More Good News from Taiwan

Bill and I had a chance to talk last night while both children were sleeping. It was good to get caught up on everything and I was very happy to hear that things continue to go well in Taiwan.

Yesterday, Bill went to the American Institute in Taiwan, AIT, for his first appointment. The AIT is like the US Consulate in Taiwan and this appointment is the last "big deal" in regards to paperwork. All the official forms are reviewed and a Visa is issued for Andrew. The paperwork glitches we had in June dealing with Andrew's passport and the U.S. National Visa center not forwarding our 171-h had to be resolved for us to get Andrew's Visa. Bill was very thorough and prior to travel he confirmed that AIT had everything they needed. Well, I'm happy to report that everything went just fine. Bill was there for about an hour, worked with a very nice gentleman and answered all the necessary questions. All the paperwork was accounted for and Bill will be picking up Andrew's passport on the 10th and then he'll start the long trip home. While I thought it was likely that the appointment would go well, it's still a relief to have it done.

Now here's the good part. Baby update time! Andrew slept very well his first night with Bill. He went to bed around 8ish and woke up at 6ish. He continues to eat very well when his bottle is nice and hot! The temperature thing doesn't surprise me because we were told that this may be the case when we adopted Lilianna. Bill was really pleased at how well Andrew did at the AIT appointment because it was exceptionally warm there. Overall, Andrew continues to have a pretty happy, easy going personality. Bill says he thrives on attention. This should be no problem to supply. Mommy, Big Sister, Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Dandan, Uncle Matt, Mammaw and Uncle Bob are all very eager to lavish attention on our little guy. When Bill is holding him or giving him a bottle, Andrew makes great eye contact. Sometimes he likes to lean in and touch his forehead to his Daddy's forehead. Bill says he's ticklish and is soothed by a pacifier. Andrew is very curious about things and wants to look out the window when they get in the van. He likes being out and about and seeing the sites. Apparently he is quick to give that big, open mouth smile we've seen in all the recent photos.

Speaking of photos, Bill sent me a few more to share. The first photo is Bill and the other family from our agency as they were going out together. They have all become very close and it's been such a blessing for Bill to have people to spend some time with.


Bill tickling Andrew


Andrew exploring toys


Taking a nap *Note the pacifier


Finally, we know many people have been following our journey. Both Bill and I have received so many well wishes, thougthfull gifts and kind gestures. Everything from the congratulations email to our neighbor mowing the lawn has been greatly appreciated. This is definitely a special time in our lives and it means a lot to know we have so many folks cheering us on. Thank you so much!

Take care,
Melissa, Bill, Lilianna & Andrew