Well, today we were up early again, so we decided to feed little Eva. She’s still taking her bottle like a champ, if we let her think it was her idea. We also had a breakthrough. She smiled consistently (or at least looked very pleased) during breakfast at the hotel banquet hall. She must be a future drummer because everytime she either banged her hand on the high chair tray or her spoon or cup, she’d look down and then up with a very pleased look. Please do not let this fill anyone with ideas of buying her a drum set.
Also, we gave Eva her first bath and that went over about as well as roller skates on a pig. We figure she’s got a lot of time to get used to the idea and perhaps will like our home tub better. She’s a clean girl now and her and mama are taking a post-breakfast nap while I hear the strains of a jackhammer outside of our hotel. I don’t think it’s waking them up, so that’s good. Well, more later. Thanks for following our progress. More later.
Bath time - hair gone wild!
Here’s later – Elizabeth this time. I am not used to needing a nap at 8:00 AM. Such has been our life for the past 3 days! Actually, today I felt pretty good all day, so I think the jet lag is wearing off.
Today we did not have any appointments, so we actually took in some sights. Kirk has a mutual friend named Jonathon from the Midwest who happened to be vacationing here now, and we enjoyed doing a little sightseeing with him and his wife Sarah and their smiling son Oscar. Jonathon, Sarah and Oscar live near Toyko now, and they have spent a lot of time in Vietnam before. It was terrific to be with some people who knew where were going and suggest some great sites. We took in the War Remnants Museum. This was interesting and horrifying, but pretty much a must see when coming here. Luckily smiling Oscar and Little Eva lightened the mood. We then walked to the the largest market place in the city – the Ben Thanh Market. We had some pho there and a mango smoothie. It was fascinating to take this place in – we wish we could bring you the smellovision version, but there’s a few pics below.
War Museum
Oscar and Eva at the War Remnants Museum
To market, to market to buy a fresh pig...goat...turtle...
So – little Eva, or “Little E” as Kirk calls her, has had a terrific day. Not only did she give us smiles, but she gave us laughs! I have been worried for a while that she was just a serious little baby. She finally started letting on that maybe she’s not so serious after all. We’re not sure if it had to do with the extra prunes we have been feeding her or what, but she belly laughed tonight when we gave her raspberries on the belly. She also showed us that she can crawl and pull up by herself. She’s just taken a few days to come around, but she’s finally showing us her terrific little personality.
Tomorrow we leave in the morning for Hanoi. We still have the embassy interview to go. Thanks for checking on us!
First a smile...
Then a laugh!
Belly Laughs from Eva Joy!
Ohhh your hearts must be racing with delight to see her precious smile! So looking forward to seeing your beautiful blessing! And yes, Austin once again asked to see Colin after dinner tonight! I think he’s in deep mourning for his monster truck/hot wheels buddy! Ha, ha…it really is so sweet! Anxiously awaiting future updates:)-Pam
YEAH!!!! We are loving the photos and updates! We are at Breezy Point enjoying a beautiful few days on the Northern Woods of Minnesota. Can’t wait to have Colin visit in a few days! We’ll be checking your blog daily! She’s so cute! What a blessing! Can’t wait to give her cute cheeks a kiss!
Love you guys!
Amy and family
Elizabeth and Kirk, these updates are lovely and Eva’s smile is wonderful. Can’t wait to meet her in person.
We have enjoyed the photos and the progress reports. Love the photos and the belly laugh. Going home tomorrow after 28 days. We will call Colin when we get home. Love, Dad
What happy pictures of her smiling and laughing. You probably cannot get enough of her! Love the pink hair bow! Looking forward to seeing you guys……..be well!
Eva is so beauiful (and I love the name!) I knew the smiles would come quickly once she spent some time with you guys!! Thanks for keeping us updated. I can’t wait to see more pics.
Hello — I am friends with Amy and have been happily following your story on the blog. Just a comment on the bath situation: last summer we adopted a 23-month old (at that time) from China and she screamed through all her baths while we were there. But then, when we came home and she saw how much her big brothers loved their baths, she did a 180 and now we have to drag her out of the tub. So… the big brother influence may prevail with your little one too!
It was nice to see you guys. We are in NhaTrang now, just enjoying the views and letting Oscar relax. Grab a photo or two off of flickr–there is a good one of you and Eva, Kirk.
Again, thanks for the hospitality.
I can’t believe Jonathan, Sarah and Oscar met up with Kirk, Elizabeth and Eva! Yes, we have been married for 14 years. Who would have thought two of Dana’s groomsmen would reunite with their families in Viet Nam 14 years later. We’re so happy for all of you! We wish we could’ve been there too!