We have a visa!

This morning we went to the US Embassy Annex, about 20 minutes from our hotel, for Madeleine's visa interview. It was kind of surreal because here we were with a room full of about 20 other couples and their Vietnamese kids. Our names were called and we went into a little room. She asked a few off-handed questions (like, "How is she doing?" "How was everything in Danang?") and then she said we could pick up Madeleine's visa at 2 pm (the same day). 

Our Holt staff person gave us a brown envelope with Madeleine's birth certificate, the Adoption Decree and the G&R Minutes with English translations. We'll use these for the recognition of adoption in Missouri when Madeleine will officially change her name, etc.

When Eric went to pick up Madeleine's visa, he was also given some large yellow envelope that we're supposed to hand to the immigration officials when we get to Seattle. Interestingly Madeleine's visa says that when endorsed, she will be a permanent resident for a year (to give us time to receive her Certificate of Citizenship in the mail, etc.).

Andrew and Madeleine are getting along well. Today Madeleine thought it was funny to rub Andrew's head. She's a very physical kid and Andrew got a little rough with her (accidentally rolling on her head). Amazingly Madeleine was not phased at all!  She would easily walk off the side of a bed or lunge off someone's lap without another thought. So we will have to keep a close eye on her and be very serious about the baby proofing!