessing of seeing the bond & friendship building from Maile & Rocco sharing days from the Ninh Thuan Vietnam Orphanage to days together on this side of the ocean!!! Wow, that is a GIFT from God...and to love & respect the Willis Family even more than we could even imagine for their hospitality, love and generosity is humbling and overwhelming! When you read this poem you will in the following pictures how these littl' lives could grow and heal when LOVE comes into their heart/ lives!!!! THANK YOU GOD for giving us these babies that YOU hand picked for us!!! Forever grateful...Forever changed!!!

Every call has a beginning. A quiet moment when God whispers a promise to a mother’s heart A holy place where a father bows and faithfully accepts the journey set before him. A miraculous morning that unexpectedly dawns…Casting its first light on a chosen threshold. A gentle knock..a closed door opens. A sacred invitation sent by the Father..Leads to the other side of the world. Where lonely hearts stare out orphanage windows Praying for someone to care.. And then one morning, On an ordinary day An orphan’s life changes... God sends them a second chance...Through you.--author unknown

(L to R) Joseph, Drew, Samuel, Maile & Rocco sharing in Sunday Lunch at Jason's Grandparents trailer on their property. As predicted like our last visit in June, everyone got along great...played, laughed, cried, whined :), rested and played some more... It felt like we were "back home with family" on the Willis property/ farm. We love you. THANK YOU....

My Twin-kie, Heather, took my crew and niece/ nephew out on one of her CRAZY go-cart rides...it was a chilly 40 degrees out so they had to bundle up esp. with the crisp winds blowing around in farm country. I decided to sacrifice my spot so there would be room for the kids! :) They had a great time and Sammy asked for an "Encore" performance everyday after... ha! We LOVE you Aunt Heather :)...

Here's a sweet pictures of the Mommies and our babies...Rocco stands just a inch or two below Maile...Rocco's growth in height and words were amazing to see/ hear!!! He has shot up just from 6 mos. ago of seeing him!!! We are back at "Cave Spring" GA - where the fresh spring water flows from the rivers down to the springs from the caves and you can drink "straight from the tap." We enjoyed a "warm front" with weather beaming 60-65 degrees outside with warm breeze and sun rays dancing around us. It was a fun and relaxing am with the "3 Musketeers" - Joseph, Drew and Samuel and our littl' peanuts in tow: Maile & Rocco. They are so precious.

I can only post 4 pictures at a time with this photo program and one of my FAVORITE photos is the last one I took before leaving GA!!! Uncle Jason kissing Maile "good-bye" (I mean, "see you later!!!") How sweet and content is that littl' Maile girl's face with Uncle Jason's kisses on her cheek. Our Maile Noel THUY TRANG took to Jason right away in Vietnam (before "Ba" = Daddy) and it's almost like this kinship she knows/ remembers how strong and safe Uncle Jason feels to her. Feeing SAFE in the arms of a man is my heart's desire ALWAYS for my baby girl...my prayer is God would allow my babies to RUN 2 HIM, Trust in Him, Love & Serve Him COMPLETELY...and feel SAFE in the Palm of HIS hands to carry them through EVERYTHING in life. This side of heaven is so tough...but we serve a Mighty God who will NEVER forsake us. He is ALWAYS wanting relationship with us, waiting for US to go to HIM, not US thinking He has left us...Hard concept for me to wrap my brain around. I have been learning to TRUST everything I have, especially MY HEART, in the Palm of God's hands and NO imperfect "man" here on this side of heaven... (Prov. 3:5-6)

Willis Family: We love you...we thank God for you...(Phil. 1:3) - we can't wait to see you again!!!

xoxo Kim-Lan & crew

If they could see me now...

2008-10-16T04:14:00.005-05:00

Picture this: One little Orphan girl, 3.5 years old, 33" and 23 lbs. in Saigon, Vietnam...end of the Vietnam War when Saigon is "falling" and Operation Baby Airlift is underway...this would be the one of the FIRST photos my Mother would receive of me - a snapshot into her future daughter's eyes. During a period of time when there was so much uncertainty, change, chaos...one brave, single woman would have the COURAGE to adopt a little Vietnamese toddler! COURAGE: It is not the action in ABSENCE of FEAR...it is the action INSPITE OF FEAR...

Thank you to my Mom & Grandma for having the COURAGE to raise me and do the best you could!!! Without a father figure or brothers or male role models in my life, I am learning from my God-given friend :) that self-reliance, self worth and self survival comes from leaning and trusting in God through my WEAKNESSES (not just my strengths!) My GA *twin* girl :) - shared a verse with me this past summer that I meditate on now daily - Jer. 33:3 and the SAV (Simple Asian Version) translation = "Call unto me & I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you do not know..."

Little would we realize from the photo above, of my 3 generation women family, would then lead into our 3rd generation adoption legacy. My mom was adopted by my Grandma (& Grandpa, he passed away before I came along) and then my mom adopted me as toddler from Vietnam . Then Oct. 16, 2006 at 5:15pm - this would be the one of the FIRST photos that I would receive of MY daughter- a snapshot into MY future daughter's eyes... If you look closely from MY orphan picture and my orphan daughter's picture, you will see the common "look" of fear, strength, survival and tenacity...However, my daughter would not be the "lonely only" child but have 2 amazing big brothers to protect her and one awesome daddy who loves her and thinks she is sooooo pretty & beautiful. Those are gifts to Maile that will transcend her lifetime...I weep at those thoughts and grateful she will have a different foundation to build her littl' soul from. Thank you God.

This is one of my FAVORITE photos of Maile in recent months. LOOK at her NOW...THOSE EYES!!! WOW!!! Our littl' Thuy Trang is thriving, growing, so beautiful & strong...Her English, verbal skills and comprehension is amazing, she LOVES school, dancing, talking about her "friends" and stands so tall and confident at almost 4 years old and now 35" and 25 lbs. (already ahead of me from where I was at that age!)

Maile Noel: we KNOW God has special plans for your life and we cannot wait to see HIS purpose & will for your life. We are honored you have shared your gift of love, hugs, kisses, joy, singing & pure innocence with us. We pray for you (& your brothers) to receive the greatest gift you could ever get on this side of heaven, the gift of SALVATION, to truly know Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior. We pray Jesus will direct your heart and pathways in life as you TRUST in Him in ALL your ways... (Prov. 3:5-6) While this gift is FREE for you, the rewards are PRICELESS...Please know how very proud we are of all you, Joseph, Samuel & Maile, you are our heartbeat and the reason we live, breathe and work so hard!! We love you forever!!! xoxo your FOREVER MOMMY

Happy Birthday Noc Nguyen

2008-09-04T22:25:00.001-05:00

Thurs. 04 Sept. 2008

Across the ocean-across the sea....A life born in Vietnam that would now affect me...
Maile's birthmother birthday is today, is she alone -is she OK? Does she know her baby girl is fine & English is what she says?
Noc Nguyen we thank you for giving us hope, Now with Maile with us- Our rainbow in the storms, we can cope!!!
I am forever humbled & changed by His amazing grace & plans for our lives...
(For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord...Plans to give you a Hope & a Future...Jer. 29:11)

This picture is a freeze frame from a video of Maile being fed at lunch time in Vietnam just months before we would get to feed her!!! She appeared to be so dossle, weak and totally dependent on her care givers...

Now, look at these eyes, Thuy Trang Nguyen, strong & determined to survive all that life gives her. With 2 boy playmates by her side she would be well trained and equipped to fend for herself in the coming days as God prepared her for her 2 big brothers!!!!
Amazed and relieved to make it home on USA soil...Miss Maile Noel snuggled close to me as we passed US Customs and ready to greet family & friends. Of course then the TANGERINE STORY comes into play minutes after this photo (we were NOT so happy!!!) you will have to read March 29, 2007 post to get the full effect of the details that would make me irate & frustrated with Don's confession...(ps - it involves fruit...hence the TANGERINE story!!) Ha ha, NOW we can laugh about it... :) LOL...

We are all settled in as a family of 5. Miss Maile hits the ground runnin' each AM, yelling, "Ba, I'm a awake!!!!" Princess Maile Noel Thuy Trang is the light of our lives, rainsbow in the storms & a joy in our hearts. My kids, all 3 of them, are the reason I live, move, breathe and DANCE!!!! I work tirelessly for them daily because I want to teach them hard work, dedication, commitment, etc. will allow them to pursue their dreams in live and through Christ they can do/ be ANYTHING!!!!! We serve a Mighty God, for that, I'm humbled by His mercies being NEW every AM and His Grace being sufficient for me!!!! THANK YOU GOD for the 3 pairs of eyes that call me, "Mommy!!" - THANK YOU for Encore Centre for DANCE, THANK YOU for drawing me closer to YOU in the trials in life to once again show me, YOU ARE GOD & carrying me in the Palm of YOUR Hands... I love you Lord!!! xoxo

LOCK IN with our Encore DANCERS!!!

2008-08-24T22:37:00.002-05:00

We had so much fun FRI Aug. 15, 2008 with our Encore Company DANCERS hangin', playin', cleanin' & "runnin' around town" at 3am...YES, I said 3am. Like in "tradition" of our 2nd annual LOCK IN before our OPEN HOUSE Aug. 16, we walked, visited and shopped at CVS & Walmart!!!! I love my girls, they are PRECIOUS!!!! I KNOW more & more WHY God called me to open Encore...to love, minister, teach & be with these young lives! I'm honored and humbled...

Here were are showing "our guns" - deliriously TIRED and maybe even "slap happy" but I don't know who was slapping who...haha. We didn't even get KICKED out this time :). I guess because last year, I WAS the only "adult" with them and the worker at CVS wanted us to be "supervised." This time Ms. Melissa kept us in line :)...and it was still SO FUN.

Here we are "RUNNING" through the DRIVE THRU at CVS...The Pharmacy was still open & I'm sure the Pharmacist thought we were crazy...probably wanting to give us FREE sleeping pills...ha ha. LOL -- I did NOT post the picture that Olivia took of me trying to order "Pho" (Vietnamese Soup") from KFC... Idk why no one answered my request :). I guess because it was 3:30am and they were NOT open and do NOT make Pho there...Wrong place, wrong time!!!

Finally, after wandering around Walmart, dodging trouble and attention from lurking Police around :) (J/K) and running toward (?) I mean AWAY from sprinklers...we sacked out in the studio... We got a whole 3 hrs. sleep from 430am-730am before I woke everyone up to kick them out to get cleaned up and return for Encore's 3rd season OPEN HOUSE!!! Wow, 2 full years under our belt and God remains steadfast in training me up in many ways at Encore & trusting and leaning on HIM...always!!! (Prov. 3:5-6)

To each of my Encore DANCERS, please KNOW I love you, I pray for you and I KNOW God will do great and mighty things in your lives (Jer. 29:11) - so while you DANCE with me at Encore - I will do all I can to build you up in Mind, Body & Spirit...that you may KNOW "YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS YOU!!!" (Phil. 4:13) I love you. So, here's to movin' on by HIS glory & grace...we DANCE with Purpose!!!!!

With HOPE....

2008-07-24T23:21:00.001-05:00

"We can cry with HOPE, we can say Good-bye with HOPE...we know our Good-bye is NOT the end..." (from Steven Curtis Chapman's song lyrics "With HOPE")

I cannot explain how/ why certain people touch our lives the way they do...but with an affinity to "older/ wiser" ladies, I immediately was drawn and loved Michelle's Grandmas when I first met them & adopted them into my heart and family's lives!!! Grandma Joycee so vibrant and energetic...Here she is holding Maile days after bringing Maile home from Vietnam last spring at Jeremy's first b-day party.

Last 4th of July 2007 - we hung out with "Grandma Sugar Cain" while Michelle & her family went to Colorado. Poor Grandma Cain was diagnosed and battled colon cancer since Jeremy's birth, back in March 2006!!! She was a precious lady, strong in her Faith, wise with many years of life experiences...I enjoyed so many little conversations on the couch with her. We would watch her soap & Crossword Game on TV...I didn't care, really...I just wanted to sit by her and be with her!!!

Here is Michelle (to the left of Maile & Me) with her mom (L) and Grandma "Sugar Cain" as I nicknamed her...this picture was from last Thanksgiving! Little would we realize in DEC 2007 how the New Year would bring such loss and grief ahead. I guess it's sometimes better NOT to see the crystal ball and know like how God knows!?? Living through the last 6+ mos. have been hard enough, day by day...to see loved ones struggle, fight and try to hang on...losing the grip of life is hardest on the ones who love them so much.

Ugh, this photo was taken this past March 2008, just months before losing these precious little ladies. A light went out on Sat. May 31st with losing Grandma Joycee (on L. in pix). Her heart was so strong and yet her body so weak from the ravenous pancreatic cancer that she lingered on and fought as long as she could.

Then Grandma Sugar Cain's light (on Rt. in pix) went out this past Friday AM on July 18th, 2008. It also happens to be the ANNIVERSARY day of Don's dad (my "Poppy") dying!!! Such grief, sadness and loss...oh shoot me now! I can see and feel the heaviness in the hearts and spirits of Michelle and her family...it's present in mine too. I EMPATHIZE with the pain of such loss of someone so close and living with them for years. I cannot bare to see the couch EMPTY at Mama Karen's house...ugh. THIS side of heaven stinks - esp. when we are the ones left behind...until we see them again someday in Heaven!

Lord, please help us to make sense of it all soon...give strength and comfort quickly. I pray for a PEACE beyond all understanding...

"The Lord is my refuge & my strength..." Psalm 46:1

Cave Springs, GA

2008-07-01T22:37:00.003-05:00

Now we KNOW the charm & reason for the namesake of "CAVE SPRINGS" Georgia!!! We went to walk through a real cave in downtown Cave Springs (population of 900!!!) and drink straight from FRESH Spring water...Wow, what a magical day, I wish time could have stood still! The breeze was warm and the waters were fresh and crisp. The kids LOVED ducking, kneeling and squeeling in the cave (which was FREEZIN' inside).

The sweet older man (on the left of the 1st pic. - let us in the cave and gave us dixie cups to drink from the stream!) It was a precious moment to see all of us drinking from the "stream of life" - so pure, so fun, so simple... We were ALL kids & couldn't get enough of it...

Here's the Crazy Carlson Krew all together in the cave - snuggled together and enjoying the moments of exploring, hiking, climbing and discovering this hidden treasure in Cave Springs. There was ONE steep hill of steps and we ventured up most the way, only Aunt Heather was brave enough to get to the top called, "The Devil's Chair" - yikes...NOT sure WHY, but I did't want to find out either. I again in FLIP FLOPS, did not want to return to my Vietnam days of hiking slippery steps and end of tumbling down. I had a good track record before and wanted to keep it that way! :)

Something people may not know about me, I do NOT like getting WET - I don't mind swimming for the most part if I can DRY off and be warm again. But feeling WET & COLD - ugh...they do NOT mix with me!! Right outside the cave, the spring waters filters out to a pond where the kids could feed the turtles, fish & ducks...A few feet over is a river that the rest of the crew & Heather & Rocco (but NOT ME) took full opportunity to do...yay for them! :) It was a splice of time to behold & soak up, sun rays beaming down with warm breeze twirling around and if I would have had a COUNTRY TIME LEMONADE drink, it would have been the PERFECT summer day!!!

Georgia and It's Southern Belles!!!

2008-06-22T22:12:00.017-05:00

Well, we made it here to see our dear friends, the Willis family (Jason & Heather adopted Rocco), whom we met, traveled, lived, laughed & cried with for almost 3 weeks in VN last March 2007 when adopting our babies from Ninh Thuan, Vietnam! Both Rocco & Maile lived & played together everyday at the same orphanage and just found out even slept side by side without realizing their fate would bond them forever. We traveled STAND BY on SWA on Fri. June 20, which I don't know I would do again with 3 KIDS & husband. Getting ALL 5 of us on one plane to our final destination of Birmingham, AL (where the Willis family would then pick us up to take us to GA) would prove to be a very long day...ALMOST as exhausting as traveling home to USA with Maile! After settling in, Rocco warmed up very quickly to our kids and they have been playmates since. ABOVE Pix: We are in turquoise shirts, reunited with our Ninh Thuan Buddies, like time had stood still and picking up where we left off...from last meeting, March 29, 2007 (Rocco's 1st B-day & saying good byes in the Airport.)

Our first full day with the Willis' will be a hard day to beat - we got to hang with them on the WILLIS FARM, just 5 mins. away from their country home and with over 130 acres of raw land, 2 ponds, barns, cows, bulls, turkeys, deer, etc...there is A LOT of work to be done!!! The Carlson crew got to DRIVE the Tractor (seen in the ABOVE Pic.) and if YOU thought I was a crazy driver in FRISCO with my Suburban, you should see my drive this tractor. I tried to spear the 1200 lbs. bale of hay you see above and lifted the handle too soon. YIKES...needless to say, the hay tipped over on it's side and we rammed into it like a brick wall. Other than a bruised ego and a golf cart of Don, Heather & my kids watching (& laughing) - we were ALL okay (physically) :). Working on the farm (well as least when the Carlsons come to visit) - it becomes a day of VERY INEXPENSIVE Entertainment...the Willis' enjoyed educating us (*ME*) on how the "shredded wheat" looking hay after a VERY labor intensive project turns into "circles" - called bales of hay!!!

Now, if that was NOT enough, getting behind the wheel when HEATHER IS DRIVING is far more HAZARD to my health (both mental and physical) than I would ever imagine. She decided to take us on these ZEALOUS golf cart tours up and down hills, dirt paths, forest, etc...to show us the land. Poor Joseph, my conservative, sweet son would YELL & SCREAM, "Slow doowwwnnnn, Don't forget Maile's in the cart!!!!" It was halariously precious!!! But the FUNNIEST site Heather and I will NOT ever forget was when Heather asked Samuel, Maile, Joseph & I if we wanted to feed the bull & cows??? Well, not even 30 secs. later, we look back to watch JOSEPH's "Forest Gump" RUN (about 10 blocks) back to where Don, Rocco, Jason & his parents were!!! Joseph was running so fast, there was a trail dust clouding up behind him as he ran, bless his heart!!! We was so terrified.....NOW, I know rightfully so, HOW SMART Joseph was - getting out while he could!!!

Heather gathers the feed & hay & puts it on the back of the golf cart & teases them with a taste to get them to "follow her to another location!!" (here's a "FAMILY PORTRAIT" as Heather calls it - with the WHITE BULL in the back - TOP photo) Well, little would we realize HOW FAST Cows can CHASE after their food. This "safari" ride turned VERY SCARY for a few LONG seconds as I felt like we were in the movies on a GREAT ESCAPE mission. Maile was screaming, I was trying NOT to look back, but then had to get a pic. of the "MAD COWS" coming after us...it was surreal, scary and almost life threatening had they gotten any closer & flipped our golf cart with us in it like a pancake-(see LOWER photo)!!! YIKES...NOW we can laugh about it, but that was definitely a terrifying moment for Samuel, Maile & I...and maybe even my dear friend and crazy woman driver, Heather :). Haha...That is definitely one for the books to tell the grandkids someday! All's well that ends well....whew....close call, but we are A--OK! :)

SAT PM - June 21st - we got the privilege of meeting Sandra & Glenn, neighbors across the country road of the Willis' to have our kids ride on their sweet horse, Liberty. Both Rocco & Maile's first time and they were champs, so brave & strong!!! Joseph, Samuel, Maile & Rocco loved it and here's a precious pic. (ABOVE) of Rocco & Maile saddling up as s duo on the horse...a whole 45# combined - if that (Rocco - age 2 yrs. old & abt. 31.5" tall and 20.5# and Maile - age 3.5 yrs. old & 33.5"tall and 24.5#) They are SO SWEET with each other, we wonder if THEY sense or remember any of their EARLY days together in Ninh Thuan, they were both there together for about 8-9 mos., day in and day out...hmmmm....
Here's the VIETNAMESE clan from around the world, Joseph & Samuel met Rocco for the first time a couple days ago and love on him & play with him like a little brother!!! All united for the visit and we are blessed and amazed on how well they get along and love on each other... We have thoroughly enjoyed our time so far with the Willis family, hearing JASON preach as Senior Pastor @ his church, Lakeview Baptist Church this AM was an honor & highlight as well. We will also participate in the LBC - VBS program this week while we are here and already made a round of Putt Putt golf together...We are humbled and BLESSED by the friendship, kindness and generosity from sharing time, the Willis' house & church family & their lives with us...Wow!!!! THANK YOU God for them, what a gift not only for us...but the legacy of our sweet Ninh Thuan babies!!!! We see the handiwork of God everyday but especially through the eyes of our adopted children who teach us about Love, Loss, Life and yet...Trusting again.... (Jer. 29:11)

2nd Season comes to a close...

2008-06-17T03:20:00.004-05:00

Wow, hard to believe how time flies and the last entry was so long ago...I have been sooooo crazy, busy, and crazy busy :) with my DANCE studio's year-end Student Concert. We have boldly celebrated the ministry of DANCE in a Frisco ISD H.S. and it was ALL God to put it all together... There were little glitches in each of our 3 shows (!!) we hosted on SAT June 14th, but all in all, God ROCKED the House!

Here's a few of our Co. dancers at our last audition that will be joining us next Season. I cannot wait to see God work through us for HIS glory!!! I firmly believe in more and more in my life that GOD does have a plan for us, if we are OBEDIENT to the Calling..."For I KNOW the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..." Jer. 29:11

This season's theme was "Dancin' with JOY" and I hope and pray our DANCERS felt the JOY we have for them as well as God as we teach them about Christ & dance steps along the way too! :)

I had to publically apologize at each concert that my fear is to forget a DANCER'S name in the program. While I proofed the 24 page program as well as my husband and Ms. Michelle, NO ONE picked up the absence of MY SONS name in the program!!! Joseph looked at the final proof and in 10 secs. said, "Mommy, how come our names are NOT in the program?" I said, "WHAT???" Ugh... Well, I guess I lost the Mother of the Year for that one...I'm SO SORRY Joseph & Samuel...please forgive me. I am so inadequate and underserving to be your Mommy and yet God humbles me and blesses me DAILY with your presence in my life!!! THANK YOU for being the incredibly precious, young men whom love their Mommy and learning to serve & follow our Mighty God. I LOVE YOU FOREVER....

Desiree Chapman with Just One Year (JOY) Photography took these sweet pictures of my crew & our "adopted" littl' brother, Matthew (Michelle's son) whom tapped to SPIDERMAN & Miss Maile made her debut in BALLET with "Me & My Teddy Bear" and TAP "Thank Heaven for Littl' Girls" dance! I was soooo proud of her for NOT crying and freaking out on me as she has in the past. She seemed to soak up the lights, stage and opportunity to wear GLITTER....is she HAND PICKED for us or what!??? Again, I'm humbled and blessed by her life in ours... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart...in ALL your ways acknowledge Him & He will direct your paths..." Prov. 3:5-6

During the last picture weekend at Encore Centre for DANCE, I tried to get a few action shots... The last time I had a picture of doing a side leap like this was jumping on a bed in a N.Y. Hotel when I WAS a Co. DANCER. Ha ha...that was many moons ago, I'm surprised I could walk after this photo shoot.

Here's to another season that awaits us in the coming weeks. However, I am enjoying a little reprieve and I am JOYfully looking forward to a family vacation to see OUR BUDDY ROCCO (& his parents) in GA that was Maile's littl' orphanage friend in VIETNAM over a year ago! I wonder if they will recognize each other??? We CANNOT wait to see their family as we share the BOND of getting our babies from Vietnam and celebrating ROCCO'S FIRST b-day when heading HOME with his FOREVER Family, last March 29, 2007!!!

We will see you soon Buddy! Love & Miss you... xo Kim-Lan & crew

FOREVER OURS day Today!!! 14 March 2007

2008-03-14T02:32:00.000-05:00

14 March 2008

TODAY we celebrate our ONE YEAR anniversary of getting Maile Noel Thuy Trang Carlson --FOREVER in VIETNAM at this time. I so vividly remember the memories, anticipation and emotions racing through my body, heart and mind as we explored our new daughter and her/my homeland!!! WOW, what a difference ONE year makes. She has come out of her shell, so strong, silly, funny, independent and she can be SASSY too!!!! She instinctively knows how to whine, have drama fits and tantrums (in public) and get her Daddy & big brothers wrapped around her finger!!!! Maile amazes us on her English, the way she puts things back in place & in order and doesn't want to be left behind...really wants to be involved :) (she is LIKE her Mommy!!) Whenever I am talking to the boys' about getting something or going somewhere, Maile pipes in, "Maile too!!!!" or "NO Mommy Bye-bye!" It's so cute and precious how much SHE REALLY does understand!!!!

Thank you for your prayers, we still need them. Both Don & I are working FULL time (probably MORE than that!) and trying to find balance, peace and harmony in such a crazy, busy, fast-paced world. WE LOVED VIETNAM, the spirit of the people, their lifestyle...how SIMPLE and relaxed it was...time was no object and families sat around on the streets (literally) eating Pho (soup) & chatting in 100 degree with what felt like 110% humidity! It was surreal and humbling to see how RAW the Vietnamese people were, SO HAPPY with SO little!!!! God is working on me in many ways through this adoption, "training ME up in the way I should go...so when I'm old I won't depart from it!!?" I hope!!! I see my orphan eyes in hers often, the reflection is piercingly similar! I pray God equips me to endure and be prepared for the issues that will ultimately arrive from her adoption story as her heart questions & her history unfolds.

With so much anticipation of THIS Day, "Giving and Receiving" our children from the VIETNAMESE courts to our families forever - it would ALL become official in "their" eyes!!! :) Whew...Heather and I holding the CALENDAR date of the 14th in our hands after meeting with the Directors of the Ninh Thuan orphanage right before the ceremony!

Maile was so sleepy while waiting for the ceremony to begin...she ended sleeping THROUGH the WHOLE ceremony! At least we KNOW it happened and it is all official - and on record & in hard copy too :). I was amazed and honored she felt comfortable enough in my arms to trust herself to go to sleep...wow, this is ONLY on DAY 2 of meeting her & holding her for just a few hours!

After our G&R ceremony, we had our first "play date" of hanging out at the Pacific Ocean Beach and by our hotel pool side. You can see an awake Maile guarded and reserved to the "new life" that awaits her, wondering "WHAT IS GOING ON?" She did NOT speak or smile for DAYS. I will be posting more of her progress in the coming days as you see her BLOOM and open up lie a rose!!!

The evening of 14 March 2007, the VIETNAMESE workers/ directors from Ninh Thuan Orphanage threw us a big G&R ceremony party in style with 4-5 course meal and generously loving on us and congratulating us on taking their Ninh Thuan babies home forever!!! It was such a joyous celebration, it was bittersweet to let them hold Maile for their last time as my daughter remained confused on the whole situation. Overall, the evening was so enjoyable and humbled by the VN people's spirit of generosity, kindness, love & acceptance of us!!!

ONE YEAR ago...MY orphan eyes meet HER orphan eyes!

2008-03-13T08:27:00.001-05:00

Filled with so many memories this week of our journey to VIETNAM to bring home our daughter!!! It has been ONE YEAR already of that chapter in our lives, the culminating ending of a two year process in adoption pregnancy!!! After seeing her referral photo every day for FIVE MONTHS, we were finally going to be "delivered" our baby girl, Nguyen thi Thuy Trang at 27 mos., 30.5" tall and 20.5 lbs.!!!! We have such joy and thankfulness, I vividly remember the anticipation of meeting her for the FIRST time after arriving from our 23 hours flight from DFW to Saigon, VN and not wanting to "tour the city" the day before our drive to Ninh Thuan. I remember Heather (the other mom going to my orphanage to get her almost one yr. first born, son!!!) and desperately trying to get our agency to send us to Ninh Thuan a DAY sooner to see our babies, but the itinerary was set for us to "shop and rest" the day before our long bus ride to Ninh Thuan. FINALLY, 6am on 13th of March 2007 - we were leaving Saigon to take our LONG bumpy, can't get there fast enough bus ride to Ninh Thuan, Vietnam!!! The shores of the South China Seas (Pacific Ocean) would soon tell us we were near by!!! I remember getting to the hotel checking in, scurrying quickly to change, freshen up and "look nice" to meet my daughter for the first time. She would never notice, care or realize if I had my hair messy, smelled or looked ratty..."HELLO!!! She has NOTHING, lives in an orphanage after her mother dropped her off the DAY BEFORE she turned 18 mos. old" What was I thinking. As we embarked the parking lot, we saw the children gathered at the top of the stairs looking to see what "foreigners" had arrived. I saw, Maile (My-lee) Noel Thuy Trang Carlson for the first time. The caregivers soon whisked her away to change her once they knew we had arrived. Tears were streaming down my face, heart was racing, the MOMENT was FINALLY here as we rushed up the stairs of the Ninh Thuan Orphanage. It felt like the "Chariots of Fire" moment running in SLOW motion to get to the finish line.

As we arrived at the top of the balcony of the orphanage, not even a minute later before I could get my camera out, Maile was dodging at me...THIS is the photo I got of her right before arriving into my arms!!! Such wonder, bewilderment, shock on her little face in her sweet, white littl' dress and no shoes on!!!! Oh my goodness, my daughter and I would now meet! I wondered, "Does she KNOW about me? does she KNOW I'm going to be her FOREVER Mommy?" "Will she like us?" So many questions racing through my mind that would only answer as time marched forward...

Maile (we called her "Thuy Trang" in VIETNAM so she would know we knew her name & have kept it legally now as well) - but she NEVER cried when I held her, she took everything in with those BIG dark brown eyes in which I could SEE my reflection in. Wow, it was an undescribeable moment in time to just want to hold her and tell her, "It's going to be OKAY now!!!" I practiced very basic Vietnamese phrases, "Mommy loves you," "Pretty girl" and tried to keep telling her that in my AMERICAN (Texas) accent! Yikes.

When "Ba" (daddy) tried to hold her for the first time, she CRIED...the FIRST time I would see her cry...oh that face!!!! Her littl' eyes disappeared and her mouth gapping open with full set of teeth!!! She was so distressed with this WHITE MONSTER holding her after I had just had her trying to reassure her "it's all good." I was even more stunned that she CALMED down and never cried when I held her that first day. Surely the workers MUST have said something about getting a "new Mommy" or something, PLUS me BEING and LOOKING Vietnamese was my trump card.... I really think that was invaluable in helping Maile relate to me :)!!!!

THIS IS one of my MOST FAVORITE photos of just holding her, thanking God for her, wanting the warm, brisk breeze to dance through our hairs and NEVER let go...I did NOT want THIS moment to end!!!! I was in total disbelief that my DAUGHTER was now and forever going to be mine...well, by the next day, 14th of MARCH 2007 - it would all be official!!! Wow, THANK YOU God for being so Mighty, all-knowing, loving and powerful to bring this little life into ours. "Trust in the Lord, with ALL your heart, lean NOT on your own understanding, but in ALL your ways acknowledge HIM and He will make your paths straight!" - Prov. 3:5-6
Forever changed, forever touched, forever grateful....

Let it Snow...in TEXAS???

2008-03-06T23:04:00.002-06:00

Maile was HAPPY to ring in the "New Year" at her Vietnamese TET Party back in Febuary. She "made" her littl' Vietnamese Flag and held it with pride. Hard to believe, last year, we did NOT have her at Dillon International's TET Party (the party held by our adoption agency.) We got the call days later (Feb. 12, 2007) to go get her and her "Giving & Receiving Date" would be March 14, 2007!!! Wow...amazed she is now & "FOREVER OURS!!!"

"Let it snow!!!" N. Texas got hit with a "Winter Storm Warning" and schools were closing early, businesses were sending workers home and we even canceled Thurs. PM DANCE classes!!! Here's our "winter wonderland" scene on our street in Frisco!

The snow flakes were so big and fluffy, the boys raced home from school to go out & play in it!!! Maile did NOT seem to care to see her first snow sighting, was rather upset to have to bundle up and try to smile for this photo! She wanted to be inside eating her snack instead!!! ha ha.

Finally got Maile to :) with me (in our MATCHING scarves & hats...thanks to Grandma Lizzy! - Thanks mom!!!) It felt like MICHIGAN and had it been December, I would have said we were going to have a "White Christmas!" But, since we are in TEXAS...doubt the snow will stick! It was a FUN (& cold) day for the Carlson Crew today!!! :)

NOW & FOREVER... A Carlson Girl!!!

2008-01-23T08:12:00.000-06:00

The CRAZY Carlson Crew with Grandma Lizzy - now complete with my 3 BOYS, my mom and ONE precious, hand-picked littl' girl for us! THANK YOU GOD...You never cease to AMAZE us!!!

Happy Girl, Maile...precious and sweet as can be! She did GREAT and still fit in her EASTER dress from last spring! Size 12 mos. - still fits, shorter because she has grown UP 2-3" but still so tiny weighing in at about 23.5-24# and standing tall at 33" (Size I was when I CAME TO AMERICA!!!)

Our Attorney, Sharon who also adopted twin girls from CHINA a few years ago & I taught Sarah & Rachel DANCE in the past too. It's a SMALL WORLD, eh? It was special to have Sharon part of our closing proceedings to this amazing and exciting journey!!

Aunt Chelle, "MeMe" (Jeremy) & Grandma Karen sharing in our SPECIAL day. We are adopted into many families, the Kingdom of God's and the Solomon Family here in TEXAS too!!! What more could we ask for! LOVE THEM...what a BLESSING they are in our lives!

18 JAN 2008 Well, a day I thought would never come, finally arrived and set for a brisk, cool FRIDAY am on 18 JAN 2008. We had a court date to meet in front of the Judge for a formal hearing to change Nguyen thi Thuy Trang to Maile Noel Thuy Trang Carlson!!!! She would always have Nguyen as birth name, like I have Duong...but officially and legally her MAIDEN name would now be CARLSON until she marries her husband. We had our family go, Grandma Lizzy, the matriarch of the family, Don and thankfully the boys did not even have school that day! Plus, Maile's other favorite family member that she talks about EVERYDAY, "Aunt Chelle" (Michelle), "MeMe" (Jeremy) & Grandma Karen were in tow...It was a legal process, one that included a lot of waiting like we have for this WHOLE journey of bringing Maile home, so what was new. Instead of reporting to the court house at 8:30am as reported, we arrived on time to wait over 1.5hrs!!! Oh well, it was worth it to within 5 mins. be done and officially DONE with the ADOPTION process!!?? I hope so. I tell people, "we'll be paying for Maile for the REST of our LIVES..." Boy, that is an understatement! Adoption is a very costly journey, emotionally, physically and financially...yet I would NOT trade it in for the world as we would NOT have our Sweet baby girl....

NEW Year...NEW do for Kim-Lan!!

2008-01-18T17:48:00.000-06:00

HELLO FRIENDS!!!! IT'S BEEN A BUSY ROLL INTO THE NEW YEAR FOR US!!!!

I HAD WANTED TO SHARE PHOTOS OF MY HAIR CUT, BUT COULD NOT BRING MYSELF TO "EXPOSE" MYSELF UNTIL NOW....I HAVE SOME OTHER EXCITING PHOTOS TO SHARE...HENCE THE REASON TO POSTS THESE FIRST AS A PRELUDE!!!! TODAY, 18 JANUARY 2008, WAS A VERY EXCITING DAY FOR US...STAY TUNED. HERE'S PHOTOS OF THE BIG "HAIR CUT DAY" FOR KIM-LAN....ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO!!!

Me with "Lan" - Vietnamese hairdresser ready to cut 10" off for LOCKS of LOVE hair donation (hair to make wigs for children with Cancer). Friday 28 Dec. 2007!!!

Oh my goodness, there goes my hair off....one lump sum!!! NO turning back now!!!!

I'm a little sad and definitely in SHOCK that it's done....yikes!!! It was suppose to be 10" - we measured it when we got home, it was 11.5-12" OFF!!!!!! Double Yikes! Plus another INCH to style and we're at about 13" OFF my head, 1/2 pound lighter and ONE cold neck! Ha.... :)

Maile wondering who is standing to her? Sounds like "Mommy" but doesn't look like Mommy!!! This is the SHORTEST my hair has been in over 10 YEARS!!!! I am getting more used to it, but has been a process of getting used to, grief, joy & happiness to donate as well....

Mung Chuc Nam Moi = Happy New Year (Vietnamese)

With love & joy for the New Year,
Ms. Saigon & crew

Mung Chua Giang Sinh!

2007-12-28T15:28:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!!! Maile's FIRST Christmas with us and she was OVERWHELMED to say the least...not sure what to think of it all...She puts her hands in her mouth when nervous...she LOVED the tricycle that Santa left and eating his leftover cookies too!

Here's our Christmas AM family photo - not too bright eyed and bushey tailed but excited to be together as a family and open gifts together to celebrate Jesus' B-day!!! Yeah Jesus, thank you for being Born!!!

Maile quickly got acclimated to opening presents & even :) for the camera!!! NOT the shy, quiet, stoic girl we once knew 9 mos. ago...she loves to plow through presents, wrapping, gifts anything that may (or may not) be for her!!! She got a hang of Christmas AM and opening gifts VERY quickly...next year, WATCH OUT!

The boys were very excited to get matching STARS t-shirts from Grandma Lizzy!!!! Tried and true, they have converted from RED WINGS fans to DALLAS STARS fans!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!!

2007-12-13T07:17:00.000-06:00

Wow, God...how can we ever THANK YOU enough for the life you entrusted us in this SWEET BABY GIRL!!!!! Here's Maile (*Thuy Trang*) in the Vietnam Orphanage LAST Feb. before getting her in MARCH. Her STRONG spirit to survive is even more evident as she comes out of her shell!!!! She will be a MOVER & SHAKER and get the job DONE in her life...The tenacity she has in her attitude, "Maile do it!" tells me, she is DETERMINED "Just Do It!!!" HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY... THRILLED to share it with you & for the rest of your life to eternity.... We love you FOREVER, Mommy, Daddy, your 2 BIG Brothers & Grandma Lizzy

It's been an HONOR to see Maile with her BIG BROTHERS who love her so much, protect her & guide her. This is her FIRST Easter with us last April :)...the dress I got before bringing her HOME was perfect, esp. after the label declared, "MADE in VIETNAM!!" Yes, indeed...that was the dress for her!!! Every detail made by the MIGHTY GOD who brought you to us (*at 31.5" tall & 21.5 lbs! & in 12 mos. clothing!) YOU (&I) were MADE IN VIETNAM!!!!!! You are forever our, "Con Gai Dep" = PRETTY GIRL!!!!

Maile is definitely a CARLSON who LOVES to eat...I think my kids eat more than me and may have to get ANOTHER job to continue to feed them...Ha Ha. I could EASILY go to the GROCERY store, every other day for the "basics" - with 2 growing sons & 1 daughter who is trying to keep up!!! Maile LOVES almost anything, applesauce, peanut butter, eats lunch meat, sandwiches, yogurt, tofu and even cottage cheese & peas...Vegetables are HARDER for her to enjoy...but she'll eat 'em :) Yeah You Maile...you are ALREADY at the weight & ht. when I came HOME from Vietnam at 3.5 YEARS old...Maile is now 33" TALL & 23lbs and gaining speed!!!! :)

MY FAVORITE times are cuddle times with my BABIES...regardless of age, Joseph doesn't ask as much anymore, but still does at '9' and I LOVE IT...There is NO better feeling than your baby in your arms just snuggling, cuddling and hugging you...THAT IS WHY GOD made us PARENTS...to LOVE & BE LOVED...

with THANKSGIVING & Joy...

2007-11-28T23:36:00.000-06:00

Ms. Michelle & I with our Encore Company DANCERS at Dance Revolution in Dallas. It was an amazing, Christian DANCE convention to showcase our production piece, "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. It was a fun weekend & we were all sore from taking Master DANCE classes!!!!

Hard to believe 29 NOV 2007 - we will have arrived HOME on USA soil with our daughter...8 MONTHS ago. As I reminisced with our dear traveling buddies, the WILLIS Family, hard to believe that much time has gone by!! Our "TX nephew" Jeremy turned 20 mos. on 28 NOV as we were heading home & our VN buddy Rocco, turns 20 mos. on 29th of NOV!!!! Wow, TIME is really FLYIN' by...

We spent THANKSGIVING with our TX family here, Michelle & her family. The Solomons are a blessing beyond words to have here. Texas feels like home especially when we hang out for the holidays just relaxin', hangin' & eating A LOT of GREAT food!!! I even got to see a MOVIE at the THEATRE..."August Rush" - it was AWESOME!!! It was about a talented, young orphan boy who finds his GIFT in music while really just wanting to be "FOUND" by his birthparents!!! Boy, I CAN relate with his heart's desire!

Here's our FAMILY of FIVE photo on Thanksgiving!!! Maile & I had MATCHING outfits, oh how we are enjoying having a girl...except the WHINING & DRAMA!!! Holy Cow...did not know the word, "Eeaaaattttt Mommy!" could last 10 syllables long..... Maile is precious, fun and halarious...what an honor it is to see her come out of her shell & share herself with US!!! THANK YOU Maile....THANK YOU God....

God bless you & keep you safe, healthy & happy through this exciting and stressful season!!! Love, Ms. Saigon & crew :)

ALL TREATS today - NO Tricks!!!

2007-10-31T22:52:00.000-05:00

Here's Ms. Michelle & I with our precious Creative Movement DANCERS (our youngest "babies" at Encore - in costume ready to dance!!! They are about 2.5 years old - oh my goodness, we love them all so much!

Here's my 3 littl' trick-o-treaters...Batman Joe, Power Ranger Sam & Honey Bee Maile!!! Oh what fun to hear Maile's first words, "whatz that??" when candy was dropped into her pumpkin...then it was "MORE!! - NO Open Mommy!" Her sweet littl' reassuring voice she was going to run & get more and NOT eat along the way! She did GREAT, kept up with her big brothers & friends running in tow for an hour around our neighborhood!!!!

Maile took time out from running door to door, to get some sugar from her littl' "boyfriend," Jeremy...whom she affectionately calls, "Me Me!" (Jeremy is 19 mos. & Maile is 34 mos. - she likes younger men! ha ha - LOL) He woke up from his pm nap to find himself wheeled around a neighborhood with squeeling kids dressed in funny & scary costumes!!! Poor guy...but it was a FUN night for all kids, young & "not-so-young!"

Here's the whole crew at our friend, Madison's house, Aunt Chelle & her boys: Matthew & Jeremy & my crew and friends: Bryce & Madison in the mix too...what a WONDERFUL weather night to trick-o-treat. I think Maile might dig her Bumble Bee costume after all if it means going door to door to get treats!!! She is already a "sales girl" - one smile & word and she got double the candy, she worked it tonight!!!!

ONE YEAR AGO...5 LIVES CHANGED FOREVER!!!

2007-10-16T19:50:00.000-05:00

ONE YEAR ago TODAY, Oct. 16th, 2006, at my dance studio, Encore Centre for DANCE at 5:30pm - My life changed FOREVER!!!! In one email and photo attached, I would see my DAUGHTER for the FIRST time!!! She would own the name: Thuy Trang and our hearts would then accept her into our lives, home & hearts FOREVER!!!! Now, Maile Noel Thuy Trang Carlson and HOME with us, we LOVE YOU and cannot believe we saw your tiny, stoic, frightened face for the first time last year, MON. Oct. 16, 2006!!!! WOW, A LOT has changed in ONE year!!!!!

Upon acceptance of our sweet baby girl, we'd get an updated photo of you. Your referral photo (above) was in JUNE 2006, when you were brought to Ninh Thuan Orphanage, 18 mos. of age and around 17 lbs!!!!! Now, even in this photo taken OCT 2006 (about 4 mos. of being at the orphanage) you look STRONGER, healthier, more alert...determine to SURVIVE whatever God gives you. We are BLESSED He gave YOU to US!!!!!

This photo was taken in FEB 2007, one month before we went to get our daughter!!!! She looks stable and healthy, still scared but those PIERCING EYES would be the window to your soul of HOPE, LOVE, JOY and HAPPINESS that awaits for you on the horizon. We are FOREVER IN LOVE with you Maile Noel Thuy Trang. You have opened our hearts to feel a greater LOVE & JOY that we would have NEVER known. Plus, you LOVE pink, glitter and to DANCE...what more could I ask for!!?? Ha ha - LOL. THANK YOU Maile for sharing your life with us, we are humbled, grateful and in awe of your laughter, silliness, smiles and now to hear your VOICE!!!! LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!!!!!! Mommy & "Ba" & big brothers

PS- HAPPY 3rd B-DAY ANNA MULLIEZ!!!! What an honor and JOY to share in your life. Half way around the world, from the SAME orphanage as Maile, you would share days before your FOREVER FAMILIES would come get you!!! NOW, you can celebrate your life and b-days in AMERICA, Home of the "Free & the Brave." THAT IS what both you and Maile and all the orphans HOME are now, FREE & BRAVE!!!!!! We love you & cannot wait to see you again soon!

SEE YOU LATER, GRANDMA!!!

2007-10-05T22:43:00.000-05:00

Sometimes in a world you cannot see, there's a little orphan child still within me...Lost in the shuffle trying to belong, sometimes I feel weak, sometimes I feel strong...

Here's the family that I grew up of "three", NO Father again, just my Grandma, Mother and me...

A light went out in my Grandma, Oct 5th at 1pm...I cannot wait until the day I see her AGAIN!!!

It's been a bittersweet day for me, emotionally exhausting...reminiscing and remembering MY Grandmother who was like my MOTHER growing up. I lived with her until I was 18 years old and moved away to college. I would come home, she'd be there to make me clothes, dinner, listen about my day, pay the babysitter to take me swimming, love on me with her amazingly sweet, loving spirit. I MISS YOU Grandma so much. I pray you know how much I LOVED & RESPECTED you on this side of heaven while you were here, cannot wait to reunite with you in heaven someday!!!!! She made it to all my DANCE recitals, school plays, high school & college graduation (picture above) but did NOT make it to my WEDDING when I married, Don!!! She passed away 2 weeks to the day before our wedding, in fact our wedding invitations said RSVP by OCT 5th!!!!! My heart is sad, it weeps in loving memory of my Grandma, Violet Verdeen Howard!!! Forever in my heart, I love you, Kim-Lan

HOME with Maile FOREVER - 6 MOS. ago TODAY!!!

2007-09-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

Here's a precious moment of Maile cheering up "Ba"(Daddy) in the airport. She finally warmed up to him after 2 weeks in VIETNAM of clinging to my side or on my hip. It was here that we said farewell to our AWESOME traveling family, the Willis, whom we treasured & were blessed enough to travel with. Don missed saying, "See you later" to his buddy, Rocco & Don has been heartbroken ever since!
Here's Maile (thrilled as you can see) getting ready to land at DFW airport...after traveling about 24 hrs. - 3 time zones, 3 countries & 1 ocean later...We could NOT believe we were finally landing HOME with our baby girl!!!

Here's Mommy & Maile HAPPY as can be (BEFORE the TANGERINE STORY...see blog entry March 29!!!) We were ready to see our family and friends, both relieved and excited to be on USA soil!!!!

We had Aunt Chelle & her family, my mom, and even ANNA from Ninh Thuan (Maile's former playmate in the orphanage) and Mandy & her mom welcome us HOME!!!! It was such a special time, SOOOOOO happy to finally be HOME!!!!

I will write more later, but I THANK YOU all for your prayers, support, love & joy in celebrating our daughter, Maile Noel Thuy Trang Carlson...who is a light, blessing and gift into our family!!! THANK YOU GOD for this amazing littl' life now in our hands! (Jer. 29:11)

6 MOS ago - our "FOREVER OURS" Date!!!!

2007-09-14T00:42:00.000-05:00

Heather & I could hardly believe WED March 14, 2007 our babies were going to officially, legally & physically be "FOREVER OURS!!!" We were like two girls on Christmas getting the BEST presents we could ever anticipate and pray for, our babies! We were given a calendar with MARCH 14, 2007 on it to keep and cherish forever!!!!! My dear friend, Michelle's B-day was March 14th, so she is OFFICIALLY 29 1/2 Years Old Today as well!!!! :)
(p.s. CANNOT wait to celebrate the big 3-0 with you in 6 mos. girlfriend!!!)

After Thuy Trang had cried hysterically with "Ba" (Daddy) trying to hold her, I got the opportunity again to sweep her "off her feet" and get ready for the G&R (giving and receiving) ceremony. Here's our last photo with the loving caregivers who generously worked feverishly to love on our babies until it was time for them to go "HOME!"
Language was a struggle to communicate with them our heartfelt joy & gratitude, but the SMILE on our faces & hearts that day hopefully reassured the workers our babies would remain in GOOD HANDS, LOVING HOMES & have a PROSPEROUS FUTURE! I pray the workers as well as our babies' BIRTH parents have peace in their hearts knowing we love our Ninh Thuan babies SO MUCH!
Maile (Thuy Trang) could NOT stay awake for her own G&R ceremony...sweet baby girl. She fell asleep on my shoulder, sweating, snoring and just as sweet as can be!!! Thankfully we have video footage of it for her someday. What a BLESSING and HONOR it was to share this incredible journey & experience with our travel buddies, the Willis family. We were privileged enough to share in the JOY & DREAM come true in them getting their first born son, Rocco!!!!! Boy, we sure do miss them - they now live in GA!!!!
At the end of the day, we had 10 extra littl' fingers and toes to account for. It's still hard to believe Maile is NOW forever and always OUR REAL DAUGHTER...she is blossoming, thriving, talking more & more English, loving & growing up here in TX!!!! When I get home from DANCE she yelps: "Yeah!!! Mommy HOME!!!" then in her sweet, littl' needs-reassuring voice asks me, "No Mommy Bye-Bye!!!???" I reassure her, hug her & pick her up - "NO!! Mommy Bye-Bye....Mommy HOME!!!" I continue to sing her a littl' Vietnamese song at bedtime as we rock & dream of the next day's events and reassure her over & over again, "Ma yeu cong!!!" (Mommy LOVES you Little One!!!) I am blessed. THANK YOU Lord for this child that we prayed for and the plans you have for our lives! - Jer. 29:11

6 MOS. ago TODAY - SEPT 13...

2007-09-13T14:47:00.000-05:00

It's been an AMAZING journey the past few months and years to get our daughter. Without going into detail because my heart cannot take it right now to share, but 3 years ago TODAY, I had a HUGE medical scare...that almost took my life. But, by God's grace & plan...He knew there was a greater purpose for me - now I believe #1) to be here to serve Him through my family #2) use my passion for DANCE as a ministry to Him through my new dance studio: Encore Centre for DANCE #3) to get our daughter that I would meet, exactly 2.5 years later from Sept. 13, 2004. Wow, with bittersweet memories of joy and pain, I say, "AMAZING GRACE" indeed today!
"FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, DECLARES THE LORD..." -Jer. 29:11

MARCH 13, 2007...our lives would change FOREVER as we would get to meet our daughter Thuy Trang for the FIRST TIME after 5 mos. of anticipation and photos and 2 years of paperwork!!! Heather took this picture of Don & I as we eagerly anticipated our arrival to Ninh Thuan after our 7 hrs. bus ride from Saigon to the coast of the South China Sea, hometown area of our daughter!!!!!

As we pulled up to the Ninh Thuan orphanage, there these littl' faces glared at us wondering what we were doing intruding on their territory. After months of praying and waiting, the time had FINALLY come to meet Maile (Thuy Trang) in the yellow shorts & white shirt - at the top of the stairs. My heart was racing, my tears were streaming and dreams were coming true...right at that moment - March 13, 2007 at 3pm - VIETNAM time!!!!!

As we approach the top of the steps, there she is, being WISKED into my arms...I took this picture right before I held her for the first time and her BIG DARK BROWN ORPHAN eyes met my BIG DARK BROWN ORPHAN eyes!!!!!! Time had stood still and I was looking in a mirror of my past, present and future....it was surreal!!!!

This amazing splice of time allowed us to enjoy "getting to know each other" & smell her, look at her tiny features and just hold her tight and repeat over and over again, "Ma yeu cong" (Mommy loves you!) I will never forget the brisk, warm breeze blowing through our hair on the balcony top of the orphanage....

HAPPY Birthday to ME!!!!!

2007-09-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

Here's my baby girl, Maile & her FOREVER Mommy hangin' out!!!!! Love cuddlin' with her!!!

Here's Michelle and I - we are 2 peas in a pod....finishing each other's sentences, picking up where the other leaves off...she is my rock, my friend, my dancin' pal...my Sister in Christ!!!!

Here's the Solomon Girls hangin' with us...we have fun being SILLY, SASSY and SUPER-rock STARS!!!

Look how tall my boys are!!! They are almost as tall as ME!!! YIKES....I LOVE my 3 boys & baby girl!!!!

Another Orphan Born...

2007-08-31T17:31:00.000-05:00

31 Aug 2007
"Another Orphan Born"
The Night before my birthday and piercing all through my heart… Wondering if my birth mother now misses me when my birth day starts?
Does she regret at all giving me away? Does she wonder how my life is now to this day?
My birthday, it’s just another day to me, no big deal… Not a day of celebration or anything real.
Sometimes I struggle fitting in this world I see, wanting to be accepted for just being "me."
Finding peace and happiness at times really tough, Society's standards make it hard to feel, "good enough."
Praying to God for strength and healing from above, And to find true friendships and His true love…

Both of these photos taken in VIETNAM over 25 years apart. I know I have come a LONG way from the orphan in Vietnam to the life I have here in AMERICA, "Land of the Free and the Brave!" It's overwhelming and humbling to imagine God's gifts He has given me within my life. I am grateful, don't get me wrong...I LOVE my family, my 3 boys and new baby girl...my DANCE studio, etc.. However, at the end of the day, in moments of silence, it's hard not to wonder how my birth mother is, does she think of me? Does she know I'm alive...is SHE alive? The older I get and especially now having adopted our daughter, a flood of questions and emotions come to me from the past, present and future....

Forever in my heart, Ms. Saigon

I love LOVE...

2007-08-26T13:28:00.000-05:00

HERE'S to Ramon & Cessilye Smith!!!!!
We had the distinct honor and blessing in sharing it the LOVE and JOY of the union in marriage of Ms. Cessilye Spencer and Mr. Ramon Smith. WOW, what a sight to see...2 persons so IN LOVE, so OVERJOYED, so COMMITTED - now ONE flesh. From the vibrant orange, red, burgandy and gold rose petals aisle way, to the stunning bride & wedding party to the exquisit and elaborate dinner at the Gaylord Texan Resort & heartfelt toasts from lifelong family and friends - it was ALL AMAZING!!!!!
Ms. Nestle (whom I have affectionately nicknamed her) warmed our hearts and soul to know we have shared in this chapter of her new life and we anxiously await to welcome her back to Encore after their 2 week HONEYMOON!!!! I know now more than ever her commitment and dedication to Encore's vision, work ethic, serving spirit and kind heart will transcend her being as it has all through her younger years through her adult working life too. It was an honor to hear her KINDERGARTEN TEACHER talk about her caring spirit even as a young student. Ramon's Father shared how his son could have given into the ways of the world to be a D-O-G, but instead eagerly sought to serve G-O-D!!!!!! Wow!!!!! What a testimony!
It was all a blessing, with tears, laughter, joy and love in our hearts, we salute you Mr. and Mrs. Ramon Smith to your NEW journey in life as ONE family, ONE body, ONE spirit...all for Him!!!!

Here's Michelle and I at the DANCE table for our reception dinner awaiting: Lobster bisque, mixed fields of greens with white truffle vinagrette, filet mignon topped with a spinach & porcini mushroom demi-glaze accompanied with asparagus & carrots and fingerlette potatoes and of course, WEDDING cake!!!! The whole evening was sooooo FUN!!!

Here's our first TRIPLE Date, at the Spencer-Smith Wedding, SAT. 25 Aug. 2007!!!! A day we will never forget...

from L-R: Dan & Michelle, Cessilye & Ramon, Kim-Lan & Don :)

The Gaylord Texan is a HUGE resort with Spa, shopping, convention & rooms. I wish we would have had time to eat at the simulated San Antonio "Riverwalk" Cafe. Don & I had not been to the real Riverwalk in over 10 years when celebrating his friend's, TOM's Wedding!!!! wow....It was so cool to feel like you are OUTSIDE but your are NOT. Gotta LOVE the 75 degree weather indoors. The resort is under a glass atrium where the sun can bask in but humidity is low :) - now that's what I'm talking about!!!

A rush from the PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE...

2007-08-14T00:15:00.000-05:00

Here is Pastor (Uncle) Kelly praying for Maile and our family as we dedicate Maile Noel Thuy Trang Carlson to the Mighty God that hand-picked her for our family. We are blessed and honored to have her finally HOME with us in our CRAZY, imperfect, but love her so much FAMILY.

"Train up a child in the way they should go, so when they are old, they will not depart from it..." Prov. 22:6

She is NOT just "ours", she belongs to ALL of us who know and love her to raise her up as a child of God's. We are humbled God would weave His plan to allow us to share in and celebrate her littl' life.... THANK YOU God for your plans that you orchestrate even tho' we cannot always see the big picture or purpose! "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..." Jer. 29.11

Oh what fun!!!

Here's the Brown, Carlson & Modesto BOYS & "Maile in the middle!!" Here's the line up from L-R: Jeremy, Julian, Miles, Maile, Matthew, Samuel & Joseph

Here I am between my 2 best girls from MICHIGAN & TEXAS!!!! I was thrilled my best friend (that I've known since i was 10) from MICHIGAN came down to meet Maile & my friends here in TX!! It's always bittersweet to link ties from the past and share in our families' lives for a moment in time. Then the reality of how far apart we are rushed back like wind hitting the back door when it was time to say "see you later."

It's been over a month since Sybil left and while we always pick up where we left off, my heart is sad in not knowing when I will see her again. I am sad to see her boys grow up only through pictures, not experience each other b-day parties, family picnics, dance recitals, play dates, girls' night outs, etc... I just cannot believe sometimes we LIVE in TEXAS, still after 4 years now. I have done quite a bit since moving here, did God bring me to TEXAS to get out of my comfort zone? to work in Real Estate? adopt our daughter? open MY first DANCE studio??? I don't know...I rack my brain sometimes, WHY GOD - Texas? why God now??? I have so many questions to ask God when I meet Him someday....

Good night, signing off for now....Ms. Saigon

Ninh Thuan DANCIN' Girls - Maile & Anna

2007-07-26T00:39:00.000-05:00

Look who got a hold of Mommy's lipstick to dress up before BALLET class!??? Oh Miss Maile, what are we going to do with you!??? You crack us up on how GIRLY girl you are, I LOVE that you LOVE glitter, pink, to put on my lotion, lipstick, shoes, everything...you are so funny, tender, motherly, halarious, you LIGHT up our hearts, life and world...

Some of my littl' Encore DANCERS waiting their turn to go across the floor! Anna & Maile on far right, from Ninh Thuan's orphanage to FRISCO, TEXAS - together at Encore Centre for DANCE...wow, how GREAT is our God to unite these sweet babies again!!! They are not quite diggin' the DANCE thing on their first day together, but they followed directions very well considering Ms. Kim-Lan was the teacher!!! :) Great fun, I am honored and humbled to LOVE my "job" so much in ministering to my DANCERS at Encore!!!! I am blessed!

After DANCE, Ms. Mandy (Anna's mom) got her weight lifting in for the day, lifting both Anna & Maile (probably around 22# each side)!!! They LOVED being LOVED on, what a gift it is to see their hearts light up, their eyes DANCE & spirits soar now that they are HOME forever!!! This was the first time, Maile let Ms. Mandy pick her up!!! Maile has REALLY come into her own, recognizing faces, who's who in the family, getting settled, etc... she yells as she runs to me when I come home: "Yeah...Mommy "ome"!!!! (meaning, yeah, Mommy HOME!) She still calls Don (daddy) - "Ba!" but with such a cheerful heart now, it's WONDERFUL...we hear all the time, "Ba? Ba! Ba..."

Remember the days of "SIT-n-SPIN?" Here's the adorable NT girls, sitting and spinning together...and getting dizzy together!!! What a treat to see them laugh, DANCE and play together. We are so thrilled to have Anna & Maile as friends and so close together from half way around the world. From DALLAS to FRISCO, it's a heartbeat away, when you compare the states, countries, counties, time zones, etc...that they traveled to come HOME. It's truly a GIFT!

**MORE Maile Moments include: ***
- Maile loves on her baby doll, feeding it juice/ milk and holding and loving on it (and squeezing the dolls poor littl' neck so tight!)
- Maile says, ""Aunt Shell" (short for Aunt Michelle), Jo-kah" (Joseph), "Amuel" (Samuel), "Ba" (daddy), "Na-nom" (Grandma) and "Mommy" for MOMMY!!!! :)
- Maile LOVES to be rocked for NAPS & BED by Grandma Lizzy or Mommy especially :), the BEST feeling in the world to hold her littl' body and watch her fall asleep as she trusts the arms that hold her!!!
-Maile LOVES to eat, and has learned sign language for "more," "eat" "please" - & "thank you"...and "sorry" (but doesn't like to say/ do that one often!) She is eating yogurt, cottage cheese, mixed vegetables now (Yahoo!!!), chicken, turkey, bread, cheerios, raisins, dried apricots, rice cakes, etc...she will TRY ANYTHING...such a CARLSON or what??
- Maile LOVES baths now...yeah...NOW she wants me to get in the LUKE warm/ cool water that goes up to my big toe! She yells infatically, "Mommy, neigh!!!" and points behind her for me to get IN the tub!!! If/ when I finally cave in & get in behind her (NOT a comfortable temperature for me at all), she tries to wash me with bubbles and soap, too precious for words!!! Again, that sweet littl' motherly spirit in her coming out!!!! Wow...
-Maile LOVES to get wipes ONE by ONE and throw them away for me, without being used at all... If it's time to change her, she'll run and get a diaper for me (love that :)) and lay down and say, "No Boop" (No Poop!)

She continues to crack us up, so determine, energetic, sweet, funny and full of LIFE!!! We will NEVER be the same now having our sweet baby girl home FOREVER!!! Thank you God for the 3 littl' miracles that sleep "snug as a bug, in a rug" in their beds tonight!!!

Forever changed, forever blessed...Kim-Lan & crew

Oh what FUN!!!!

2007-07-08T01:16:00.000-05:00

We've had a FUN & BUSY June and now it's already JULY!!! We were blessed enough to get together with 2 other families that live in TEXAS that brought home their daughters from Ninh Thuan, VN (from the SAME orphanage & adoption agency) as our Maile (My-lee)!!!! From L-R: Erin got Selah: Aug. 2006 (now age 2); Mandy got Anna came Dec. 2006 (now age 2.5) and we got Maile Mar. 2007 (now age 2.5)!
I KNOW what a special gift this is for our girls, as orphans and friends, since I have no idea what happened to the other orphans from my orphanage when Saigon was falling, the war was ending and our new lives were beginning!!! I always wondered what happened to them...
How sweet is this picture of (L-R) Anna, Maile & Selah holding hands as they walk down the sidewalk together...way too precious for words! How GREAT is our God!!! I pray our girls are able to keep in touch even tho' Erin & her family are moving the CANADA this fall :(. Mandy and I live in the DALLAS area so it's easier to keep in touch, what a blessing!!!!
Happy 4th of JULY!!!! May we truly celebrate the FREEDOM we have as Americans in this blessed and rich nation. We have an awesome gift of freedom to worship our God freely and boldly here in the USA. I am forever changed & humbled by the spirit of the Vietnamese people, they are so raw, genuine and peaceful. They have NOTHING, yet they are so HAPPY. We have the resources to have EVERYTHING and yet we are NOT HAPPY. Our thought process is so backwards...

Many people have told us how "lucky" Maile is to have us, when truly WE ARE THE BLESSED ones to have God entrust her littl' life into our (crazy) family!!! We can offer her so many things to use her potentials & succeed, yet we are the ones with the DAILY gift to see her grow up, learn and thrive. We all love her with every fiber of our being and cannot imagine our lives without her!

Since the DANCE concert, we had our mini-adoption reunion, 4-day DANCE convention, then my best friend from MI & her "3 boys" visited us and Maile's dedication!!! Like I said, it's been a FUN & BUSY June...I have MORE pictures to share later, but exhaustion consumes me again...time for bed!

Thank you for sharing in our love and joy of this littl' miracle, Maile & our family's journey!
God be with you, Kim-Lan and crew
Michelle's verse that I love: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..." Jer. 29:11

Wow, Encore DANCE's first season over!!!

2007-06-20T03:12:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe it's over, we did it...Encore DANCE's First Annual Student Concert!!! Overall, it was a huge success, 2 shows - right at 2 hrs. each, no one got lost or fell off the stage!!! We didn't have any BIG criers on stage, not even myself - I thought I'd be a crying mess, but I didn't, I think mainly because I was stunned that it was over! Here's some highlights from the weekend, it was so much work...but SO MUCH FUN and worth it all to see those HAPPY DANCERS on stage!

Look at these handsome young gentlemen: Samuel, Joseph & Matthew...back stage and ready to go & TAP!!!

The littlest Bumblebee & understudy, Maile, wishing she knew the DANCE since there was an extra costume!

Encore's Company DANCERS doing the Jordan lift in "I Can Only Imagine," Wow...it was a special production piece. We debuted this DANCE at the State Capitol in Austin this past March!!! God is so good...

Ms. Kim-Lan & her "Ballerina Girls" - they are so precious, I am so proud of ALL the DANCERS!!! What an amazing ending to an AMAZING first year!

There were so many things I could have said/ did differently when it was actually show time, but all in all, I think everyone had a great time, relatively seamless in accounting for the dancers & getting them to/ from stage...show went by so quickly. Wow, I am deeply humbled how even through some personal "storms" and struggles this past year, God has BLESSED Encore Centre for DANCE and helped me bring home my daughter from Vietnam. I know He was glorified at the concert and I pray He will continue to bless and allow me to serve Him through the passion & ministries in DANCE!!!

Huge Kudos & THANKS to the mighty God we serve, my family, friends, staff and my dancers, parents & volunteers that made Encore DANCE a dream come true!!!!!

Signing off again as exhaustion continues to consume my body, praying for GOOD sleep SOON!!! Ms. Saigon & family

ONE Year ago---TODAY: June 12, 2007

2007-06-12T00:13:00.000-05:00

One Year ago TODAY, I had decided to pursue the calling God placed on my heart to open MY first DANCE studio!!! We were already 9 mos. into our "adoption pregnancy" with paperwork, payments, homestudies, etc...and yet, the burden on my heart was so great to listen to God's direction for what is now called: Encore Centre for DANCE!!!! Amazing to see God at work in bringing the DANCERS to our studio especially as we celebrate our FIRST Student Concert this weekend!!! Wow...

It was also One Year ago TODAY, that our daughter's Birthmother decided to take her to the orphanage to "let her go." I'm sure the decision to offer her a better life was not overnight nor light-hearted. Oh how my heart aches for Ms. Nguyen today, especially knowing that my daughter was taken one day before she turned 18 mos. old. What were the events that led her to the final decision THAT day? How long had she been struggling to keep her baby alive and could barely do it? What did her family think - did they play a role in her decision? Will Maile's birthmother ever know in her heart that "Thuy Trang" is OK now and safely HOME forever!?? My heart is so sad for Maile's birthmother, yet overjoyed for us to have her with us...It's a bittersweet day, full of emotions and questions that will never get answers...

Maile has come such a long way since meeting her just 3 mos. ago tomorrow (June 13.) She has really settled into our household and grateful each day she is more and more comfortable with our "crazy crew." She now says in English (& sign language at times) - "EAT", "more please," "Thank you" & "I lub you" (with her littl' pinky up to say "I love you.") She is so sweet and amazing....and so sassy too!!! She continues to grunt, yell, slap & stare to communicate her true feelings. She is much better with "Ba" & loves Joseph, still getting aquainted with Samuel and "Grandma Lizzy" (my mom.) Thankfully, she still prefers ME :) and loves for me to nap with her, put her to bed and RUNS to me when I come home from DANCE and exclaims, "Mommy!!!" I am STILL in awe and almost in denial at times to realize SHE IS REALLY OURS!!!??? How can it be true, after 2 years of waiting, praying and paperwork, that we have the littl' girl in the pictures we stared at for EVERYDAY for 5 mos. before getting her!???

I pray her birthmother knows, truly in her heart, that Maile Noel (Thuy Trang) is OK and so well loved and cared for. Thankfully, His mercies are new every morning and we will celebrate tomorrow, JUNE 13, Maile's "half birthday" - now turning 2.5 years old!!!! She doesn't know it yet, but we'll have some of her Princess Cake at the DANCE studio to celebrate her littl' life! I cannot wait until this weekend's concert to honor Maile's arrival and all those who have been touched by the gift of ADOPTION. It truly is a gift and story of re-birth!!!

Thank you Grandma for adopting my mom, Thank you mom for adopting me...now here's to Maile, the 3rd generation of God's gift of love & faithfulness through ADOPTION.

Forever humbled, forever changed...Ms. Saigon

You're right Michelle - from His words: "For I know the plans I have for you...to give you a HOPE and a FUTURE..." Jer. 29:11

Happy Memorial Day!!!

2007-05-29T00:10:00.000-05:00

28 May 2007

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!
To my husband, my Sister-in-Law, Brother-in-Law, my late Father-in-Law, and ALL the men and women who have gone before (and those who continue) to SERVE OUR GREAT country, we THANK YOU. The amazing gift of living in the "Land of the Free" is often overlooked as so MANY Americans do not realize what a blessed nation we are!!!

I think I took all the RICH resources and blessings we have as Americans for granted until going back to VIETNAM. I do not know how someone cannot changed after visiting a 3rd world country. It really is life changing and humbling beyond words. We live in such a "ME" society here and "WHAT'S in it for ME???" status, that it's overwhelming to think we cannot just HELP someone without wondering the REWARD that will result for our actions... Our prayer and hope for our children are to be HEALTHY, HOLY, HAPPY & HUMBLE (4-H club) and it's a struggle with all the peer pressure and "cool" tech-no stuff out there!!! It's disheartening to know what our boys know already from school (I don't think I want to REALLY know) but I pray they are NOT sucked so much into peer pressure and being accepted that they are doing things behind our backs that we do NOT know about!!!?? ugh.

I remember a friend in Michigan once saying that our kids REALLY need us HOME when they get home from school, more in Middle School than any other time. I have realized more and more how fast time flies by and our babies are only littl' once. Another school year has ended and I'm so sad about that. I pray I do NOT screw it up for Maile and truly enjoy her "baby years" with us. She is REALLY coming out of her shell, laughing, dancing, singing and even yelling around the house!!! Boy, she can hold her own in telling her BIG brothers if something is not right and she is irritated!!!

I will close for now, but just had to share the FIRST :) Happy photo of our 3 sweet babies smiling together. They are each such amazing blessings and to watch their individual spirits and personality shine is the true gift of freedom!!! Thank you God for allowing me to have these littl' lives in our hands and house for short time to "train them up in the way they should go, so when they are old...they will NOT depart from it."

Again, a big heartful thanks for the GENEROUS service men and women who help us live in FREEDOM day to day!!! God bless you!

Love, Ms. Saigon

HAPPY Mother's Day!!!

2007-05-13T08:33:00.001-05:00

Here's a slideshow of the passage of time within my family's 3rd GENERATION Adoption that began over 100 years ago!!!! I am deeply humbled particularly this Mother's Day in realizing the joy, excitement and gratitude of adopting our daughter, as it was for my GRANDMA (adopting my mom), then my MOM adopting me! Wow, it's pretty surreal to have our daughter finally HOME with us after 2 years of starting the Adoption journey!

Happy Mother's Day to all those Mommies who have the joy and honor of being a Mommy!!! I remember going to church last year saying "I hope we have our baby girl this time next year..." And, look it, by God's AMAZING Grace, we DO!!!! I cannot believe it was 2 months ago TODAY that we met our daughter for the first time!!! Maile is now 29 months old TODAY as well and while we know we did not have the first 27 months of her life with her, we are thrilled to now a LIFETIME together.

Maile is REALLY coming out of her shell, she has taken to "Ba" (Daddy) - what a blessing!!! I have a feeling she WILL be a "Daddy's girl" in no time...THIS MORNING we were both there to greet her out of her crib and she REACHED for Daddy to get her out!!! Step over Mommy, here comes Daddy! Wow, it was bittersweet...happy for Daddy and sad for me, just a twinge of sadness of the realization I'm NOT her EVERYTHING any more. Thankfully, though, she has found refuge, safety and gaining trust in Daddy to love her and take care of her too as we are ALL so willing to do!

More Maile Moments
**Maile is FINALLY enjoying baths more, loves to pour the big cup of water all over her belly and watch the bubbles cascade like a waterfall. She has NOT quite learn, it's better to keep her MOUTH CLOSED during this event!

**Maile is warming up to SAMUEL, still grunts NO when her big brothers get into her personal space, but has quickly learned to grab the nearest hand near by to drag to the pantry! I think she is still in awe of our "grocery store of food!" She eats ALL the time, still such a littl' peanut.

**Maile LOVES Tofu!!! She ate 9-10 pieces of TOFU for LUNCH the other day, I'm talking 9-10 squares that were 1.5" x 1.5" BIG!!!! Maile does NOT like cottage cheese, there is NO way of hiding it, sneaking it, mashing it, etc...she gets whiplash telling us "NO WAY" when she KNOWS there is any hint of cottage cheese anywhere!

Time to sign off...God bless you and HAPPY Mother's Day!

"May Day" Pictures...

2007-05-07T00:31:00.000-05:00

Look at Maile "All dressed up & READY TO GO..." Tonight, for the first time (May 6th) she waved & said, "Bye Bye" and then blew a kiss after saying good bye to neighbors...she is really quite a sponge and so alert!!!! She is getting the hang of this American way of Life!!!

Look at "Joe Cool" in shades!!! He is such an amazing Big Brother to Maile, so kind, gentle, caring and protective of her! I KNOW he will be an awesome Father someday! I am so proud of him...

Finally, a discouraged & disheartened Samuel got his wish of Maile reaching out to him. He thought she didn't like him (which broke my heart!) She finally reached out to him to take his hand to go outside & she is warming up to him more & more!!! Yahoo...

Here's my littl' ballerina in the making!!! Standing tall at 32" and 21# (at 28.5 mos. old) she is such a peanut, but so adorable!!! She loves to "dance" trying to plie, releve, soute, turn & bourre...too cute!!! AND, just started doing SIGN LANGUAGE a couple days ago saying, "More" "Eat" "Please..." and then "Thank you!" The sweetest sign is when her littl' pinky finger goes up and she says, "Lub you" for "Love you!!!" Oh my heart DANCES with JOY to have Maile in our FOREVER Family now!!!

Can it be true???

2007-05-03T00:02:00.000-05:00

That I would be privileged enough to be NOW be Maile's MOMMY??? I get tears in my eyes when I look into her BIG BROWN EYES, her sweet littl' face, her littl' arm hug my neck and hold me tight when it's bedtime and I am rocking her to sleep. I just CANNOT believe she is HERE with us and it's FOREVER. I sing to her at nap/ bedtime and for this short season, she ONLY wants ME to rock, sing or lay her to sleep. She will CRY when Daddy or Grandma offer to rock her with a bottle. I am just so honored she feels SAFE enough with me to cuddle, snuggle and let me HOLD HER as she drifts off to dreamland.

Maile is REALLY taking off on speaking English...she is understanding more and trying to say words. In her sweet, littl' 2 years old voice...she now knows four, bive, seck (4,5,6)...we are not quite to a dancer's "5,6,7,8..." but she loves to collect, stack, hold, hide, throw anything she can hold in her tiny hands. She will take anyone's hand (NOW even Samuel's hand :-)) to the pantry to get her a rice cracker, dried apricot, pretzel, etc...She LOVES grapes and bananas, but WILL NOT eat YOGURT if I sneak any COTTAGE CHEESE in it!!! How does she know??? She is such a smart whipper-snapper...

Maile has even done some sign language, starting YESTERDAY May 1st, she did "MORE" "EAT" and "PLEASE" all together :). It was so sweet, even tho' she repeated what we did/ said, she DID IT...and then "THANK YOU" as well!!! Then she jumped up and down with a big ol' grin with such pride in herself. Our hearts just MELT to see her shine and her spirit soar as she gains confidence and trust in us!!!

Another "FAVORITE" moment before I close for tonight, is when I tell Maile, "Mommy LOVES You!!!" She responds back to me in question form, "Ma Yeu Cong?" (But she says it like: "Ma YEEWW-EEE Cong???" with her mouth gaping open!) It's the CUTEST thing to see her do it in person.... When she is drifting off to sleep and I say it, she muttles it but can't quite get the words out, so precious!!!

I have returned back to the dance studio more and Maile has done fairly well with OUT me. Daddy has been able to come home early to relieve Grandma Duty, but I LOVE how Maile gets SO EXCITED to see me!!! She won't let me out of her sight once I am home. I wonder what goes on in that littl' mind when I'm gone, out of sight- out of mind?? I miss her so much when I am gone, not sure Maile misses me?? Attachment with TODDER ADOPTION is soooo different than birthchildren...really the OPPOSITE than we naturally think is "normal or healthy." Does she REALLY know HER MOMMY is gone and WILL come back? Hmmmm...

Oh my goodness, I am just so humbled and in love with this AMAZING LITTLE LIFE that God has entrusted to us. THANK YOU GOD for making Maile for US!!!!!

Forever changed, Forever in love with my sweet BABIES...all 3 of them! Wow...(that sounds like a lot of kids, hard to believe I REALLY am the MOMMY of 3 now, esp. growing up as a "Lonely Only.")

LOVE YOU Sweet baby girl!!!! XO Your Mommy FOREVER! XO

NEW WEEK....NEW JOYS....

2007-04-23T22:06:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU for the overwhelming kindness you have shown me last week in prayers, comments, emails, phone calls re. the "mean mom comments." My heart is still hurt, but it's time to move on...You're RIGHT, I will not and cannot let ONE mean, unhappy lady bring us down...I have let time pass to NOT say what I REALLY want to say/ do to this mom and pray if/ when I see her in person, God will give me the right words.

We continue to be in awe of Maile, she is so sweet, funny and SASSY!!! She KNOWS what she wants and isn't very shy about telling us at times!!! GREAT to see her LAUGH and GIGGLE in person...she's got quite a personality, quite spunky and sassy when she wants to be, but so sweet and shy at times too!!!! She LOVES Joseph and looks forward to his arrival from school, Samuel...well, still working on him. He tries so hard but maybe his "goofy-ness" scares her??? She still YELLS when he gets too close, which only makes him laugh...and then he does it again to get the same, if not louder reaction!

Maile is even getting used to "Ba" (Daddy) again and she even reached out to him several times over the weekend and they played, walked around, read, etc... Bedtime, I usually put her down, but if she will not sleep and fidgets too much...she will reluntantly go with Daddy and she cries herself to sleep (in his arms) before heading to her crib. I pray she continues to attach to Daddy, it's "baby steps" and somedays are better than others. Same with GRANDMA, she is hot and cold with her depending on how happy, hungry, tired she may be....I have NOT left her at all since meeting her 5 weeks ago. She will NOT let anyone put her down for NAP TIME and cries if she doesn't see me when she wakes up from naps. Only a few times have I snuck upstairs while she was distracted with playing with Joseph. She will have to be at the DANCE studio with me when I return in May. I am THANKFUL she has attached to me...not sure if she believes I'm her FOREVER MOMMY, but at least she likes to be with me/ by my side!

I will end this entry on 10 WAYS I KNOW Maile is a GIRLY-GIRL :)

Maile plays with her purse that Aunt Michelle gave her & puts coupons in it!!!
Maile talks on her pretend (& Mommy's) CELL PHONE - puts it up to her EAR!
Maile LOVES to have GLITTER on like Mommy!
Maile opens her lips when I put my lip gloss on for her to have some on too!!!
Maile wipes her mouth & place setting when she spills
Maile struts her stuff, wagging her arms & elbows when she walks! Very Confident & Determined....
Maile points to her eyes & closes them to have put mascara on her eyes!
Maile puts on her socks & shoes by her self (usually the wrong feet :)) and is ready to go OUTSIDE!
Maile will POINT OUT in her closet which DRESS she wants to wear!
Maile KNOWS how to tell the Boys "NO!!!" with OUT saying a WORD!!! (You go girl, good for you!!)

Still cannot believe we have MAILE HOME forever, Kim-Lan

Heartbroken...

2007-04-18T21:29:00.000-05:00

I am really angry, but more heartbroken, because of the realization of how MEAN some people can be...I am trying to shake the comments that ring in my head from this one dancer's mom that said the meanest comments to me regarding my baby girl last night! I will keep her name anonynmous, even tho' I KNOW she would not read my blog, but if she DID--she KNOWS who she is.

While I will NOT let one, MEAN spirited person still my JOY of my getting my SWEET BABY GIRL (that took us 2 years to get,) I just cannot believe a person can be so cruel to say that to a new mom who JUST ADOPTED!!! Her blurting out her ill-filled comments really shows me HER HEART (or lack of one.) It's like telling a NEW MOM who is 4 weeks post-partum who JUST DELIVERED a baby, "Your baby is UGLY!" It really hurt my heart and was totally uncalled for!!!

I feel sorry for this VERY UNHAPPY mom who had to throw such mean comments to me to have me stoop to her level...

I don't know what else to say...any suggestions, let me know...I feel like crawling into my shell. Now I wonder if anyone REALLY does care about our adoption and our baby girl!???

Sick to my stomach & with tears in my eyes, Kim-Lan

Happy Anniversary MOM & THANK YOU!!!!

2007-04-15T21:20:00.000-05:00

3 generations of Girl Power & Adoption!!
Kim-Lan, her Mom ("Grandma Lizzy") & Maile together FOREVER!

Look at this silly girl, she's a HAM!!!

SUNDAY 15 APRIL 2007

I wanted to write a couple days ago celebrating the ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY of MEETING Maile for the first time in Ninh Thuan (Mar 13) and then OFFICIALLY getting her FOREVER (Mar 14)...and then TODAY, marks the ANNIVERSARY of ME coming to AMERICA, "Home of the Brave & Land of the Free..." I am deeply humbled and grateful, particularly this year since having Maile and knowing the POWERFUL GIFT of ADOPTION again!!!

I cannot believe how emotional & choked up I get reading the Vietnam Forum entries as Selah & Anna celebrated OFFICIALLY getting their adoption finalized in the U.S. gov't this past April 13!!!! I celebrate with them and completely understand that emotional RELIEF & JOY of knowing their babies are theirs FOREVER & "legal" now in the U.S. Government. It's hard to explain, those who have adopted, understand. While you LOVE, care for & know this baby God has hand-picked for your family is REAL, there are moments you cannot believe it's REALLY true or forever!?? How can something SO REAL and SO AMAZING in this littl' life be FOREVER MINE, are you sure???? I think I am still waiting for someone to pull the rug out from underneath me, or knock on my door or get "the phone call" and tell me there's been a mistake. EVERY littl' step of the G&R ceremony, landing on U.S. soil, ordering Maile's SSN, etc. helps me to think this is REALLY REAL!!! When we FINALIZE her adoption here in the U.S. (like the other families did 2 days ago), maybe I will know Maile Noel is FOREVER OURS!!!! I don't know, it's still so surreal to me to have wanted to ADOPT for YEARS, really pray and start looking into agencies 2 years ago...and start officially with Dillon Int'l SEPT. 1, 2005 and NOW, 18 mos. later of praying, paying and paperwork, WE HAVE OUR BABY GIRL!!!!!

I had a NIGHTMARE last night that still brings tears to my eyes, we lost Maile. I was at a High School for an informal "dress rehearsal" of some play or show...I had a couple lines and I was in the bathroom stall waiting to go on stage (weird, I know, but in the dream, it felt so real.) Maile was with me, always by my side for the first run & throughout the whole dream. Then when I got done with my 30 sec. part, I started looking for Maile and she was NOT there...not in the bathroom stall, no where!!! I was panicked, freaking out and frantically looking through the H.S., I do NOT know if I found her or where she was, but I then woke up!!! The dawn had broke and for a few seconds, I had to think "where am I?" "Did I just have a dream!?" "Where is Maile??" When I realized I was in my bed & she was NOT in bed with us, I jumped up & ran to her room. With a beating heart that was about to jump out of my chest I cautiously looked into her crib, and there she was...our littl' angel sleeping with the sunlight beaming off her bubble gum pink walls!!!! Oh thank you Jesus, for letting that dream NOT be real...praying it NEVER comes true either!!!! ugh....a Mother's WORST nightmare for any of her babies!!!

Just putting her down to bed tonight, singing her lullabies to sleep...tears were streaming down as I sang "Amazing Grace," "I stand in Awe of You, " & "You are my Sunshine..." I just kept singing, "Lord, please don't take my Maile away..." I have such a different outlook on ADOPTION now and think my MOM is even MORE AMAZING than before...My MOM is my HERO, she was a SINGLE mother (& with my Grandma Violet) adopted ME during the end of the Vietnam War when Saigon was falling!!! A single woman adopting in the 70's was unheard of and my mom was marching on unchartered territories!!! She took that "LEAP OF FAITH" on giving ONE littl' girl a NEW LIFE.....ME!!! I am proud to be ONE of THOSE babies from the "Baby Airlift Operation" - and now an American who has lived an amazing American DREAM...Boy, my heart is so full now having made a FULL CIRCLE back to my Homeland to bring home MY DAUGHTER!!!! "My cup runneth over... with JOY, LOVE & GRATITUDE."

So, I encourage anyone who reads this, LIVE the American Dream, you cannot believe the FREEDOM we have as Americans to work, prosper & give to others...take that LEAP OF FAITH! If there is something you have ALWAYS wanted to do, but too scared, Just DO IT!!! Keep lookin' up and pray, God will open or close doors if you trust Him to lead you!!! LOOK for the RAINBOW in the Storm...there will ALWAYS be people to bring you down, bad news on TV, negative comments and complaints, but if we seek the GOOD in people and offer random acts of Kindness, the blessings will come back to you, ten fold!!! Okay, off my soap box now, I just have so much LOVE in my heart and I wanted to share...Here's a littl' poem I wrote recently, celebrating the 3rd Generation of ADOPTION in our family.

"LOVE Circles Back"

*The Legacy began over 100 years ago, Kim-Lan's Mom adopted as the story is told...
*Kim-Lan adopted from VIETNAM into AMERICA: "Land of the Free"
*Destined to be Sandy's littl' girl for the world to see...
*Back to VIETNAM: Don & Kim-Lan adopted their newest angel from above!
*Celebrating Maile Noel Thuy Carlson - a Gift of God's LOVE!

Signing off to clean the house for our "1st Post Placement" visit TOMORROW- YIKES!!

Ms. Saigon

Look how far we've come in just 4 WEEKS!!!!

2007-04-10T13:27:00.001-05:00

Yahoooooo, I finally got some pictures from our amazing adventures from seeing Maile for the FIRST TIME, 4 weeks ago TODAY (on March 13!!!) Wow, it feels like a LIFETIME ago already that we went from DFW to Seoul, then onto Saigon. Then a 7 hrs. trek to Ninh Thuan to get Maile and then back to Saigon! Then we flew to Hanoi then 4 hrs. drive to HaLong Bay & back to Hanoi. Finally we flew to Seoul onto HOME in DFW - all in 19 DAYS!!!!! Here are the MANY faces of Maile transitioning into our FOREVER FAMILY within the last 4 weeks!!!! What a whirlwhin experience for all of us...Now we are JUST BEGINNING to settle into "every day life." Maile is STILL VERY CLINGY to me, but doing amazingly well for all the CHANGES and MANY NEW FACES she has been introduced to.

I got teary-eyed driving with Maile today (2:09 PM CST) realizing it was literally 4 weeks ago to the day (not the DATE) that we were looking into those BIG dark brown eyes in person, for the FIRST time, at Ninh Thuan Orphanage in Vietnam. I had to call Heather from SC (my traveling buddy who got Rocco then). We talked briefly but was so good to hear her voice again. The family we shared tears, joy, laughter and memories of getting our babies together was on the other end of the line, miles and States away, but yet so close to our hearts! I wish desperately we could see Rocco grow up, his first steps, first words, b-day parties, etc...but it will have to be pictures for now. We were really blessed to share such an amazing journey together with this incredibly neat family getting their first born son as well. Wow, I am still in awe of how God orchestrates the most elaborate symphonies in life!

Maile is making BABY STEPS toward "Ba" again as she let him take her up to brush her teeth & even carry her to feed our neighbor's bunny last night :). She immediately wanted to find me but she DID let Daddy hold her again briefly. And, again tonight, she let Daddy carry her to feed the bunny :) and even for a littl' walk outside!!! It's those littl' sweet moments that SPARK the heart to dance with JOY!!! It was a beautiful night outside walking as a family, maybe 70's with wind blowing and that crisp, clean Spring scent in the air!! I still cannot believe I have 3 babies now!!! Thankfully, having a 2 years old will keep us young!?? or age me even more quickly, we'll see...I haven't turned grey yet (and I'm surprised with all the stress of waiting for this adoption to come to life!)

We'll update more as we transition home, thank you for sharing in our LOVE & JOY of bringing Maile Noel Thuy HOME FOREVER!!!!

Signing off, Ms. Saigon & baby girl sleeping on my lap right now :), Maile

4 Steps BACK - 1 Forward...

2007-04-06T23:02:00.000-05:00

GOOD FRIDAY 06 April 2007 11:30pm (**THANK YOU Jesus for Dying on the cross for OUR sins for you to RISE again as we will celebrate your ressurection on EASTER SUNDAY! - John 3:16)

I have stolen a few moments ALONE with Maile sleeping in our bed to update you on her progress home. Maile continues to delight us in so many ways as she warms up to the boys, off and on and VERY quick to tell them when she does NOT want to play or if they are TOO close to her! She is GREAT at setting those "NO" boundaries and she GRUNTS "NO" and elbows them with her thai chi moves! I hope she keeps it up when she starts dating!!!

Unfortunately, Maile has regressed in her attachment with "Ba"...she has become VERY clingy to me again and when she cries says, "Ma...Ma...Ma..." I don't know if she REALLY knows I am her Mommy, but she has CLEARLY said, "MOMMY" several times (starting Wed. 04 April!) :) - of course, just melts my heart. She seems to be a parrot and really try to repeat some words we say with her, "Hello," "Good bye," "Daddy," "Thank You," etc...it's not audible but she is trying...she is VERY ALERT and takes it ALL in with those BIG DARK BROWN EYES!!!!! My goodness, I can SEE myself in her eyes (more ways than one.)

I was a littl' concerned with her "over friendly" reaching out to others, a gut feeling within I could not shake. As the hours/ days progressed, I could see that she almost immediately retreated from Don and seemed almost SCARED of him. She has LOST eye contact with him (which is NOT a good sign) and we almost feel like we are back to DAY 1 with her in building that bond with him again. It took a good 2 weeks in Vietnam withOUT distractions of big brothers and another other close family/ friends for Maile to finally reach out to Don, play with him & let him hold her. We pray it doesn't take that long again...she still refuses to let Don hold her, play, wash, change & dress her...BUT, she did let Don put lotion on her dried-as-prunes feet (poor baby) and feed her a little today---that is PROGRESS. It's ONE littl' baby step FORWARD...It's so hard on Don's heartstrings to see Maile reach out and then retreat again, back and forth...like a littl' TORTISE in & out of her shell.

Thankfully, she remains to stay close to my side, on my hip or right behind me. Her newest antics include pulling me out of my chair, leading me by ONE finger to the pantry to point to the DRIED APRICOTS that she has come to LOVE. Can you give a child TOO many dried apricots?? ugh...I'm not sure if the DIARREA she has had (over & over again yesterday) was a result from the dried apricots or too much (cow's) milk or other foods in her NEW American Diet!? Yikes, it's sooooo hard to have a BABY in a 2 yrs. old body...wanting to love and baby her and yet think she is a toddler...but really she is CLOSER to a 1 yr. old than a newborn or toddler. She is independent & VERY MUCH A SURVIVOR in many ways, yet so sweet, soft & needy as a baby in other ways. She can hold her own in telling us her needs, the problem lies the LANGUAGE barrier and communication skills to interpret what she is REALLY thinking/ feeling.

I do know that in reading more about "attachment with adoptions" that Maile REALLY doesn't know/ trust that we are HER FOREVER Mommy & Daddy. A normal 2 years old who has GROWN UP in a healthy, American family would be encouraged to seek others that parents trust & recommend as "friends/ family." A strong sense of belonging and trust that parents "know best" and are safe has already been established with the continuity of everyday life together for the first 2 years. However, in the ADOPTION of an older child, especially since Maile's birth mother gave her up at 18 mos. - she HAD that bond with her birth mother, only to learn later that she could NOT depend on that, trust or turn to her mom for safety...Not to mention she had at least 1/2 dozen caregivers in the orphanage that would meet her basic needs of "food & shelter." So WHY would she WANT to turn to me/ us as her new parents for love, trust & security??? So, when Maile GOES TO OTHERS, she is SEEKING COMFORT from whomever will give it and really DOES NOT have OUR TRUST & LOVE rooted into her heart, spirit & mind...It has been and will continue to be hard to tell closest family/ friends that it is in the BEST interest for Maile that NO ONE else hold her, feed her or care for other than Don or I. I know that is SOOOO hard to hear as much as it is for me to say it, because when a sweet baby girl reaches her arms up to you, all you want to do - with every fiber of your being- is PICK HER UP, hold her and love on her!!!! I KNOW instinctively that is what we want to do, especially being a "girl" and a "mother."

This sweet baby girl is soooo unique and precious to us as with all babies that go home to their FOREVER FAMILIES...all carrying a STORY behind the eyes that open wide to the new life they have been flung into (whether they REALLY wanted it or not.) Maile has had 18 mos. with her birth mother, then finally adjusted to her new life at the Orphanage, only to NOW be taken OUT of THAT comfort zone and flown 1/2 way around the world. She is NOW the foreigner listening to this babbling language that sounds funny, eating foods with strange textures & smells & so many over-stimulating sights & sounds. She is NOW where we WERE AT just weeks ago in Vietnam...longing to be back HOME in the comfort of family, friends & familiarity.

So, as Maile may grieve her "old" life and learns to attach to Don & I, we appreciate your prayers in this transition that I would NOT have guessed/ planned for. But, we will continue to LOVE her THROUGH it, there is NO other option...As Maile represents "love, honor & respect" in the tradition of Hawaiian leis for wedding ceremonies for a LIFETIME Commitment, we offer the SAME to her for our NEW commitment to HER for a LIFETIME.

So, as we may take 4 steps back and 1 forward, we KNOW God has hand picked this sweet baby girl for US and we are HONORED to be her FOREVER FAMILY.

Signing off for now to go snuggle with Maile as she sleeps with us (IN OUR BED), Ms. Saigon
--I KNOW that might be hard to believe for those who KNOW how Don has in the past insisted on babies being in their CRIBS...Maile remains to be WITH US in bed...ha ha.

Thank you for your prayers, support & love, we need them...we love you!
Kim-Lan, her 3 boys and NOW & FOREVER with us, Maile Noel Thuy

Can I order a SUPER SIZE dose of SLEEP, please??

2007-04-02T02:24:00.000-05:00

02 April 2007...Monday 2:30AM

Sleep does not come easy still nowadays...The bedtime routine seems to be snuggling together in our bed while Maile nurses on her bottle and then we both doze off. Around 10-11pm or so when I wake up with her, I try to put her down in her crib and sneak the bottle away from her. If that is successful then I tip toe out of the room and try to return back to sleep myself...However, I have found myself reeling with all the things I need to do, bills to pay, people to call, documents to prepare...I am exhausted and yet my mind is awake, never a good combination...I am not feeling well, my stomach is upset and ironically I've returned to "American foods."

Monday 9:12AM - I had to stop the last entry and go to bed. I was really feeling sick, neauseated, chills and diarrea coming on...charming huh??? PLEASE pray for rest and restoration for my body & family...we are all so exhausted and unable to think clearly. Don has been working from home and NOT coming to bed at a decent hour and last night when he finally came to bed for the first time being home at 1am, I then got up...returned back around 4am. Maile woke up crying about 4:30am and then in bed with us until we got up to start our day around 7:30am and I'm already for my PM nap!!!! ugh....

**MAILE MOMENTS** continue to flourish and yesterday's highlights included going OUTSIDE. She LOVES the outdoors, points to the stroller and then to the front door...We went around the neighborhood yesterday AM and again in the PM. Last night she repeatedly ran to the front door and then back to me by the steps giggling...We LOVE to watch her find amusement over the littlest things that do NOT even require batteries!!! **Maile even HELD Joseph's hand to GO UP STAIRS last night. That was a leap of progress from the GRUNTS of "NO!" that we've heard from her for "Ba" and the "boys." Joseph has repeatedly loved on Maile, touched her, talk to her, offer her cheerios, etc...and I know that encouraged his heart last night when she LET him hold her hand going up/ down stairs for safety! **Maile meltdown: cries and cries...when she is OVER stimulated and exhausted (like her Mommy), she cries and just wants to be held. Thankfully we left our first gathering at Michelle's house just in time before "THE MELTDOWN" yesterday. She did SO WELL :) smiling and interacting with Michelle's family for Jeremy's 1st b-day party!!! But, by the time we got home...she was crying unconsoleably until she fell asleep on my chest. We were knocked out on the sofa, actually Daddy was sleeping upstairs and Maile sleeping on my chest on the sofa & Joseph napping on the other end of the sofa!! We woke up with Alisha & Lily knocking on the door to bring dinner and we were so out of it...You know those foggy moments where it feels like an outer-body experience and going through the motions...sllllooowwwlllyy!?

We are going to venture out and run to the store now...she does VERY WELL in the car seat and enjoys looking out & singing in Vietnamese. So, we'll see...thank you for your prayers and friendship. We are so excited to share this NEW LITTLE LIFE with you as she LIGHTS up our LIVES!!! To Him be all the glory!

Signing of for now...Ms. Saigon & Ms. Princess, Maile

Maile (My-lee) is Precious, Sweet, Adorable & AWAKE now at 3:33 AM - CST

2007-03-31T03:32:00.000-05:00

I think it's SAT 31 MARCH 3:33AM

Within our first 36 hours of being HOME, we've seen the MANY FACES of Maile come out...and some in ANIMAL FORM too from laughing hyeenia (sp?) to whaling buffalo (is there such a thing?) to koala bear hugging on Mommy (my FAVORITE!) Right now, she is a Shih Tzu: adorable & WIDE EYES, flapping her lips making weird sounds as I sit in my bed in the dark typing on my make-shift desk with blankets & pillow piled for a desk! The JET LAG is in full gear as Don is working for EDS downstairs & I have my side kick smiling at me with these BIG EYES & teeth realizing she should be ASLEEP & doesn't want to go to bed!! It's THE LOOK of if I smile and look cute, she won't get mad at me and put me in that awful cage they call a 'crib' in bubble gum PINK bedroom!!!!

I KNEW the FIRST night of her crashing from the whirlwhin travels & sleeping from MIDNIGHT to 10:15AM was too good to be true! She did GREAT the FIRST night, we'd go in almost every 15 mins. from 6am on to make sure she was OK, breathing, not suffocating, etc...it was so light out when she woke up to find us standing there in awe of her, she was not scared but only wanted me to get her out of the crib to start her day! She is a SLOW waker up...or doesn't want "Ba" to get her out of the crib...she would open ONE eye, see him and then shut them again really quickly (& pretend to be asleep.) It was halarious and she did that back in our "VIETNAM HOTEL days" too!!!! Now just hours ago (2nd night)...I was dreaming and thought I heard these strange loud sound effect groans 'unggghh...ungghh.....ungghh!!!" As I approached a state of consciousness, I realized the groans were Maile in her crib! She was not crying, yelling or screaming...just GROANING louder and louder like she does when she is awake and watches me walk away from the couch or bed and doesn't want me to leave her behind! So, we cuddled in my bed & she rested but as I tried to return her back to her crib, she was adiment about telling me she DISAPPROVED of that suggestion...so here we sit, watching the minute hand tick, tick, tick...and hearing her sweet songs & having to tell her "shhhhh, your brothers are sleeping next door" and she GRINS real big & then proceeds to giggle, sing & talk some more!!!! I NEVER want forget this time of the SWEETNESS of this LANGUAGE barrier challenge & her exploration of everything being soooo amazing and entertaining for her!!!!

Some of the BEST **Maile Moments** have been since we been home!!!! She REALLY has warmed UP to "Ba" :) and ONLY really needs/ clings to me when she is tired, hungry, mad, scared or sad...so when she is RESTED, HAPPY & FED...she loves Don to pick her up and RUN her up & down the stairs (usually chasing the boys or them after her)!!! Her down-to-the belly laugh like a "LAUGHING HYEENIA" is down right halarious and we laugh & become exhausted just watching!!!!! Then we've seen this littl' life turn into a "WHALING BUFFALO" when she is MAD or does NOT want something...whether it be her big brothers picking on her, trying to put her down in front of strangers or me leaving when she wants me RIGHT next to her or put in her crib and she's AWAKE (they don't go together right now at all!!!) The best & my favorite is when Maile is a "KOALA BEAR" and we snuggle...she is starting to doze off but NOT quite asleep. She wraps her arm around my arms insisting I stay put...she will OPEN her eyes & close them to make sure I have not left or tried to "fake her out" with BODY PILLOWS...that didn't work! It's the sweetest thing in the world & have treasured everytime she has done that from even the EARLY days of us together in VIETNAM. I really CANNOT believe she has bonded and attached to me soooooo naturally & quickly. From the moment I held her the FIRST time on the orphanage foyer with the wind blowing briskly through our hairs, she held on for the roller coaster ride of her life & never looked back!!!

Some more **Maile Moments** from our FIRST FULL day home include her continuing to pull & play on her ears when she is NERVOUS (esp. when meeting new people or strange situations.) Her littl' left ear is curled in the cutest way because THAT was her comfort in SURVIVING the last 27 mos. of her turbulent life!!! We initially wondered if she had a hearing problem upon referral last OCT. because we noticed it was curled in a bit & wondered if that stifled her hearing...they reassured us she could see/ hear just fine. THAT IS the case, and now we see her littl' dainty fingers play with her left ear--it's all starting to make sense now! Adopting a "older" child is like a UNSOLVED MYSTERY of whodunit...what happened in her life & who did WHAT to make her the way she is TODAY!!!??? We will NEVER know the answers to some of these ??? but we just try to pick up where she was left off and reassure she is FOREVER HOME with her FOREVER FAMILY as we build trust, stability and love!!!

**Maile was SOOOOO CUTE yesterday entertaining herself as well as us with the DIAPER RASH OINTMENT!!!! She would put in on like LOTION on her belly!!! Maile opened the box, got the 'lotion' out of the box, put the box down beside her...then WITHOUT OPENING the 'lotion' she would put some in her hand. Then instinctively she put the 'lotion' BACK in the box and put the box down beside her. The cutest thing is after all that she would LIFT HER SHIRT and rub her BELLY as she put on this imaginery 'lotion.' She did this over and over again, entertaining herself & us as welll for over 1/2 hr!! I got it on video...it was sooooo precious.

**She is SOOOO motherly to me as well as she grabs my cheeks out of the blue to KISS ME or rub my cheeks. Better yet, she has shared her 1/2 eaten cheerios that took her 4 bites already with slobber on her fingers and then offer ME some of her cheerio!!!!!

**One more Maile Moment before I sign off...When Daddy "raises his voice" to correct her or help her...she is DEVASTATED and HURT...and boy that pouty littl' lip comes out and quivers...she cannot even LOOK Don in the eye and the world is ready to crumble over her hurt feelings!!!! It's the most precious thing, OF COURSE it totally pulls on MY heart strings!!! She knows how to work it!!!!!! Now with 2 girls in the house & Grandma...we have EVEN UP the GIRL POWER :)---(and DRAMA in our household!!!)

Well, time to get this littl' nut down for a AM NAP before the sun rises & the boys get up...it's going to be a LONG day, but wouldn't trade it for the world because NOW we have MAILE FOREVER!!!! It's still VERY SURREAL to me, I cannot believe it...I still wonder if someone is going to pound on the door like the Gastapo (in the Dairy of Anne Frank) & take her away from us!!!!! We ordered her SSN# in her VN name & will change it later to her American name when the adoption is finalized on the US side, but at least it's ONE littl' step to getting her to be an AMERICAN Citizen!!! I welcome & look forward of celebrating her VIETNAMESE culture too!!!

Maile is calling for me since Daddy has tried to put her back down...I hear "Ma Ma Ma...." gotta go!!!!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED...

2007-03-29T23:34:00.000-05:00

29 March 2007...the LONGEST day ever...and still Rocco's 1st B-day...HAPPY B-DAY again Buddy!!!!

We are FINALLY HOME and now on my second wind...trying to enjoy the FAST INTERNET :) and being able to shower in my own house, pick out a plethera of CLEAN clothes, eat whatever suits my fancy in my pantry, hang out with my babies & just seeing my family again.

Our flight was rather bumpy at times, turbulance was on and off...but we land SAFE & sound in DFW around 10:30AM. I was so excited as Maile & I were washed up, changed into our "coming home outfits" and ready to race off the place to see our awaiting family/ friends. Well, as it turned out...we went through Immigration fairly smoothly, through one line, one room & got all stamped & OKed to get baggage. That seem to take forever, finding 5 bags but manage to finally gather them up. When ready to EXIT and the lady asks why we were in VIETNAM, we said to adopt our daughter...ANY FRUITS or MEATS that you bring back with you?? Don blurts out, I took ONE TANGERINE from the airplane!!!! THAT WAS IT....we were ushered to ANOTHER ROOM in customs where there were at least 20 PEOPLE IN LINE for another baggage check!!!! I was about to SCREAM.... I COULD SEE THE EXIT doors where our family was on the OTHER SIDE & we had to DETOUR because of Don's ONE TANGERINE...he will NEVER live that down nor probably ever eat another one for the rest of his life.... I was beyond LIVID...I could NOT believe we had to go through security for them to find the ONE TANGERINE in the PINK diaper bag, take it and then be on our way.....The baggage claim guys helping out sure had a LAUGH watching us wait in line for that!!!!! We WERE the running joke for them, someday I MAY laugh about it...but I certainly wasn't THEN!!!!

We FINALLY got through security in CUSTOMS which would have been AVOIDED if Don had EATEN the tangerine or NOT taken it with him...I was so irritated I could NOT cry or feel "emotions" of greeting our family. It was NOT a heartfelt, emotional reunion like I anticipated it being and I'm SOOO SORRY for my family & friends who waited so long to see our exit those doors!!!! It was ALL Don's fault and he knew it! But, I hope seeing Maile for the FIRST time made the wait worth while....Grandma Lizzy (my mom), the boys, Mama Karen, Aunt Michelle & Uncle Ken were there & Ms. Mandy with ANNA and her grandma, Karen greeted us joyfully and with open arms and kisses!!!! I was hot, sweaty (probably smelly) and sooooo relieved to be DONE with ALL the lines & waiting!!! The boys looked older, taller and more handsome since leaving them 19 days ago...they were soooo excited to see Maile (who has known her name for the most part as Thuy Trang almost the whole trip.) BUT, with showing constant photos of our closest family/ friends...she did amazingly well and did NOT cry until I tried to put her down. She was a wide-eyed as I anticipated her being, quiet, shy & taking it all in. Anna (who just came home with Mandy & Arnaud last Nov. and 2 yrs. old) was soooo sweet, precious & gregarious...offering string cheese & cheerios to Maile...she would NOT take anything Joseph, Samuel or Anna. We had a "production line" of cheerios to start...Joseph would put in my hand, then Maile would take it out of my hand and take about 5 bites to ONE cheerio. It was sweet to see everyone love on her & welcome her...Again, EVERYONE had seen, known & prayed for her for months, while she had NO CLUE what this "tomorrow would bring..." LANDING INTO AMERICA!!!!!

Maile did NOT take long to warm up, we had a FUN day of smiling for the first time at the AIRPORT (toward the end of our visit), singing in Vietnamese on the way home & :-) (smiling) at the family at lunch!!! **Maile Moments: She will put her HAND out to someone, in hopes they kiss her HAND and then she smiles and giggles. After lunch, the Solomons went to see Maile's (still unfinished) bedroom...as we were hanging out, she put her hand out to Aunt Michelle....and knowing what to do, kissed and kissed Maile's hand/ arm...she laughed & giggled "all over herself" (as Heather would say). It was such a precious moment!!!! She would SMILE heartedly at Uncle Ken & Grandmom Karen (Michelle's bro' & Mom). It's as if she KNEW they were so kind & loving & been praying for her arrival!!!!! She was still shy with the boys, esp. they were so excited, rambuncious & loud...she GRUNTS for NO - when the boys get too close like she did with Ba those first weeks of saying "Don't even think about touching me or picking me up!!" After the Solomons left, we tried to settle in for a nap...Joseph is sooooooo sweet, such a GREAT big brother, so kind & loving & gentle with her....eager to feed her, hold her & help run and get something. Well, the books the brothers bought her were a BIG hit...she EVEN raised her arms to have GRANDMA LIZZY pick her up to read the books!!!! It totally made my mom's day!!!!Then after Maile & I snuggled and crashed for a 2+ hrs. nap, she raised her arms AGAIN to GRANDMA LIZZY & SMILED at her...oh my gosh, my mom was IN HEAVEN!!!!! We both could NOT believe how well she had taken to my mom since she is a "big white woman" (what Joseph told my mom!!!- LOL!!!) It was a FUN evening & are in awe of listening to her littl' voice, laughter & commands to tell Daddy to carry her up AND downs the stairs (over & over again)!!!!! She would SHOUT something in Vietnamese & point upstairs with Don & giggled all the way down, Don got his work out with over 10 laps of carrying her back & forth!!!!!

Amazingly enough, after her bath tonight (which she does NOT LIKE AT ALL, whaled the whole time & spent half the time just trying to get her to SIT DOWN in the tub), she took her bottle & once asleep I put her in her crib in HER room!!!! We'll see how long that lasts, I KNOW I will hear as soon as she wakes up and I'm not there in this STRANGE & CRAZY Carlson household!!!! Overall, great day with seeing Maile COME HOME....she feels strangely peaceful & comfortable which is such an amazing blessing!!!! It's STILL surreal to me, but THRILLED to keep living this LIVE DREAM of having our first & probably ONLY baby girl!!!!! I fully intend to spoil her rotten :) (yet still expect obedience, really!!!!)

Until later, THANK YOU again for those who followed our journey, there will be many more stories/ antidotes of Maile as she adjusts to this CRAZY American lifestyle...and a SPECIAL THANK YOU for those at the airport to welcome us HOME: my mom (who is my hero), my incredible sons, Joseph & Samuel-whom I am so proud of beyond words, Mama Karen, Aunt Michelle & Uncle Ken (& Solomons) who ARE FAMILY here for us in TX & Mandy, Anna & Ms. Karen - whom I adore & appreciate already for forging the bond for Maile & Anna to build a friendship from Ninh Thuan, VN to Dallas, TX!!!! WE LOVE YOU soooo much and cannot wait to see you again, I promise to be more relaxed, less stressed out/ mad & CLEAN :)!!!!

Thrilled our work is done in VN and MAILE is HOME!!! Kim-Lan

"Back to the Future..." - Now in SEOUL!!!!

2007-03-28T20:09:00.000-05:00

29th March 2007 - HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY ROCCO!!!!!!

We are 1/2 way there, well actually only about 1/4 way...we still have another 15+ hours flight from Seoul to DFW...but killing time in our 4 hrs. lay over to say we have made the first leg of our journey home!!!!

We just said good-bye (I hope it's actually "see you later" than "good-bye") to the Willis Family...it was a teary eyed farewell to see this incredibly sweet, innocent Rocco on his FIRST B-day and know he will grow UP sooooo much in our absence from seeing him everyday for 2 weeks. It has been an honor and joy to travel with the Willis Family and Rocco Jase (Tuan) is a blessed littl' fella to get Jason & Heather as parents. For sure, the rocky roads, trials & tribulations God's gives us is for the TIMING of His plan...Rocco is meant to be with the Willis' and Maile Noel with us...while we wanted the adoption process to go FASTER (as all waiting families do), we KNOW now how PERFECT God's plan was for us to be destined & united with our babies. And it was HIS timing for us to be with the Willis family, along with Kennedys & Rusts to travel together. While we didn't get to know them too well since they went to Vinh Long, it was sooooo neat to see our families grow with babies in just days together, it's an amazing bond & journey.

While waiting for their plane to board first, Heather asked me the highlight of the past 19 days together (other seeing our babies for the 1st time) and we just rattled so many GREAT memories we shared together as families & new parents on a journey with our FOREVER babies!!!!! I thought I could tough it out and not cry saying farewell to them as they boarded their plane, I couldn't do it...just like the past 2 weeks flashed back with joy & down-to-the belly laughters...sorrow came knowing we will miss out on so many MORE great memories to share with them. The next time we see Rocco, he will be probably twice his size at least, walking, running, talking, eating to keep up with his Papa, etc....We will miss out on those littl' joys, but the bond we have shared in this journey will bind our hearts forever & I know we'll keep in touch....we just have to!!!! It's a GIFT for our babies too...not just the parents.

I can't even imagine the JOY, RELIEF, EXCITEMENT, LOVE & HEARTFELT THANKS I will feel when I see our family & friends in a matter of HOURS!!!! In about 14-15 hrs.+ Maile's life is going to REALLY start over and she doesn't even know it.... this incredibly shy, quiet, dossile, sweet girl has blossom to sing & talk in Vietnamese, grab the phone from my ear to speak (hear who's on the other end), taken DADDY by his hands to lead him places SHE wants to go, laugh so hard that your heart dances with laughter too!!!!! She is an amazing gift & we cannot wait to share her with the world...

I have no idea how Maile (Thuy Trang) will react when we arrive HOME, I assume she will go back in her shell & cling to me as she did when we arrived in Seoul...I do know we will all be EXHAUSTED and probably pretty rugged looking, but MORE THAN HAPPY to be HOME SWEET HOME...with my 3 boys, mom & NOW Maile & close family/ friends...what more could a girl ask for???

Cannot wait to see you soon!!!!! Signing off in Seoul...see you DFW :)!!!!! Don, Kim-Lan & Maile

We're COMING HOME!!!!!!!

2007-03-27T10:17:00.000-05:00

WED. 28 MARCH 2007 7:15PM VIETNAM time...

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY JEREMY!!!!!

Yahhhhhooooooo, after sweating it out (literally), waiting and praying, all 4 fathers came back with VISAS in hand at 5:30pm today and WE ARE HEADING HOME!!!!!! I just talked with the boys & my mom & had to fight with the phone with Maile as she was shouting in Vietnamese for me to give her the phone to talk!!!! It was halarious and precious...she is ALREADY a girlie girl with glitter, pink and a phone in her hand!!!! I love it!!!!

Well, it's nearing the end of THIS CHAPTER of our journey as we embark the NEXT ONE, a NEW LIFE in "America" (what all the Vietnamese know to say about the USA & then they RAISE the price in Dongs 500+ times!!!) It's such a bittersweet moment to leave my Homeland of VIETNAM again to return to my hometown of N. Dallas, TX....FAMILY is REALLY what matters in life, they are the HEART strings that keep a person's spirit together...I CANNOT wait to hug all those sweet necks waiting for our arrival at DFW!!!!!!!!!

Here are some final antidotes of our VN trip that encompass the many culture difference observations, "You KNOW you are in VIETNAM when..." To those who have forged before us, can relate...those who may travel to VN soon will have something to look forward to :).

You KNOW you are in VIETNAM when:

You instantly become a MILLONAIRE in Dongs when exchanging VN $$.
Ask for Ketchup & get a PLATE of tomatoes!!!
When you ask for a larger size, they say "Small/ Medium...Same Same!"
When you have to convert from cm, kg, km & cel. degrees
You/ your spouse may collect on your LIFE INSURANCE policy, just by trying to cross the streets in VN.
There is an OPEN Flea Market of purses, clothes, hats, souvenirs, etc. on EVERY corner
Kim-Lan is considered TALL & FAT
A family with CHILDREN ride on ONE scooter with OUT helmets or seat belts.
Heather goes shopping and the lady says, "I have big girl size for you..."
ordering a Chef Salad and ALL you get are tomatoes, cucumber, corn & dressing (NO lettuce).
when you are NOT wearing a RICE HAT like the locals do
when the mode of transportation is by scooter, row boat, bike or by foot
the internet is as slow as watching water boil...
Kim-Lan looks Vietnamese but cannot understand a word they are saying (behind & in front of my back).
When there are businesses & buildings called KIM LAN!!!!! :)
You have to take ANOTHER shower from sweating in 5 mins. from the HUMIDITY & HEAT
You can order Pho (VN Soup) for breakfast
You need a calculator to get change back in 1000+ dongs.
The mattresses come up to your shins & BRICK hard
The MOST BEAUTIFUL, wide-eyed dark brown Asian child becomes YOURS FOREVER!!!!! We LOVE YOU Maile (Thuy Trang) FOREVER!!!!

This is my last entry in VIETNAM, I am sooooo excited to see my boys, mom & family that it is hard to be sad about leaving... It will be an emotional HOMECOMING but one we have all longed & prayed for in the past months/ years!!!!!!

To my incredible FAMILY & FRIENDS who have shared in our journey, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts...We are FOREVER changed & touched by this event and reminded on HUMAN we are...while we don't share the same language, faith, dress code, lifestyle as these amazing people 1/2 way around the world, we have the COMMON thread of the SPIRIT to survive, thrive & be with family... The work ethic of the VN people is untouchable, the raw beauty of their spirit is undescribeable & the experiences I have taken from this journey...unforgettable.

THE BEST SOUVENIR we are bringing home is Maile Noel Thuy Carlson and we cannot wait for you to meet her. Signing off until we land on U.S. soil in Dallas, TX...

Take care & God bless...thank you for your prayers of safety & good health...we are ALMOST home!!!!

BIG HUGS & KISSES to my mom & boys until we can deliver them in person!!! XOXOXOXOXO

Love & see you in about 26.5 HOURS!!!!!!! (ETA to DFW airport from Seoul on Korean Air 10am Thurs. 29 March 2007) Don, Kim-Lan & HAPPY GIRL singing in Vietnamese right now :), Maile (Thuy Trang) !!!!!

Ahoy- still in Hanoi!!!

2007-03-26T21:13:00.000-05:00

TUES 27 March 2007 ----24 HOURS until we leave for AIRPORT to fly HOME!!!!!

It's 9:22PM VIETNAM time and we are counting down the HOURS before traveling back HOME to the STATES...About 24 hrs. andwe'll be on our way to the AIRPORT provided we "pass" our interviews & pick up VISAS in time on WED. We are excited to get home into routine, the comforts of home, the SILENCE of NO honking scooters, taxis, bikers, etc..., eat WESTERN food again, etc... I am VERY HOMESICK and cannot wait to see my mom, boys, Michelle & Solomons, Mandy, Anna, etc...I just want to be surrounded by people who love, care & have missed us and understand the CONVERSATIONS in English!!!!!

Maile (Thuy Trang) updates is she is warming SLOWLY to Daddy...she actually kissed Daddy on the lips several times within the past couple days. She still will NOT let him hold her willingly, but grabs his whiskers & hairs on his arms & tries to eat them (gross to us, but endearing as well.) Not sure what is going on in that littl', sweet head of hers. I try to remind Don that SHE has been through A LOT in the last 27 mos....MORE than we'll ever know!!!!

MOST RECENT UPDATE on **Maile Moments,** today 27 March, Maile actually grabbed Don's cheeks and kissed one side, the other side & on the lips ON CUE when videotaping her!!!!! It was the MOST PRECIOUS moment for Don....his heart DANCED I'm sure for her to FINALLY reach out to him. AND TODAY, she finally let him pick her UP to "fly like an airplane" with BIG SMILES in the Hotel Lobby. She had seen "Uncle Don" do it so many times with Rocco that maybe she realized she MIGHT be missing out on something....She still ALWAYS wants me to hold/ carry her and she keeps VERY close tabs of me if I leave the room, but she is beginning to open to "Ba." Yahooooo, total answer to a very discouraged Don :), thank you God!!!! Then on TOP of what an amazing day for Don's heart with Thuy Trang, she said "Daddy!!!" at dinner (our 'regular hang out' in Hanoi - Pepperoni's Pizza & Pasta) with the Willis family....Heather and Don heard it... I didn't quite catch it but she really wanted DON'S attention for something....Wow, I think Don's heart skipped another beat...it's all over for him...she will have him wrapped so tight around her littl' finger, I can see it now...she can do "no wrong..." We'll have to tighten the reigns soon enough, but we soooooooo enjoying this littl' miracle. I REALLY CANNOT believe when I look into those BIG DARK BROWN eyes, that THIS really is the littl' girl we have hoped, prayed for years and seen pictures/ video for 5 mos....what a DREAM COME TRUE...

**Another Maile Moment with MOMMY is not only is she my littl' 'hip hugger' or shadow...but the BEST thing I've her from her re. me...is when I am trying to SHOWER without her and Don is holding her and she wants to be with me sooooo badly that she is crying (NOT screaming any more with Don :), but she is crying loudly)...and saying at the same time, "Ma....Ma....Ma....Ma" (That is Mommy in Vietnamese)!!!! Oh my gosh, my heart melts every time...along with hearing her littl' sweet, soft voice SING VN songs, speak words with such inflection in Vietnamese & BIG SMILES with her littl' white teeth gaping open!!!! We are soooo in LOVE with this littl' girl...What a JOY beyond word to have her FOREVER now...

We had the VN Consulate Interview with a rather stoic, stiff, very professional man...I still was NOT nervous by his questions...more by Don's answers...He tends to go on and on re. information to an answer than just simply ANSWERING the question. God bless him. The man DOES NOT ask anything about citzenship, questions. re. this, etc... but Don STARTS the conversation to the effect "Not sure if I filled out the form correctly, I was born in Turkey, but my Dad was in the military so I am a US Citizen by my parents, not by birth...." I'm sure the man was just as confused as I was in the timing of Don sharing this, because AGAIN, the man did NOT ask any questions re. this. I am thinking...."YES Don, YOU ARE A TURKEY...keep your mouth shut & wait until he asks the question!!!!" But, that all seemed to smooth over just fine (whheeewwww) and ALL the paperwork (our dossier, homestudy, I-600 & other million # forms)...I LEFT at THE HOTEL...and thankfully, did NOT even need them....again -- whhhheeewww!!!!!! Maile did GREAT, just singing, happy & playing with me during the interview, taking MY hand over her MOUTH to do the "Indian" call and then to my mouth as well...then we would CLAP together while she would sing a VN song, it was ALL so precious!!!! She is a doll baby!!!! I asked the man at the end, "Do you want to make sure she is a HAPPY baby??" He said, "I can tell, she is a lively one..." Yahoooooo, he said we were APPROVED :) and to pick up VISAS at 4pm on WED.

Now, here's the PRAYER REQUEST...ALL 4 families are FLYING out from Hanoi to Seoul, Korea together :) which is great for departing the hotel together. However, IF ONE family has ANY problems with the VISA (NOT the approval part, but just TYPO errors on Birthdate, gender, visa dates, etc.) then that FAMILY is LEFT BEHIND...ugh!!!! PLEASE pray ALL 4 families have perfect VISAS for our babies so we can ALL leave on our scheduled flights!!!! Hanoi VN Embassy is ONLY open Mon-Wed still (they did NOT go to 5 days a week) & getting VISAS at 4pm on WED is pushing it... NOT TO MENTION Thomas (our Dillon Rep.) has ALREADY LEFT us to head back to Saigon!!!! So, we are ALL ON OUR OWN from here on out until we get on the plane!!!! We were disappointed to say good-bye to Thomas as he has been wonderful, BUT...we don't feel like we are HOME FREE yet...wish he would have stayed just to MAKE SURE ALL our VISAS are OK. I GUESS, we would have to call Thomas from Hanoi if there are any problems...

So, there is STILL unfinished business and without Thomas, it's a bit more nerve racking since NONE of us speak Vietnamese well enough to communicate any problem solving....Please pray we ALL get our VISAS for our babies without a hitch as well as SAFE TRAVELS as we will go our separate ways after we land in Seoul!!!! It's such a BITTERSWEET time, to have shared this ONCE in a LIFETIME journey with these families is such a blessing, yet we all long to head home to be with family/ friends and the comforts of HOME!!!!!!

How can I ever thank my MOM, my boys & incredible family/ friends for their support, love & prayers?? The Solomon family, Michelle, Mandy, Erin, Amy, Melissa, Wendi, Kristi, Susan, Alisha, Jolin, my Encore Staff, etc... ALL the people who have rallyed around us to pray, rejoice & celebrate this ONE littl' life that we bring 1/2 way around the world and IMMEDIATELY into our hearts & home forever!!!! I get choked up just thinking about how much we have longed, prayed and dreamed for this littl' baby girl...praying God would OPEN and close doors if we were to adopt...through the incredible heart aches & setbacks in our lives from recent events....God remained FAITHFUL in giving us RAINBOW of HOPE every time we needed it....and HERE SHE IS...MORE beautiful than we can ever imagine (inside and out!!) She is like a littl' tortoise, likes to stay tucked into her shell to feel safe...but when she feels comfortable, she pops OUT of her SHELL & lights up a room with her laughter, beauty & smiles....

I cannot wait for you to meet Maile (Thuy Trang - right now we call her Twee Jang since that is her given VN name that she knows)!!!!! For those coming to the AIRPORT for Maile's HOMECOMING, please just know she will probably be tired, scared & overwhelmed. I doubt she will let anyone hold her and there may be press release there to add to the excitement & drama. I am not sure, but Dillon said DFW news have been contacted and they cannot confirm whether there will be media there or not, but be prepared...

I will close with excerpt from Steven Curtis Chapman's song HE wrote after adopting his daughter from China, "When LOVE takes YOU In..."

"I know you've heard the story, they all sound too good to be true...
You've heard about a place called HOME, but there doesn't seem to be one for YOU.
So one more night you cry yourself to sleep, drift off to a distant dream...
Somewhere while you're sleeping, someone else is DREAMING too...
Counting down the days until, they hold you close & say 'I LOVE YOU!!!'

When LOVE takes YOU In, EVERYTHING changes...
With the beat of a heart, a miracle starts....
When LOVE take you HOME...and says 'YOU belong HERE...'
The LOLINESS ends, and a NEW LIFE begins...
When LOVE takes YOU In, it takes you in for good...."

Forever IN LOVE with you Maile Noel Thuy...XOXOXOXOXO your FOREVER MOMMY!!!!!!

Hong Ngoc ("Hard Knock") Hotel in HANOI!!!!!

2007-03-25T21:24:00.000-05:00

Well, it's MON AM 25 March 2007 10am (!!??) and I had blogged THIS AM at 3:30AM when I could NOT sleep & went to PUBLISH IT...and LOST ALL my entry, somehow got deleted & did NOT save a draft...ugh!!!!

We are at the Hong Ngoc (which happens to be Maile's birth mother's name: Ngoc) and it's HARD KNOCKS alright!!! We may be switching rooms because our LOVELY 2 rooms suite smells like MOLD when the A/C is ON...We slept without the A/C on last night and we are ready for another shower!!!! The mattresses are hard, the hand crafted solid wood furniture is BEAUTIFUL & hard and Maile flip flopping like a jelly fish and wrapping her arm around me is a bit hard (but incredibly sweet too.) BUT, we are excited and exhausted with all the things to see/ do, anticpation of our flight & anxious for the upcoming days to be HOME (almost like when we were preparing to LEAVE for VIETNAM over 2 weeks ago!!!) What an AMAZING journey it has been!!!!

While we LOVE seeing the sights & sounds of VIETNAM, it's been a exhausting trip...soooo thankful to have the experience last year to see more of the spirit of the people, kids in the orphanages, beauty of the raw land. This trip, obviously with a beautiful & active 2 yrs. old (who is coming out of her shell!), sleepless nights and lugging an extra 20# around everywhere on the CRAZY BUSY streets dodging 100's of scooters in this 120% humidity is EXHAUSTING...BUT ONE WE WOULD NEVER TRADE FOR THE WORLD...BECAUSE WE NOW HAVE MAILE IN HAND!!!!

Just wanted to share we have SOMEHOW SAFELY made it to our LAST leg of our trip to HANOI and await the VN Consulate Interview TOMORROW (TUES!!!), pick up the VISAS on WED and head to USA late WED PM, arriving hopefully ON SCHEDULE through Korean Air from Seoul to DFW at 10AM - Thurs 29 March!!!!!

I had a "You know you are in VIETNAM" antidotes but will have to write them later. We have to clean up for today & head out now.

Until later, signing off...Ms. Saigon & Maile (Thuy Trang)

Flip Flops & over 350 steps later...

2007-03-24T04:39:00.000-05:00

It's SAT (not sure the date, 23rd?) MARCH and HAPPY to report I survived ANOTHER Flip Flop event!!!! The Willis family and us boarded our PRIVATE JUNK (*Boat*) around 8am this AM to tour the infamous Ha Long Bay!!!! It was a very foggy AM but well worth bundling up for as the cool breeze whisked through our hair!!! I was waiting for "Puff the Magic Dragon" to appear as we approached the Mtn. tops & a floating FISHING House Boat.

We got off our boat to tour the FISHING HOUSE BOAT where more than the entertainment of seeing the crab, fish, eel, octopus, squid & shrimp nestled in their nets obvilious they may be purchased for the "next meal" was watching HEATHER get SOOOOO EXCITED about SEEING THESE ANIMALS!!!! I wish I had a VIDEO of HER!!!! She was halarious and we got a speedy science lesson on octupus changing colors, their large brains, etc...THEN there was the ONE FISH that I cannot even remember the name (kind of squid - Chamber Nautilus?) & Heather exclaimed it by NAME and was the one she had ONLY seen in books was NOW in REAL LIFE for her to see with her very own eyes...it was a PRECIOUS moment~!!! We have really enjoyed traveling with them and boy does ROCCO like Mr. Don. Thankfully he can relieve his parents & take flight in Don's arms since Maile will NOT let Daddy hold her (still).

So, the pinnacle of this amazing 4 hrs. journey would be when our delightful tour guide (VERY sweet young guy) said there is a TOURIST CAVE for us to walk through, but there is 70 STEPS to climb up to before entering the cave...was I up for it??? With MAILE on my HIP b/c having Daddy was NOT an option, but here we go again with the FLIP FLOP issue (as you may remember me TRYING to run in the airport in flip flops to catch our connecting flight from Seoul to Saigon, VN). Well, OF COURSE, I could NOT pass up the opportunity to tour this amazing cave and just SIT on the boat and WAIT (those who know me, know I do NOT like to sit around...let alone when there is something exciting to do.) So, off we are...with Maile on my hip and I can testify it was WELL OVER 70 STEPS UPWARD to the entrance of the cave!!!! Suddenly I was climbing what felt like Mt. Everest and about 2 years PREGNANT with a 20# baby in FLIP FLOPS!!!!! I am fortunate, I did NOT FLIP FLOP down the mega steps...I was dripping wet when we finally boarded the boat, the HARDEST work out I have had since arriving in VIETNAM!!!!

The cave was quite a sight to see, with stalagmites and stalagtites all over the place and discovered by a man who came in through the TOP Of a hole abt. 40 YEARS AGO!!!!! I think Heather said there was over 350 steps (& thankfully 1/2 of them were in the NEATLY organized cave steps). The reward for our HARD WORK was the delicious seafood lunch awaiting us about surving the million steps tour. We had FRESH crab, shrimp & fish (just like the critters we had seen earlier in the nets on the floating FISH house boat.) With spring rolls, french friesk, rice, cabbage & dragon fruit...we were sad to have the boat tour end!!! THE HIGHLIGHT was AGAIN WATCH Heather laugh with glee as she got so easily amused & tickled by 3 littl' words, "Sweet Baby Lou..." We were all laughing WITH Heather!!!!

We had a delightful time & all happy to take a 2 hour nap at our hotel rooms!!!! Now, onto getting some supper & shopping at the NIGHT MARKET. We may need to buy another suitcase as we are certainly bringing back MORE then we came with...the BEST Souvenir of all of course is the sweet, litt' busy body who has come out of her shell but still will NOT let Daddy hold her, Maile Noel Thuy Trang... We LOVE to hear her sweet soft voice sing & talk in Vietnamese!!!! I wish she could translate for me as we walk on the streets and peddlers yap at us....

Time to sign off until we get to Hanoi, PLEASE SOMEONE call my mom and the boys & tell them how much WE LOVE & MISS THEM...CANNOT wait to see them & other family/ friends on USA soil in just 4.5 days!!!!!!!!Thank you for your prayers, we still need them...LOVE & MISS YOU...

Signing off for now, Ms. Saigon

WE ARE HERE in Ha Long Bay!!!!!!!

2007-03-23T03:36:00.000-05:00

I feel so out of touch with the world of real estate, DANCE, my family, the day & time...We are living in this bubble where we just completely trust whatever VN guide/ translator is before us that speaks English too. We landed from Saigon to Hanoi airport fully trusting my friend's Viet itinerary of someone HOLDING a SIGN would be waiting for us as we got off the plane!!! Sure enough, we saw VN man: "Don & Kim-Lan Carlson Party" sign :). Amazing to be 1/2 way around the world and travel in BLIND FAITH that the $$ we paid would truly cover the transportation, hotels, tour, etc...that we paid for!!!!! God has been so soverign and continues to provide every detail of what we NEED, when we need it!!!!!!!

Before I forget, here is our ITINERARY so PLEASE someone call my mom and tell her we are OKAY :) and that we LOVE & MISS her & the boys SOOOOOO MUCH... My phone card does not work in Ha Long Bay, hopefully when we get back to Hanoi in a couple of days.

TODAY Fri. 23 March - Ha Long Bay staying at the Heritage Hotel
Sat 24 March 8-NOON Ha Long Bay Private "JUNK" boat tour :)
Sun 25 March 9 - Leave Ha Long to head to Hanoi and JOIN DILLON GROUP at Hong Ngoc Hotel (ETA: 2-3pm)
Mon 26 March - FREE day in Hanoi
Tues 27 March - VN Consulate Interview!!!!!!! (ETA 1pm)
Wed 28 March - Pick up Childrens' VISAS :) and prepare to depart VN
Thurs 29 March - Korean Air brings us from Seoul to DFW - LAND ON USA Soil!!!!!!! (ETA 10AM CST!!!!!)

This amazing littl' angel continues to be such a trooper in the events of being shuffled around, hotel to hotel, hour by hour traveling to new sites/ places...Maile (Thuy Trang) continues to sing, claps, smile & talk in VN but will STILL NOT let DON hold her. She still GRUNTS "Unnnggggghhhhhh!!!" for NO when you ask her "Do you want Ba to hold you???" She remains to be my shadow or hip hugger, but thankful she feels SAFE with me in this littl' "storm" of chaos & uncertainty for her right now. I am ENJOYING VIETNAM, but do look forward to getting HOME and "beginning our life" with routine, family/ friends, comfort of our surroundings, etc...and NOT living out of our suitcases & washes clothes out in the sink to "stretch" them out in wearing it "one more time..."

I better sign off for now, Maile is getting restless, but wanted to CONNECT with you somehow to tell you we are FINE and ALL still accounted for.... again PLEASE someone call my mom and tell her we are OKAY :) and that we LOVE & MISS her & the boys SOOOOOO MUCH...

Forever changed & grateful for the littl' life entrusted into our hearts & lives with Maile now in hand!!!!! Signing off for now... Ms. Saigon

UPDATE: FLYING TO HANOI TODAY!!!!!*

2007-03-21T20:25:00.000-05:00

Thurs. 22 MARCH 2007

We have an update and GREAT news....we had our Medical exams for our babies YESTERDAY and picked up our passports!!!! We are moving right along and excited to say it looks GOOD for us to head HOME on our designated date of THURS. 29 March...ONE WEEK from TODAY :).

We will spend our last day here in SAIGON and head to HANOI today at 3:30pm!!! Then my VN friend, Viet, coordinated a 2 DAY tour to Halong Bay :) for us with the Willis Family this FRI-SUN :). We'll meet up with the other families in Hanoi on SUN PM and hang there until we FLY HOME on THURS. 29 March, landing in DFW at 10AM!!!!!! :)

I have to run and get this littl' Missy some breakfast, but wanted to share our GREAT updates and I will write more later!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS, we need them!!!!

We are almost HOME FREE, see you soon!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOX
Don, Kim-Lan & Happy & Singing Girl, Maile Thuy Trang

ICING on the CAKE!!!!!!

2007-03-19T17:34:00.000-05:00

Tues. 20 March 2007

We had an AMAZING ending to Don's B-day...Maile (Thuy Trang) came OUT of her shell!!!!

We had the U.S. Consulate interview in Ho Chi Minh City around NOON on Mon., all 4 families (Willis, Rust, Kennedy & Carlson) were taxied with babies in hand to meet with (thankfully) an English speaking female official ushered us to a private room asking basic questions where we live, was the orphanage clean & neat, medicals on Trang, Dillon staff, etc...I was not nervous at all and no documents were needed to fumble through to provide to her. THE ONLY glich that MORTIFIED me was when Maile's shoes starting come off or something and she decided to lunge OUT OF MY LAP straight down to the floor, HEAD FIRST--RIGHT in front of the lady, hitting her head on the table. I caught her before crashing on the floor, but I thought "oh my gosh, NOW is NOT the time to fall on your head, in front of a U.S. official that we are trying to ensure approval to get your U.S. passport!!!!!" Amazingly enough, Thuy Trang did NOT cry, she was shocked & stunned like the 3 of us in the room!!! So, we passed that with flying colors (so I assume & hope!) :)

After lunch & 2 hrs. nap of snuggling, Maile & I went shopping for "Ba's" b-day (while he went with the other men to get airplane tickets to Hanoi). The whole Dillon Staff: Mr. Minh, Mr. Thomas, Ms. Jynh, Ms. Phu met all 4 families again for a traditional Vietnamese dinner...somewhere that needed us to be hurdled into a taxi & thrown on the streets dodging peddlers, scooters, cars, buses, walkers, etc...Don's b-day wish (as well as all of ours) soon became "PLEASE let me survive this taxi ride so that I can see another tomorrow!!!!!" We all made it to this restaurant where Thomas had a long table all ready set up and servers ready to deliver an amazing 6-7 course meal. I don't know how the VN people are so tiny if they celebrate eating these elaborate meals, but it's SOOOO healthy (& I presume they don't get it very often!?). We had FRESH spring rolls with peanut sauce...I LOVE them! Then fried spring rolls, Pho (VN soup), rice with 2 vegetable dishes along with the entrees of tofu, shrimp & littl' red chili peppers dish (SPICY...EVEN TOO HOT for ME!!!!-WOW) & some meat dish with bones (that I did not try, looked like too much work for such littl' meat). Then when we thought the meal was done, out came vermichelli noodles & vegetable dish!!!! It was a great time with being with the DILLON Family & Friends sharing Don's b-day & the union of our sweet babies (& U.S. Consulate interview)!!!!! On top of that, Don was presented by the Dillon family a bouquet of flowers & the BEST TASTING CAKE I have ever had!!! It was so light & fluffy between angel food cake & a white cake with whipped chocolate frosting!!!!!

The ONLY thing I know that would have made the day perfect (& Don's b-day wish come true) would be if Maile would have LET Don hold her or any form of affection...While that didn't look like it was going to happen that day, there would be a littl' surprise in store...All the babies did GREAT with the exception of Maile rocking back & forth in her high chair (with NO straps BTW) and bonked her head on the table...then it was meltdown time...and thankfully time to wrap up the wonderful dinner!! Thankfully the bump on her head did NOT appear from the FIRST fall hours early during the US Consulate Interview, but NOW there's a littl' goose egg for Passport photos on Tues!!!! ugh...

The BEST part of Don's whole b-day was the end of the day when we returned to the hotel settling in for the evening & Maile decided she did NOT want to sleep but instead SING & DANCE & play with DADDY!!!!! Yeeeaaahhhhh~!!!! Mandy called us from the US :) (*THANK YOU*) and while encouraging Don that Maile WILL open up to her "Ba", she was already making head way by singing in the bathroom with me!!! She was belting out a VN song & wanted me NOT to see her while I was taping it all, it was PRECIOUS!!! Clapping, singing and slapping the toilet seat cover...it was one of the BEST Maile moments...

The festivities continued with our littl' party when Maile opened up & laughed heartedly with Don playing peek-a-boo & catch the angel bear games...We could NOT believe this was same withdrawn littl' girl with BIG eyes, shy, quiet & so cautious & reserved...Oh my, she found her comfort zone & we were thrilled to see her share it with Daddy now!!!!!! When asking her STILL "Do you want Ba to hold you??" She GRUNTS "Unnnggghhhh" for NO, but SHE DID rub her littl' foot on his arm last night too!!!! That was progress & the best gift Don could ask for at this point!!!!! She will be VERY shy & reserved in public settings, coming home, new friends, etc...but ONCE she opens up...WATCH OUT!!!! We will all get to see a NEW side of Maile that we had only hoped for after 5 mos. of seeing this scared, quiet, BIG brown-eyed baby girl in pictures.

We go to get PASSPORT Photos done TUES. 20 Mar, yeah....something else on the docket to do...ONE more step to getting her HOME on U.S. soil...can't wait!!!! PLEASE give ALL OUR LOVE to our boys & mom for us...we MISS them terribly & tell them how much we LOVE them!!! We'll be together as FAMILY FOREVER very soon!!!

Signing off with HAPPY girl, Maile in her littl' VN pink dress!!!! :) XO Kim-Lan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "Ba" (Don)!!!!!

2007-03-18T16:53:00.000-05:00

It's MON 19 MARCH - VIETNAM time: 5AM

**UPDATE: We have our U.S. Consulate Interview in Saigon today around NOON!!!! Yeahhhhh, progress in getting paperwork & passport approval to come HOME*** Children's PASSPORT Photos on Tues & pick up passports & have medical exam this Thurs/ Friday...The goal is to have Hanoi VN Consulate Interview NEXT Mon or Tues!!!! Please keep PRAYING for the timing to be right to still fly out & arrive home 3/29/07!!!!

Don & I woke up this AM around 12:05AM with a BIRTHDAY SCREAM from Maile--it was hardly the soft spoken "oh there you are Daddy" as she rolls over, opens her eyes & catches a glance of him!!! It was more like, "AAAAHHHHHH - WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING HERE?" kind of scream!!!! She could not get a regular breathing pattern or see through the littl' slits of her eyes to know/ see that I was right next to her...poor thing. Our hearts did a RIVERDANCE TAP Dance together as she laid on my chest!! Don went downstairs to work on emails, now we have switched places...I feel like a teenager sneaking out of the house trying to slip away for a few moments before getting caught. BTW, tell my mom, I NEVER DID THIS!!! :) I will KNOW if Maile wakes up (as well as the whole hotel from the 5th floor down) if Don has to bring her to me in hysterics!!

She is my shadow or on my hip always...I may have to TEACH DANCE with her!!!! I KNOW in time Maile will learn to love & trust Don as I have (which took years really...). Whatever progress is made during our stay here in VIETNAM (if she becomes comfortable w/ Don), may help when we get home when we add the layer of MORE family with 2 awesome BIG brothers, Grandma Lizzy & Grandma Karen & Aunt Michelle...oh boy!!!! I think she will do GREAT with the boys since they are young & she played with boys at the orphanage & women care givers is all she knew...it's just DADDY we have to work on with Maile!!! NOW, I know when the agency said it could take about 9 mos. - 1 year for her to settle in at home...I see how this may be the case with us. She OPENS UP like a flower when Don is NOT around, we went shopping yesterday & Heather got a littl' video clip of Maile :), laughing, DANCIN' around in the mall!!!! She did let Ba sneak a peek at her teeth yesterday after supper with her big smiles! We thought we were making progress since she let Ba feed her & even play the "catch-the-angel bear" game for a bit...I guess right now, it's ONE step forward, TWO steps back...

A LOT has happened in her 27 mos. of life, more changes, loss, grief & sadness than some experience in 27 years!!!!

It's so hard (esp. for Don) when she let him hold her in the early days of us getting her, but NOT since G&R day!!! He has seen video & photos of her day in and day out for 5 mos....and so in love with her. THANKFULLY, Don has a revolutionary conversation with our VN friend, VIET, who was our tour guide last year when in Vietnam for the Motherland Tour. He reminded Don to remember that since Thuy Trang's birth mother had her out of wed lock, not only was there NO father present to help (from what we know)...but potentially ILL if not HATRED feelings re. MEN were brewing in the mother's heart & womb during & after pregnancy!!! That was a LIGHT BULB moment for Don...which helps with his patience level but not the longing of Thuy Trang to love him back. I KNOW the day will come that she leaps out of my arms & into his & exclaims "I love you Ba!!!" That will be a day we won't forget...it's coming...and just like EVERY THING else in this adoption pregnacy: we just don't KNOW when it's coming!!!!

Hang in there "Big Daddy," ONE day we will LAUGH about our time in VIETNAM when we asked Maile "do you want Ba to hold you?" And she would GRUNT "unnggghhhh!!!" for "NO!!" Happy Birthday Don!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Time to sneak in a shower (hopefully by myself), yesterday AM, Maile peed & pooped on the bathroom floor & then showered with me...THAT was a Maile moment!!! :)

PS- I HOPE the slide show of FIRST pictures of Maile with us showed up OK on your end, it's there but doesn't show well on my end!!!???

Now introducing....MAILE NOEL CARLSON!!

2007-03-16T07:43:00.003-05:00

Here you go....our FIRST pictures of Maile Noel Thuy Carlson from meeting her the first day on Tues. March 13 to the G&R Ceremony on Wed March 14, 2007!!! We have gone to the beach, pool, shopping, 7+ hrs. bus ride back to Saigon & more shopping since then!!!!

We will write more later, time for supper and then bedtime for Maile :). Thank you for sharing in our JOY & LOVE with our sweet baby girl!!!

God bless, Don & Kim-Lan & now Maile FOREVER!

Maile Moments

2007-03-15T08:58:00.000-05:00

Thurs. 15 March 8:47pm

We are back from Ninh Thuan to Saigon, VN - we are exhausted from the 7+ hrs. trek dodging 100's of scooters, trucks & bicycles...I just had to NOT look to keep from having a heart attack or nausea!

Here are some Maile Moments from our last 24 HRS...of officially having her FOREVER OURS yesterday 14 March!

Maile (Thuy Trang is what we've called her from the orphanage to recognize her name) fell asleep in my arms throughout the WHOLE G&R ceremony...
With the exception of 2-3 times of tolerating "ba" (Daddy) holding her, she has refused to do so...She has been my shadow & trying not to LOOK at Don whenever he was speaking to her. She would look with her eyes DOWN to walk past him to come to me. Or if I would put my finger out, she would grab it to walk with me....Right now, she has NO interest in Daddy, but I know his tender heart will endure the patience until Maile comes around and is ready~!
**She NOW knows who her Mommy is...Phu (one of the Female VN helpers) held her at lunch so I could go to the bathroom, plus I was feeling VERY nauseated from bumping bus ride. BUT!!! at our next pit stop & gave Maile to Phu again (b/c I KNEW giving Maile to Don was NOT an option) --I was gone only minutes & came back to see Maile BALLING & CRYING & SCREAMING for me!!!!!! My goodness- this sweet thing KNOWS when I am NOT around! As soon as I took her, she stopped crying! :) Thankfully I WAS able to calm her down!!!
She has NOT said a peep, only looking with those BIG DARK Brown eyes. She can tell you a whole story & HOW she feels about it, just by her LOOKS alone~!!!!
In the hotel room, where I put her down & leave for a minute, when I returned she was in the same place...never moving once...I have a feeling that is going to change VERY SOON~!!!
She has fallen asleep in my arms for naps/ bedtime with a bottle...TOTALLY the BEST feeling in the world. She eats like a littl' bird, open her mouth & let me feed her!!! She is the ONLY '2' y/o that can take 5+ bites of a CHEERIO!!!!! She will soon learn to fend for herself when she sees her BIG brothers.
JUST ONE HOUR AGO... a Whole new Maile opened up...she giggled & laughed at dinner! NOW I can't keep her still, she is singing & speaking VN phrases & laughs easily!!! WHAT smile :) she has...WOW!!!! That littl' voice is so precious & she has TEETH...we have not seen them until just now!!!! The hard part will be discipling since she is so new with us, but BOY has she OPENED UP!!!! She slaps the table, herself, Mommy...now also pinches & bites...YIKES.

I THINK I have my work cut out for me now~!!! When I found out "Thuy Trang" means shy & cautious SWEETHEART...I thought that is perfect for our baby girl...being so soft, quiet & reserved. I think it's all still true & thrilled and honored to see that feels comfortable enough with me to OPEN UP...but I need to stay "on my toes" with her too :)!!!!

Well, we are exhausted from the day, time to get bottle & to bed...we will be in SAIGON now for a few more days - through this weekend and early next...we have to apply for Maile's passport & visa & wait for HCMC Consulate Interview...then we will fly to Hanoi for the same thing before flying HOME!!! I feel like I've been gone weeks and it's only been 5 days, just another 14 days to go, IF ALL THINGS go as planned...PLEASE continue to pray for us, safety, good health & happy spirits for everyone!!!

Love & God bless you all,

NOW officially Maile Noel Thuy's mom!!! Kim-Lan (& Don)

Prov. 3:5-6

My orphan eyes meet hers...

2007-03-13T23:41:00.000-05:00

TUES. 13 MARCH 2007 3pm-5pm VIETNAM TIME

WE HAVE HER!!!!!!!!! Maile Noel Thuy Carlson is OFFICALLY OURS...I get chills just writing that!!! What an AMAZING past 24 hrs. I tried so hard to log in last night after exhaustion and emotions had consumed the 7 hrs. drive to NT & then meeting Maile (Thuy Trang is what they call her in the orphanage), but the internet was sooooooo slllllooooooowwwwww!!! Heather & I tried to wait patiently for the internet to load ONE page & it took 10 mins...we just couldn't sit through it, I was literally falling asleep waiting.

We just got back to the BEAUTIFUL Hotel here and just had to try again to see if the internet was faster & it WAS...so here I AM...to tell you-- WE HAVE SEEN, HELD, LOVED & NOW OFFICIALLY OURS, our ANGEL GIRL!!!! What a DREAM come true!!!

To back track from the last 24 hrs. - we arrived at the orphanage at 3pm - I had been practicing VN phrases on the way, would I be able to communicate with her how much we loved her already??? We saw Maile & a couple other little ones standing on top of the stairs of the 2nd floor at the gate as we pulled up. My heart was racing, tears were streaming, I was shaking and couldn't believe THIS WAS THE MOMENT to see her littl' face in person!!! A caregiver swept her away to change her outfit as we got out of the bus but within seconds of us arriving on the top steps, she appeared out of the doorway facing out to me and plummeted into my arms. There was NO soft introduction, looking at her closely and slowly, it was "here is Thuy Trang, Mama..." & I found her in my arms!!!!! She was WIDE EYED and very cautious, totally scared I'm sure but taking everything in. She had seen families come in before and the end result would be a playmate missing. Well this time it was HER TIME...we were THERE FOR HER!!!! As surreal as it was for her, it was for me...I got choked up just in awe of this most beautiful, BIG DARK eyed girl with supple olive skin & pouty lips in my arms & LETTING ME HOLD HER!!! She never cried ONCE IN MY ARMS!!!! In fact, her littl' arm was wrapped around my arm so tight like a hook, it was the BEST feeling in the world!!!!

We got the honor & pleasure of experiencing Heather & Jason hold Rocco (Tuan) for the first time & he cried at first, so unsure of the instant chaos. But with some time, he settled into BOTH Daddy & Mommy's arms!!!! Rocco was amazing, so sweet, precious & charmingl...a perfect fit for his NEW family! There were 4-5 babies on the floor & crib, I was terrified to accidently step or trip on one. A caregiver gave me "BOXED MILK" for her to drink (like a juice box but it was milk) & we sat on the foyer floor we we soaked in the moments of caregivers talking in VN, babies squeeling & crying...HOLDING Maile in my arms was a SPLICE OF HEAVEN on EARTH...

I tried to pass Thuy Trang to "ba" (daddy) - she did NOT like that...We heard her cry for the first time & boy it was a loud cry! She was mad & not going to have this strange white man hold her...she wanted to say how scared she was but could not so she cried! So, I took her and she stopped crying after getting her breathing back to a normal pattern...BUT!!! After a tour of the orphanage upstairs to see where she slept and view other babies, I tried again to see if Thuy Trang would let "ba" hold her...and SHE DID!!!! She was NOT liking it but she did NOT cry either - that's progress!!!!!

We sang lullabies to her & she was VERY aware of what was going on, constantly watching with those BIG, DARK BROWN EYES, but NOT saying a word!!!! We gave treats & candies to the other older children downstairs & they swarmed around us like bees to honey exclaiming, "me, me!!!!" We shared photos from back home & the "Grandmother" of the Centre & caregivers LOVED it, they huddled around oooohhing & ahhhhhhing over Anna (who is with her forever family in Dallas, TX) & pictures of ME in the orphanage, Maile & her NEW forever family!!!Unfortunately after our 2 hrs. visit, we had to leave, but it would be the last night without her.

WED 14 March 2007 12:37PM here in Ninh Thuan -- "FOREVER OURS" Day!!!
We woke up about 4:00am this AM & watched the video of yesterday's events with tears of joy & anticipation of getting ready for the G&R TODAY!!!! It was amazing footage & the emotions flood back...we then walked on the beach (yes, the pool walks out onto the BEACH of the PACIFIC OCEAN!!!) and watched the sunrise & picked a few seashells...Then after breakfast, it would be the event of a lifetime to officially be GIVEN Thuy Trang to be our daughter FOREVER!!!

We met with the Director of the Social Support Centre & had an "interview" where he asked about our families, future, time & effort to adopt & first and foremost...how come I didn't SPEAK VIETNAMESE if I was VIETNAMESE, even if I was an American now!!!?? But, he was very happy to know our babies were going to be loved & cared for like they were in at NT orphanage & ensured good medical care, education & future! The funniest conversation was when asking our occupations & between a Pastor, School Teacher, Financial Analyst & Dance Instructor (me) - the Dir. says, "Oh that is GOOD JOB" and smiles heartedly :).

We got to meet the social worker who accepted & did the paperwork for Maile. We tried to ask as many questions as possible but with language barrier & translation, it was a bit difficult. We didn't find out too much new informati0n but now know her birth mother lives very near by (about 2 miles away) & brought her to the orphanage last JUNE at 18 mos. old...both appeared to be in good health.

We said our good-byes & thank yous to caregivers & Directors at the centre and WITH MAILE in hand, we took her to the NT Local Justice Dept. (where our dossiers, paperwork, etc. had been processed.) While waiting for the ceremony to begin, Maile FELL ASLEEP IN MY ARMS & throughout the whole ceremony!!! I LOVED that she felt safe enough to lean up against my chest & hear my heart beating next to hers and then fall asleep. The officials welcomed us & started the 20-30 mins. ceremony through translations. We signed a few documents, paid 1 MILLION DONGS & made own decree to the officials ensuring we would care for our babies, raise them to honor the VN culture & try to bring them back to their homeland (& teach the VN language). That was it...after photos, we left the Local Justice Dept. where that would be last time we'd see one of the caregivers as we drove off...

The daddies applied for our babies' passport as we NOW begin the paperwork to BRING Maile HOME!!!! PLEASE pray we get the passport, visa, interviews, etc...all on time so we can fly home on our scheduled flight of 29 MARCH 2007!!! I cannot believe that will be 2 weeks from now, it feels like we've been gone a lifetime already...We have our baby, we just wanna come home NOW!!!! Mission accomplished :) - but not "Home free" yet...

Maile has fallen asleep in my lap again facing outward as I write to you...this DREAM come true is FAR better than I could ever have imagined...THANK YOU God for this littl' life entrusted into our arms & THANK YOU MOM & BOYS for hangin' in there until we bring Maile home!!! PLEASE know how much WE LOVE YOU and we'll be home as soon as we can!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!!!!! I feel 'bad' for you that I GOT THE BEST GIFT of all & it's YOUR B-day...don't worry, I'll share my GIFT with you SOON!!!!

LOVE YOU ALL...we head back to Saigon tomorrow & will TRY really hard to upload photos...we have taken 100's already!!!! It's truly surreal to have this baby girl NOW in person, OURS...FOREVER....Wow!!!!!

Signing off with JOY in our HEARTS, Don, Kim-Lan & NOW Maile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Jer. 29:11 "For I KNOW the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..."

11 hours & counting...tick, tick...

2007-03-12T15:48:00.000-05:00

tick...the strokes of the second hand on the clock tick...as it's now 4 AM Saigon time...the Tylenol PM has worn off and my mind is back on, in gear with full anticipation & emotions of what the next 11 hrs. will bring... I said the last post would be the "last" one before seeing Maile, and here I am again...trying to sort through my feelings/ thoughts that rush through like a wave crashing onto shore.

I think this journey back "home" to Saigon has already been more emotional for me than the first one. I am SOOOO thankful to have gone on the Motherland tour last year to see the sights and sounds of SAIGON - it feels strangely PEACEFUL and for anyone who has forged before us to VN, knows that Saigon is anything BUT peaceful as you walk across the street with NO reassurance that the rushing & beeping scooters are NOT going to hit you. You do NOT want to run across the streets of VN, you walk slowly, but agressively enough to know that they see you as a moving target and miraculously (EVERY TIME) they forge around you and zip by!!! (Well, at least I have NOT gotten hit once yet) :) - LOL - I know my mom will love hearing that one! ha.

The first trip last year to my homeland, my eyes were WIDE OPEN and just STUNNED by the craziness, chaos, peddlers on the streets, scooters/ cars honking, the bartering, on and on...then to go tour several orphanages, families on the street, factories where EVERY thing was made from scratch from clay to rice paper for spring rolls...I started seeing a connecting thread, a link that bind the VIETNAMESE people and make them so special & beautiful. It's the SPIRIT of the VN people & their LOVE for family. Families gathered around Pho (VN soup) on the streets with what feels like 110 deg. & 110% humidity, and they are just as content as can be...kids playing with barefeet near by & not a care in the world at 2pm. Their work ethic (for those who can find work) is unbeatable, their poverty level undescribeable, and yet their spirit throughout...unstoppable!

I think feeling "humbled" by my trips to VN is an understatement...it's more like "unworthiness." Why did God choose ME to be plucked out of the orphanage & land in a home with NO father, only a Grandmother & Mother to raise me?? My 2nd chance in life, once again - didn't bring a Father into my life...NO brothers, NO Grandfathers, NO male cousin. I would NOT know the strength & reassurance in ANY male role model telling, "you're pretty," "don't do this when you start dating," "make sure you..." WHATever a fatherly figure can offer a young girl with a yearning heart to "fit in" & just "belong" somewhere...Then, as time would have it...God would bless me with an incredible husband & the 2 most beautiful sons I could ever dream of!!!! My goodness God...you give me no men in my life growing up, then 1 husband & 2 boys (whom I affectionately refer to as my "3 boys" :)) - YES, God DOES have a sense of humor!! :)

Early in my dating years, I would not have seen Don as "my type," - he is "shorter" than the guys I dated & smaller framed...But, as it would turn out, Don is JUST MY TYPE...God placed into my life after years of trials & tribulations that I will not go into, a man that is STRONG in character, full of integrity & honesty, love & dedication to me & his family and with a heart bigger than his whole body! He is the smartest man I know (after serving 6 yrs. in the Air Force as a Russian linguist & now with a Masters in Finance)...and I was just SMART enough to MARRY HIM...

I am SO proud to be an AMERICAN - truly the "Land of the Free"...FREE to be who you want to be, FREE to work, FREE to find the resources to live in a house, drive a car & have a pantry FULL of FOOD. We REALLY do NOT know what a BLESSED & RICH nation we have until you see a 3rd world country like Vietnam stuck back from the passage of time from the VN War. They are still struggling to afford shelter, put shoes on their feet and know when their next meal will be. I am SO proud to be VIETNAMESE as well...a link back to my heritage in the past years has only allowed me to realize the FAMILY LINK is a bond that cannot be broken once you let yourself love & be loved...I believe I have an innate strong "work ethic" - and many know me as the "Crazy Dancin' Realtor" because of my drive to work...NOT so much to "succeed" for status, income or accolades, but merely in the motivation to minister & serve others is so great within me. How can I help you? What can I do for you? seems to be my natural tendency...trusting and receiving help...not my gig...GIVING, that is what my mother taught me is such a PRECIOUS gift. GIVING your love, your help, your TIME...gifts that cannot be bought are the BEST gifts to receive.

I will FOREVER now, more than ever believe I have ONE foot in the States and ONE foot in VIETNAM and together the link that binds the human race is the tenacity & spirit within.

THANK YOU God for the amazing gifts of LIFE that you have given through ADOPTION!!! The God who knows ALL plans, has perfectly aligned this 3rd geneation adoption journey that began Sept. 7, 1898...the day my Grandma Violet was born...I love & miss you so much!!!! I sit here right now with tears in my eyes weeping to know you are not here physically with me anymore to see the family & life I have built. I think you'd be proud of me Grandma!!!! Thank you for the 2nd chance in life for my mom. You raised an incredible daughter whom I am so proud to call "MY MOM!!!" She is my hero & I pray I can raise Maile half as well as you did MY MOM!

Signing off with a heart full of anticipation & unworthiness to be experiencing such a dream come true...Ms. Saigon

Chao Ban Again from Saigon!!!

2007-03-12T07:16:00.000-05:00

It's MON PM here in Saigon - around 7:30pm...anxiously anticipating our 7 hrs. drive to Ninh Thuan to see our babies for the first time tomorrow!!! We will be leaving at 6AM on Tues (which is 12 hrs. AHEAD of CST, so 6pm MON in TEXAS). I could not have asked/ prayed for better family to share this experience with other than Jason & Heather (getting their 1 yr. old boy - first born son for them!!!) They have been incredible, kind, friendly and feel like we've known them forever...we are blessed to share this bond & auspicious occasion of getting our babies together!!!

Heather & I are hangin' checkin' emails/ blogs...we have had a blast "resting" today filled with getting manicures, pedicures, massages & best of all, SHOPPING for GREAT deals...any ONE who knows me, knows I LOVE a GREAT deal!!!! If it's 200,000 dongs...then I will not get it unless I can get it for at least half that! Heather, Don & I were partners in crime buying watches, purses, shoes, etc...and it's ONLY the first FULL day here in Saigon, oh my!!!!

I cannot wait to get Maile in hand & shop with her to see what size she is...we got an update from Thomas today after filling out our I-600 form that Maile is about 29.5" tall and 21.5#...so I think (& hope) her 12 mos. clothes will fit for now but I predict she will grow quickly into 18 mos. this summer with some PROTEIN & VEGETABLES...the main things lacking from her rice/ noodle soup & milk & very littl' fruit- diet!!! We got an update on her schedule & she is up around 5-6am (YIKES) and goes to bed around 9pm with a bottle & still takes naps :) - (YEAH)...and plays in between...with what I am not sure, since they do NOT have anything!!!

I know the upcoming days will be EMOTIONAL to say the least and surreal for a while...to see pictures of our sweet baby girl, day in and day out, over and over again for 5 mos. now, I just cannot believe she will be LIVE & IN PERSON tomorrow for my eyes to see....I get chills EVERY time thinking about it...

THANK YOU for allowing me to share with you this 3rd generation adoption (YES, I said 3rd generation - MY MOM was adopted too domestically) and then me from Saigon, VN and to make a FULL CIRCLE back to VIETNAM to bring home a daughter is more than this happy heart can handle...Here's a littl' poem I wrote a month or so ago:

LOVE'S FULL CIRCLE:
Kim-Lan, adopted into America, the "Land of the Free..."
Destined to be Sandy's littl' girl for the world to see.
VIETNAM bound: Don & Kim-Lan have traveled to get their angel from above...
THANK YOU for celebrating in Maile Noel Thuy Carlson, a gift of God's LOVE!!!!!

To God be all the glory, signing off until we see Maile for the FIRST time...Ms. Saigon
"In love, He predestined us to be ADOPTED as His children through Jesus Christ..." Eph. 1:5

WE ARE HERE IN SAIGON, VIETNAM!!!!

2007-03-11T12:32:00.000-05:00

I think it's like 1am now on the 12th of March!??? We have just landed after traveling for over 24 hrs. I did NOT take a watch and I was so confused on what time it was in Texas, Seoul, Saigon, what day it was, how much longer on the flight, etc.... Exhaustion has filled my body but joy & excitement race through in anticipation of the next few days.

We found Heather & Jason from SC (who will be traveling with us to NT to get 1 y/ o boy) & then also Carla & Mike from OK (they will go to Vinh Long to get 3 y/o boy) - at DFW airport...all on the same flights! We will meet Rachel & Tim from SD for breakfast in a few hours (going to Vinh Long -to get 3 y/o girl) breakfast.)

Our lay over was more than stressful trying to transfer planes & get through security with ONE LINE & then running in my FLIP FLOPS to the end of the terminal to get to gate 41!!!! Now, I realize why I always wear tennis shoes when traveling and don't know why I didn't this time... I will be buying a pair today & a WATCH!!! Like my littl' Sammy, I love to know the numbers...what time is it here and in TX???

I was teary-eyed on the plane reading again through Maile's birth mother's paperwork on the plane...just as I embark on being Maile's FOREVER Mommy, I know it is ONLY because of the LOVE of her birthmother that we have this little life soon-to-be in our arms!!! Maile's birth mom took her to Ninh Thuan Orphanage ONE day before she turned 18 mos. old on June 12 of 2006...Her birth mother's b-day is Sept 4, right between mine & Joseph's...so many thoughts/ emotions run through my head...what was the decision like for that moment of Maile's birth mother to say, "ok, I want a better/ longer life for you...I give you a new opportunity with another family..." Oh my heart aches for her, a face I will never meet but a heart I can pray for always... I hope somehow, someway the orphanage can relay to her that Maile is going to a GOOD HOME filled with LOVE, big brothers & resources to reach her fullest potential. I just want her birthmom to know that, I can only pray she will know that in her heart someday...

Landing at 11:30pm in Saigon on Sun 3/11...we were all so relieved to meet Minh, Thomas & Tinh greeting us with a Dillon sign among the 100's, I mean 100's of people greeting their family members!!! It's quite a sight to see...you feel like a celebrity but in reality you are a peon in a foreign land, helpless & looking for someone to understand English... I got teary eyed again when the emotions flooded me of realizing I was "back HOME" again to see my homeland and this time return with a littl' girl in hand...WOW...It felt like I was just here and yet a year ago...a lifetime of events have happened in between as well... We will look forward to meeting up again with Phat from MY adoption agency (AIAA) & Viet who was our tour guide on my Motherland Tour last March 2006.

I cannot believe STILL this is happening, it's surreal...all I have to say before signing off is "Maile: we are HERE and we are coming to get you sweet baby girl!!!!!!!!!!!!" Each moment we are closer :) ...March 13th & 14th will be days I will NEVER forget...meeting Maile for the first time & then having her "Forever Ours" on the 14th!

Michelle & friends: PLEASE tell my mom & the boys we LOVE them & HUG 'em around the necks for us! My heart broke to see Samuel cry on our send off...PLEASE just tell them how much we love them & that we are so proud of them!!!!! Our mission will soon be accomplished and we'll be bringing their littl' sister HOME!!!!

Signing off for now as I will TRY to get some rest for the adventure that awaits us, Ms. Saigon

8 HOURS before we leave for VIETNAM!!!

2007-03-10T00:43:00.001-06:00

This is my final entry before departing DFW to head to VIETNAM to get our sweet baby girl... I do not know what pictures I will be able to post on our jouney, but here's a few of our family as well as those that we will be traveling with on this AMAZING journey of adoption!!! God is good, we have 4 families traveling with March 14th G&R (Giving & Receiving dates) and 2 will go to Vinh Long & 2 will go to Ninh Thuan & then we will all meet up again back in Saigon after receiving our babies to start the paperwork to head HOME! Here's our itinerary, of course, anything could change...PLEASE pray we are able to fly home on 29th of March to land on USA soil!!!

Sat - Mon. Mar 10-12: Fly from DFW to Saigon, VN (rest day on Mar 12)
Tues. Mar 13: drive to NT (7 hrs!!) - Meet Maile for the FIRST time!
Wed. Mar 14: G&R set for 9AM "FOREVER OURS" Day!!! - Apply for Maile's passport
Thurs. Mar 15: head back to Saigon (aka HCMC - Ho Chi Minh City)
Fri - Sun. Mar 16-18: submit passport & dossiers to ICS in HCMC & rest days
Mon. Mar 19: DON'S B-DAY!!! - Wed. Mar 21: Appt. with ICS in HCMC !?
Thurs-Fri. Mar 22-23: Health check / pick up passport
Sat. - Sun. Mar 24th-25th: Fly to Hanoi & wait for Exit interview in Hanoi
Mon-Wed Mar 26-28th: Interview in Hanoi & pick up Visa & prepare to fly HOME!
Thurs. Mar 29th: 10AM - hopefully landing on USA soil at DFW airport (PRAYING SO!)

Here's to an UNFORGETTABLE delivery of the 3rd generation adoption in my family...THANK YOU Grandma for adopting my mom, THANK YOU MOM for adopting me...and now I share God's love & faithfulness in adopting our daughter!!

Signing off, Ms. Saigon

"In a place that won't let us feel...In a world where nothing seems real...I have FOUND YOU, I have found you! In a world where nothing can last, in a world that's moving too fast....I WILL HOLD YOU, I will hold you...Our lives will change when tomorrow comes..." (excerpt from lyrics "Last night of the World" - Broadway Musical: Ms. Saigon

35 HOURS...tick tick...

2007-03-08T22:10:00.000-06:00

The countdown is on....

We are in HIGH GEAR to try to wrap things up...so I really should NOT be blogging, I should be PACKING!!! I am talking on the phone right now with my best friend in MICHIGAN, Sybil....HAPPY 2nd Birthday today JULIAN!!!!Lots of MARCH Birthdays of my closest family...Matthew on 7th, Julian on the 8th, Michelle on the 14th, Don on the 19th, Jeremy on the 28th...AND now receiving our DAUGHTER, Maile on the 14th!!!

It's surreal the anticipation that lies ahead, literally like "DELIVERY" all over again...but the LONGEST one yet! My first born son was 22 hours long, the 2nd son was about 8 hours...now our first daughter...hmmm-when do you start the clock? If we will start "labor" on SAT 10 March when we get on th plane, then delivery will be 93 HOURS long from when she is "Forever Ours" on 14 March 2007 at 9AM!!! Wow...I pray the LABOR is NOT too painful...ahhhhhh! I know there will be NO epidural for this delivery, that's OK, I wouldn't want it anyway...good or bad - I want to experience it all!

Back to packing--so signing off for now...

THANK YOU for your love & support!!! We are blessed to have you on this journey with us...God bless you!

Forever in awe of Him, Kim-Lan
Phil. 1:3

56 HOURS & counting....YIKES

2007-03-08T01:02:00.000-06:00

Oh my gosh....
I am really starting to freak out now...I am SOOOOO Excited to see this sweet baby girl in person, but the reality is I'm NOT ready - physically!!! I have waited over 18 mos. for this moment in time, and the clock is spinning at warp speed and my brain is spinning - just as fast! What if I miss something big - paperwork wise? what size is she? will she scream & cry when she meets us? am I ready for diapers, bottles, nap times (YES to that one!) again??? I KNOW this is our time, but I feel like I have so many loose ends to tie up...can the DANCE Studio run without me? will ALL the bills be paid? Have I ordered all the costumes correctly? I am REALLY NOT that worried, I don't think!? But, I just feel like I have to be working every second until my hiney is sitting on that PLANE to go to Saigon!!!
I had "the talk" with my agency today re. our detailed itinerary and I am pretty bummed we are NOT going to see our babies any sooner than around 3PM on Tues. March 13th. I had hoped to be leaving on MON March 12th to Ninh Thuan so we could be there bright & early on Tues the 13th, and spend more time with the babies/ children- but that's not going to happen...BUMMER!!! I have to take comfort that on WED 14th of MARCH 2007 - the most incredible BEAUTIFUL, Hand-picked littl' girl for us will be entrusted into our care, hearts & home forever!!!!

"WHEN LOVE TAKES YOU IN...EVERYTHING CHANGES...A MIRACLE STARTS WITH THE BEAT OF A HEART...WHEN LOVE TAKES YOU...IT TAKES YOU IN FOR GOOD..." (Steven Curtis Chapman)

We are so in love with this sweet baby girl, it truly is SURREAL to be able to see her in person in less than ONE week!!! Oh God please don't wake me up from this DREAM...

When you think of us, PLEASE pray for:

Safe travels as we go to Seoul, Saigon, Ninh Thuan, back to Saigon, Hanoi, Seoul & then home to DFW...(& anywhere in between!)
Our health & stamina to be strong -- we have been sick the past few weeks!!!
My MOM (who is my hero, the most amazing woman of courage, strength, love & heart)! She will be caring for the boys in our absence 10 Mar - 29 Mar
our boys to LOOK after "Grandma Lizzy" (my mom) vs. the other way around - pray the boys are SAFE & Healthy too please!!!
blessings & care of EACH & every friend/ neighbor help caring for the boys!!! What an amazing circle of friends/ support we have here!!! THANK YOU!!!
Maile's HEART to be as open and prepared as she needs to be to know WE LOVE HER & have been praying for her for over 2+ years now...

Here's to a JOURNEY of a LIFETIME...through the miracle of ADOPTION!!! What a legacy from my Grandma Violet giving to my mom- then to me- now onto my daughter...Forever humbled...forever changed!!!

Signing off...Ms. Saigon
"Trust in the Lord...He will direct your paths..." Prov. 3:5-6

"Happy New Year" to MAILE in Vietnam!

2007-02-18T21:29:00.001-06:00

TODAY is TET (the Vietnamese & Chinese New Year Day!!!) We had quite a celebration of LOVE today showering Maile Noel Thuy with gifts, message board/ notes, video, song...and warm friendships. I was shaking like a leaf almost the whole shower, not only trying to keep the G&R date a SECRET until the right moment, but just all the attention & gifts given was quite overwhelming. I know how I felt today with so much focus on me, I cannot imagine how overwhelmed Maile will be in her transition to the States & the "Crazy" Carlson Krew!!!! It was such a great shower, THANK YOU Susan, Alisha & Jolin for your amazing hospitality, generosity and love!!! The hand-frosted cookies & message board from Susan was so spectacular...I cried for minutes looking at the "Maile board!!"

I know one highlight for me (as well as my friends) was having Mandy there who just returned from Ninh Thuan, Vietnam adopting her littl' girl ANNA. She is also '2' & was in the SAME orphanage as Maile...they were PLAYMATES together & we found each other...living 1 hr. apart! What a gift to give our girls!!! The ONLY thing I wanted guests to do that didn't happen was leave a message for Maile on the VIDEO CAMERA...so if you want, post a comment here & we will keep it for Maile to know those who came, celebrated and prayed for her safe journey HOME!!!!

From the bottom of our hearts, we cannot thank you enough for sharing your time, prayers, gifts & love for our sweet baby girl...there was much laughter, love & tears throughout, what amazing group of ladies I have been honored enough to call "friend." It was so humbling to see my circle of friends from church, school, the Y, real estate, dance, etc...come together to share ONE thing in common: Our LOVE for you Maile Noel!!!!!!!! I wish my best friend from MI, Sybil, could have been there...I know she was in spirit... I hope you get to meet her & "her 3 boys" THIS summer! It's a RELIEF to be able to shout at the ROOFTOPS our G&R date now to come get you Maile...I have tried to keep it a secret since 12 Feb 2007! Yikes. The dance studio will find out this week and everyone will know soon enough that on 14 Mar 2007, you'll be "Forever Ours..." I really don't know how to adequately ever thank everyone for their incredible kindness & generosity, but I pray they will feel it from our hearts to theirs.

Stay tuned, NOW the exciting journey is on the horizon...we have bought our plane tickets for 10 Mar - landing in Saigon, 11 Mar at 10:40pm (YIKES!!!) - then recover on Mon the 12th, leave at 6am on the 13th to see our baby girl for the FIRST time & then Wed. 14th of March will be the G&R ceremony! If all goes as planned, we'll have a flight back to DFW landing on 29th of Mar at 10am!!!! Details to follow Maile's homecoming...it will be as emotional of a day as it was today, if not more so... Wow, my cup runneth over today...Thank you God, Thank you Mom, Thank you FRIENDS!!!

Humbling touched with gratitude, on behalf of Maile...we thank you!
Kim-Lan & her 3 boys
(24 days until we get Maile!!!)

"In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His children..." -- Eph. 1:5

Maile Noel...we are coming for YOU!!!

2007-02-14T23:17:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day 2007...

I can stand it no longer...I have to share with you, ONE WEEK of Maile's dossier heading to Hanoi, it was approved & sent with ours back to her Province. Then, onto the Local Justice Dept & the People's Committee to set the "Giving & Receiving Date." We have a G&R date to get our baby girl, Maile Noel Carlson ONE MONTH from TODAY, March 14, 2007...we will officially be "DELIVERED" our first daughter!!! With over 18 mos. into this adoption pregnancy (& feeling VERY pregnant), we will see, hold & get to keep our baby girl!!

In keeping Maile's identity confidential until we bring her HOME, I am sharing a couple pictures from the incredible orphans from last year (Mar 2006) when I visited my homeland & orphanage for the first time. It's like Christmas AM when you see their faces light up with blowers, "Hot Wheels" cars, stickers, etc. and feeding them like littl' birds, candies that they did NOT know to take the WRAPPERS off!!!! It's the MOST humbling experience I have ever had and I consider it an HONOR to make a FULL Circle in my life!!! My mom was adopted (domestically), then I was adopted from Vietnam and then to adopt myself - the 3rd generation now! Wow, what an AWESOME God we serve...

Stay tuned for updates as the real EXCITING part of the journey begins...I will welcome diapers, feedings, bottles, rocking, etc...just to hold my baby girl in my arms--NOT looking forward to the "sleepless" nights, I get very little rest as it is nowadays. But, Maile Noel Thuy Carlson, we are so in LOVE with you and we are COMING to get you sweet, baby girl...

Counting down the days until March 14th, 2007...a day we'll never forget!

Kim-Lan & her 3 boys...but not for much longer

Phil. 1:3

Maile's Paperwork is onto HANOI !!!

2007-02-05T21:52:00.000-06:00

I am very excited to report an update in our "5000+ baby steps" to get Maile Noel Carlson....We got an email today saying Maile's paperwork (dossier) has been sent to Hanoi to match up with our dossier!!! Then, once approved (upto 1-2 weeks), it will go BACK to her Province for the Local Justice Dept. for review (upto 2-4 weeks.) Once that is approved, it will be onward to the "People's Committee" who will SET our G&R (Giving and Receiving) DATE!!!!! YES, that is the BIG Date we are waiting for!!! Ahhhhhh...

So, we are PRAYING that TET (Vietnamese New Year) does NOT slow down too much of our paperwork time! As we KNOW in the U.S.A., Christmas & New Year tends to slow down businesses for weeks as well...ugh. We covet your prayers that Maile & our dossiers will be sent back to her province BEFORE TET (Feb. 18th)!!! Hey, why not pray to the God of miracles who can do ANYTHING!!!

If ANYONE knows of anyone with travel perks/ points/ bonus miles - PLEASE let me know if they can help with any travel arrangements for us (2 roundtrip adults & 1 child- ONE way ticket home!) We know God will continue to provide HIS amazing faithfulness...To Him be all the glory.
Anxiously awaiting a G&R date for Maile!!! Kim-Lan & her 3 boys (but not for long!)

"Trust in the Lord...He will direct your paths..." Prov. 3:5-6

Time to order our VISAS!!! :)

2007-02-01T22:32:00.000-06:00

Hello Family/ Friends…

Well, today marks MONTH 17 of our ADOPTION PREGNANCY…and believe me, I feel VERY PREGNANT!!!! We are so ready for this sweet baby girl, it’s not even funny!!! God continue to give us our little RAINBOW in the STORM as we get a snip-it of Maile (My-lee) Noel here and there…. I was concerned & prayed about missing my 1st Student Concert for my dance studio in June, then we continue to see how God works! We get an email 2 days ago to ORDER OUR VISAS for TRAVEL!!!! (The Visa applications are already in the mail!) Our adoption agency said to order a 3 mos. VISA from 01 Mar-01 June because NO travel date is set yet!! Thank you God, we needed this!!! It’s NOT a G&R (Giving and Receiving) date YET -- but it's still progress (G&R date will be our DELIVERY DATE of when Maile Noel Thuy Carlson will be ours forever)!!

The next big thing we want to hear is that Maile's dossier (paperwork) has gone to Hanoi to match up with our dossier!!! With TET (Chinese/ Vietnamese New Year), many offices are closed and will slow down the process!!! We are still PRAYING for MARCH/ EARLY APRIL travel date to get Maile ASAP and bring her home way before my dance studio's FIRST Student Concert mid-June!!! We covet your prayers on this painstaking process that is "slow as molasses." But, we KNOW Maile is meant for us and we'll be ready when they say "come and get her!!!" I will keep you posted...

Take care...signing off for now, Ms. Saigon

PLEASE PRAY...

2007-01-25T21:44:00.000-06:00

Today, I got an email from our adoption agency stating the main Director in the VN program is RESIGNING...Ugh...while it stated that it wouldn't delay our paperwork, I'm VERY nervous it will--not to mention TET (VN & Chinese New Year) is in FEB!!!

I KNOW God is teaching me lessons in Patience, but it still wouldn't hurt to PRAY for a miracle...to open the way & process our paperwork ASAP to get our little angel waiting for us in VIETNAM...getting bigger and growing older by the day! My heart is so sad, this ADOPTION PREGNANCY is very frustrating esp. now going into month 17 of this journey!!!

If you happen to read this blog before we travel and YOU or KNOW of anyone that has AA World Points that they are willing to TRANSFER into my name, PLEASE let me know...we humbly ask for any donations to help us get points for at least ONE ticket to VN. That would be so much appreciated...

Well, here's to another night of us being away from Maile, praying for a G&R (Giving and Receiving) DATE soon, ideally MARCH or EARLY April travel date!!!

To Him be ALL the glory in bringing Maile home to us!
Signing off, Ms. Saigon....

Leaning on: Jer. 29:11 tonight..."For I KNOW the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..."

Encore Centre for DANCE Slide Show!

2007-01-17T22:35:00.000-06:00

Encore Centre for DANCE in the makings!!

2007-01-17T17:43:00.000-06:00

Thank you Susie for sharing how to set up a slideshow. I am test running it on my blog to practice for when we adopt our baby girl, Maile (My-lee) Noel from Ninh Thuan, Vietnam this Spring 2007!

Above is Encore Centre for DANCE slideshow, a true testimony to God's faithfulness and provision, all from His calling upon my heart to open my first dance studio. I LOVE Encore, the vision & mission, but most of all, the DANCERS that make it all worth while! I am blessed beyond words...and also, to see the handiwork of God in weaving another miracle in our lives as we adopt our baby girl and we cannot wait to bring Maile HOME to her "forever family."

"Saigon, Vietnam is truly where my life starts...
but for Sandy Howard, it would begin in her heart.
She adopted me so I could have "the American Dream"
and see all God's blessings in the "Land of the Free..."
Now is the time, for my wings to take flight...
Opening my first dance studio & a littl' girl in sight.
Making a FULL Circle, Maile Noel, you will see...
God's blessings in life to be the best you can be!"

We LOVE you, Maile, we are coming for you soon!!!
To God be ALL the Glory!
Your FOREVER Family, Kim-Lan & her 3 boys!

"Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, lean NOT on your own understanding. But, in ALL your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths..." (Prov. 3:5-6)

Good-bye Sweet Lynn Newman

2007-01-06T07:53:00.000-06:00

The grief has consumed me and the guilt of not attending my sweet friend, Lynn's memorial service haunts me. I found out she passed away from the battle of breast cancer one day after her service. I had her website bookmarked, followed her journals & progress and while away on Christmas vacation, she passed away and I didn't know about it. She was so beautiful, precious and sweet...I always wanted to help more, take a meal, be with her and I idly sat by, waiting for the blessing to be called upon.
Obviously, we are ALL busy with "life" and it's time of death, we know how very mortal we are. I am THANKING God for a few gifts already from Lynn, the gift of just knowing her, the gift of HER BODY being NEW now and looking "just right" and the gift her husband, Dave, and her children (Taylor & Jacob) knowing JESUS and the PROMISES from God.

How can anyone watch a loved one die or any major life-battle and not know the gift of Jesus and Salvation? I don't know how they get through it...Praise God, they know who HE is!! HE is the Mighty God that will continue to hold them in the palm of His hands and carry them through this. Death is not for the ones gone, but for the ones left behind...to teach us God gives and takes all. He always sees the bigger picture we cannot! God knows every hair on our head, every day of our life and calls us each by name.

How can I better serve Him today in the life of my children, husband, mom, friends, dancers??? Please God use me today that I might be a LIGHT for you...a light went out on 29 Dec. 2006, when we lost Lynn Newman. "I Can Only Imagine" how she is DANCING now. I love you Lynn, forever in my heart...Kim-Lan (Jer. 29:11)

Mung Chua Giang Sinh!!

2006-12-31T00:46:00.000-06:00

I get teary eyed as I think about the INCREDIBLE 2006 the Carlsons had this year...on many fronts, amazing JOYS and rays of HOPE with the referral of Maile (My-lee) Noel on Oct. 16. We started SEPT. 01, 2005 and now 16 mos. into this the "Adoption Pregnancy" - we feel like we are FINALLY in the LAST Trimester! I also remain humble and grateful for wrapping up the first semester of Encore Centre for DANCE!!! Wow, God, how can I ever THANK YOU for showing me your AMAZING Faithfulness in the midst of some storms, you continue to provide the RAINBOWS!!! And to my family, my Mom & the boys: I thank you from my heart to yours...for your incredible SUPPORT and LOVE to endure all the hurdles & challenges, you are so AWESOME! YOU ROCK!

We seem to still have so many more steps to go before bringing Maile home from Ninh Thuan, VIETNAM. I know you wonder ALL the steps involved, I do too! Hopefully this outline will help you (& me) to understand the painstaking process and please continue to PRAY for stamina & provisions spiritually, financially, physically & emotionally as we wait for GOD'S timing of it all!!!

After a referral of a child has been accepted and the family has returned the paperwork to Dillon, we will prepare the acceptance documents to be sent to Vietnam. The following is an outline of what occurs once your paperwork arrives in Vietnam:

Your dossier and acceptance papers are sent to Ho Chi Minh City to our attorney, Thomas. When Thomas receives your dossier, he will forward it to a translator. The translation process can take 1-4+ weeks.

After your dossier has completed the translation process, Thomas will send it to the International Adoption Department (IAD) in Ha Noi. The IAD will review your dossier, and, if they are satisfied with all the documents, they will give your dossier a log-in date. You can estimate you will travel within 3-6 months of this log-in date.

After the IAD has given your dossier a log-in date, they will send a letter to your child’s province requesting that the Local Justice Department begin compiling your child’s legal documents, which is also called the child’s dossier. This process can take up to 30 business days.

Once the IAD in Ha Noi receives your child’s dossier, they will review your child’s dossier and your dossier. After they are satisfied with all the dossier documents, they will forward your family's dossier and the child's dossier back to your child’s Local Justice Department in your child’s province.

When the Local Justice Dept. in your child’s province receives your dossier and your child’s dossier, they will forward the dossier documents to the People’s Committee and then the People’s Committee will set a date and time for the Giving and Receiving Ceremony.
Families should have approximately two weeks notice before travel.

From my dear friend, Michelle's favorite verse: Jer. 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..."

To Him be ALL the Glory! God bless you now & always as we enter another day and year... Kim-Lan & 3 boys (Don, Joseph & Samuel) & our baby girl (now '2') waiting for us 1/2 around the world

LOG IN Date = Dec. 25th for our Baby Girl!

2006-12-26T20:37:00.000-06:00

Well, what a Christmas it has been!!! The week before Christmas we had one DR wall, all of our LR and 3 BRs painted to get ready for Baby Girl Carlson...not any too soon!!! Just found out TODAY, that we have a LOG IN Date into Vietnam (meaning our dossier is officially registered in the VN system!) We are told 3-6 mos. still to travel and of course, praying closer to 3 mos. than 6 mos...Ideally just after the 24th of MARCH and well before Encore Centre for DANCE's first student concert (set for mid June!)

God knows the timing of it all, He has been orchestrating them both all along... TWO dreams coming true, adopting my baby girl and opening my first dance studio!!! I am sure He will work it all out...Just wanted to share that exciting news...more details to come...

Here's to a STELLAR 2007, can't wait!!! Bring it on!
God bless, Kim-Lan and the CRAZY Carlson Krew
Prov. 3:5-8

Encore Centre for DANCE in our first Parade!

2006-10-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for Little Elm's Homecoming Parade (Oct. 2, 2006)
Off to a great start...
We did it, at the finish line!

Steps in ADOPTION and DANCE...

2006-07-26T23:34:00.000-05:00

Wow, where has the summer gone, SO much to do, SO little time... we continue to make BABY Steps to get our BABY GIRL CARLSON!! Here's the updates of our CRAZY LIVES:

We had to get the APPROVAL letter from CIS re-issued as it had MY fingerprints expired 7/21/2006 (!!!) while Don’s expired 7/21/2007

We had to re-order the local police department letters since our notary expired LESS than ONE year from issue date

We had to get updated medical letters re. our “current health” since there was ONLY ONE copy and NEEDED 2 copies per spouse…

We SENT OFF OUR DOSSIER paperwork SAT. 22 JULY 2006!!!!! Now, we wait as the agency and Vietnam certify, authenticate & translate our file….HOPEFULLY and prayerfully within the next 6 mos. or LESS, we will have more info. on our little girl that will be handpicked for us, get WRITTEN INFORMATION ON HER FIRST, then after acceptance a PICTURE OF HER!!! Please keep us in your prayers as we boldly move into a New Year with a NEW baby girl in the house!!! Can’t wait…God is so good.

AND!!!! For those who do not know, I also covet your prayers on the GRAND OPENING of my new DANCE STUDIO, Encore Centre for DANCE!!! Yes, I’m sure by now you think I am utterly CRAZY working in real estate, adopting a sweet baby girl from VIETNAM and now opening a DANCE STUDIO as well… Enclosed is our vision statement and it’s been TOTALLY GOD leading and blessing the past few months as we plan to OPEN THIS AUGUST. I beg for your prayers on a PERMIT Approval for sign and build out ASAP!!! May God bless each and every dancer, teacher, idea/ movements that occur at Encore Centre for DANCE!!!! He had brought us so far, it’s truly amazing and humbling…and VERY OVERWHELMING as well. Please pray my heart will remain steadfast and willing to serve God and these dancers and be a LIGHT for Him as I pursue my PASSION for DANCE through Him!!! Check out our website: www.EncoreCentreForDance.com

God bless you always,

Kim-Lan and her 3 boys (and soon to add 1 littl’ girl ½ way around the world!!!!!)

Real Dreams DO come True...

2006-07-26T23:20:00.000-05:00

Kim-Lan pursues PASSION for DANCE as she opens "Encore Centre for DANCE" this summer!

Ms. Kim-Lan (Owner/ Exec. Dir.) & Ms. Michelle (Artistic Director) debuts "Encore Centre for DANCE" as Little Elm's FIRST Dance Studio at Little Elm, TX July Jubilee 2006.

"Encore Centre for DANCE" makes it debut in Frisco, TX at 4th of JULY FRISCO Freedom Fest- 2006

Encore Centre for DANCE Studio Pictures

2006-07-26T23:00:00.000-05:00

Encore Centre for DANCE becomes the FIRST Dance Studio in Little Elm, TX - Aug. 2006
Ms. Kim-Lan (Owner) and Ms. Michelle (Artistic Director) outside the new studio
Ms. Kim-Lan & Ms. Michelle dancin' in "new space" (studio A)

Spirit of Saigon

2006-04-13T06:19:00.000-05:00

Working in the rice fields...

Girls on the street...

Family floating by...

The orphans letting us give them candy, they didn't know to take wrapper off. They let us feed them like little birds...Precious!!

Back to the Lone Star State

2006-04-03T20:35:00.000-05:00

03 April 06 8:30pm CST

Well, after 23 hrs. of traveling half way around the world, through 3 time zones and days and hours lost...we are finally home to the bright, colorful, "new" town of Frisco, TX (in comparison to Saigon).

What an incredible journey-of-a-lifetime, hard to put into words. The beauty in Saigon, Vietnam goes beyond the Notre Dame Cathedral, Mekong Delta, Saigon River, etc...but the true beauty is in the humility and spirit of the Vietnamese people. They were happy to wave, smile & shake your hand (& LOVED getting their picture taken) & sit for hours just fellowshipping with one another. While the traffic was more than I could bare, way too stressful for me...I thoroughly enjoyed the sights & sounds of Vietnam & going back "home."

I am humbled by the "land of the free" as I live as an American and still remain with one foot in Vietnam as well...forever longing to return back to know more about my roots, my culture, my heritage...my people as well. We went back to my orphanage (which is now a school for the blind as well as several active orphanages...what a ministry to see them, love them, hug them and give them goodies, candy, toys, etc) The smiles on their faces were priceles! Many little ones did not even know how to eat candy, one took the starburst I gave her and put the whole thing in her mouth, wrapper and all!!! The littlest thing, like unwrapping a candy and putting in your mouth, I took for granted...they would let me feed them like little birds- it was precious!

I just have to learn the language to really communicate to a new level with them. I was often asked, "where do you come from?" When a translator would say, "Vietnam, Kim-Lan was born here..." They would reply, "How come she doesn't speak Vietnamese?" Hopefully, when we return to get our little girl, we will have some VN language skills in place!?

Please pray for our paperwork/ Dossier to wrap up efficiently & bring our daughter home soon!

Thank you for sharing in this journey with me, much more to come...

Signing off, Ms. Saigon