Embassy trip(s)

Tuesday we made our way downtown to our Embassy. I walked into American services to fill out a passport application for Jasper. I filled it out quickly and we had a brief wait before our number was called to approach the window to speak with the staff. We thought we were doing pretty well. We asked to apply for a passport for the baby and the staff member said, "do you have an appointment?" Yikes! No, we did not make an appointment!! We had all our paperwork completed, sans marriage license on hand, but did not have an appointment. We hoped there would be grace for us, but to our dismay we would have to return on Wednesday to start all over again. After two babies and two passports, we neglected to think of making an appointment. So, on Wednesday we got the whole family back in the car and schlepped everyone back downtown for our appointment. This time we had everything in order. Jasper will be officially an American citizen in 3 weeks. He will hold a US Passport and have his certificate of citizenship. On Tuesday after our disappointment, we consoled ourselves with going to All Seasons Place (right next door) to eat at our favorite Chinese restaurant. At least we could do that. HOWEVER, the place closed down!!!! We weren't having a successful day at all. I really wanted to eat there and we were already drooling over the thought of some of our favorite dishes. I haven't been there in a year, but at least Tim Mills brought us take away from there several months back while on my bedrest. Little did Tim know that that would be our last meal from there. :( Such is life for businesses in Thailand...here today and gone tomorrow. Farewell Shianghai Din Xin..."long noodles" and scallion pancakes.

This is my new ride!

I'm 3 weeks old and loving my paci!

Jasper is 3 weeks old today! I hope to have some pictures of him at this week posted soon. First, I need to take them! Tomorrow, we will begin the process of applying for Jasper's passport and getting all his paperwork processed to confirm his American citizenship. Jasper is an American from the moment of his birth because we are, but we have to go through a whole rigamarole with the Embassy to secure a passport and get a certificate of citizenship. Thankfully, we've done this 2 times already and kind of know the drill. We have to take Jasper to the Embassy to prove he is a real person and Jack and I must also be present to prove we are his real parents. It is kind of a hassle, but at least we are Americans and can go straight to American services and not wait in the lines with all the other people. It's red, white and blue for you Jasper!

Jasper at two weeks old

Graduation Day

On June 7, 2007, Gracyn graduated from Kindergarten at International Community school here in Bangkok, Thailand.
Gracyn was voted "friendliest" in her class for superlatives. Mrs. Ann says she was popular and well-liked by all!
Gracyn and Mrs. Ann after graduation.
Gracyn and Miss Yo, the teacher's assistant

Gracyn had a great year inspite of her mommy being on bed rest for most of it. She is reading, writing and doing basic math skills. She has grown in maturity and responsibility. She's even lost 3 teeth this year! We are proud of her growth and accomplishments. Congratulations Gracyn...rising 1st grader!

Some Jasper pics

Mommy and Jasper ready to leave the hospital.

Jasper and Daddy

Jasper in his "going home" outfit...."I ain't happy right now".

Me and my big sis!

Here is Gracyn with baby Jasper at 8 days old! She is enjoying being a new big sister again.

He's Here!

Jasper Finlay was born on June 4th, 2007 at 6:59 A.M. He's 3.530 kilograms and 50 cms long. I am not sure what the conversion to lbs is on this but we think 7 lbs and 12 ozs. Jasper came into the world with a smooth delivery for both Mommy and baby! We are both doing well and trying to adjust to a new lifestyle. Jasper's name is means precious stone. Jasper is definately a precious stone to us. The Book of Revelations also mentions jasper several times. John refers to the face of God being as jasper and also the walls and foundations of heaven being made of jasper. Finlay is a Scottish name which means " little soldier". Jasper has been a little soldier throughout a difficult pregnancy and against some not so good odds. However, God is no respecter of odds! We are thrilled to have him finally here and we give God great praise and honor for this great gift! More pictures soon!

A no go

So the full moon theory is basically junk. The moon did not cause me to have anything different than I am already having. Last night my contractions did reappear at 1:26 A.M. and were coming every 10-15 minutes but were not strong. I laid awake for hours wondering if I would need to make wake up calls to half of Bangkok. We were having a large storm last night which is characteristic of this time of year. We had torrential rains, big lightening and peals of thunder. One big boom brought Gracyn to our room crying. Jack was trying to sleep and I was contracting but keeping it to myself. I didn't want to cause any alarm and wanted to allow even just a few more moments of sleep for those who could sleep. Finally at 3 A.M. I fell asleep and woke up in the morning without a baby by my side. I am starting to lose confidence in knowing what labor is. I do know it hurts a WHOLE lot worse than what I'm experiencing. I hope at least I'm making some progress so that my labor will not be a marathon. Hopefully this won't go on and on. I only have 4 days left to reach my due date. However, people are known to out last that date too! Sigh.

June Bug

It looks like we will have a June Bug after all. May ended yesterday with the baby still content to stay put. Actually, I had contractions all day yesterday and was convinced we would end up in labor and delivery by the end of the day. Instead 9:30 P.M. found me sleeping peacefully. My contractions were coming every 15-30 minutes all day long, but did not increase in intensity or time span. We stayed put at home and finished up a few last minute preparations. I thought I would perhaps have to wake Jack in the wee hours of the morning but the morning came without a baby. Today has been pretty calm with very few contractions. I could probably count them on one hand. Today doesn't seem like the day, but the irony of this story would be that it is! Isn't this supposed to be more predictable the 3rd time around? Each day feels like walking through a field of landmines. I keep waiting for the trigger to be tripped and am genuinely surprised to last another day. I think there is supposed to be a full moon tonight...don't those trigger labor?