Seoul Searching

Starting Over?

2010-11-27T20:00:00.005-06:00

I feel like I’m starting over. A new place. A new time. A new blog. Why? It is time to go private. (I've thought about doing this for nearly a year now.) I’ve had a public blog for over two years. When I started blogging, the purpose was to document and share our adoption journey. Document for us. Share with others…family and friends, to be specific.

When I first discovered adoption blogs…specifically ones related to Korean adoption…I was immediately hooked. These were people who had done what we were doing or were somewhere in the process, like we were. I felt a connection with a group of people who were previously complete strangers to me…who I now call friends. Some I have met in real life, others are friends via blogs, Facebook, email, etc… The friendships and connections that developed through blog-land are incredible. Weathering the ups & downs of the adoption journey was so much easier because of the advice and support we received through my blog.

I’ve continued to blog for the same reasons I started…to document and to share. However, my blog is less and less about our adoption journey…and more and more about being…a family…a regular family. Don’t get me wrong…we are forever a family formed through adoption…and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Our journey as an adoptive family doesn’t end now or at any particular point. I obviously still love to blog…and plan to do so…but feel the need to pull inward just a bit.

I had planned to maybe start my own website…but just don’t feel fully up to that right now…especially this busy time of year. I debated whether or not to stick with Blogger (creating a list of invited users, requiring you to sign in to read/view my blog) or switch to WordPress, where I know I could password protect my posts. I chose the latter. This way I can pick/choose which posts to password protect and which ones to make public. It seemed like the best balance for me…for now.

Of course…this switch hasn’t been exactly easy…learning a new blogging platform. And trust me…I do not have it fully figured out yet. Like…Why the comments from my old blog aren’t showing up on each old blog post yet despite seeing them in the comment menu on my dashboard? Or…How to change/add the categories in the right sidebar? Or…How to password protect my old posts? If anyone knows these things or has suggestions, let me know. But…I will get there…and I hope you’ll stick with me. If I waited until I had all the features completely mastered, I'd never make the switch. Change and challenge are both good things, right?

I’ve had a lot of loyal followers over the 2+ years I’ve been blogging. Your comments and support have been incredible. I hope you’ll continue to follow along. Thank you.

The new blog link is: http://myseoulsearching.wordpress.com/
To request the password for future private posts, please email me at: myseoulsearching@gmail.com

Namaste — Janet

Love Friday (98th Edition)

2010-11-26T13:40:00.002-06:00

LOVE how our Little Romeo is moving in for a smooch here with Baby R. Even more...LOVE her reaction. Wink. (I didn't have the camera out & ready when he was smothering her with hug after hug.)
LOVEd having Thanksgiving at my parents' home yesterday. So nice to have family nearby now.
LOVE that I ordered our holiday cards next week. Cannot wait to receive them and send them out.
LOVE that one of Little D's favorite sayings right now is, "Hip-Hip-Hooray!" (BIG on the "Hooray!" part.)
LOVE that Little D's two-year well-child-check went well this week. He is right around the 50th percentile for height & weight. We are grateful for a healthy, happy child.
LOVE that Little D has been offering up all kinds of spontaneous hugs to us lately. So cute to see him get the idea all on his own, come running, and throw his arms around us. One of the BEST feelings ever, if you ask me.
LOVE having plenty 'o Thanksgiving left-overs in the house...including pie! Mmmm.
LOVE new words I've heard from D lately: turtle, tail, boo-boo (as in "owie"...not a new word for him, but a current *obsession*...he thinks he has one ALL the time), wheel, sit down, and my personal favorite: far away (which he says with lots of emphasis on the "far"...just like you'd say it in a story book...which is where I'm sure he heard it from us).
LOVE that this is ALMOST my 100th LOVE FRIDAY post. (Stick around...I suspect there just might be something fun for the 100th one...we must celebrate, right?)

Wordless Wednesday: Post-Snow Snack Time

2010-11-24T07:48:00.002-06:00

Look Who's Two!

2010-11-21T13:20:00.004-06:00

Yesterday we had a little party for Little D's SECOND BIRTHDAY. It wasn't as big of a production as his Tol (last year), but still wonderful. We invited a few close friends with little kids and my parents...decked the house out in some construction-themed decor...and partied like two-year-olds. It was fun!

Little D greeting his first (and youngest) guest...Baby R.

D was smitten with her...again.

He kept bending forward to get eye-to-eye...and give her hugs.

Our little Korean Casanova was in RARE form...
...greeting everyone as they came to the door (he'd RUN to the door each time)...hugging & kissing everyone...especially the ladies.

Little D and Little O sharing some puzzle time.
(BTW...the table & chairs were mine AND my mom's when we were little girls. Grandpa fixed them up for Little D prior to his arrival. LOVE it!)

OK...this photo is an out-take...but what I love about it:
I was trying to take a photo of the lovely 3-some behind Little D...
...but guess who jumped in front of the camera at the last minute? Yep.

THERE's the shot I wanted. Little H and her parents. SO cute.

Just a FEW trucks here & there...and this was BEFORE the present-opening.

Little D sharing his grandma with Baby R.

THE CAKE!

(No, I didn't make it. I won't even lie about it.)

You have NO idea the amount of restraint it took for Little D to sit back and WAIT for those trucks while we sang Happy Birthday. He made a lunge for them when I first brought in the cake. We promptly moved his chair BACK from the table. I wish I'd had the video camera going for this scene.

Blowing out the candles.

After singing everyone cheered...including Little D. He's his own biggest fan.

"They FINALLY let me have those trucks off the top of the cake!"

Watching Grandma cut the cake...

...and offering his digger (pronounced, "deeeee-goooow") to *help*, if needed.

Baby R and her parents. The construction crew!

Little D was perfectly content to sit & play with those trucks.

Guess what is STILL his favorite "present" so far?...

...Yep, the cheapo flimsy plastic trucks from the cake.

Present time.

Little D had the same helper as last year, A.

FUN to see them both in pics a year apart.

As you might have guessed...fire trucks were a POPULAR theme for gifts for Little D this year. He scored several red-truck items...including books, a fire station, and THREE fire truck puzzles. They are ALL different, which is awesome (and just tells you how popular fire trucks are).

This gift caused him to dance AND do a lap of pure excitement around the room (as he waited for Dada to get it out of the box).

"Hurry, Appa...HURRY!"

What a WONDERFUL second birthday! Thanks everyone.

Love Friday (97th Edition)

2010-11-19T06:00:00.003-06:00

LOVE that a certain special little toddler is turning TWO this weekend!
LOVE the pinecone bird feeder Little D made at school this week (even if it is SUPER sticky from the honey on it).
LOVE that we made it through another FULL week of school and work. Two in a row...a record lately.
LOVEd running errands completely solo for two hours on Wednesday morning while Little D had a blast playing with Grandma & Grandpa.
LOVE that I won a cool give-away from a blog friend. Cannot wait to receive our special ornament. Thanks to Kimberly...and her cute little elf!
LOVE that I plan to order our holiday cards this weekend. I seriously LOVE creating cards. I've been scouring websites for weeks...looking (and oooh-ing & ahhh-ing) over all the possibilities.
LOVE our little boy's LOVE of snow. I think our winter gear will get a good work-out this year.

More Snow Fun

2010-11-18T19:57:00.001-06:00

On Sunday we went back out to enjoy ALL the snow that had fallen. The snow was thick, wet, and heavy. Little D had a little trouble walking in it...but it certainly didn't slow him down too much. It did, however, tucker him out...yay!

"Hi, Mama."

"Hmmmm...what's my next move?"

"Snowball fight?"

"Come on, Dada. Let's build a snowman."

"Here, I'll help."

I LOVE my boys!

Time for the park...YES, in the snow. We do this a lot in the winter.

Picnic benches are WAY more fun with snow on them.

" Time to climb some ropes. Kind of hard to do in this get-up."

We did some sledding too...but I took video of that, not photos. To be honest, Little D had more fun walking around in the snow than sledding. But...my DH...just the opposite. I hope to post a silly video soon of him having WAY TOO MUCH fun on the slippery slopes. ;-)

Wordless Wednesday: Furry Outside Friend

2010-11-17T06:00:00.004-06:00

{she is NOT doing what it looks like here}

{Ginger!}

We're Getting The Band Back Together

2010-11-14T06:00:00.014-06:00

[Last post with children's museum photos...I promise!]

Little D found the "music production room" at the Children's Museum when we were there a couple of weekends ago. When we arrived, all the traditionally cool musical instruments were "taken" (namely the guitar and the bass). So...our little musician settled for...the maraca...

Now...as you might recall from an old post...this wasn't really settling...since we all know the maraca is a totally cool instrument after all. So...Little D was happy to report: "We're getting the band back together!"

These other dudes were already totally laying down some tracks when we arrived at the studio, but they were missing one thing: a totally awesome maraca player...enter Little D! I love how the center rocker totally has the Billy Joe Armstrong (Green Day) stance down perfect. So cool.

Here Little D was staring at the television monitor...waiting for his big solo. The kids were standing on "stage" against a blue background...and up on the television monitor (what they are all staring at in these shots) they see themselves in the midst of a virtual background (a concert stage or other kid-fun venues)...making the experience even better.

"Maybe I'll just bang this thing on the floor...for some interpretive percussion." Not a bad idea...they were lacking a drummer after all.

Now that's more like it. Rock on, Little D! ("Billy Joe" was yelling at his bass player that he missed his cue...and for not making up his mind if he is a lefty or righty on the guitar. I totally sensed the tension...the rumors are the band might actually be splitting up again...dang!)

"Finally...those dudes are outta here. I'm going to try this guitar on for size. I always knew I was meant to be a solo artist. Those posers were just holding me back."

If anyone wants "in" on an advanced copy of Little D's solo album...I just happen to be a groupie...so I'll see if I can put in a good word for you.

Peace, Love, and Rock & Roll everyone!

Let It Snow

2010-11-13T13:03:00.003-06:00

We woke up this morning to see snow on the ground (yes, it was still dark outside)...and even more coming down. After some play time, books, breakfast, and more of the same...my DH headed out to start shoveling. It appeared to be wet, heavy snow...so the key is not to let it pile up SO HIGH that you cannot even move it.

After finishing the back walk and driveway, my DH came to the door and said Little D and I should come join him. Now...this sounds like it should be simple enough, right?! Well...let's just say getting Little D and myself dressed first and then both of us into all our winter gear...took a WHILE. Little D kept trying to run away from me first (naked, of course...why is this sooooo funny?!) and then put up a bit of protest when it came to the mittens...but besides that he tolerated being pushed, pulled, shoved, and coaxed into multiple layers. I should have taken a photo in the house when he fell over and couldn't get up...just like in one of our favorite movies, A Christmas Story...and this was even before we managed to get his boots on him. (BTW...how can you tell when your kid's foot is fully inserted in the boots? We think we did it. Hopefully it wasn't like walking around in high heels (tip-toe) for Little D.)

Once we got outside...all the work was definitely worth it...to see his face when the snow hit it...priceless. Little D was here for the snow last year, but he wasn't too great at walking in many inches of snow...so he didn't probably enjoy it as much as I suspect he will this year.

First up: A sled ride around the block (on the sidewalks). The snow was coming down SO HARD that I had to keep my camera tucked away inside my coat. I only took a couple of shots before taking the camera back in the house. A very wet snow means even my parka was getting pretty soaked and I didn't want to risk ruining the camera. However...I did manage to capture this...

One VERY happy boy.

My DH said Little D had this same look on his face pretty much the entire walk (ride) around the block. After they came back, Little D got to work "helping" shovel the driveway and attempting to walk in the yard. Thick, wet, HEAVY snow made this challenging, but he wasn't going to admit defeat...so he kept going & going & going. Little Energizer Bunny! Guess who was pretty tired after all this outdoor activity? Yep...the same little boy who pitched a total fit when we brought him back in the house. I suspect we'll be outside a LOT this winter. Might as well make the best of it, right? Good thing we live where we do.

Love Friday (96th Edition)

2010-11-12T19:35:00.002-06:00

LOVE the final days of Fall at the park.
LOVE that Little D's beloved trucks & diggers always have to go to the park and also go on the swings, slides, etc...
LOVE that today is my MIL's birthday. Happy Birthday, Nettie.
LOVE having no big plans for the weekend. Time for fun and relaxation...I hope.

LOVEd going to out for dinner tonight at one of our old favorites in its new location. Remember this post I wrote a while back...well...one of our favorite restaurants from the building that burned down opened up in their new location this week. The owner was so happy to see people, like us, from the old neighborhood. The new location is beautiful (still in an old city building)...and the food...still so yummy! We've missed them. It is no longer within walking distance (BUMMER!), but I think we'll still be regulars.
LOVE that Little D made it to all three days of school this week. Amazing!
LOVE that we are supposed to get our first snow of the season this weekend. There is something magical about the first snow each year. Looking forward to sharing the snow with Little D this year. He'll be able to enjoy it much more this year, I think.

Wordless Wednesday: Our Little Helper

2010-11-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

Tol Time

2010-11-09T20:11:00.003-06:00

On Saturday we were fortunate enough to attend the Tol of our friends' son, Little BH. BH came home from Korea a couple of months ago. You might remember when we met this NKOTB. His Tol was wonderful and brought back memories of our own son's Tol nearly one year ago.

The Tol Table. Note the Tol towers of candy & fruit. (Little D ate that top banana on the stack...fortunately he waited until the END of the party to do so.)

BH's Toljabee choices. What do you think he picked? My DH voted for the football & I voted for the xylophone. I'm sure if Little D could vote, he would have voted for the truck book, of course.

Here's the birthday boy!

Just getting a little playing in before his official duties began.

Little D decided it was a perfect time to drive some trucks.

Guess what we went out and bought D after this party?

A rug that looks similar to this...great for truck driving.

Then the boys donned their Hanboks...sans the pants.

Little BH's were too big and so we decided Little D would skip his too.

Love how they both have jeans on AND nearly identical brown shoes.

Nothing like a little friendly truck time...with your buddy...

...even if your parents make you wear your Hanboks.

"Wanna trade?"

And then...they were off...in opposite directions, of course.

Time for a prayer for Little BH.

And then...it was the BIG moment.

Our friend, D, placed Little BH on the Tol table.

(She was braver than I was. I strapped Little D into his highchair.)

And...he made his choice.

So...what did he choose?

First choice: The ball -- Athlete

Second choice: The stethoscope -- Doctor

Third choice: The car -- Race Car Driver

Good choices, BH!

Group Hanbok time.

After this shot was done, Little D started stripping off his Hanbok.

I guess he'd had enough of the slippery silk.

Thank you to our friends, D & A, for inviting us to Little BH's Tol. It was a very special day and everything was wonderful.

Trick Or Treat

2010-11-06T19:27:00.002-05:00

This year was Little D's first time to go out trick-or-treating. He was home with us last year, but we didn't take him out to the neighbors. He couldn't walk yet and it was cold/rainy. This year was a little cool, but quite nice. We headed out right around 5 PM. Early? Yes, but since it was a Sunday and because he is little, we figured we could get away with it and go out before dinner.

Our firefighter and Appa are ready to head out to trick-or-treat. I was surprised...he left the hat on the WHOLE time. It's like he *knew* it was essential to the costume. BTW...his fire fighter's coat is actually a rain slicker, so we can use it again...maybe in the Spring. We had to stick his hoody up inside the helmet because the fire fighter's hat was too big for him.

The first house we went to had this dude at the front door...along with with some other scary things. Little D stopped in his tracks a good distance from the door...and stared down this bearded creature. He didn't cry...he just stared. After we assured him it was OK, he blew the large-nosed critter some kisses...but wasn't going *any* closer.

This neighbor wasn't home. Little D helped himself. Of course he couldn't make up his mind...and wanted to take a few. We told him, "Only one," and he made his choice...and decided to taste it on the spot. In the wrapper.

Off to another house. "I'll just take the whole bag off your hands, lady. Thanks."

One neighbor came to her door with her camera when she spotted Little D. We're glad she did since we couldn't really get this view with our camera. Did I mention the light on his helmet flashed and made a siren sound when you pushed it? Yep.

With this face is it any surprise that he made out like a bandit despite going to only 6 houses? (I had not even noticed he was sporting one lock of hair on his forehead sticking straight down out of his helmet. Oops.) OK...confession: He didn't have any candy. None. What did we do with it? I'd say we ate a few pieces, but gave the rest away. He didn't even ask about it the next day. Sorry...maybe next year?!

"Hmmmm...let's see here. This one looks like it might be good." Can't go wrong with M&M's.

Family shot. Trick-or-treat! Those reflectors on D's coat *really* work, don't you agree?

"Dada, that's MY hat!"

Love Friday (95th Edition)

2010-11-05T19:36:00.007-05:00

LOVE all the wonderfully supportive comments & emails I received on my last post. Thank you.
LOVE that Little D's fever broke on Wednesday night (after 4 full days). He still woke up in the middle of the night crying that night, but he wasn't burning up (finally!). He slept better...and the going-to-sleep routine went *much* better last night & tonight. No screaming, no crying. He went in his crib without any fussing. We modified things for those four ugly days/nights, but we are back on track. He even slept through the night last night. Looks like illness was indeed to blame...this time. Now I feel like I probably over-reacted in my last post (understatement?), but I was sort of at my wits end after several days of the behavior I described and *more* illness in this house.
LOVE my friends at work...who helped cover for me since I was able to work only half-days this week due to Little D's illness. (My DH and I split the days so we could each work at least half days.) Thanks ladies...you rock!

LOVE our little shopper in these shots. Yes, I still have pics from the Children's Museum trip. Hope you aren't sick of them yet. I think there is one more set...hint: rock & roll! There were no photos taken around here this week. No way.
LOVE plans to attend a Tol (Korean first birthday party) tomorrow. I'm *so* glad Little D is better...I was worried we'd have to miss it. Makes me of Little D's Tol...almost a year ago.
LOVE this book we checked out from the library this week. Doesn't every kid just love these books? We have a fire truck one too. I know...imagine that.
LOVE hearing new words from Little D. However, in the past week or so he has started saying (yelling?), "No!" Before this he'd just emphatically shake his head "no," but now we have the verbal rendition. When he says it...it sounds like, "OH!" Even though he is missing the "n" he makes it *very* clear what he is saying. Oh...and you know those expressive eyebrows of his?...he has taken them to a whole new level with this word. I didn't think eyebrows could furl so much...serious scowl too. Yikes! We're in trouble.

Sick & Tired Of Being...Sick & Tired

2010-11-03T20:25:00.002-05:00

Warning...this is a total "woe is me" post...

I am feeling like an Epic Failure in the Mommy department. Guess who is sick again? Little D. He has had an intermittent fever since Sunday afternoon. Temps have ranged from 101-105.6 (yes, scary high!). It goes up, we give him some Motrin. It goes down. We do the alternate-Motrin-&-Tylenol thing every 3-4 hours. If, heaven forbid, he is sleeping...and we go a whopping 5-6 hours without making our child swallow more sickening-sweet liquid, his temp spikes up to the scary levels. He moans, he whines, he gets all lethargic. It breaks my heart. The source of this fever? Unknown. I'm sure it is a random virus...yet another or a repeat one. He has little to no other symptoms. Just a little bit of nasal congestion, but nothing like the other times he has been sick with a horrible cough and congestion...and pneumonia and/or RSV. I'll be calling his clinic tomorrow, but I suspect there isn't anything his physician can do. They tend not to freak out over a child having a fever for a few days...but parents do.

So...after D being sick for nearly a week three weeks ago...and then me being sick for 2 weeks...now it is his turn again. I SWEAR we practice good hand-hygiene. I SWEAR we eat well. I SWEAR we are clean people. I SWEAR we are good parents...but I just don't feel like one right now.

To make matters worse...sleep has been total challenge this week. Remember a while back when I posted about our sleep training endeavors? Well, it had been going well...very well in fact. We were to the point where we could lie Little D down in his crib...still awake...and he would put himself to sleep (after the usual bedtime routine: bath, books, etc...). We easily shed the bottle and even weaned him off milk in his sippy cup. No crying, no tantrums, no real issues. He'd sometimes ask "Mama?" or "Dada?" a couple of times when we'd first lie him down, but we'd just either just ignore it or reassure him with a simple, "Night-night. Shhhh." and out the door we'd go. If he'd wake up in the middle of the night, he could put himself back to sleep. He'd even sleep "in" a little bit better...until 6:00 AM or even 6:15 sometimes. (Don't laugh...that is *totally* sleeping in for him.) Bedtime was early...7:00. It worked. Now...it wasn't always perfect. Occasionally, when he was sick...we'd get off a little bit...but not too bad...and never for very long.

This week...total going-to-bed nightmare. Bedtime routine has been more or less the same, but earlier because he has been really tired and somewhat cranky from not feeling well. Bath has been the same. Books have been the same. But...when the lights are turned off...this is when the nightmare begins. Crying, screaming, kicking, hitting, yelling, squirming to get down, yelling, "DOWN!" (as in downstairs) or "DADA!" or "MAMA!"(which ever parent isn't in the room). Repeatedly. Loud. Hard. He sounds/acts like he is TERRIFIED. It is like wrestling an alligator. A freakishly-strong toddler alligator who doesn't care if he hurts you or himself. After attempting to calm him down for what feels like several minutes (who could keep it up much longer?), I lie him down in his crib. He immediately gets up, shrieking even louder. Remember it is dark...(we don't use a nightlight...caused too much distraction)...in his room. He cannot see, nor can I. I worry he is going to fall over in his crib, smacking his face on the rails. I attempt to lie him down again. No success. I leave the room, letting this continue...but eventually go back in due to him literally choking after coughing so hard...and nearly vomiting. I pick him up. He is a hot, sweaty mess in my arms. I rock him...he slowly quiets himself down. I rock and rock...and rock...and rock some more...until I can tell he is sleeping/snoring. I attempt to lie him down. He wakes up...and we start over again...but it doesn't last as long. I rock him again...and wait...and wait...and wait...and just when I think I cannot sit there any longer...I stand up...and hopefully am able to lie him down in his crib. This process is repeated 2-3 times before he is successfully asleep in his crib and I am out the door. We sometimes repeat this in the middle of the night...but usually it is because his temp is back up...or so I think that is the reason.

I hope this is just sickness messing up sleep and our bedtime routine. It all started when he started getting sick again. I hope all that sleep training hasn't gone right out the window. Starting over...honestly?...sounds terrible to me right now. I'm not sure I can do it...but I know I will...right?

Is is possible he has developed some sort of fear surrounding his crib? I ask because two nights ago...in the throws of this bedtime fiasco...I caved in...and let him lie down on the mattress we had pulled back into his room. And he quieted much more quickly...almost immediately. I sat on the mattress and waited for him to fall asleep...but at least he wasn't shrieking. I suspect this was a more desirable compromise to him because he knows one of us sleeps WITH him if he is on that mattress. But I didn't stay in there...even though I don't think leaving him alone in there is a great idea...and I worried. I worry he'll get up and wander around in his room...his DARK room...and hurt himself...or get out of his room. I know we'll have to deal with those issues when he is out of his crib...but I don't think we're there yet. At least I pray we're not there yet. Are we? He isn't even two-years-old yet. Everything I've read said it is best to keep them in their cribs for as long as you can. He hasn't even attempted to climb out yet...not even once. He is a total thrasher when he sleeps...so I know he'll end up on the floor in anything but a crib. (He even rolls off the big mattress in there sometimes.)

I wondered if he might have developed a fear of the dark. I attempted turning on a little bit of a nightlight from an alarm clock (instead of dimming it all the way down)...but that didn't seem to help at all.

Any ideas? Is this all sickness related (which I pray it is)? Or...has anyone else had their child suddenly develop an irrational fear of their crib? How could things have gone from so good to so bad SO quickly? This sleep stuff...is hard. Right now it bites the big one.

So there..."woe is me." I know parenting is a hard job. I get it. I know I'm not the only one with a child who gets sick (a lot) and has sleep issues. I'm just currently quite sick and tired...of sickness...and subsequent tiredness. Thanks for listening to me whine. I'll go back to my happy/peppy posts soon...just as soon as I feel that way. For now...I'm going to bed...of which I'm slowly developing a phobia myself (anxiety regarding what is to come).

P.S. Do you notice I only post about sleep when it sucks? I guess when it is going well I don't even want to talk about it.

Wordless Wednesday: Making Waves

2010-11-03T06:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T13:52:00.001-05:00

What a GREAT Halloween weekend we've had around here...and it isn't over yet. Yesterday we did a lot of Halloween activities. I'll say we did WAY better this year than last year, as you can read about in this old post. (I cannot believe how tiny Little D was a year ago...such a baby!)

Yesterday morning we headed out to a pumpkin festival nearby. There were lots of activities for the kids, including trick-or-treating at the local businesses.

Patiently waiting his turn in line to trick-or-treat. To be honest, I think Little D was more interested in the blue car to his right. Vroom!

Who needs to open the wrapper? Just eat it! (Actually, he didn't eat it...and he hasn't even had a piece of candy yet...in his life. We might have to let him try one today.)

And then...we found another fire truck to let our own little fireman inspect. I swear this kid has a sixth sense about knowing when firetrucks are going to be around for him. I have a feeling he thinks that these trucks come around for his personal benefit...and that they don't really do any *real* work.

Almost Little D's turn to climb aboard. He seemed to know he was one of the crew. I mean...he does have the uniform and all. He was proud of his helmet...which blinks & plays a siren sound when you press the light on the front.

We had to hold his hands back from the radio/CB. I'm sure he would have called in a ten-alarm fire...just to get some more rigs to arrive.

This is one of my favorite shots from the day. My big boy! He really loves his trucks.

Getting his temporary tattoo...pretty cool. And yes...that is ANOTHER firefighter next to Little D. We saw a few yesterday...but mostly boys that were older than D.

And then...it was time to hit another pumpkin patch. This time in the city. Now...you might be saying to yourself...I seem to remember a blog post about them already going to a pumpkin patch. You'd be right. But...that day we didn't actually buy any pumpkins. I know...we're terrible.

You see...we have these ultra-aggressive squirrels around here. (Actually, I'm sure they are everywhere...but we like to think they are uber-tough, city squirrels.) They eat pumpkins before you even get a chance to carve them. A smaller pumpkin we set outside was ruined within two days. So...we waited until the last minute to buy our carving pumpkin. Little D had fun picking out the "perfect" pumpkin...again.

This time he got to ride in a wagon too...with his pumpkin. He decided our pumpkin needed to have some bumps on it. Looks good to me.

Trying out a different wagon...to ride to the car with Appa...and his perfect pumpkin.

After lunch and naptime, we headed out to Grandma & Grandpa's house to do some trick-or-treating there. "Ding-dong!"

Trick-or-treat, Grandpa. Wow...thank you. He scored some crackers, yogurt bites, and a cute little tow truck...all in a sweet Halloween bag sewed by Grandma.

We brought our perfect pumpkin with us to carve with Grandma & Grandpa. At first Little D wasn't too sure about putting his hand in the pumpkin. He seemed kind of afraid and didn't like the slimy, cold feeling. (He must take after his father...who admits to feeling "squeamish" upon touching pumpkin guts. Oh, puh-leaze!) But...after we gave Little D a big spoon to go at it...he did just that.

This is when he really wasn't quite sure about helping me. I love the concerned look on his face.

Notice who is scooping...and who is watching. Hmmmm. I guess we all have to have our respective jobs. Happy Halloween everyone!

SeJoong's Korean Restaurant

2010-10-30T13:57:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we all needed an outing. We'd all been sick (and actually some of us were still sick) and we all had cabin fever. It was cold & rainy outside. So...we decided a museum was in order...specifically a children's museum. You might have noticed the photos in my last two posts look like they were taken somewhere kid-friendly and fun. You're right: our local children's museum. It has lots of fun little areas for kids to explore, play, and learn. I took a lot (!) of photos that day and decided instead of one massive post with too many photos, I'd break it up a bit. After finishing in the grocery store area (photos still to come), we turned the corner and saw this display...

Yep...the flag grabbed our attention IMMEDIATELY! "What is this?" we wondered. We saw photos of various spots in Korea...many of which we had visited on our trip to meet and bring home Little D. Palaces, parks, gardens, and museums. And then...we saw a map...

A map of Korea. We sat down and showed Little D where he was born. We know this doesn't mean anything to him right now...but some day it will...and we'll keep going back to this fun play space to show him and tell him his story...again and again.

As you can tell by the photo above, Little D was much more interested in exploring something else...instead of this map...can you guess what it was?...

A Korean restaurant!! That's right. Now...many children's museums have little restaurants for children to explore and cook up some tasty imaginative treats for their parents to enjoy. But...I have never been to one that has a KOREAN restaurant at the heart of this playtime adventure.

First...Little D explored the dining area...taking orders for various Korean dishes: Bee Bim Bop, Japchae, Mandu, Pajeon, and of course...Kimchi (of which there is a shortage in Korea right now...but not here, thank goodness!).

Then it was time to see what was in the pantry. I see plenty of tasty ingredients. Do you see any of your favorites?

Tea, rice, soy sauce, salt, spices, fish, shrimp, noodles, crackers...you name it!

Then it was time to get cooking. Here you can see our little chef (SeJoong) shaking up some spices to add to his ginger, cabbage stir fry (and yes...sorry vegetarians...that is a huge piece of [plastic] meat laying on the stove behind the pan).

Mix, mix, mix. (Or bee-bim, bee-bim, bee-bim...if you will.)

Taking a closer work at his creation. Note the spice shaker had to go IN the pan. I tried to tell him you just sprinkle some on top of the other ingredients, but he insisted the whole can needed to go in the pot. Well...he is the chef...and he is also the Korean in our family...so what do I know?!

Looking around to see what else might need to be added to his masterpiece.

Time to eat. Now...where's that poky waitress anyway? Hmmm...no tip for her!

"I guess I have to do everything around here. Time to wash the dishes." Note the cute conveyor belt that leads the dishes to the wash station. Little D loved to run back and forth...first to turn the wheel to crank the conveyor belt...and then back to the sink side to wash. (I'm happy to report that NO actual water comes out of that tap. If it did, I think Little D would still be there right now continuing to wash [play with] the dishes.)

"Would you like that to go, sir?" Handing over a take-out box.

Helping another satisfied customer pack up his left-overs. Kham-sah-ham-nee-dah.

Now...I know Little D had NO IDEA this was a Korean restaurant...or really what that even means. I'll admit...my DH and I were probably even MORE excited about this spot than he was. Oh, trust me...Little D had a ball in this area...running back & forth...pretending to cook, clean, etc...but we were the ones aware of this special spot's significance. If it weren't for him...this would have just been a fun little play restaurant spot for our child to play in. We wouldn't have looked at all the food items quite so closely...seeing if we could figure out what they were. We wouldn't have looked at all the photos, drawings, and other pieces of artwork with quite such a keen eye and with such excitement in our hearts & brains. Because of him...this fun spot had so much more meaning. It is a perfect way for us to expose him to his birth culture...in a fun and age-appropriate way. It should be no surprise to anyone that we spent more time in this area of the museum than any other spot...and I took more photos here too.

I look forward to many more trips to SeJoong's Korean Restaurant. I've heard it is very popular...and is now taking reservations...if anyone wants to join us. (We have an "in" with the chef/owner...so I'm sure we could get you on the list.)

Love Friday (94th Edition)

2010-10-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

LOVE our little red cardinal bird...who LOVES playing dress-up.
LOVE that this weekend is Halloween. This will be Little D's first time trick-or-treating. We plan to go to just a few neighbors' homes and of course to Grandma & Grandpa's house too.
LOVE that my cough is *finally* lessening and I'm slowly feeling better. Two weeks has felt like a long time to have this cruddy virus.
LOVE the family photos we had taken earlier this month. I've been viewing & reviewing the proofs...narrowing down my "wish list" and need to place my order soon. (Sorry...no photos to share yet...keeping them under wraps for a bit longer.) Considering Little D wasn't in the best of moods, wasn't feeling well, and wasn't particularly cooperative...the photographer still managed to capture several good shots. She rocks!

LOVE the Halloween cupcakes I made this week to take to a party at work. Sugary, seasonal perfection...yum.
LOVE plans to have dinner at my parents' this weekend.
LOVEd doing water paints with Little D this week...even if he did smash/crush the paintbrush into a sad little piece of mush. I think I can save it. I think I like water painting better than finger painting with him.
LOVE that my parents helped watch Little D for me for a little while on Wednesday morning...so I could have the WHOLE HOUSE TO MYSELF for 1.5 hrs. Yes! That is the first time I've been home completely alone since Little D came home. How crazy is that?!

Wordless Wednesday: Men At Work

2010-10-27T10:15:00.001-05:00

Love Friday (93rd Edition)

2010-10-22T20:05:00.000-05:00

LOVE that Little D is getting more & more into crafty-type activities...like play dough.
LOVE my parents...for helping us out with Little D twice this week...since I was sick and my DH needed to work. THANK YOU!
LOVE that we made it through this week. I am still feeling pretty cruddy (as in coughing my head off constantly)...but just knowing we made it through a rough one feels good.
LOVE my DH for doing the bulk of the hands-on parenting this week. For a few days I just didn't have it in me.
LOVE the mini pumpkins Little D brought home from school this week...that he decorated on his own. Think paint AND glitter...all over the place!
LOVE the new books Little D and my DH brought home from the library today...including two by this illustrator. We LOVE her books. I have several other good ones on hold...ones I've seen mentioned by my blog friends. Thanks! LOVE the library!
LOVE that is time to lie down...rest...and soon...sleep. Good night. Happy Friday.

Sand

2010-10-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Quite often when we go to the park, Little D is perfectly content to sit in the sand...and play...and dig...and scoop...and dump...and transfer things from one vehicle to another. He'll do this for a very long time. This is one of the few situations where he actually sits still for a pretty long period of time...and just plays & plays. Sometimes sands or sticks are involved...other times is it purely sand. Sometimes a shovel or "digger" is needed...other times his hands do the job. Either way, he is one happy boy in this environment. We have a sandbox at home, but somehow a sand play area the size of the whole playground is so.much.better...of course. That's fine. I'm content to sit and watch him play...and to play along too. These beautiful Fall days are perfect days to play in the sand. I love these days with our son.

Wordless Wednesday: "What's This, Mama?"

2010-10-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

Fourteen

2010-10-19T12:35:00.003-05:00

Fourteen years

You and me

Little did I know how happy we'd be.

Fourteen years

We've been through a lot

I'm so glad we tied the knot.

Fourteen years

We laugh, we smile

Let's continue down this road for a while.

I love you.

(I'm certainly no poet...but *do* I love you.)

[I didn't have time to scan/upload old photos of us. If anyone wants to see how we looked 14 years ago (to laugh, to smile)...check out my previous posts here (13 yrs) and here (12 yrs).]

Down On The Farm

2010-10-16T15:11:00.002-05:00

Last weekend was the annual fall farm party hosted by one of the ENT physicians with whom I work. He has a hobby farm and invites not only the entire ENT/Audiology clinic from our hospital, but also the entire ENT residency program (MDs in training) along with everyone's family. My DH and I have gone a few times, but this was Little D's first trip. I already posted some of the photos from the farm here and here.

I didn't think we'd go this year because it was the same weekend that our entire family was in town for Little D's baptism. Well...everyone at work kept encouraging me to bring the whole entire gang...and I finally caved in. (In our defense, we were not the biggest family group there -- we had 8 adults + Little D, but there were two other families with 10-12 people.) I'm glad everyone talked me into it...it turned out to be a perfect Fall day and a great family activity.

First up: Hayride. All aboard!

My dad, mom, and sister.

My sister & MIL (and another family next to her).

Besides being just a "hobby farm," this place is also stocked with LOTS of vehicles.

The ENT/farmer/owner happens to sort of collect old vehicles...of all sorts.

Little D hardly knew which way to run first.

What is this one?...

...An old SNOWPLOW! Yep.

Check out those tires.

Yep, OMMA actually took a turn in the driver's seat.

This time we were in some sort of old digger/tractor.

Notice whose hand I'm holding back from the gears.

I was just a tad worried he'd manage to undo the break & set it into motion.

Neither of us looking particularly with-it here.

But...I included it...just to prove I was *indeed* there.

Little D really didn't want to pose with PoPo (my MIL) for this shot.

He wanted to get down & run around...imagine that.

I did have to remove her beer from her hand to attempt this shot.

Somehow a beer, a grandma, a toddler, and a bulldozer all together just wasn't working.

Next up...A FIRETRUCK. Yep, the farmer/ENT owns an old firetruck.

Little D was giddy with excitement.

I have to say...he looks like a natural in the driver's seat.

Hey D...that's one BIG steering wheel...

...and you might need some help reaching the pedals.

It's a long way down from that seat.

Tiny boy + Huge truck = Pure bliss.

Up top the firetruck with Appa.

Yes, those are bales of hay.

Later there were rides on the firetruck...

...like a typical hayride, but even better, right?

Letting Uncle J take it for a spin.

D had a blast running through and gathering up the grass everywhere.

Wheeeeeee!

My friend/colleague, N and her baby, R.
You might remember seeing her before back in this old post.

Baby R is a little bigger now...and even cuter, don't you agree?

Those eyes!!

Little D sharing some grass with one of the ENTs.

Of course, once he accepted it from D, this game went on for a long time.

Thanks to E for being so patient & letting D bring pile after pile of grass to him.

Quick...there's time for one last tractor ride.

After "driving" all the vehicles, it was time for some good old fun in the dirt.

This might just become a fun annual tradition -- down on the farm.

Love Friday (92nd Edition)

2010-10-15T19:57:00.003-05:00

LOVE how excited Little D was to be *this* close to an actual bulldozer. (Don't worry...it was NOT on.) I'm not sure which he enjoyed more...playing in the DIRT or the dozer itself. Close call.
LOVE that Little D has peed in his new potty chair three nights in a row. We set it up on Wednesday. We talked about it. I put him on it that night before bathtub not expecting anything. First he sat on it fully clothed...and made "the face" as if he was trying to go. Then I undressed him. He sat down again...and I'll be darned...the potty chair started signing it's song of praise. (I scoffed at this feature when my DH brought home this throne.) He has done this 3 nights in a row for us...and thinks he is pretty awesome. Now...I know we are no where near ready for potty training...but I'm just glad he seems to like his chair and understands its purpose.
LOVE the fantastic Fall weather we've been having all week.
LOVE the book Trainstop by Barbara Lehman. We found it at the library. It is a wordless picture book. You tell the story as you go. Little D LOVES it. He insisted on reading it twice at the library before we even left...and he requests it at least 2-3 times daily at home now. We put a hold/request on the other books by the same author (also wordless) and cannot wait until they are ready for us.
LOVE having a pretty mellow weekend ahead of us...thank goodness.
LOVE hearing some new words from D: home, house, jello, Elmo, blue, green, and even an attempt at our cat's name (Kenya) which sounds like "yah-yah" or "gah-ya."
LOVE that Little D has started really showing affection to his "babies" (his loveys) and sometimes calls himself a baby and wants us to hold (cradle) him like one. When I ask him if he is my baby, he says, "Yeah."
LOVE our silly "baby's" face (below)...just in case you missed it...

Aunt & Uncles

2010-10-14T19:45:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone. Little D here. I wanted to write a little post to thank my Aunt & Uncles for coming to visit last weekend. I had a lot of fun with you...and I happen to think you are the BEST.

Thanks for having dinner with me at Grandma & Grandpa's house.

Here I was sharing my snack with Uncle J.
I also LOVED his shirt...see that cool van on there? They all told me it was called the Mystery Machine. I have no idea...I just know it goes "Vroooooommm!"

Here I am in the gazebo with Auntie L.

Mama decided to join us for this shot.

I think we're all "Number 1."

Catching a ride with my Uncle S.

Where are we in a lot of these shots? At a farm party.

Omma has more photos to share from this cool farm (separate post to come).

This place was *loaded* with awesome vehicles.

Uncle J helping me ride a John Deere. So cool!

Peek-a-boo through the BIG steering wheel.

Coming back in from the pumpkin patch with Uncle S.

Inspecting the bulldozer (yes, I said BULLDOZER) with Uncle J.

Playing at the park with Auntie L & Uncle J.

I'm one lucky little guy to have such a wonderful family!

I love you all.

Wordless Wednesday: The Wheel

2010-10-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Baptism Day

2010-10-12T20:06:00.003-05:00

Sunday was a special day around here. Little D was baptised and our whole immediate family was able to join us. We took some photos at the house before leaving. (Little D was not being particularly cooperative...which seems to be his usual "mood" lately for group photos. Sigh.)

A shot with my family (with my parents & my brother & sister).

A shot with my DH's family (with his brother & mother).

Here we are...after the baptism.
Little D did quite well up front of the entire congregation watching. He did request "down" a few times, but it was pretty easy to distract him by looking at things around him. He cooperated with the actual baptism process very well and was intrigued by the water, of course. Another little guy (a 10-month-old baby) went first. Little D closely watched that baby and then turned to me and asked, "Dee-Dee?"...his way of asking, "Me too?" I told him yes and he looked pleased. He got a little squirmy at the very end...but gave himself a HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE with everyone else when we were finished. This drew some major laughs from everyone.

"Hey, there's water in there!!"

Little D wore the vest of his Hanbok. I decided against the entire Hanbok as sometimes he won't leave it on for very long. Plus he is squirmy enough as it is...and Hanboks are VERY silky. I was worried he'd wriggle right out of the pastor's arms...and end up IN the water...which he probably would have loved.

The Godparents join us: Uncle S, Uncle J, and Aunt L.

Pastor K, who baptised Little D.

After the service...checking out the tiny little chapel on the back of the church.

Opening presents with Appa.

Opening a book...very focused on getting off every tiny scrap of paper.

Trying out his new trike!

Waving to his fans.

He has a very dramatic "parade" wave for situations like this.

I told him to "look up" so I could see his face (he had been looking down at his feet)...and this is what I got. Now that's REALLY looking up, D.

Checking out the bell. Ding, ding!

Thank you to our family for traveling here for Little D's special day. Thanks to my MIL for letting me use a few of her photos here -- I wasn't able to use my camera too much that day. Special thanks to my parents for helping me with the food. Couldn't have done it without you.

Love Friday (91st Edition)

2010-10-08T06:00:00.012-05:00

LOVE how small Little D looked next to this giant apple sign (I chopped it off...trust me, it was HUGE). I'm not sure how accurate it is...being that there is a slight trench where all the kiddos stand next to the ruler. What do you think he is staring at (intently) in this shot? A fleet of wagons ready for pumpkin action.
LOVE having lots of family come into town this weekend (my brother, my sister, my MIL, and my BIL). Why? Little D's baptism.
LOVEd coming to pick up Little D from daycare on Thursday and finding him dressed like a fireman. He was playing dress-up with two other kiddos. He looked pleased as punch...until I tried to help him take off his "costume."
LOVE how our cat got "trapped" in Little D's room last night. I didn't know she was in there, obviously (she must have been hiding under his crib). Suddenly...about 45 minutes after he went to bed...I heard a "MEOW!" coming out of the baby monitor. WHAT?! My DH rescued her. She's lucky she didn't wake up D. First time for everything, I guess.
LOVE that I'm working only 1/2 day today...so I can take our son to my parents to meet his Auntie (my sister) for the very first time.
LOVE plans for some more out-on-the-farm Fall family fun this weekend. Stay tuned...

Perfect Fall Weekend Outing

2010-10-07T06:00:00.017-05:00

On Saturday we headed out to the country to an apple orchard. We weren't really going to pick apples, but we knew they'd have a pumpkin patch, a hay ride, and other fun fall family activities. This is the first time we've done something like this with Little D. He was here last Fall (he came home in September), but it seemed like the whole month of October last year was rainy, cold, or he was sick. So...we kind of missed out...but NOT this year. We did it and boy was it fun!

First up...hay ride. Once Little D saw that tractor there was NO turning back.

Sitting on Appa's lap. "Let's get this rig moving, folks!"

Next to the beloved tractor (or "pop-pop" as Little D calls a tractor) after he dropped us off down in the orchards. (If anyone has seen the John Deere videos, you'll understand why D calls them "pop-pops." If not...I might just need to make a little contest out of it.)

But...before checking out any orchards or patches...we had to check out the long wooden choo-choo, which is part of the playground at this farm. Sweet.

Working his way from back to front of this choo-choo. All aboard!

Next up...goats. D was a little braver this time compared to his first goat encounter.

Getting a smooch from the goat. Eeeeek!

I think this goat was pretty, but he wasn't interested in being petted.

Then it was time to pet a miniature horse who was pulling a small carriage.

We decided not to send D for a ride on this guy...this time.

Then...time to say hi to a sweet, little calf.

Adorable.

Little D seemed nearly as thrilled by the cut-out animals.

Maybe because we actually let him TOUCH them.

Here he was feeding the pig some imaginary food.

" Hi, Omma. Come stand right here."

Little D loves to point to the spot right next to him (whether he is sitting or standing) and beckon you to put yourself in that spot...pronto!

Peek-A-Boo!

That's my cute little punkin'.

Finally time to check out the pumpkin patch.

You should have seen his face when he saw them ALL sitting out there.

He took off...running.

"Harumphhhh! This thing is heavy!"

He seriously tried to lift about 20 of them...the bigger the better.

He thought he was pretty funny.

Here he is laughing/singing to himself as he runs off to the next pumpkin.

Sizing up the BIG haystack (my photos don't do it justice...it was really tall).

"Appa, I want to go UP THERE."

" If the big boys can do it, so can I."

"Almost there..."

"Come on, Appa...give me a boost."

"Ta-dah!!! King of the hill!"

Staring down the corn maze.

I'm sorry...but Children of the Corn totally ruined cornfields for me.

They are kind of creepy anyway...but now...I don't even like going into a fun maze in the middle of the day. I did go in...but not very far.

That's right, D...make sure you remember which way you came from...so you don't get lost.

A goat coming back down from the roof. I missed him way up top.

Old tractor tire rim = artwork.

Tractor (named Oliver) waiting to take us back up to the top of the farm.

" Let's go, Dada...more pop-pops!"

The farmer in the Dell.

I asked him to take our family photo (see below). He obliged, but said he was much better at driving tractors than taking pictures. I wouldn't want it any other way, would you?

We enjoyed our first family trip to the Orchard.

What a perfect Fall weekend outing.

Looking forward to many more fun farm trips like this.

(And...I'd say the farmer takes a pretty decent photo too...no?!)

Wordless Wednesday: This Is The One!

2010-10-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

Versatile Blogger Award

2010-10-05T19:40:00.001-05:00

I'm FINALLY getting around to responding to Colleen...who was sweet enough to give me this award...way back in August. Yes...I know...it is now OCTOBER. First of all...how did that happen? Second of all...sorry it took me over a month to write & publish this post. It isn't like I haven't blogged since August. I have. But...somehow I always find blogging/writing about ME much, much, MUCH harder than blogging about my son. I mean...heck...just slap up a few cute Little D photos combined with some attempt at funny (?) commentary...and those kinds of posts practically write themselves. Writing about me? Not as easy...but...here goes...

The Versatile Blogger award works like this:
1) thank and talk about who gave you the award
2) share 7 facts about yourself
3) give the award to 7 other bloggers who rock!

1.) Oh good...I don't have to write about myself yet...I can do this.
COLLEEN is a fellow adoptive mom...with an uber-cute son named Noah. I remember finding her blog (her first blog, actually...Paper Lanterns) long before Little D came home from Korea. I immediately loved her blog, her style of writing, her hipness (is that a word?), and her photos. She and her husband were a couple of months ahead of us in the adoption process (in terms of when we received our referrals & when our children were ready to come home). I felt we were sort of living a parallel life (at least the adoption part). I felt a connection to Colleen, like I feel with so many other blog friends too...even though we'd never met in person (and still have not). Another connection? I believe (based on her comment on my blog last year) that we share the same birthday: New Year's Eve. Also...and I hope she won't "un-friend" me for this...she and I are probably all/most of your "elders." By that I mean...with complete respect, of course...she and I are what the professionals like to call, "advanced maternal age." (Yes, that was written in my medical chart folks...no joke.) We have reached (or passed) the 4-0 mark...and I think we totally rock it. When I learned this little detail I immediately liked Colleen even more...especially because she really gets all my goofy EIGHTIES references. So...folks...in Asian (and many other) cultures...this fact alone means we should automatically get everyone's utmost respect, right? 'Nuff said.

2.) OK...now onto me...7 facts...
* I'm an oldest child. I know...I'm sure that shocks you. I guess I'm a natural-born leader, organizer, list-maker, detail observer/maker, and perhaps a bit too anal for my own good. (There...I said it!) Most of these traits serve me well...except for when it comes to being patient, giving up control to others, and not sweating the small stuff. I have to constantly work at these things.

* I'm a cancer survivor. 10 years. Osteosarcoma. I know many of you probably already know that...but it is something I'm proud of...and I like to remind myself...because it helps me slow down & enjoy life to its fullest, not take things for granted, and realize that I'm not always in control of everything about my life. My cancer journey was a good real-life lesson in having patience & putting my trust/faith in someone other than myself...good practice for our adoption journey. With a 60-some percent long-term survival rate...and having lost some close friends to this cancer...I feel blessed to be alive...and to still have BOTH my legs (amputation of my left leg, the site of the tumor in the bone, was a very real possibility). Life is good.

* I'm a first-generation American (first generation to be born in America) on my father's side of the family. He was born in Norway, one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. I have traveled there three times...and wish I could go back again.

* I was Captain of our high school dance line (drill team). Yes...me...high kicks, pom pons, jazz hands...the whole kit & caboodle. I also performed on all-state/national squads at a Chicago Bears football game, the re-dedication of the Statue of Liberty in NY, and at Epcot Center & Sea World in Florida. Sometimes I think back and laugh...it was a very fun experience. But...*oooooh!*...get that many girls together (our squad had 24-26 on it) and there is bound to be some serious drama! I was also a music "geek" -- in band (flute), in choir, etc...

* I love ice cream. No...seriously...LOVE! I eat some nearly every day...and some days I wish I could enjoy ice cream more than once each day. But...if I want my pants to fit...I'd better not, right?! My favorite flavor? Impossible to narrow it down to just one. As a child I was totally in love with mint chocolate chip (and still love it)...but now...I love pretty much anything well-constructed (i.e. good quality) with chocolate in it. Chocolate and peanut butter together is a combo made in heaven. I also sometimes get a hankering for a homemade strawberry...with big chunks of berries in there. YUM.

* I cannot wink my right eye. Not at all. My left eye? Sort of, but not great. The right eye? Physically impossible. Whenever I try my whole face scrunches up...and trust me...it isn't pretty. I swear I must be missing a critical muscle needed to accomplish this task. Whenever my DH needs a good laugh, he asks me to wink my right eye. I know...we *sure* know how to live it up around here. Woo-hoo! This is yet another reason I loved when cameras started having the viewing screen on back...because I no longer had to try to wink my eye to take a photo. Phew!

* Back when I was in Junior High it was trendy for people to create a nickname or somehow shorten their own names to make it "cuter" (i.e. ending in "i" so you could dot the "i" with a heart). I attempted to adopt the nickname "CRICKET" because I had a completely irrational fear of them. Once I was putting on a pair of shoes and a cricket jumped out right in my face. From the decibel level of my scream, you would have thought it was a scorpion or something. Unfortunately (or so I thought at the time...now I'd say FORTUNATELY), it never caught on. Dodged that bullet, I'd say.

3.) Share the award with others.
I'd LOVE to do this...but since I'm over a month behind the times, I suspect everyone has already done this for me. Therefore...I'll just say...I love all the blogs I follow. You ladies rock! I hope to meet many, many, MANY more of you some day soon.

Play Ball!

2010-10-03T06:30:00.002-05:00

Take me out to the ballgame...take me out to the crowd...

"Come on, Dada...let's play catch."

"Here it comes. Eye on the ball."

"I found the ball. Tricky to see it in all this green."

"Ooops, I fell over."
(Funny...he still looks like such a BABY here to me. Awe!)

"Watch out, coming through."

In the dugout. Taunting the batter. (OK, not really.)

Sometimes it is more fun to pick up rocks & sand.

"Strike three! He's outta there."

Love Friday (90th Edition)

2010-10-01T20:09:00.002-05:00

LOVEd having a little Hanbok fashion show tonight...just to make sure it still fits. So...we're only one weekend behind on Chuseok, right? (The room was filled with late afternoon sunlight...filtered through the screen door...which created these funky sun spots...but I kind of like it. They look like bubbles...sort of whimsical.) The Hanbok fits well...better than at his Tol.
LOVE making it through this week. Phew! Little D had a bit of relapse within 48 hrs of stopping the antibiotics for the pneumonia. It wasn't pneumonia again...thank goodness...but his lungs were definitely squeaky...and that cough?! Ugh. Almost gone...again. Oh, D!
LOVE that my parents came over this morning to watch/entertain Little D...so my DH could also work. LOVE grandparents!!
LOVEd having breakfast for dinner tonight. Sometimes it just hits the spot.
LOVE plans to visit an apple orchard this weekend. A great Fall activity.
LOVE plans to have dinner with my parents this weekend. What's even better? They're doing the cooking. LOVE when others do the cooking.
LOVE taking the bus to/from work for a couple of days. Why? I can read on the bus. YAY! Not a lot of time for reading these days at home. I'll take it where I can get it.

Wordless Wednesday: Just Hangin' Out

2010-09-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

My Backpack

2010-09-28T20:00:00.002-05:00

Hello. Little D here. Look at this really cool gift I received from a new friend and his Omma & Appa...they brought it to me from Korea!...

...A backpack. And not just *any* old backpack. A Pororo backpack. My Omma & Appa were sort of aware of Pororo when they came to Korea to bring me home...but they had no idea just how popular this little penguin is. Afterwards, they sure wished they had picked up a thing or two while they were there.

Appa helping me get the straps just my size.

The back view. Some of you might remember my obsession with backpacks.

Is it ready to go yet?

How do I look, Omma? Cheese!!

Catch you later...I'm off to school.

Thank you (kham-sah-ham-nee-dah) to my new friend and his parents...my backpack rocks!

It's My Party...

2010-09-26T20:00:00.003-05:00

...And I'll Cry If I Want To!

OK...so it wasn't exactly a "party," but Little D definitely did some crying. Let me back up. About a month & a half ago I started planning a get-together (group playdate?) for some local adoptive families we have met either in real life or through blog land. Well...the date finally came...and it was time to get the group together on Saturday morning. A few families couldn't make it, but we ended up with 4 families this time. The kiddos are all really close in age (all with birthdays within a couple of months of each other) and we thought it would be fun to see them all in action together.

Let me also back up by saying that Little D has been doing a *little* better in terms of sleeping in for us...as in 6:00 or even 6:15 AM. Yes...for those of you that don't know...that is *TOTALLY* sleeping in around here. (It sure beats 5 AM or so.) However...on Saturday...Little D decided that 5:15 was a perfectly good time to get up...and wouldn't go back to sleep for anything. So...I knew we might be in trouble.

Our guests arrived around 9:15-9:30...and we got right to playing. The original plan was to head out to a park near our home, but it was raining...so we went with Plan B: staying at our house. Little D did pretty well...until about 10:30...and then he sort of hit the wall. Of course...this also was right around the same time that I got the bright idea to start taking some photos...including a group shot. Well...this is what we ended up with...

Notice how happy everyone looks...except the little guy on the far right. Yep, that's Little D. Normally he is Mr. Smiles...Mr. Cute-Face...Mr. Personality...or some version of those three. But at this particular point in time? Not.So.Much. I love how Little H is looking at Little D like, "What's your problem?" Actually...she was so sweet...she was really worried about him. Every time he'd start wailing away...she'd get a very concerned look on her face and ask if he had an owie. So sweet!

Here's another attempt. Ooops...even worse, Little D. But...our group consisted of the four moms...along with Little H, Little G, Little H, and Mr. Crabby Pants.

Just in case you wanted to see a close-up of this pure pathetic-ness in action. This is pretty unusual for Little D...thank goodness. So...what did I do? I couldn't stop laughing. I mean...I know I should have been consoling him...and I swear I tried. But...when that didn't work...I sort of just laughed it off.

Little H and her Omma enjoying a book while Little G dug into some Lego.

Little H and Little G spotted our kitty in the kitchen. Even though they were really quiet and gentle...our cat remained behind the safety of that gate. I'm sure she was like "FOUR toddlers? Are you kidding me?!"

Later on...Little D sort of rallied...or got a second wind.

And yes...Little H *is* upside-down here. Wheee!

He even decided to show Little H his shell and ball. I think he was trying to redeem himself.

After everyone left, we immediately got Little D in his high chair to feed him some lunch. After eating a little bit...guess who started falling asleep in the high chair a mere 10 minutes after everyone left? Yep...Mr. Party Animal. We'll have to work on his hosting skills. Hopefully next time he won't wake up sooooo early. I mean...he can save the house cleaning and baking to me...but it was nice of him to offer.

Thanks to our friends for coming. Looking forward to getting together with this group again (along with a few other families)...and again...and again.

NKOTB

2010-09-25T12:49:00.001-05:00

On Wednesday Little D and I went to meet a new kid on the block...or NKOTB, for those of you from the 80's. (Oh...just FYI...I'm far too old for NKOTB...but I did take my younger sister and a few of her friends to their concert once. Am I a cool older sister or what?!) Anyway...Baby H is the NKOTB...and he is a total cutie pie! He just came home from Korea two weeks ago...and we already scored a visit. Sweet! We packed up our car with 4 bags of clothing to share with them (gently worn by Little D) and dinner too (chili and homemade bread)...and headed over to their house for some fun.

After some brief introductions...it was time to get on the floor for some serious play. Little D's thought, "Hey, Omma...he's cute & all...but does he know he is eating a hammer?!"

"All that hammer eating is making me thirsty." I love how Baby H is touching Little D's shoe in this shot.

"Ummm...where's he going now?" Baby H is a mover & a shaker. That cutie is on-the-go!

Baby H is a fellow truck fan. These two are going to get along *just* fine. Little D was pleased to see a firetruck front & center...and a police car too.

Baby H trying to escape. Not sure what Little D is focusing on here. He is definitely in the zone.

Now they are both in the zone. I swear the television was *NOT* on during this playdate. Shortly after this in-the-chair photo shoot, Little D did a complete somersault right over the arm of the chair. He landed on his back...and looked up at me like, "What just happened?" Great parenting on my part, huh? Way to show the new mama in the house just *how* it's done. Sheesh.

Thanks to D and Baby H for having us over for a short playdate. We'll have to do it again soon.

Love Friday (89th Edition)

2010-09-24T20:00:00.005-05:00

LOVE this fun gift Little D received from a new friend. He LOVEs wearing it around the house. [More details on both of these things (the gift & the new friend) soon.]
LOVEd going out to dinner tonight. Little D charmed the waitstaff...as usual. Especially LOVE the dessert we all shared: chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich. Little D enjoyed it too.
LOVEd finishing this book and starting this book (finally!).
LOVEd meeting a new arrival from Korea during the week. Playdate! Little H is soooo cute...and soooo little. (I cannot believe D was probably that little too when he first came home.) Photos soon.
LOVE having plans for another playdate this weekend.
LOVE this show. We caught the occasional episode during the regular season (last season), but now have started watching them all on Netfl*x. Funny, funny, funny!
LOVE how Little D says, "Thank you!" Besides hearing him say "Mama" and "Dada" for the first time, this is probably my favorite word to hear him say...especially when he says it spontaneously (which is more & more now) and when he throws in a "mama" at the end.

Riding The Rails

2010-09-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

On Saturday we decided to take Little D on a little outing. After being sick during the week...and since he was feeling much better...we decided to end the cabin fever by taking a train ride downtown to visit the farmer's market and enjoy some brunch. Like many other toddler boys, Little D is a train nut. We knew he'd love it. But...this was not his first time. His classroom took the train on a field trip a month or two ago, so let's just say...this little guy is used to riding the rails.

Enjoying some crackers while waiting for the train to arrive.

There's the choo-choo now.

Let's go!!!

The train was crowded heading downtown...

...lots of people heading to the baseball game.

(Thus...no photos on the trip in.)

Beautiful flowers at the market.

Beautiful caffeine options at the market.

I love sunflowers!

Then...it was time for brunch.

We're lucky that Little D does SO.VERY.WELL at restaurants.

In fact, sometimes he eats (& behaves) better there than at home.

We went to a place we never thought of as a child-friendly restaurant.

We used to dine here a lot...during our pre-kid life.

But...for brunch...we figured it was OK.

Plus...they did have TWO highchairs in the joint...so it must be OK.

Peek-a-boo...cooks, we see you.

Trying on his new hat...purchased at the market.

Ready to go back outside.

No...that is not a winter coat. Just a windbreaker.

(Looks like a puffy coat with the stroller straps on him.)

Back on the train. Heading home.

Lots to see outside.

"OK...I'm bored...what else can we do?"

"YAY! Gymnastics!"

"Look how strong I am!"

Future Olympian?! We think so.

Happy Chuseok

2010-09-22T13:16:00.002-05:00

Today begins Chuseok, or Harvest Moon Festival, in Korea. It is also sometimes referred to as the Korean Thanksgiving. Families get together to share food, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the Fall harvest. It is referred to as the biggest and most important holiday in Korea. People travel to their home towns and provinces to be with their families.

As with many holidays, food is at the center of the celebration. Traditional foods, such as rice cakes (Songpyeon), are served. I wish I could say these photos are MY Chuseok feast, but they are not. I included them to give you an idea of what people are eating in Korea today...and for the rest of the holiday weekend. I see some of my favorites on these tables...bulgogi, kimchi, mandu, pajeon...all very yummy!

Last year for Chuseok we attended a great local event. Unfortunately, I do not think they are having it this year. After Little D's nap today, I might take him to one of our local Korean grocery stores (after I make sure they are indeed open). We may have to settle for some take-out since I don't think I'll be pulling off one of these fantastic spreads myself today (I'm just not up for it). I do plan to read this book to him today. I hope to make this an annual tradition for us.

Embrace your families & loved ones, remember those who came before us, and enjoy the transition to Fall. Happy Chuseok!

Wordless Wednesday: The Smirk

2010-09-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

Not Too Big (Yet)

2010-09-21T19:50:00.000-05:00

Last week, when Little D was so sick...there was a point where he would not let me put him down at all. I also couldn't leave the room. He didn't want me to sit down (or he'd have mini melt-down). He just wanted me to carry him around...and around...and around the house. Well...he weighs a little over 26 pounds...and after a while...my arms just could not do it anymore. Therefore...I decided to bust out the Ergo again.

I knew he would probably still fit fine (it says it can go up to 40 pounds of kiddo, I think)...but I was not sure if he'd tolerate being in there any more. He hasn't been in the Ergo in a good 5+ months now.

I asked him, "Uh-boo-bah??" (Korean for "on-the-back"...it is what Ommas & Appas say to their little ones when they are going to put them in the Podaegi or other baby carrier). He nodded his head, "Yes." I got out the Ergo (after asking my DH where it was). I set Little D down on the couch. I put on the Ergo...backed up to the couch...and he stood up and climbed onto my back. I strapped him in while bending forward (and attempting to hold onto him in case he decided to flip himself backwards...which he did not)...and up we went. I went into the bathroom to peek at him in there on my back. He was smiling...a small, satisfied grin.

I decided to snap a couple of pics...since I'm not sure how much longer he'll be able to ride in there...or how much longer he'll even want to do so. I have to admit...I was very happy that he still fit...and that he wanted to ride on my back again. It felt good to carry him around the house that way. I think it helped him relax. It definitely calmed him down a little bit.

I'm glad my little boy is not too big (in more ways than one)...yet.

Fire Muster

2010-09-18T13:40:00.003-05:00

mus·ter (mus′tər)

verb -
1. to assemble or summon (troops, etc.), as for inspection, roll call, or service
2. to put through a roll call
3. to gather together and display; collect; summon: often with up: to muster up strength
4. to have in number; amount to

noun -
1. a gathering together or assembling, as of troops for inspection
2. the persons or things assembled; assemblage
3.the roll, or list, of persons in a military or naval unit

Last Saturday we attended a Fire Muster. You see the definition of MUSTER above. It is a multi-day event in the town where my parents live. The best part? The Fire Truck Parade. When my mom mentioned this, I knew we couldn't miss it. We were there...front & center.

Waiting patiently for the parade to begin.

Little D insisted his big fire truck needed to watch the parade too.

But...of course.

"Hip-hip-HOORAY! They are finally coming, Dada!"

"See...here they come!"

I don't think he could believe how many fire trucks he was seeing.

There they go.

Big smiles...all around.

All kinds of fire trucks...some big...

...some high tech...look at the tires on that thing & the mega nozzle up top!...

...some old...ALL noisy!

I was a little concerned how Little D would react to all the loud sirens.

Would he be afraid? Would it be too loud?

I shouldn't have worried at all...he LOVED it.

He even did his own sound impressions throughout the parade.

I preferred the old-fashioned bells...

...but probably not quite as effective as the sirens today.

Later on, we went to check out some of the trucks...

...up close & personal.

"I wonder what this thing does?"

"Who me? I'm not touching anything."

"Hey...I can see myself in here."

"Ding-ding-ding!"

Yes, they tried out the bell.

Climbing up on top...doing some inspecting.

Old Glory.

Thumbs up from Little D.

He actually signed, "MORE!" when the parade was finished.

I guess nearly 100 fire trucks (no exaggeration) just wasn't enough.

I suspect this will be an annual event for us.

Anyone want to join us next year?

Love Friday (88th Edition)

2010-09-17T19:55:00.002-05:00

LOVE that our boy is slowly feeling, looking, and acting better. His fever is gone. His cough is still present, but not nearly as bad. We are seeing more smiles, less crying, and more sleeping. Thank goodness for antibiotics. (Thank you for all your kind words & encouragement after my last two posts.)
LOVEd grabbing some take-out dinner from the co-op on my way home from work tonight (along with some good stuff to make dinners this weekend).
LOVE the baseball quilt my mom made for Little D. She gave it to him yesterday. His eyes lit up and he said, "blanket," which sounds like "blayhn-keeyhh."
LOVE that my dad's eye surgery went well this week.
LOVE the PBS series: POV. We watched two this week involving adoption.
LOVE how much my son loves books, especially this book. I suspect he'll be reading it to us soon. We've read it so often that he sometimes says some of the words before we even get a chance. We found our copy at a garage sale for 25 cents. We have this one from the library right now and I just put this one on hold. Our house is FULL of books...many (OK...most) of which are about trucks. I know...you are completely surprised, aren't you?!
LOVE weekends.

Mama Guilt

2010-09-16T11:55:00.006-05:00

My baby is sick.

Again.

Yes, again.

It seems he catches some sort of bug every month or so. Normally, it is just something minor...like a cold...or a fever lasting a couple of days...and then we move on. But...now he has pneumonia...again. This is the second time in about a 7 month period. As we head into Fall and Winter...this has me concerned. I took him to the doctor's office yesterday...and I'm so glad I did.

As a working mother, who sends our child to daycare 3 days week...this produces guilt. Now...Mama guilt is present for ALL Mamas, whether we work outside the home or not. However...when you know you child is going to get sick from daycare...and you send him there...and he gets sick...again & again...you feel terrible. That's where I'm at right now. The thing is...he loves school (his teachers, his friends, the fun activities they do) and I like working too. It works for us...except this sickness thing.

Now I know...either he gets sick now and builds up his immunity now...or we do this later...like when he goes to preschool or kindergarten. I get it. I also know I cannot keep him in a bubble...he needs to be exposed to things. It still doesn't erase my guilt...especially when he looks at me with those big brown eyes during a coughing fit...with his little body shaking & quaking...and I can tell it hurts...really hurts...and he just wants me to do something to make it stop...but I cannot. All I can do is hold him...rub his back...tell him it will pass...that he is OK...and be here for him.

He is doing somewhat better today. The night went better too. He still woke up...and coughed...but at least went back to sleep each time. The night before...completely terrible. I think we were all up until at least 2 AM...and I ended up "sleeping" on the mattress on the floor with him. Yep, we're back to that. Sleep training (which was going really well, BTW) goes right out the window when little ones are sick. (And by "sleeping" I mean lying next to him...rubbing his back...helping him through each horrible coughing fit...trying to help him relax and sleep.) I'm so glad we didn't have another night like that. Napping was really tough yesterday too...he'd only sleep if I was carrying him around his room (tough to do for long being that he weighs 26 pounds) or if we drove around in the car. Guess where I spent my entire afternoon yesterday trying to get my son to nap (and going to more than one Walgreen's to get the right medication)? In the car...yep...burning up gas...increasing CO2 levels for our planet. But...it worked...he napped...for an hour & a half. I'll take it.

So...this hasn't been the best week...but we're getting there. I have much more fun things to post about...and I'll get to it soon. (Think: Firetrucks.) Until then...my Mama guilt is in rare form...but hopefully lessening...for now.

Wordless Wednesday: Our Week So Far

2010-09-15T17:23:00.006-05:00

[Be back soon.]

Family, Family, and MORE Family Time

2010-09-12T14:22:00.007-05:00

Warning: This is going to be a L-O-N-G post full of L-O-T-S of photos. I thought of titling this post "My Big Fat Family Vacation," but somehow that just didn't sound right.

The purpose of this post is to share photos with family & friends from our trip to Indianapolis. I've already posted photos from the wedding and our trip to the Children's Museum. These are from various get-togethers during our long weekend trip.

Ready? Here we go...

Little D meeting second cousin, Grahm, for the first time.

Lots and LOTS of choo-choo time.

Love how they are both SO focused on their play.

Meeting my DH's Uncle Dave & Aunt Doreen

(which makes them a couple of "Greats"!).

Playing in the Thomas tent.

This did *not* make it home with us. Too big. D loved it!

Aunt D, Little D, Lena, Berlin, and Uncle Scott.

(That couch sure holds a lot of people, no?!)

Meeting "Auntie" Vanessa (my DH's cousin). In Chinese culture (my DH's mother's side of the family) everyone is either an "Auntie" or an "Uncle"...in addition to your REAL ones. This confused the heck out of me when I first met this giant family...but I totally get it now. Auntie Vanessa rocks...she & her boys (Grahm, Griffin, & Ethan) gave Little D the huge score of Thomas things. Thanks guys.

Out for a Korean meal (I know I posted this once already) to celebrate our family day. The newcomer in this photo is Little D's second cousin, Griffin. He wasn't into trying much of the Korean food...but decided the Mandu (dumplings) were AWESOME. I agree, Grif!

Just a shot of our some of our food.

Another day we were off to the Jamaican patty shop. Patties are small, flaky meat or chicken or seafood (or vegetarian...but...no offense: they are not nearly as good) turn-overs...that smell & taste like heaven...especially when you are really hungry. My DH's mother's side of the family is Chinese-Jamaican. My MIL was born/raised in Jamaica and my DH lived there for a little while as a child.

Meeting Uncle Henry (who owns this shop). This is one of those examples of "Uncle". He is my MIL's cousin's husband. He'd be "Great Uncle" to Little D.

Little D...getting ready to try his *first* Jamaican patty.

He loved it. We had to buy more.

Then we were off to Uncle Kevin & Aunt Mary Beth's house (my DH's uncle/aunt). Here my DH is talking to his Great-Uncle Jack. Uncle Jack is amazing. He is planning a long bike ride (from OH to Washington D.C.) to hand-deliver people's notes/letters to their Congresspersons. Did I mention he is 80-something?! We need to know his secret...now.

Little D and second-cousin Camee playing with the woof-woof.

Little D doing a little dance in the middle of the room.

When the mood strikes, you know.

Great-Great Uncle Jack showing Little D the guitar.

Music lesson in process.

Then my DH's aunt Kathy and her granddaughter, Alana, came over for dinner.

Second cousins having fun.

Train time outside on the deck.

My MIL ("Popo") working the grill.

No, that is NOT a potty-seat. It is a booster chair.

D liked it more on the floor than at the table, of course.

We had a GREAT visit to Indianapolis. It was wonderful to have Little D meet so many family members and friends. He did GREAT on the trip. Traveled well, napped well, slept well...everything seemed to go just right. Maybe we waited until the right age for him to travel. I'm still kind of amazed. The planets must have been in the perfect alignment, or something. All I know...is it was great. Thanks, everyone!

Love Friday (87th Edition)

2010-09-10T19:45:00.001-05:00

LOVE how our little guy loves plants, flowers, and trees. He helped his Popo water her plants on her deck on our recent trip...and even dead-head some of her flowers (with some guidance, of course). He is studying some perennials in these shots.
LOVE how Little D calls himself "Dee-dee." He started this a while ago. At first, I wasn't sure what he meant...and then he made it clear. He points to himself when he says it. It is clearly his name for himself. His favorite thing to ask us now, "Mama? Dada? Dee-dee?" Also known as, "Will Mama do it (or go there or do whatever)? (Will) Dada? (Will) Dee-dee?" Always with the question inflection in his voice. We are totally a unit of 3 to him. It makes me smile every time.
LOVE how excited Little D was to see his grandparents (my parents) when they came over to watch him this morning. He showed off all his new Thomas stuff and they went to the park.
LOVEd going out to dinner tonight...all three of us. D does well in restaurants, thank goodness.
LOVE our plans to go to a parade tomorrow....and not just *any* parade. A parade of...wait for it...FIRE TRUCKS. I'm not even kidding. Do you think we'll have a chance in hel! to get Little D to take a nap after that? Hmmm...not likely.
LOVE that some friends are home with their son from Korea. LOVE that I'll be bringing over a meal to them this week...and hopefully can sneak a quick peek.
LOVEd taking a big envelope to the post office this week to send to Korea...Eastern (the adoption agency there) to be specific. I finally sent some more updates, photos, and videos to his social worker there to share with the foster mother and keep on file for the birth mother...just in case.
LOVE the change in the air. Things are cooler -- crisper -- dimmer -- calmer -- quieter. I'm sure summer will still leave a last minute effect on us...a last-ditch effort...maybe. But...I'm ready to move on. Maybe it is because it was so hot & humid this summer. Maybe it is because the plants in the yard look past their prime...browned around the edges...tired...spent. Maybe it is because I LOVE fall. It marks the time of year when my DH & I got married...and our new life began together. It marks the time of year Little D came home...and our new life began together...again. It is a time of transition...in more ways than one.

Family Day - Wedding Time!

2010-09-09T20:15:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday, while in Indianapolis, we attended a wedding. My DH's cousin, Ruby, got married. It was a beautiful day...sunny, clear, and a bit on the crisp side...but VERY windy! Fall was in the air. This was the first time Little D has met a lot of my DH's father's side of the family...and *oh*, what a family gathering it was! We found it so perfect to spend our Forever Family Day...well, with FAMILY, of course.

Before the ceremony started...Little D enjoyed finding big acorns under a giant oak tree.

Let's get this ceremony started....Ruby and Gadi with the minister.
(Is it just me...or does the preacher look like a young Donny Osmond?)

Gadi and his dudes.

Pretty bridesmaids.

The whole gang.

This shot is to prove I *did* attend the wedding. It is the only shot of me you'll see.

And then...the Little D introductions began. Meeting Appa's cousin, Jack.

Meeting Appa's cousin, Zach.

Meeting Appa's cousin, Matt, and his son, Jackson.

(Are you getting the idea Appa has a *lot* of cousins? You are right. Unfortunately, I didn't get photos with ALL of them.)

Hanging out with Uncle Scott (Appa's brother) and Scott's friend, Berlin.

Little D is crazy about his Uncle Scott.

Meeting Appa's Aunt, Penny.

Playing with his second cousin, Jackson.

Meeting Appa's cousins, Miranda & Sophie.

Second cousins (my DH & these kids' parents are cousins): Gracie, Alana, Little D, & Jackson.

Love how the boys are looking at each other while the girls are still posing.

These "big kids" doted on Little D's every move and called him, "Baby!"

"Omma, aren't we done yet?"

"Outta here!"

Beautiful bride, Ruby, dancing with her father, Ed.

Some special entertainment.

Gadi's family is from Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa.

The dancers performed some traditional Rwandan dances.

The music and dancing were beautiful.

Little D and Alana enjoying the dancing.

Little D always signed, "More!" when they were finished.

Our turn to dance. Dancing with Appa's cousins, Rebecca & Hank.

Everyone's turn to dance.

Posing with the bride and groom.

What a lovely wedding...and the perfect opportunity to introduce Little D to a lot of the family. Thanks everyone.

Wordless Wednesday: Driveway Fun

2010-09-08T13:10:00.002-05:00

{ This one is epecially for you, Rachel. }

Children's Museum

2010-09-05T14:10:00.003-05:00

During our visit to Indianapolis, we went to the Children's Museum. It is awesome! We went there once before a LONG time ago (probably like 16-17 years ago), but it is even better now...especially with our own little one to share it with.

Waiting for the gates to open...playing with some demo toys outside the gift shop.

First stop: the TRAIN area, of course. I'm surprised we ever got him away from the Thomas table.

He had the whole table to himself...it definitely pays to be early birds.

Test-driving an Indy-500 race car. Vroom-vroom! Go D!

Next up...the water table area...complete with smocks (which looked like a robe on Little D) and fishing poles.

Such concentration to catch those magnetic fish.

"Look, I got one! Lemme just use my hand here to bring it on in."

Then it was time to try out the lawnmower.

The play kitchen area was a big hit. After taste-testing some plastic grapes (yep, right in the mouth...despite numerous "Nooooooo!!!"s being uttered by both parents). Ick. So...what did he do next? Throw some corn instead. Sigh.

"Here, baby...let me help you sit in your high chair."

"OK, fine...you don't like it upside down? I'll fix things." (Note the baby's "ink" on her head? Just making sure small visitors don't kidnap the baby dolls.)

And then...we hit the holy grail. A John Deere (JD) digger.

Singing the John Deere theme song. I'm kidding...sort of.

"All right, Dada. My work here is done."

Next...onto the hand-cranked choo-choo train. Little D was pushing a load of mini street signs. Good work, D.

We found another train table. Here Little D is showing Popo (my DH's mother) how things are done.

Exploring a neat area with different surfaces and levels...specifically for kiddos ages 2 and under. Note all the padding. It was darn near impossible to hurt oneself in there. We let D have at it completely solo. He was wearing a proud little grin the whole time.

Our last stop was the mini play ice cream shop. Instead of just scooping ice cream...Little D decided to toss his out the window. I managed to catch the scoop mid-air here. That's our son...thinking outside the box. (I know...I have such a good way of finding the positives in things, right?!)

Back in the stroller...sucking back some cold water...ready to go home. Guess who fell asleep in the car on the way home? Guess who also stayed asleep as we transferred him from the car to the crib...and slept for 2.5 hrs? One tired little boy...who definitely loved his morning at the Children's Museum.

Memory Lane: Forever Family Day

2010-09-04T06:00:00.008-05:00

One year ago today, we brought home our son. Wow! A year. 365 days. I guess that makes us "veteran parents" now (ha!)...yikes...or can I still call myself a "new mom"? I'm not sure...when does the honeymoon end?

This past year has been incredible. Little D has changed so much...and so have we. I blogged a long post about our journey home that long, long day one year ago. Re-reading that post I get tears in my eyes again...tears of sadness for all we left behind (especially what Little D left behind)...but also tears of joy...for we were finally a forever family.

I dug up some photos that I didn't include in that post last year...some are kind of dark (I edited a bit to attempt to brighten them as best as I could)...but you get the idea. It was a wonderful day!

At the airport. Finally home. We look tired (or at least I do...sans make-up - decided not to bother that day...I swear my DH always looks good)...and look at Baby D...sleeping away! Seeing him snuggled in the Ergo makes me want to get it out again and put him in it right now. I suspect his legs will hang down a lot further now. Anyone recognize that red bag? It is from Eastern. We actually use it a lot, including that special day coming home.

First time in our carseat...or any carseat for that matter. We bought that teething ring in Seoul. It is the only *brown* teether I have ever seen...they didn't have any blue/pink ones...just brown...a color that just screams "BABY!" FYI...he still wears those PJ bottoms now and then...but they look like capris on him now.

Getting out of the car in the driveway. My parents picked us up in the airport and helped us get settled into the house. Little D came home the day before my dad's 70th birthday. What a present...a grandson!

First time in his new house...hanging with Omma (who looks more & more tired by the minute in these photos...I must have really good self-esteem to post this in such a public manner...sheesh!). I cannot believe how little hair he had then!

Snuggling with Appa...and getting tired again. After this day we realized we'd be spending a lot of time sitting on the floors...and took out some yoga mats first (for D to play on) and later bought some new floor rugs.

First bottle at home. Recognize the bottle? The cow ones from Eastern! I still have ALL of them in the basement.

We set down his blanket (made by a friend of mine), got comfy (ditched his pants...it was hot!), and got down to some playing at home. It was so good to be home...all three of us.

One year later...we celebrate our Family Day.

Love Friday (86th Edition)

2010-09-03T20:25:00.000-05:00

LOVE visiting family and sharing a meal at a Korean restaurant in their neck of the woods. (Note the japchae hanging off Little D's mouth. He was a HUGE fan of the japchae and mandu tonight.)
LOVE how well Little D is doing on our first trip away from home since he came home from Korea one year ago. (We are visiting my DH's mother and other family -- we're here for a wedding.) Little fell asleep on my lap on the plane within 3 minutes of take-off and slept for more than half the flight. He was a trooper through all the lines and waiting. He has been loving meeting lots of family and friends...and getting all kinds of attention as well, of course. Thanks to my MIL who borrowed a crib, high chair, and other toddler-friendly items...which is making everything so much easier for all of us...including nap time & bed time. (Please don't let me jinx things.)
LOVE the ice cream I am enjoying as I type this post. Thanks DH...good vanilla with fresh berries.
LOVE the Children's Museum we visited this morning. Trains, race cars, tractors, water, sand, climbing, sliding, pretend cooking/shopping, etc... (Photos to follow another day after I get a chance to review, crop, ...) Little D had a blast! Guess who fell asleep in the car on the way home? We were even successful at transferring him into the house & into the crib...where he took a 2-hour nap.
LOVE all the Thom*s the Train items waiting here for Little D...and soon to travel home with us also. Thank you to my DH's cousin, V, and her boys for their generous gift to Little D...now that they are too old for Thomas. Little D is beside himself with his good fortune.

Wordless Wednesday: Uh-booh-bah (On The Back)

2010-09-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Our version of the Podaegi...

[Ooops...moving too fast again.]

Playtime

2010-08-31T06:00:00.005-05:00

On Saturday some friends came over to visit and play. Little D and J have had playdates before and it was time for another. This time we let the Appas play too. After hitting a local coffee shop for some much-needed caffeine and pastry intake, we strollered to a nearby park.

The Appas were put to work...swing time. D wasn't a huge fan of the swings that morning...first time ever. I think he just wanted to be in the sand.

Well, as long as he was holding a truck (a stray one he found on the playground), life was pretty good. We eventually got a few "wheeees!" out of him.

Then...these two cuties spotted this awesome pile of trucks all the way on the other side of the park. J took off first...with Little D running right behind him. The only item in this shot that is ours is the big green/red shovel. Oh...have no fear...we brought a huge bulldozer, excavator (digger), two tractors, two buckets, and two shovels of our own to the park. Where are they? Left far behind. Someone else's trucks are always better than your own (I'm pretty sure that's toddler speak for "the grass is always greener..."). Fortunately, these beauties were unattended and no one else seemed to mind. So...they dug right in...

Little D and J had a ball! Vroom-vroom! It was hard to get them away when it was time to leave. Thanks A, D, & J for a great morning at the park. Looking forward to some more playtime soon.

Girls' Night Out

2010-08-30T19:53:00.001-05:00

Last week I went out with some girlfriends for a birthday dinner. We were celebrating N & A's birthdays. We went to a favorite restaurant known for serving fresh, local food. Yummy!

My plate when it arrived...fresh sweet corn risotto (with proscuitto on top), served with goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes, green beans, and a watercress salad.

My plate after I was finished. I'd be in the clean-plate club, for sure.

Me along with good friends M & A.

More good friends: C, A, T, & N. YAY! Happy Birthday ladies! (You can see what was left after we finished dessert...not much.) Looking forward to the next GNO.

Memory Lane: And So We Meet

2010-08-28T06:30:00.001-05:00

As we continue down Memory Lane...

One year ago we met our son, Little D (then known as Baby D), for the very first time. I wrote about that very first meeting in this old post and included photos there and also in this post as well. (The dates may seem "off" in the blog...but I kept the date/time from home, rather than changing it to Seoul time.) We were fortunate to have three visits with Little D during our 10 days in Seoul. The foster mother and social worker stayed with us the whole time during the first visit. For the 2nd and 3rd visits we had Little D to ourselves after a brief gathering together. Little D did GREAT at each visit.

Looking at these photos and videos...is incredible. Was he really that little? Was my voice really that high-pitched...and shaky? Here are a few very short videos from that very first visit. Please excuse the bumpy camera work...nervous parents meeting our incredible son...not wanting to take our eyes off of him, but wanting to capture some special moments on film as well. I'm sure you can understand. And so...we meet (or met)...

Love Friday (85th Edition)

2010-08-27T19:45:00.001-05:00

LOVE this toy (?)/apparatus we found at a local playground...naming all the planets in different languages. LOVE that it even included KOREAN (see the Hangeul letters?). But...my DH wants to know...is this particular word (the name of this planet) as funny in Korean is it is in English? Sheesh...boys!
LOVE that our friends, D & A, received their travel call on Monday and are leaving this weekend for Seoul to meet & bring home their son. YAY!!
LOVE that lately Little D has been requesting kisses (in addition to sharing them), especially when he has an owie. He needs one from Mama & one from Dada.
LOVE that Little D said "blueberry" this morning.
LOVE that sleep training is going pretty well overall...except for two nights ago, which was a nightmare (up for 2.5 hrs with tons of crying & screaming...ugh!). Hopefully we are back on track. Cross your fingers.
LOVEd having a girls' night out for a birthday dinner on Tuesday. I have photos...which I should post (including of my yummy food!).
LOVE having a playdate with a blog friend (and her son & DH) planned for tomorrow.
LOVE that Little D LOVEd his school field trip to the aquarium this week. They took the train there. His teachers told me that every time the train's whistle blew Little D clapped his hands and said, "YAYYYYY!" and then "Toot-toot!" Yes, this boy loves trains. At the aquarium he was all, "Oooooh" and pointing, but didn't like it when the teachers picked him up & held him close to the glass. Too close, apparently.
LOVE having a pedicure scheduled for tomorrow. Ahhh...finally! (I haven't had one ALL summer...bad, I know.)

Memory Lane: Travel Day

2010-08-26T06:30:00.004-05:00

One year ago today, we woke up very early, took a cab ride, took two flights (first to Chicago and second to Seoul, South Korea), and a VERY speedy van ride to a guest house...with a lot of waiting in between each step, of course. It was the longest day of travel we have ever experienced. We started out in all-things-familiar and nearly a day later were in all-things-unfamiliar, but wonderful. We were in our son's birth land! I blogged about our day of travel here in this old post. I get a smile on my face reading it again...especially knowing what came next.

Wordless Wednesday: "More Park!!!"

2010-08-25T13:05:00.001-05:00

Special Delivery

2010-08-23T06:00:00.003-05:00

Look what just came in the mail...

...Our prize from a groovy blog buddy's awesome give-away!!

What is it? A water table. Has it had water in it yet? Nope. So far it has been hanging out in our living room. Lots of pretend drinking & sharing "wa-wa" has been going on...along with plenty 'o truck & tractor driving in it. (There is a little ramp/slide in the table...which is PERFECT for launching vehicles...suu-weet!)

I'm not sure we'll get it away from Little D to take it outside. Oh, I'm just kidding. This child LOVES water...so it will only UP the awesomeness factor for him (yes, I just said, "awesomeness!"). I promise...the next photos of the water table will be OUTSIDE doing what it is intended to do: hold water. Until then...I think our son is enjoying his new toy just fine. Thanks Rachel! You rock! (So does your blog!)

Big Red

2010-08-22T13:10:00.001-05:00

Last week we gathered with our neighbors for a block party. This is an annual event and we look forward to it each year. This was Little D's first block party. Last year, we shared our two referral photos (yep, that is all we ever received) and told everyone we'd hopefully be going to Korea soon...but we weren't sure when (the party was a few weeks before our travel call).

We almost didn't make it to the party this year. Little D was in a very CRABBY mood after getting home from school that day. He wouldn't really eat his dinner and seemed super tired. We decided to just skip the block party and stay home for an extra (!) early bedtime. However, my DH spotted a big red beauty heading down the street and we just knew we had to make an appearance.

Yep, a BIG RED LADDER TRUCK arrived at our block party. The kids went nuts. Little D was beside himself with excitement.

He was the youngest "driver" by far. Trust me, it was hard to get him out of that seat when it was someone else's turn. (Appa appears to be having fun too, don't you think? Ahhhh...all the fun things he gets to do now...with his son as an excuse.)

"Hmmm...Let's see what this thing does."

"Appa, when I turn this wheel, does the water come out?! Let's find out."

Family shot.

Front view. Little D is in the front passenger seat...but you cannot see him due to the glare of the sun.

Oh, Little D...those are some BIG BOOTS to fill.

I think we know what you want to be when you grow up.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

2010-08-21T06:34:00.008-05:00

For the next two weeks I will be sharing a little walk down memory lane...remembering the peak moments of our adoption journey. It is fun to remember...to read old words (posts)...stare at the photos...and smile.

One year ago today we received our Travel Call...clearly the most exciting phone call we've received in our entire lives. This very brief, but monumental conversation really set the wheels into motion...bringing us to the other side of the world...to our son. We would be changed forever from that moment forward...and we most certainly were...and still are.

In some ways...it is hard to believe a whole year has already passed. Zip! In other ways...it is sort of hard to remember our life without Little D. [Oh...of course I remember days of sleeping in (which to me meant sleeping until 7:00 or 7:30), going out to dinner (a lot), going to yoga regularly, and a house without plastic toys strewn across the floors.] I love our life with Little D...with all its ups & downs...for we are his parents and he is our son.

Adoption is an amazing thing. Part of me sort of misses the journey (not so much the waiting & waiting, of course)...which is why I'm reliving things from one year ago. Thank you for indulging me.

To Sleep Or Not To Sleep?

2010-08-20T15:40:00.007-05:00

We are tired. Yawn. Very tired.

We are in full-mode sleep training in our house. Not for me. Not for my DH. For our youngest family member: Little D. I know...you are shocked. I swear...it is true.

What's the problem? We have a boy who is too dependent on us and a bottle such that he cannot fall asleep on his own very well. He can in the stroller. He can in the car. But...not very often or very well in his crib, without us rocking him and feeding him a small bottle in the dark just before bed.

I'd had enough. He is old enough to not need these things. He has been home long enough to not need them. His attachment to us and ours to him is excellent...strong enough to not worry about it...at least not for now.

So...what are we doing?

1. NO MORE BOTTLE!
2. NO MORE ROCKING or HOLDING to help him fall asleep at night.

How are we doing this?

1. Bottle: CUT OFF COLD TURKEY. I'm not kidding. There really isn't another way. We'd tried weaning him down...but he was down to only 2-3 ounces at a time...and still clearly "needed" it. He does not get bottles at school for naps, so why at home? I suddenly wanted him off the bottle. This had been bothering me for a couple of months now. I felt this pressure being that he has been home for almost a year AND the fact that he'll be two years old in a few months. Yep, mama guilt...that's the ticket. Also...it was a crutch...a sleep prop. He never had bottles any other time of the day...not since he was about 12 months old. Time to go!

2. We are using a method called The Sleep Sense Program. This is not rocket science. I'm pretty sure it isn't unique. It is actually similar to some other strategies I've read (yes, I've been reading LOTS and LOTS of sleep books lately...and have 4 on my nightstand right now: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child; The No Cry Sleep Solution; and two Baby Whisperer books). It is simple and straightforward. It gives you step-by-step directions of how to proceed and what to do each night. It gives you choices (i.e. stay in the room or leave the room). It has a good introduction about WHY you need to do this and WHY NOW is the best time. It explains why babies/toddlers cry. This sounds silly...we all know why they cry...but this was really helpful...to try to reduce my guilt around crying. I heard about this program from a couple of other moms (who also have children who are adopted...but it isn't just for us...obviously). I figured if they used it, why not us?

How is it going?

1. We've only been doing this for 2 nights. The lack of bedtime bottle didn't create too much anxiety for him...not nearly as much as I thought. He still smacks his lips together (his way of communicating, "I want a bottle, Mom."), but not nearly as desperately as I envisioned. We let him hold a sippy cup of milk as we read books in the rocking chair before lying him down in is crib. The cup does not go with him into the crib.

However, the lack of bottle early in the morning is killing him. Little D has always been an early riser...ever since he came home. This is just who he is. When he wakes up at 5:00 or 5:15 (or sometimes even 4:00 or 4:30...yes, killer!), we used to go in and hold him in the rocking chair while giving him a small bottle. He'd quiet down and usually (? ...not always) fall back to sleep in our arms so we could put him back in his crib or we'd lie down on the mattress on the floor in his room with him. We needed this to end. I made my DH remove the mattress on the floor. Losing the early AM bottle is honestly the hardest part for him. He cries, he kicks his feet on the crib mattress and the bars/ends of his crib, he says, "Mama!" about 147 times or more...then changes to "Dada!" when I won't give him what he wants. This is the most painful part for us as well. The theory is...eventually he will learn that the bottle isn't coming...so there is no point waking up and demanding it. Right? That's what the experts say. I'm praying they are right...because this part is hard...really hard...and hasn't been working well yet (only day 2, I know).

2. We stay in the room with Little D after lying him down in his crib fully awake. We sit on a chair next to his bed (for the first few days anyway...slowly we will move the chair further from the bed towards the door). At first he DOES NOT LIKE that we lie him down wide awake and don't rock or hold him to help him sleep. He wants his sleep props: mommy or daddy and his bottle. He cries, kicks the bed, moans, and says "Mama?" a million times (or so it seems) to check to make sure we are still there. We use the same assuring phrases over and over (like "night-night" or "sleepy time" or a little soft "shhhh"). The first night it took a while for him to quiet down and put himself to sleep (35 minutes). Last night: 10-12 minutes.

I certainly am not declaring success yet. We have a ways to go. We need to remain strong and committed. I want this hard work to pay off later. I want a child who can put himself to sleep initially...and put himself back to sleep when he wakes up far too early. I want to do this now...before he gets even older...and the habits are entrenched even more. I keep telling myself it will all be worth it. There was much we were already doing RIGHT: early bedtime (usually 7-7:15, sometimes even earlier), completely consistent routine (same thing, EVERY night), talking to him about what we are doing & what we are going to do next, etc... At least we weren't doing it ALL wrong. But...I suspect we aren't that different than many parents...at least first-time parents. Change is hard. I'm sure there are more details I could share...but I've shared enough. Is it wrong to be TIRED of all things related to sleep? Is it wrong to dream of sleep while you are sleeping?

So...for now...We are tired. Yawn. Very tired.

Love Friday (84th Edition)

2010-08-20T06:00:00.010-05:00

LOVE how this giant tire makes my big boy look little. Any guesses as to what is attached to this big wheel? Watch for a post soon.
LOVE that we are now officially bottle-free around here...as in baby bottle. (OK, it has only been 2 days...but I don't want to go back.) We'd been hanging onto it as a crutch/prop for bedtime and sometimes naptime too. Even though it was only 2-3 oz of milk in the bottle at this point, it was time to be done. (We are also in the thick of major sleep training...which I'll probably write about soon. Things are going OK...but really painfully early AMs are still a major challenge. But...it has been only 2 days. Patience, right?!) Yes...we are nuts (or I am, since this was my idea).
LOVE that Little D is showing much more interest in animals these days. Thank you school! (Something other than just trucks, trucks, TRUCKS.) Each week they've been talking about different types of animals: zoo animals (thus the field trip a few weeks ago), farm animals, pets, and next week: underwater animals (and a field trip to the aquarium).
LOVE that my DH baked brownies this week! Turtle brownies, to be exact. Yes, he's a good man.
LOVEd meeting our friend T's little boy, L, at the park this week. So cute...big.brown.eyes.
LOVEd making myself take video of Little D this week (something I don't do often enough)...doing the things he loves (eating, talking, running, playing)...to send to his foster family in Korea. Now...to package things up and get it all in the mail.

Wordless Wednesday: Splash-Pad Meets Nature

2010-08-18T12:43:00.003-05:00

[Yes, this whole water feature *is* meant for swimming & playing. Awesome!]

"Buuuhhhhh!!"

2010-08-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

After going to the farmer's market on Saturday, we headed over to the downtown library. We've been here a few times already with Little D, but it had been a while. The last time I did a post about it was back in March (look how much smaller Little D looked then...see what I mean about the BIG BOY transformation?!). We usually go to our neighborhood library (within walking distance). When we walk up, he now yells, "Buuhhhh!" (his attempt at "book"). I love that he not only recognizes the library, but also knows that is where lots (and lots) of books are.

The downtown library has a TOTALLY ROCKIN' children's' section. (Pssst...for you locals out there...if you haven't taken your kids there yet...you must go!) We just missed story time...but the kids were still in there...so of course Mr. Social (yep, Little D) had to run in...say, "Hi!" and check out the felt/velcro board the librarian was using and make a friend or two in the process. We really need to do something about his shyness...sheesh!

First things first...let's check out the display case. Never know what might be in there. Usually something cool.

Then it was time to turn some wheels and push some buttons. These things make various dragonflies, butterflies, and bugs on the walls/ceilings move and/or light up. Very entertaining.

Then it was book time. We are lucky to have a great library system here...with lots of great books...including LOTS of board books...which is what we need at this stage. (Paper books -- still end up torn if not properly supervised...or even sometimes when properly supervised) The board books are housed in boats. The kids can climb right up and help pick out ones they want to take home. Little D totally knows how this works and is big enough to climb up on his own now.

I'm not sure why...but he is signing, "drive" here...likely related to seeing a book about cars. I find it a miracle that he didn't flip off backwards here.

We took home lots of books...some about trucks (of course)...but also some about farms, animals, good-night books (we are getting a tad burned out on the ones we have already), and a few other things. We also scored a couple of good videos.

We LOVE the library...and now Little D does too.

To Market, To Market

2010-08-14T13:25:00.001-05:00

"To market, to market, to buy a fat pig,
Home again, home again, dancing a jig;
To market, to market, to buy a fat hog;
Home again, home again, jiggety-jog;
To market, to market, to buy a plum bun,
Home again, home again, market is done."

- Mother Goose

Today we went downtown to our favorite farmer's market. I cannot say that we bought a fat pig, or a fat hog (isn't that the same thing?), nor a plum bun. So...what did we buy then??...

I could *not* resist these beets. They came home...along with some heirloom tomatoes, raspberries, blueberries, a small skirt steak, a loaf of bread, an "Italian doughnut" (I'll let you know), and a cucumber. YUM! While there we shared a farmer's breakfast: roasted potatoes, a duck egg, and slow-roasted pulled pork (I guess that was our "fat hog"), with homemade hot sauce.

Little D enjoyed listening to the music. Every time they'd finish a song he'd clap and sign "More, please." I think he was their biggest fan.

The indoor portion of this market is in the shed of an old flour mill. See the old train tracks?

These flowers make me happy. Simply beautiful.

Seriously...these dresses are so cute...almost enough to make me wish we had a girl...almost.

The market also has a little area with some farm animals...for the little kiddos to check out. Here are some beautiful chickens. Little D walked right up to the pen and said, "Hi!" and waved to them. I'm pretty sure they waved back.

Then it was time to check out the sheep (or "bah-bahs" as they are affectionately known around here). At first D wasn't too sure about touching them. (BTW...see the little blondie squatting down by that blue tub...any guesses what is in there? Baby chicks. She was fascinated.)

Eventually Little D got brave enough to help Dada feed one of the sheep. When the sheep licked his fingers, Little D squealed with joy. Who wouldn't?!

We love this market. It isn't huge or overly crowded...just the right size for a lovely Saturday morning.

Love Friday (83rd Edition)

2010-08-13T12:55:00.002-05:00

LOVEd having another playdate at our house last weekend with our friends, J & D, and their daughter, L. L is 4 months older than D. She LOVEd all of his trucks (especially the fire trucks) and the two kiddos got along very well. L: if you ever need a truck fix, come on back. That is one thing we are not lacking around here.
LOVE that Little D calls a kangaroo's pouch a "backpack." No joke. We were looking at a book about animals (yes, we actually have some that are not truck-themed...and yes, he actually tolerates looking at them...sometimes). On one of the pages there was a kangaroo complete with joey in pouch. I was telling him it was a kangaroo, the baby rides in the pouch, blah-blah-blah...when suddenly he pointed to the pouch and yelled, "Backpack!" OK, backpack it is!
LOVE that Little D is trying to say the word, "Patience." Yep. Big word. I know he has no idea what it means. We were talking about how sometimes we have to wait for things we want (i.e. to see dada when we are driving home from school/work at the end of the day, when we fling our truck or sippy cup across the backseat & mama cannot reach back to get it, etc...)...and we have to have patience. I think I must have said the word 2-3 times, when all of a sudden I hear him trying to say it himself. Now...if he could just understand the CONCEPT, I'd feel really successful.
LOVE plans to go to our favorite farmer's market tomorrow. We need our fix of fresh, local veggies and fruit.
LOVE the heat & humidity is supposedly going to break this weekend. We need to get outside. It has been so ugly lately. I want to take a bike ride.
LOVE that I won an AWESOME give-away on a blog friend's site. I'm still in shock...in a good way!

Question

2010-08-12T06:00:00.004-05:00

Could someone please tell me...why is it that Little D suddenly looks like SUCH a big boy?!

When did this happen? Seems like overnight. I love it...but sometimes miss Baby D too. Lately, I find myself getting quite nostalgic about things now that we are getting close to the one year anniversary of Little D's homecoming. I'm in the process of writing a letters to his foster mother and birth mother. I've printed a TON of recent photos to send to Korea with those letters. I cannot believe how much he has changed in such a short period of time. I know every parent must feel this way. I feel the need to share this with other important people in his life...even those from the past. They will always be a part of him. We are also hoping to send some video of Little D in action. I know his foster mother and social worker will just LOVE seeing him now. Time to bust out the Fl*ip again. Little D...you amaze me.

Wordy Wednesday

2010-08-11T06:00:00.007-05:00

I tried soooo hard to keep my mouth (and fingers) quiet today...but these photos are just screaming for some captions. So...I will be breaking away from my usual Wordless Wednesday series for a WORDY Wednesday instead. (It's my blog and I'll TALK if I want to...)

At the end of our playdate this weekend, Little D & JD found something *fun* to play with: S & D's cooler. Inside were the beverages and food we enjoyed for snack time. After splashing, playing (park), & snacking...these two decided it was COOLER TIME.

"Here...JD...give me a hand with this thing. It's kind of heavy."

"Ummm, dude...let's leave it CLOSED while we roll."

"Wait...stop...I think it needs a little dirt and some rocks on top."

"Ooooh, definitely...good idea...MORE dirt & rocks."

"Aha...here's the handle. Let's take this rig for a ride."

"Hey, Little D...maybe we could start a vending business. Those kids over there by the splash pad sure look thirsty. Hmmmm."

Oh...just FYI...in Little D's mind coolers *totally* count as vrooom-vroooms. He declared S & D's cooler a "vroom-vroom" when he noticed the two wheels on it. Yep. In fact, just about anything with wheels can pass as a vroom around here: strollers, carts, suitcases (if there are at least two wheels), wheelchairs (he actually says, "Vrooom!" whenever he sees someone in a wheelchair, motorized or not), etc... He also was pretty stoked about JD's shirt. Right away it pointed at it and declared, "vrrrrrooooom-vrrrrrooooommmmm!!" This caused JD to look down at his shirt. Not much gets past Little D when it comes to anything vehicular-related.

Thanks for reading my WORDY Wednesday. I'll resume my silence for future WW posts...hopefully.

Making A Splash

2010-08-09T20:05:00.000-05:00

This weekend was HOT...and HUMID...sooooo VERY hot & humid! (It still is.) It was the perfect timing for a splashy playdate with our new friends: JD and his Omma & Appa, S & D. You might remember our first playdate was at a park. This time we decided a splash pad was in order.

Little D decided to check things out while we waited for our friends. First up: a little geyser. Check out Little D's *major* farmer's tan. YES, we do put sunscreen on him...big time...but this little boy is sure tanning up quickly. This Omma (still pretty pasty white) is jealous.

Then our friends arrived and JD decided to join in on the action. Isn't he CUTE?!! Notice Little D? Yep, face in the water...of course. The more the better.

"Watch out JD...that's some cold, cold water."

MANY (!!) shots look like this...one child or the other (usually Little D) sprinting off for greener pastures. D was a man on the move. I cannot tell you how many times I said, "No running. Walk." Not that it did much good. I was running after him...all over.

Finally some good *togetherness* play.

Sharing the geyser. LOVE the dual squat.

You can spot JD's Omma taking a reverse shot of this precious moment. Awe!

This splash pad was AWESOME. Little D loved it. Being that it was Saturday afternoon, it was really crowded. Unfortunately, there were some big (AND OBNOXIOUS) "big kid" boys running around & throwing buckets full of water at each other. Of course, not a parent or supervisor in sight. They pretty much dominated all the bigger splash areas, so we kept the boys near the smaller geysers and waterfalls. I had to tell a couple of them to slow-down & watch out for the little kids. I'm sure they thought I was a mean mama...but too bad. I'm all for fun...but I'm thinking big boys don't need to be at the little kids' splash pad. Just a thought. But...it was still sooooo fun!

The boys (and the parents) were pretty worn out after some time in the water & sun. We went to the adjacent playground next and then shared some snacks. It was a great playdate! Thanks JD, S, & D.

And...stay tuned for my Wordless Wednesday...I have a really fun series of photos of these two cuties doing something they found to be pretty fun after snack time. My only hint: cooperation.

From the Ashes

2010-08-07T13:57:00.003-05:00

In February, DH, Little D and I were driving to the pediatrician's office. (This was back when Little D had RSV & pneumonia...remember those fun days?!) We noticed SEVERAL emergency vehicles, mostly fire-related, were headed in the opposite direction.

When we arrived home, we continued to hear/see emergency vehicles and helicopters far too close for comfort. I focused on getting Little D down for his afternoon nap (and prayed there wasn't a gas leak or something nearby). DH hopped on the Internet. It didn't take a genius to figure out there was a bad fire somewhere...close.

Sadly, we quickly discovered the fire was in our neighborhood. The fire was consuming one of our favorite "spots" in the neighborhood: an older building housing two of our favorite restaurants AND my uber-favorite gift shop.

DH walked down the street. This is what he saw. (These photos are from a local newspaper. The ones DH took were with his phone & not the best quality.)

Lots (!) of neighbors were there. Everyone watched. Everyone was shocked. People were crying. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The business owners stood across the street and watched everything they had worked so hard for literally going up in smoke. It turns out the fire started as a small grease fire in one of the restaurants. The cooks put out the small grease fire (these happen quite frequently) and thought they had contained it. Little did they know some of the flames had made it up and into the ceiling/attic space of the building...where the fire spread to the rest of the building. When smoke was spotted by another business owner, the firefighters were immediately called, but by that time fire had spread throughout the entire attic/roof area. The firefighters could not stop it. They controlled it and had to let it burn.

The whole building was a total loss. The owners of the gift shop owned the the whole building. They said right away they would re-build...and attract similar tenants: retail and restaurants.

The brick exterior of the building has been standing there all these months. (The brick exterior itself looked untouched...almost like nothing was wrong...except all the windows being boarded up.) This was such a loss for the neighborhood, not to mention the owners of these businesses. Part of the draw of city life is having these gems dotting the corners of neighborhoods all throughout town. They help create community. Our neighborhood has been missing this corner. On a weekly basis, DH and I bemoan the fact that we cannot just walk over and grab something to eat, shop, get a coffee, etc...

Well...a couple of weeks ago we noticed some progress!

A fence went up around the perimeter and TWO VERY LARGE and AWESOME excavators showed up to work. Little D was SUPER EXCITED to see these beauties.

This was on a weekend after they had partially cleared out the basements (after the building itself was knocked down). A week later I was walking with D down to the library. The perfect pair of orange excavators were DIGGING, SCOOPING, and working away. They'd dig up a load and dump them into a very large, very bright RED dump truck. Unfortunately, I did NOT have my camera with me that day. Little D and I sat nearby (close, but not too close) watching those guys work. I think Little D would have sat there ALL.DAY.LONG. (Too bad we don't live across the street. I don't think D would have required much else in terms of entertainment that whole week.) Each time I attempted to push the stroller to our desired destination (well, mine anyway: the library), Little D signed "MORE!" I stopped...and sat...and let him watch...for quite a while. Little D's idea of a PERFECT afternoon after a good nap. Ahhh.

The basement/foundation is all cleared out now. A more substantial fence is present. I'm hoping we see some more signs of progress...building something new...to give our neighborhood back something it dearly misses...something far more than just a building...or some businesses...but part of our community. In the meanwhile, I suspect I will be walking down there FREQUENTLY with Little D to check on their progress. The parade of vehicles is about to begin.

From the ashes comes something new. Cannot wait to see what is to come.