It's official!

As of 4:30 yesterday afternoon, Henry is officially my baby!

The final adoption papers were approved and signed in a ceremony where I swore to love him as my own forever....he is my own!!

Henry was unbelievably sweet and patient with all the paperwork and fuss at the end of a very long day for him. He fell asleep in the taxi home and still didn't complain when we had to wake him to take his passport pictures.

Considering the long day of "firsts" - first time out of the orphanage, car ride, bath, cereal with a spoon - and all with complete gushing strangers, he was remarkably curious and at ease (and probably still a little in shock.) But as you'll see in the pictures below, he managed to have some fun as well!

Laughing so loud!!!

(he totally gets my jokes!)

Two teeth!! So cute!!!!

He fell right to sleep last night from sheer exhaustion and slept 12 hours....I'm told that will be the only time he'll ever do that!!! But since I was so jet lagged and went to bed at the same time (7pm!) it was greatly appreciated!

Thanks again for all your nice emails!!! Julie and I have really enjoyed getting them! jjx

BABY HENRY!!!!!!!!!!!

There is no way to describe how happy I am....or how lucky I feel. Henry is sleeping soundly after two bottles and lots of playing. Here are just a few pictures from our whirlwind morning, visiting Henry's orphanage and bringing him home....I'll post more later and let you know how he does at the Giving and Receiving Ceremony this afternoon at 4!!

We're ready to go!

Our first look at baby Henry...

He's changing to come home.

Super scared but ready...or maybe just scared of the hat!

With the Director of his orphanage.

The baby room where Henry has lived for 9 1/2 months.

Henry's crib

With baby Tony (my friend Betsy's baby....darling!!)...notice the matching "I love Mommy" T-shirts...thanks Julie! Also note the way Henry is secretly trying to grab Tony's picture book away...his fingers had to be pried off to leave.

The nanny and director loved Henry and said he is a super sweet, happy baby who loves to eat and sleep....he's definitely a Jones!

He loves books!

My happiest moment ever!

Saying goodbye to Orphanage #3....thanks for taking all the pictures and video Julie!!!!

We've arrived!

Four airports, three flights and 24 hours later we've arrived in Hanoi! We had to fly via San Francisco and Taipei - it was a long but very easy trip with all of our bags arriving safe and sound, still stuffed to overflowing.

We are unpacking and setting up the apartment asap because I just got word that we are leaving for the orphanage to get Henry tomorrow morning at 9am!!! Krista, I'll try to put pictures up before you get home from school!

Thanks to everyone for your great emails....I'll save them for Henry's scrapbook. Keep 'em coming....it's really nice to hear from you!

Here are a few pics till the good ones start tomorrow....fyi, I asked Julie as she was snapping pics after 20 hours of travel, "Do I look okay?" and she replied "In 20 years you'll look at these and think you look really young." That's my disclaimer....no snarky comments!! jjx

Happy to be on flight #2! (yes, Anna, we're both wearing velour sweats...don't tell Ewa!)

Julie with Henry's Mickey from Oma and Opa and special picture book.

OMG, I will never wear these sweats again...on to flight #3....

Somewhere near Hanoi...

Hundreds of bicycles and scooters swarming...you'd love it here mom!

Home, for the next 2-3 weeks....Somerset Grand Hotel, Hanoi.

all systems go...

Passports and visas arrived this morning so we are set to go!
I'm surrounded by piles -- four suitcases can't possibly hold this much stuff. ikes! Janna, you and Krista may have to come to help us carry everything. Or Julie may only get to bring one outfit....hehehe.

Packing...

We are leaving Friday (if our passports come back with visas in time!) so the packing has begun!

This is my test of the photo part of the blog....hope it works!

Travel Date!

This is my test blog...just to see if I can do it. Tomorrow I wll try to post a picture. Julie is going to learn how to use the video camera and post links to mini movies so Oma and Opa can see Henry laugh....and cry! Julie...how's that coming??