Meeting Angus

We went to Mum & Dads for dinner to meet the Hudson Family, and in particular so Angus can meet Nate.  We had yummy Tranmere roast which I will post about another time because they are so good they deserve their own post.  Nate also discovered a love of roast vegetables and in particular pumpkin (Dad is thrilled as he hates roast pumpkin).

Angus spoiled Nate by spending his pocket money on some strawberries and a matchbox car for him.  How nice is that!!!
 

More out and about time

This afternoon we went to visit Uncle Heath for his Birthday.  Nate got to play with his cousin Phoebe which he loves to do.  We all got to hear about her new school and the new friends she has made.  Uncle Heath also cracked open his birthday pressie (Blue Label Johnny Walker) for some sampling. 

This communal bathing is a hoot

Tonight we visited the Curry's for dinner.  They cooked us real food - it seems like the run of takeaways is coming to an end - yippee.  The highlight for Nate was another communal bath. Lots of splashing and great fun.

Nate also gave up his first cuddles to Uncle Paul.
 

Happy Valentines Day

Firstly I want to say Happy Valentines Day to my dear sweet hubby.  He surprised me this morning with a lovely bunch of roses....I love ya my teddy bear.

Nate had his first official planned "playdate" with Jake and Madi in his new play space (our family room).  They had great fun together playing with the cars and the blocks.
 

After a midday nap, Nate went off to meet his Great Grandma.  It was cards day at her house so he also got to meet Grans' card playing friends who I am sure were thrilled to see him too. Nate was quite impressed with G.Gran, so much so that he kept wanting her to pick him up......
 
After that visit it was off to visit some more new playmates - Keeley & Ethan.  Again lots of fun to be had and he even had his first communal bath!!  He also got to meet Auntie Cath, Uncle Jason and Auntie Mary and was spoilt with some great pressies.
 

First full day at home

Being the first full day home we had a bit of organizing to do.  We had decided earlier to turn over the family room over to Nate.  We needed to remove the grown up things and replace them with a colourful carpet and storage boxes for his 'little people' and blocks.   We had also set up our foxtel to show the kids tv.  Sadly we have discovered that our big ole tv has just about died.  Good picture and fuzzy/popping sound.  Oh well I guess that means more shopping.....

We took Nate out to the local shopping centre - trying to get him used to a car seat.  He doesnt like sitting still for too long and is used to being unrestrained in the back of the car (playing with the folks).  Anyways he did ok and each time he sits in it it's a little less painless for us all.
Last night we took Nate over to have some playtime with his new best mates; Jake and Madi.  I have to say that it was like they have known each other for ages.  They got on so well it was beautiful.  Even hugs and kisses all round to end the night!!

We also tried him out in his new high chair to have his breaky (weetbix, banana and vegemite on toast).  We had anticipated the worst considering his dislike of being strapped to a seat, but he loved it.  He was also quite happy to have his lunch and dinner there too.


The other highlight of his day today was meeting his Uncle Heath. It didn't take long before they were playing like boys do.

Journey Home

Finally the time has come to leave the City Of Angels (Bangkok).  It holds a little sadness for us as we say goodbye, but we are taking the best part of Bangkok with us.  I don't think there is anyone in the group who is not desperate to get home now.  This does not make the prospect of a long plane trip home any better.  We left the hotel at midday and as soon as we arrived at the airport, learned that we could not book our luggage in until 4.30 pm.
  So it was Burger King lunch for all, taking it in shifts of watching Nate.  At about the time to book in he decided to put on his grumpy pants and cried/screamed for the next couple of hours.  To our delight he threw himself down onto the concrete floor giving himself a huge new lump on his forehead.  He was overtired as we could not squeeze in a morning sleep.   Finally we decided to give Phenergan a go, but as his stubborn streak took over he resisted every urge to sleep.  An hour into the flight he gave in and slept, albeit restlessly until Sydney.   Then once we got onto the domestic flight it was lights out again.  He sucks him thumb or finger for comfort - very cute.
 We had quite a large contingent of family and friends come out to the airport to greet Nate which was lovely.  He got to meet his Uncles and his other Grandparents first.  He took it in his stride and was happy and cheery until he had to be strapped into his car seat for the drive home.  The whole time we were away he traveled well, but probably mostly because he sat on one of our laps.  The red car seat was not popular at all.

Once home again (** great big sigh), we put together an impromptu BBQ with lots of meat and Jo had again preplanned a surpise, as only she can, of welcome home balloons and cake.
Now as I write this he is having a nap in his cot for the first time....

Embassy Visit

Man the Aussie Embassy is harder to get into than fort knox.  So much security and checkpoint after checkpoint.  Anyways all is done now and we have a rather pretty permanent visa in Nate's passport.  So all we need do now is rest up, pack and get ready for the trip home.  I will try to post again tomorrow but its hard to get access to the internet from the hotel (one rather stupid man was on here for 1 hr before me - sending one email!!!).

Storytime with Dad

 
His passport photo page - complete with fingerprint

Panel Day - hes ours...officially (Thai side)

Well finally the big day arrived much to our relief.  Nate slept for almost 12 hours before we had to wake him just before 7.  He seems to have caught up on his sleep as he seemed to be very settled and relaxed.  Maybe he just knows what happens today.

We had to get to the Dept of Social Welfare building by 9.10 to find out what time our interview was to be.  We left the hotel just after 8.30 with Nate in pusher, and arrived at the building 5 mins after that.  We were both a little nervous so we had almost forgotten where it was despite going past it every day in the taxi.  It did give us a chance to plan our lunch though as we walked past many street food vendors on the way there.
 
We met up with Kuhn Voraporn (our social worker from the Thai Red Cross) and you can imagine our delight in finding out that we were first!!. The interview went very well, each of the panelists commenting how well and happy he looks.  One of the social workers there also said how much Nate looks like me???  I will take that as a compliment of course but seriously think she needs glasses.

Our interview took all of about 5 minutes as they were so happy for him, and commented on how much love he seems to be getting.  After that it was questions about what we had seen in Thailand and what we were doing for the rest of our stay.  Nate showed off of course - they have toys on the table for the little ones to be distracted with if theyre unsettled - Nate chose to launch one of them at the elder lady panelist  haha.  

You can only imagine how happy we are now that the formalities are almost over – tomorrow we venture to the Aussie embassy to get his Australian visa.



All smiles just after our panel interview



This is Khun Voraporn the Thai Red Cross Social Worker we have spent the most time with

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Gotcha + 5 (& return flight details)

Visiting the Grand Palace was on the agenda for this morning and 3 tuk tuk’s was the preferred mode of transport.  We thought Nate wouldn't like it but actually he was so tired (and grumpy) that he actually fell asleep on us. This gives us hope that if he can sleep in the middle of Bangkok traffic then the plane may not be much of a hassle after all.  We walked around the temple with him stuck to me like a limpet.   He missed the first part of the tour but woke up in time to see the emerald Buddha.


We had a quiet afternoon, mainly as Nate was still a little tired (despite another nano nap) - again really dribbly today.  Also because I myself was a bit tearful today.  Im not entirely sure why, because besides being desperate to get home now, I have no real excuse as everything is going so well here.  Anyways I had a good cry and besides freaking everyone else out I feel much better and a wee bit more sane.  Maybe I have the equivalent of the baby blues.

Speaking of plane here are the details…..

Leave here 5 pm Saturday (9pm Adelaide time) arriving in Sydney.  We then board a Qantas domestic flight back to Adelaide which should get us home at about 10 am Sunday (Adelaide time).  The flight number for that will be QF 739 and it will be to the domestic terminal….I don’t spose there is any hope of the new airport being open…?

Isn't this the cutest face ever (we see this alot!!) and each time cant wait till he does it again....

Gotcha +4

After all of yesterday’s activity we decided to have a quiet day, nothing more eventful than a swim in the pool.  Mum & Dad got very adventurous and went out with a tuk tuk to visit some temples and wound up at the Royal Lapidary where they bought some nice ruby earrings for Mum and some Sapphire ones for their favourite daughter – aren’t I lucky!!!  Valesca and Phoebe are also being quite the travelers with some retail therapy at MBK and swimming being some easy ways to kill time….Bartering is no longer a problem it seems.

Nate is turning out to be quite the charmer, as he gets more and more confident each day. Also, there is nothing cuter than when he does his “wei” (interpretation = hands together (prayer style) and bowing ones head (used as a greeting and sign of respect).  It is actually one of his milestones that he achieved at about 15 months old.

Today was also pretty well the first day that he has regularly started to acknowledge being called Nate.  We have opted for the shortened version of Nathaniel at the moment as it seems to generate the easiest response.

We also found a food court under this hotel which serves cheap and yummy thai food, and also hands down the best waffles ever.  Now, I know that waffles aren’t authentic nor are they healthy, but it seems that I have lost some weight (I would say at least 5 kg so far) as my pants are all feeling a wee bit loose.  Maybe this is the diet I have been waiting for – the Nate diet.

I meant to mention earlier that we actually lucked out and have both a baby photo of Nate, and one also when he was 4 days old with his birthmother.  We have shed a few tears while looking at them as we can see the clear resemblance he has to her, and feel sad that she does not know what an amazing little person he is becoming.  We will keep the Thai red cross updated as much as possible so that maybe sometime she will enquire after him and know for sure that she made the right decision.

Gotcha +3

Im probably sounding a little boring now as things are still great - Nate has truly bonded with us both (Dadda is best for play, & Mum is best for food) - we went for a quick trip to Chatachuk Markets (acres and acres of market stalls selling everything including the kitchen sink).  We sat together in the park near the market as Nate consumed a huge amount of strawberries - our boy loves his fruit.

We are learning quickly what food Nate likes - everything; we are yet to find somwthing he wont eat.  No problems with the 'waste disposal' either which is a relief.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE !!!!!

Gotcha +2

Today Nate started with another bowl of a banana cereal and some watermelon in the restaurant.  He's so settled already.  He sat for ages in the pusher this morning while we ate.  Its also clear he loves to entertain.  There is always a salute and a smile from the door mean at the hotel everytime we come and go.  We then had a bit of a play and a bath. The bath went down much better today and it was actually enjoyable for him.  Smiles this time and no tears.

After lunch and midday nap we all decided to take a trip out to the oceanarium.  Nate was absolutely fascinated by all of the under water activity.  He loved looking at the fish and anything else that moved underwater.  It was a pretty amazing place, not unlike the oceanariums in Melbourne & Sydney - just bigger and underneath the shopping centre.  He was such a trooper and again really settled.  He is starting to get much more comfortable with the rest of the family which is really nice (Poppa is an early favourite).

We got early dinner at the Siam Paragon shopping centre and even had a quick look at the Patpong Markets, (well Phoebe, Nate & I sat on a step eating watermelon while the others checked out some sights). Stocking up on the latest DVD’s was a must and we did pretty well there.  Our boy had a bit of a late night which meant he was a little difficult to get to sleep but otherwise all was well.
 

Gotcha +1

We are so happy happy happy this morning.  After going to bed at 7.30 pm Nate slept right through until 6.30 am.  He had a bit of a coughing fit at about 3 am but never woke up.  I don’t dare to think it will always be this way but I'm enjoying it for the moment.  I had a great sleep too, but Papa was a bit restless, listening for his noises.  We all shared the bed last night as it was our first together - we certainly wont be making it a habit as Nate is a wigglepot.

The travel party has again ventured out on their own.  Mum organized a trip out to the Rose Garden which does a pretty good cultural show.  I think its important that they get out and see the Bangkok we love.

After waking Nate had some Banana cereal and then a couple of bits of watermelon in the restaurant.  He sure is a wee little thing.  Clothes are 00 and fit pretty well.  He weighs just under 10 kg.

Mid morning he was doing so well, we went out for a walk amongst the masses.  We got very brave, changed him into his swimmers and we went down to the pool.  The good news is that he has no fear of water and in fact loves to splash.  He did hold onto me for dear life but was very happy.  He only got grumpy when it was time to go!  Most of the time we seem to carry him but he is now starting to enjoy walking and is also quite happy with the pusher.  Now while I am typing both of my boys are having naps but that will soon be coming to an end as it is medicine and afternoon snack time.  Nate seems to have a bit of a cold, and we also think he is teething as he is really dribbly.   The TRCCH had Nate on ventolin syrup every 4 hours.  We're reducing it now with a view to ceasing it completely.
 

GOTCHA DAY

Today was our most important day yet, but somehow also the most relaxed we have felt for a few days.  We had to meet Dr Sarre and convince her that we are more than ready to take over the care of our son.  Although she looks to be about 100 (Tony thinks she is Yoda incarnate) she is very sweet and it is more than obvious how much she cares for the kids there and sincerely hopes that they grow to be proud of who they are and where they came from.  The meeting went well (although we were almost 20 mins late due to traffic) and she gave us the all clear to take him home.  She asked us lots of questions and gave us lots of pointers on raising a Thai child.   Only problem now was that he wasn’t there as he was out having a haircut and  his Thai passport done.  So we had no choice but to leave for a few hours and do some last minute food shopping of snacks, soup and noodles.

We arrived back at the TRCCH at 1430 to have his medicine given to us, the clothes we had taken for him to wear rushed off and within about 2 minutes he was in our arms and ready to go.  No tears today at all which was really heartening.  The taxi ride back to the hotel was also no stress.  He was in quite a playful mood and not at all scared by the traffic.

Soon after arriving back at home base it was meet the family time; lots of tears from all.  He was quite fascinated by everyone and actually went to Valesca for a few minutes. It was quite an emotional time for all of us as the realization of our family becoming complete started to sink in.






We retreated back to our room for some quiet time and starting to get him settled. It wasn’t anywhere the nightmare I thought it would be as he was really good. He had some clear chicken broth followed by a whole tub of banana/corn yoghurt. He also tried 2 french fries from our room service meals. We opted not to do the pre bed bath and soon enough he was tuckered out and ready for sleep.

As for the rest of the travel party they have all become seasoned travelers and ventured out on their own to the Marble Temple and Dusit Zoo. I am so proud of them all as Bangkok is a big scary place to the unaccustomed – we are so glad that we came here last year as we feel quite relaxed here as if its home away from home.

As I write this it is so hard to capture how we feel.  We waited so long for this moment to come and it was everything we'd hoped it would be.  We both agreed that our family is complete now

 

Another good one

We had another great day visiting our little boy.  He was a bit tearful when we got there but he also cries when they come to take him away.  Tomorrow we meet with Dr Sarre in the morning and all going well should be able to take him away with us to begin his new life.  Just one small hiccup is that they haven't done his Thai passport yet so I hope that doesn't delay things.

Anyways I'm off to the pool - sorry for the short message but Ive only been swimming once since we got here and I'm getting desperate!!

Love to all......