….some good news and some unexpected heartbreaking news….

….well, where to begin.  First of all this week started with the anniversary of my mother's death on Monday and that sadness continued through the week. Considering that I had named Malio after my mother the news with this timing, is doubly sad.

   On Tuesday I got a call from my agency with two pieces of news. The first was that the update had been processed; however the second, took my breath away and is still causing confusion and heartbreak.

 I received a recent medical on Malio and unfortunately and sadly there  was a negative change to his health.  The issue results are that his health involves more than a minor correctible special  need.  After consulting with the doctor at an American clinic and clarification from the doctor in Vietnam, I have had to accept that I could not go forward with his adoption. The best interests for Malio are for him to have a family who is able to have the time to help him access all the medical support he will need. As a single parent that would pose difficult challenges to us.  So with a heavy heart; however, with the best interests of Malio at heart, we are beginning the process of saying goodbye and grieving his loss.  We are also continuing to pray that he finds the family that he is meant to be with.

  For now, we cry and grieve, and try to say goodbye to a little boy who was already in our hearts and in our life in a way this is hard to explain.

   Good bye K, I'm so sorry and pray that God carries you gently into the hearts and arms of a special family who can care for you the way you need and deserve.

   We will always love you, and will always miss and continue to pray for only the best for you.  Thank you for having allowed us to be your family for even this short time.

No news yet….

Well, still nothing from the ministry….so in my head and heart I keep reworking timelines. Trying to again focus on staying positive and trusting that it will all work out; however, definitely have had different paperwork challenges this time around that I did not have when adopting the first time around.
Have many posts swirling in my head but time is limited and motivation is low when all I want is to hear the news that this next important step has been processed!

Some good news……

Well, if all goes well, I've been told that the updated home study may be approved as early as next week, and that is very good. I was also told that the Vietnam process is still in process and not on hold…the update approval is needed but both systems are still working!  Praying it all comes together!!

Uncertainties….and the ever challenge of paperwork!!.

….well yesterday I found out that the home study extension was denied by the ministry and they want to wait for the home study update which hopefully will be sent this coming week. I am trying to find out what this will mean in terms of timelines and other problems. I'm not sure how long it will take the ministry to review and then hopefully approve the home study update; however, my bigger concern is will the DA wait for my paperwork to be in order?  or will this delay cause other delays there??

The original information was that once the extension is approved (it seemed that that was not going to be a problem) then the Vietnam process could continue….however, this has not happened….so the lesson here for all adoptive and waiting families,  it is important to never let your home study expire without an extension or plenty of time for a home study update to be done before the expiry date.  Not sure if anyone else has encountered this?   It is a question I had in June and regret not asking it when I thought of it?

….anyhow I am sad and yet trying to stay positive….so many mixed emotions, a down on the roller coaster of paper work once again.

Tet Trung Thu - mid-Autumn Moon festival….neighbourhood children's parade

…Thanks for organizing this once again Samantha. Matteo had a great time, especially his time being the dragon….Happy mid-Autumn moon festival to everyone!

Heading out to the parade.

The dragons are ready for the parade too.

Helping to carry one of the dragons.

Getting to carry the dragon all on his own.

Making it to the archway.

The traditional climb of the lion.

First day of kindergarten!

Wednesday, September 3rd was the first full day of kindergarten and it started with a very excited and singing and dancing little boy who  was reduced to tears once Mommy said goodbye!  The morning tears lasted all week and sometimes were unbearable to hear; however, when I went to pick him up, he was all smiles and joy!  Transitions are hard for all of us!  Here are some great first day photos where you can see his excitement!

Happy Independence day Vietnam

NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY

September 2nd, 1945 is an important landmark marking a major turning point of Vietnam. It was an establishment day of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and is also considered the National Independence Day of the current Socialist Republic of Vietnam. President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square, officially claiming the independence and sovereignty of Vietnam from France and Japan.
As a typical National Day, Vietnamese has a day-break from work to commemorate the event’s historical significance. A notable sign for the cheerful spirit of the day is the appearance of Vietnam flags everywhere, coloring the whole country with lively red backgrounds and jovial yellow stars. The streets are exploded with a boom of red and yellow banners of celebrations and oversized posters of Uncle Ho speaking into a microphone in 1945.
There is also an annual marching on the Ba Dinh Square and fireworks in the major cities of Vietnam. September 2 is truly an utmost special day for the whole Vietnam nation.

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/vietnam-independence-proclaimed