Helena is a joy! We dote and dance around her, and are happy to dedicate our every waking moments to anticipating her every need…
The AIT appointment went well, but was horribly long- we waited for a couple of hours for our ‘interview’ with the American embassy guy, who was very nice and asked us to raise our right hands and swear that everything in the home study was true, and asked us a bunch of questions and made us sign a bunch of documents. They’ll issue Helena’s visa tomorrow, and we’ll get her Taiwanese passport. She becomes an American citizen the moment we land in San Francisco. We met two other adopting couples in the waiting room.
After the AIT we came back to the hotel, did bottle and nap, then ventured out to the Tapei 101 building – one of the former tallest buildings in the world. We didn’t go up- its expensive and if you’ve seen one cityscape you’ve seen ‘em all (okay, I know that’s not true, but we just weren’t all that interested), but we did go into the shopping center that makes up the bottom levels of the building, and had an excellent meal – imagine a shopping mall food court, but make it the size of a football stadium, and fill it with top-notch fabulous food and a big ritzy organic grocery store, and there you have it. We picked something rather at random and ended up with delicious peanutty noodles, and pork-stuffed dumplings in some sort of soup. Oh- and there were clothing shops galore- every big name you can think of from Gucci to Dolce.
Major successes of the day: getting the bottle temperature right (I was making them too cold and the formula wasn’t dissolving), and getting the bath temperature and level right- again, too cold before, and not enough water. She LOVES baths!
Tomorrow we wander a bit- nothing scheduled. We haven’t done any shopping or bought any souvenirs, but that doesn’t bother me too much. Would like to see some gardens or temples, however.
The AIT appointment went well, but was horribly long- we waited for a couple of hours for our ‘interview’ with the American embassy guy, who was very nice and asked us to raise our right hands and swear that everything in the home study was true, and asked us a bunch of questions and made us sign a bunch of documents. They’ll issue Helena’s visa tomorrow, and we’ll get her Taiwanese passport. She becomes an American citizen the moment we land in San Francisco. We met two other adopting couples in the waiting room.
After the AIT we came back to the hotel, did bottle and nap, then ventured out to the Tapei 101 building – one of the former tallest buildings in the world. We didn’t go up- its expensive and if you’ve seen one cityscape you’ve seen ‘em all (okay, I know that’s not true, but we just weren’t all that interested), but we did go into the shopping center that makes up the bottom levels of the building, and had an excellent meal – imagine a shopping mall food court, but make it the size of a football stadium, and fill it with top-notch fabulous food and a big ritzy organic grocery store, and there you have it. We picked something rather at random and ended up with delicious peanutty noodles, and pork-stuffed dumplings in some sort of soup. Oh- and there were clothing shops galore- every big name you can think of from Gucci to Dolce.
Major successes of the day: getting the bottle temperature right (I was making them too cold and the formula wasn’t dissolving), and getting the bath temperature and level right- again, too cold before, and not enough water. She LOVES baths!
Tomorrow we wander a bit- nothing scheduled. We haven’t done any shopping or bought any souvenirs, but that doesn’t bother me too much. Would like to see some gardens or temples, however.
6 comments:
Congratulations A & N....you both look so comfortable and natural with Helena...she is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and so loved...wonderful. I am glad that all went well at the Embassy...Taiwan is overwhelming...the National Palace is worth a stop, if you can fit that in before you leave. We're all ecstatic about your baby! Safe travels...vivian
Hi Anna and family, I cannot tell you the joy you have brought from so far away to our MHD family. We literally wait for your updates and new pictures. When will you be leaving for home? Keep the pictures of this absolutely wonderful baby coming. Please hug her for me. Jill
Congrats! ...and whew! Those first three days are a whirlwind aren't they? Thanks for taking the time to share. I hope the tummy problems don't get too overwhelming.
Also, I hope you three get a chance to get out and explore a little bit. Try the subway system - it can get you anywhere in Taipei and even out to the coast (Danshui). As for temples - there is a stop on the blue line called LongShan Temple. This is the grand-daddy of Taipei temples. It's right in the heart of the old part of the city. As a bonus, it's near the (kinda touristy) HuaXi night market. The next stop over, XiMen is a busy part of town good for shopping in small shops (as opposed to Gucci and Dolce). Sorry - I can't think of where to go for gardens except places like the CKS Memorial.
Thanks again for sharing. Reading about your first few days has been a joy.
Cheers,
Kevin (JOH)
Anna,
she is so cute. sorry to hear about the #2 problems. we had that also with both kids when we picked them up. I thinks it's the stress of new everything. more watery bottles may help. wow, awful long wait at the AIT. not fun with a baby. she sounds like a trooper though.
Cari JOH
YOu 3 are such a lovely site!
Oh Helena!
So happy for you guys.
I bet you're anxious to get home
and start your new life!!
I still can't believe we'll miss you by ONE day!!
Sally
goin to get Frankie Tru Sept 7!
Hi to the new family. I look at the blog every day to see what is happening with all of you. She is a beautiful and wonderful baby. I wish all of you a safe and peaceful airplane ride back to WI. Sending you a big hug Jan
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