Saturday, December 27, 2008

Whew! When Do Moms Find Time to Post?

We have been home now for four nights. Things have been a little crazy with the Christmas festivities. I am just now finding the time to post. This may be short because Owen is napping and Momma and Daddy need to nap too. Owen went to bed at 8:00 pm and woke up at 12:00 pm and fell asleep again at 6:00 am. Do you think someone is still on Korea time?

Our plane ride went pretty well. He did cry for about 2 hours (out of 12 that is not bad). What he wanted was to be put down. He had been held too much. He is very good natured and very easy. He smiles easily and loves people. He is very curious and easily distracted which can tough at feeding or sleeping time. It has been a lot of fun to get to know him and for him to get to know us. I think he is starting to learn his name and recognizes us when we come in the room.

We took him to church with us Christmas Eve and he did fantastic. He shouted out two times (not really loud) but he went to everyone that wanted to hold him. It was the same as at the airport where we probably had 60 people to welcome him home (we have the best friends and family). He did great!

We are hoping to make it to church tomorrow! We will have to see how tonight goes. It is a big adjustment for a little boy and he has done well. He has not refused any food we have given him, nor the car seat, nor the highchair...all things that have to be new to him.

Thanks for all of you who prayed for us and continue to pray for us. We felt your prayers. Please pray now that he gets his clock reset FAST!!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Last Day in Korea

Look at that face...

Today was our last day in Korea. We have had a blast, but we are ready to come home. We met with and had lunch with Dr. Kim the founder of Eastern Social Welfare Society. Come to find out there was another couple from Arkansas (she is from Charleston) here to bring their kids back for a visit. It was wonderful to meet them.

Next we got to spend time with Owen for about an hour in our room. We played with is toys and he did fine for about 30 minutes and then he realized that his foster mom wasn't around. He FREAKED OUT! He cried and cried and cried. I felt so bad for him. When it was finally time to return him to the social worker, she could tell he had been crying. She went to get his foster mom and she came in and was able to console him. She finally got him to go to sleep (I think it was nap time any way). It was heartbreaking and I am worried about out plane trip home. He loves his foster mom very much (so do we). I know the next few days will be hard for him. It was so sweet of her to show me what she does to calm him and to get him to rest. His foster mom is wonderful with him and truly an answer to our prayers. She is wonderful with people, him and us.

Here he is finally sleeping, don't you just love that sweet face? Tomorrow will be a hard day. We love him so much, I just wish he knew that we did and that everything will be ok.

Please pray that we have weather that is good enough for us to get home on time and that we can ALL get there with very few tears!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

More Shopping and Site Seeing

We had a great time today shopping and site seeing. We visited the Korean Was Memorial - the guys loved it. Us girls liked it too, but I think we liked the shopping better. I was able to get Owen some things that I want him to have from his birth country. Lunch was Hard Rock Cafe and dinner was back to the Pizza Hut for bulgogi pizza.

Here are some pictures.

































Tomorrow we get to see Owen again and we can't wait. We also have a luncheon with other families with the Eastern staff. It will be a traditional Korean meal.

Thanks for all your comments and keeping up with us. We love to hear from you!


Saturday, December 20, 2008

Today in Pictures

Nathan rocking a baby girl. Don't you love the hair? Do you think they would let us pack her up and bring her home? So sweet! She was crying and all she wanted was to be held. If I remember right, she is about a month old. We love doing this each morning.





We had a traditional Korean meal. You know the kind...no shoes, sit on the floor, eat entirely with chop sticks and vegetarian. It was big on cultural experience and small on yumminess. These are our friends Brent and Dania. They are leaving on Monday with their baby, Paxton. We have met some wonderful families and we are having a great time exploring with them.











These kids were doing a demonstration using a see-saw that they jumped on. It was fun to watch. This was in a cultural / artist area. The picture below is of a guy making candy a kind of nut brittle. I made this picture for my Mom. There was a parade of some sort with people twirling these things on their heads. Very interesting to see.












This is a palace that we visited. It was HUGE! They let us dress up as palace guards. How do we look?






We had a great time! We LOVE Seoul! After our "delicious" lunch, Nathan said that he had to have "massive quantities of 'real' food." We went to TGI Fridays. After that we went to this local bakery that we found that is really great. We had a cream puffs and hot chocolate. I failed to mention that it is freezing here. We walked around all day in about 36 degrees.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Here is the Long Awaited Picture!

Yes, you ready right...picture! We only have one. We didn't want to freak him out too much so we tried to play with him more than make pictures. We do have some video, but I don't really know how to put that on here. LeighAnn, I could have used you here to make pictures while we played.

This is a picture of us with Owen and his foster mom and her daughter. They are both very sweet and we can tell they love our boy very much. They are able to get him to laugh very easily. He is actually laughing in this picture with his Daddy holding him. I hope that soon we will make him laugh too. Oh!!! Guess who has no teeth yet? They said he does love to eat fruit...tangerines. After this post I am taking bets as to which grandmother can show up the quickest at Christmas with a tangerine for his stocking!

Seoul is incredible and we are having the best time exploring. The people at the Eastern Social Welfare are wonderful (our Korean adoption agency and where we are staying). I spent about half an hour today rocking babies in the nursery! Meeting Owen was the highlight, but the babies were second. We also went to this HUGE bookstore. Seriously makes Barnes and Noble look like a 7-11. We did venture out, not too far out, and tried some Korean food. We have a few pictures that Nathan took and I am not sure what they all are so I will try to get him to post and explain. He wouldn't let me make pictures of our bulgogi pizza, which by the way was awesome! I want to go back to Pizza Hut (yes, Pizza Hut) for more before we leave!

Our Dillon friends, Brent and Dania, are here and we've met two other families, so that is fun to get to meet other couples. Most everyone's meeting with their babies went about like ours. We have been looking at his picture for three months, studying his face and falling in love. He knows nothing of us. This has to be hard for him. Say lots of prayers for Tuesday. It will be a hard day for all three of us!

We are off to bed and then up for a day of shopping and sight seeing tomorrow.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

We are Here and We met Owen

Ok...so this post won't have pictures because I didn't realize we were coming to the computer room to post, but I promise to post pictures very soon.

So...the trip was very long. We both slept very well last night, but if you can believe it, we both ready to get up when the alarm went off. We got to Korea last night about 9pm and through customs and to Eastern (where we are staying) about 11:00 pm. When we got to the airport and made it through customs we saw our driver holding a sign with our name on it...he handed us a note that said we had a meeting with Owen this morning at 10:00 am. I lost it! I knew the emotions would hit me at sometime and that is when they did. Not really the best timing...had to get myself together and prayed like mad that I wouldn't do that when I saw Owen this morning.

We just got finished seeing him for the first time and he is very handsome, just like his pictures. The foster mom also brought her daughter. They have made pictures for us since they have had him in their home, she is going to try to date them and put them in an album. She also has a handbok for him. The foster mom and her daughter are both very sweet and we can tell that they love Owen very much. They told us that the foster dad wants to meet us we will probably meet him on Monday. We get Owen on Tuesday morning. Should be interesting because, unlike his foster mom says, he is unsure of strangers (which would be us). He was ok with us, didn't scream, but kind of whimpered and cried when we would hold him and he couldn't see his foster mom. I gave him his bottle and he studied my face quite a bit...he was mostly interested in the block he was holding.

We are in love with him and can't wait to have him for good.

I promise to post pictures very soon.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Count Down to Korea - Day 1

Here we are! Today is the last day before we start off on our journey to meet our son. I can hardly believe this day is here. When I left work, it was like it hit me...it is really tomorrow that we leave! After a last minute errand, I came home and I am finishing all those last minute things that have to be done, bags need to be packed, last minute dishes done, work on what is left of the Christmas cards. I don't know how we are going to get everything in the bags that we need to. I sit here typing really nervous about the trip and the journey of motherhood. It will be a new journey and a new adventure...I can't wait!

The next time we post will be from Korea...how exciting is that?

Monday, December 15, 2008

Count Down to Korea - Day 2


Wow!!! We're getting close. We had dinner tonight with my blogging/Dillon bulletin board friend Dania. They are on their way in the morning to Korea. It was the strangest thing leaving the restaurant saying "See you in Korea!" We had a great time and we are very glad that we will share Korea with them. It was also reassuring to have someone to talk to who is going through all the same things we are and to compare notes. Everyday it is more and more exciting and more and more unbelievable to think that we are or are going to be parents. I know one thing we can't wait to go meet our son. There are so many thoughts going through my head...what to pack, what not to forget, will the weather hold out, how long is that plane ride, what will it feel like to hold him for the first time, will he like us, what will his foster mom think of us and how sad will she be? See why I can't sleep?

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Count Down to Korea - Day 3

Look at that small number! Have we packed? Nope, not a thing! I have an idea of all the things we need to take, but no idea how we are supposed to get it all in one bag each! Did you know the airlines charge to check your bags now? We are determined to only take one bag each. I think we have made our final shopping run and now we just have to get it in bags.

Today was spent going to church and relaxing - well I did. Nathan had a meeting this afternoon at church. Melissa came by and checked out the nursery. I thought you all might like a "virtual tour" also. I am pleased with how it turned out, I hope Owen likes it too - well enough to sleep in there.
Here is his bed. Over his bed we have the airplane picture that Aunt Amy made for him. For right now I hung it on an existing nail. I am going to lower it and we plan to add a piece of Korean art work (probably name art) to go with it. You can also see the brass lamp we painted black and put a new shade on in the right corner as well as a wicker ottoman and a red picture frame. This frame was the very first thing we purchased for Owen's room.

This is his changing table. Excuse the mess, it is currently our catchall for packing. You can see his child size chair holding a panda bear. Not much to say about a changing table. I will say that if you were actually in his room versus taking the virtual tour, you would notice that we have a bit of an Asian theme going on in the room. We like it because it was different and because the color scheme matched the rest of our house.


Here we have his "gentleman's chest." You will notice his Build-A-Bear in a Korean hanbok from Grammy (my Mom) and a white ceramic elephant from Grandpa (Nathan's Dad). You will also see a flag stand. Currently it has a U.S. flag and an Arkansas flag, but we will soon replace the Arkansas flag with a Korean flag that he will be given when he leaves Korea.



Here is his book shelf and his wicker chair (goes with the ottoman). You can also see the other picture painted by Aunt Amy and you can see his curtains. Here is a closer look at the curtains that their fabric. His curtains and bed skirt were custom made by Grandma (Nathan's Mom).

Well it is off to finish about three things before I go to bed. Hope you have a great week.


Saturday, December 13, 2008

Count Down to Korea - Day 4

Saturday - four days to go. We have had a very busy day! We ran errands this morning (found out we only have to be to the airport at 4:15 am versus 4:00 am - yea!), I met my mom for lunch in Alma, Nathan's parents and Grandmom came over to help us with the tree, I wrapped all the presents for Christmas and now we are on our way to Wal Mart and TJ Maxx for last minute items. I am worn out. When we get home, I am going to crash.

Our house is now decorated for Christmas, which is a good thing since we will be having guests. As we were putting it up, I thought to myself, "This should be fun putting all this stuff up with a baby here." I am still not sure how all you Mom's do this...I guess I will learn.

So far, I feel like we have accomplished a lot today. Most of Christmas is done and I am starting to get a mental picture of what we need to take with us. I think we will both sleep well tonight!

Count Down to Korea - Day 5

TGIF! I am so glad it is Friday. I have so much to do at home and I am glad I will be there to do it. My hairstylist squeezed me in for a haircut. It was so weird to be able to have a flexible schedule for my next appointment since I will be off work. It stuck me that either I will have to have childcare (how weird is that) or Nathan will have to be at home or Owen will have to go with me (doesn't sound like such a good option). Our life is about to change! Did I mention I am OLD! I have had some habits like getting my haircut after work, sleeping in on Saturday and waking up at the last minute on weekdays and Sundays for a long time. All of that is about to change. We are ready (I think...are you ever ready?).

Sleeping last night did me a world of good, but about 9:00 we were both about ready to crash. It was an early night to bed with not much sleep. There is much to be done on Saturday. Nathan estimated that he has about 19 hours of work to do. Crack me up! Please pray for us as we do attempt to conquer the world on Saturday.

Count Down to Korea - Day 6

Well...I am a little scattered. If you have been checking my blog this week, you can see that I miss counted my days. This is actually an account of day 6 before our trip. This should give you a good insight about how I felt the first two days. No sleep and a little panicked. My co-worker Barbie says "welcome to motherhood." I can say officially that this baby is eating my brain. I have walked off and left my cell phone two places lately. Once was at the beauty shop where I get my nails done. They just laughed and said that I had been so attached to my phone for the last 6 months that now that I don't need it, I just forget it. That couldn't be more true. I have so much on my mind.

On this day we found out that our fellow blogging friends Brent and Dania from Russellville will be our travel buddies. The got their "call" today. They happen to be leaving and returning a day before us, but we are so thrilled that we will be there with them most of the time.

This was also the day I was finally able to get some sleep. Amazing what good sleep can do for your brain! I know "sleep now while you can." Easier said than done.

This was a very busy day, but I finally felt like I was getting some things done. Work is coming together, shopping is coming together, things on my list are getting marked off and I got my car seat installed!

Thank goodness I still have 5 days!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Count Down to Korea - Day 7


Seriously...I woke up today wondering if the whole thing was a dream! Assuming it was not...off to work I go.

Guess what also happened yesterday? Our roofer called and said they were starting on our roof this week. We are thrilled because it will be done before we leave and before Owen gets home.

Today was full of more well wishes and lists of things that have to be done.

Nathan's parents took us out to dinner as a celebration (Asian food, of course). We had a great time. They came over to answer a few baby room questions and for me to check out the curtains that Grandma (aka - Nathan's Mom - Doris) made for Owen's room. They are too cute! I will post a tour of his room soon (maybe before we leave, but no promises).

After doing this post and folding the "baby things" that I washed in Dreft (doesn't that scent just make you think baby?)...I am off to bed. Hopefully I can sleep better tonight.

Still Amazed!

Count Down to Korea - Day 8


No doubt the next few days will be "action packed." I thought it might be fun to have documentation of all the fun.

So if you read my previous post you know that we are leaving for Korea next week. We are leaving on Wednesday and returning the following Tuesday. Just in time to celebrate our first Christmas together as a family of three! AMAZING!!!

Yesterday started off with the amazing phone call and the entire day was filled with more screams of laughter and excitement! Mom said that my every sentence ended in "Whoo Hoo."

After hearing the news, I started making phone calls. I tried to call Nathan first...he didn't answer. Ok, fair game, I'm calling the Grandmothers. Everyone was obviously thrilled! Nathan was a little stressed/panicked with all that has to be done. It will all work out, we don't know how, but it will.

Next my mind started turning with all the things that had to be done. We need to book plane tickets, tell the health insurance provider he's on his way, buy last minute Christmas presents, prepare for a visit from Santa, decorate our tree, make a big trip to Target, Wal-Mart and the grocery store...and the list goes on! I needed a notebook, I needed a list and I need to leave work early TODAY! I left work at noon and came home to book tickets.

Mom went to the girls' school to tell them. Brittni (2nd grade) has said ever since we got the referral that all she wants for Christmas is Owen (she even has a song about it). When Mom told her he would be here, she burst into tears. Isn't that the sweetest thing? She is going to be a fantastic cousin. When Mom picked them up from school, they wanted to go to the grocery store to buy Owen some food - I guess they think he is hungry. Brittni must have been waiting for months to go down the baby aisle. They were both picking up two of every kind of baby food and putting them in Grammy's cart (one for Grammy's house and one for Owen's house). I got a call from Brooklyn asking me if I was planning on using organic baby foods - WHAT??? I think they watch too much Jon and Kate!

My plan was to wait and tell all the "girls" at Girl's Night Out, but my husband let the cat out of the bag by changing his facebook status. Did I mention he is a facebook addict? That is another post for another day. It was really ok that he revealed my secret, I was about to bust - I had to tell the good news! Girl's Night Out was still fun...more yelps of laughter! Really, we have the best friends and family two people (soon to be three) could ever ask for!

I finally fell into bed at 10:30 - EXHAUSTED! I finally fell asleep about 1:00 am. So much on my mind!

Overall feeling of the day? I feel thankful to God for this miracle.

Psalm 34:4 I prayed to the Lord and He answered me.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Guess Who's Going to Korea!?!?!


We are! Pack your bags Owen - Momma and Daddy are on their way!

We are in total shock! I broke down and finally called Jan at Dillon this morning! She said "Emily, I can't believe you called me. I was looking up your number to call you!" I asked what our good news was and she said we were free to travel! I can't believe it! We had given up on a before Christmas date, but God made a way! It is truly a miracle and our prayers have been answered! We received Emmigration Permission, Passport and Travel Clearance all in the same day!

We don't have the full details yet, but we are looking at leaving next week. By a week from Friday, we could be seeing our baby boy! The level of excitement and business at our home is stunning! We almost don't know where to start!

Gotta run...more details later...I must make a to do list!


Wednesday, December 3, 2008

No News!

You read it right...no new news! We are still waiting on Emmigration Permission from Korea and for Owen to receive his Korean Passport. Once those things are done, the rest should move very quickly. We are ready to have our boy HOME. This wait is by far much harder than the wait to receive a referral. He is very real to us and we want OUR SON with us. We are hoping to hear good news soon.

In the absence of news about Owen, I thought you might like to see some creative gifts we received. I don't consider myself very "artsy craftsy," so I am always in awe of people who are. One of those people is my Sister-in-Law, Amy. She made these two paintings (on canvas) for Owen's room.
Aren't they wonderful? I am not the best photographer, but I think you can get the point. Both painting have special meaning behind them. First the plane (the plane...ha, ha). If you look very closely, you will see that there are "hidden" messages. For example, on the wing, you can see MOM and my birth date and DAD and Nathan's birth date. There are all kinds of other "hidden" elements too - we are so thrilled. The other painting is a saying that I loved as a kid. Did you ever say the poem "I see the moon, the moon sees me?" LOVED IT as a kid. This picture is going above Owen's book case as a reminder to me to inspire him with reading. Please notice too that she made the font "Asian." Both pictures are treasures to us and we know they will be for Owen too.

I know what you are thinking..."Wow, I would like to have one of those for my kid!" Lucky for you, Amy has opened an ESTY store. Here is the link, look around and see if there is something you would like.

Here is my other creative gift. This one is from Barbie my friend at work. She made this creation for my diaper shower at work. Isn't that the cutest?
I know I should take it apart and use it, but I just haven't been able to do so. Abby, I knew you would love to see it for inspiration.

We have been working hard on Owen's room and I am hoping to finish it this weekend. If I do, I will post pictures for everyone to see. Whew! Babies need a lot of stuff!

Pray hard that we hear news very soon. It is hard to not get discouraged. Thank you to everyone that is already praying and thanks also to all of you who ask about our boy. We feel very loved and we know Owen is too. When we hear news, you will be the first to know - you will hear me shouting!