Sunday, December 27, 2009

Final Meeting in our Home

Our SW came over on, Tuesday 12.22. , to complete our final homestudy meeting. It went very well. She stayed for about 3 hours. The time seemed to fly by while we were talking, answering questions, and walking through the house.

The meeting started off with a short "Q & A" between G and our SW. K and I left the room so they could talk privately. When we returned, our SW recapped a few things for us. They discussed how Korea and America were on opposites ends of the ocean; how her little brother is going to look different than her; and how things around here may be a little a different when he comes home. G mentioned to SW that we've discussed this mostly through reading books...her favorite being Katie -Bo by Iris L. Fisher. I think she enjoys reading this one the most because it's very age appropriate. Our SW said the best thing G said to her was "I pray real hard every night for my baby brother to come home soon". ....smiling big smiles right now.

The rest of the meeting was fairly simple. We answered a good amount of basic questions (about our home and how we will provide basic care and needs for a new child) for DCFS licensing. We then went over the 'Child Acceptance List'.

We are so happy the homestudy is complete. I will be even more excited when it has been submitted and we are DCFS approved. Our SW told us she will start putting it together but, won’t submit anything until we are closer to #10 on the list.

We are guessing we are someone in the teens right now but, really can’t be sure. It will definitely be exciting to hear from her when we are at #10.

We did touch a little on timing with her. She mentioned most families have been getting referrals right around the 12 month of waiting mark. Although, I have been following other families on the Yahoo group and kind of already knew this, it was nice to hear her thoughts.

We think this was a great way to complete our adoption journey steps in 2009 and can’t wait for the changes, excitement, and blessings 2010 will bring!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Our Princess is 5!

G turned 5 on Sunday! I can't believe we have a 5 year old, sounds crazy to me. 5 years went way too fast! She had a great birthday weekend. Friday -- I brought cookies to her class and read a story while she wore the birthday crown. Saturday--- she had a party at gymnastics with her friends. Sunday --- we had some family over to sing and blow out candles. .


Happy Birthday, sweet princess!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Quick Update

Once again, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving here at our house with family. K cooked a yummy turkey to go along with all the usual sides. We had 13 at our table this year and we really enjoyed ourselves. The star of the day was our new nephew little S. G was so intrigued by him. She followed M and A around and wanted to watch his every move. After dinner, a few of us played Yahtzee while the others watched a movie. It was a great day. So much to be thankful for!!!

Some goings on with the adoption..... Our referral letters were sent out right after our last meeting with our SW. We've heard from all our friends that we choose to be referrals. We are so grateful and thankful to them for filling out the questionnaire and being a part of this journey with us! Thank you!
When we last met with our SW, she mentioned that LL was expecting a few more referrals before the end of the year. I am happy to say, she was correct. Since our last meeting, I know (through emails posted on a LL message board) that a few families have been matched with their children.

It brings such a feeling of joy when I read that another family has a received a referral. I can't help but smile and even tear up thinking about the excitement they must feel....such a blessing for each family.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Homestudy Meeting

We had our final combined interview for our Homestudy with our SW today. We started out the meeting with some questions we had.
Most specifically, we asked her what she thought about the number of EPs (travel documents) that are issued each year and how this will effect future waiting families. EPs or Emigration Permits are issued by the Korean Gov't and gives a child permission to leave the country. Once a family receives a referral they must complete a few other documents and wait for EP before bringing their child home. There are some LL families who received referrals in the first part of 2009 but, will not be able to bring their children home until after the new year. This is because the allotted number of EPs for this year have been given out. I asked her how she thought this "catch up" next year will effect other waiting families. She told me, although, this is unusual, she does think (of course, she can't be certain) that this will work itself out and not significantly increase wait times. I asked her if she thought this would push our time frame out; if it would be more realistic to expect to travel in 2011, rather than late 2010? She told us they are expecting more referrals this year and we shouldn't jump the gun and change our waiting expectations. She asked that we try and be patient and see how the "catch up" works out at the beginning of the year. I did like that answer, it made me feel a little more at ease ;-)....let the process just progress and work itself out.

After we got our questions answered, the meeting seemed to go really well. I think we are more comfortable with our SW and the whole process. The questions and answers seemed to flow easily. She asked about our marriage, our parenting style, our thoughts on birth parent searches, our feelings toward the birth mother, how we do/will discuss adoption in our home.

We also did a quick paperwork review and she thinks we have ALL of our paperwork complete and turned in. Yeah! Next, our SW will come to our home for the final step in the Homestudy process. At this time, she will talk with G and take a look at our home. We are looking forward to completing this final step.
G seems to be doing a great job of understanding adoption (as much as a 4 year old can). The hardest thing for her to understand is the WHEN. WHEN is my little brother coming home? Will it be when I'm in Kindergarten? How come you don't know? It's so interesting to watch a 4 year old try to conceptualize how he is going to get here and where he is coming from. She doesn't seem the least bit concerned with this. She just wants to have her baby brother here to play with, now! I do think she understands more than most people would expect.....and her excitement is just PRICELESS.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Some Answers

Why did we decide to Adopt?

It's where we were lead and it just feels right. Long before we were certain we had IF issues, we researched International programs and countries, and the option of going this route to expand our family. I was always fascinated with the process and loved to hear from families we knew or were acquainted with to see how the process went, how they were adjusting, etc.

Why did we choose Korea?
Like I said, before we made the decision that International adoption was the route we would go; we did a great deal of research on countries and their programs. The Korean program was appealing to us for a number of reasons. In comparison to many other country's programs, the waiting time is quite short. Babies are expected to come home before their first birthday. Babies are cared for in foster homes until they are placed with their forever families. Korea's Health care is excellent and similar to that of the US. Babies are usually referred with good background information and well documented medical records. Korea does not require a lengthy stay in country. Many families make the trip in about 1 week. Families may choose to travel to pick up their child or choose an escort.

More on the questions later. This post might get too long and wordy if I answer them all at once.

Since my last post, we've been quite busy. My first nephew was born on November 4th. Congrats to my brother and his wife! He is so beautiful and precious!
We took our annual, week long, trip to Siesta Key, FL with K's family. We had a wonderful time, as always. Tropical Storm, Ida, got in the way of our sun on a few of the days but, we were still in warm FL and enjoyed spending time with the family.
On Saturday, November 14th, we attended a Parent Education Training at LL. As part of our Homestudy and to be licensed by DCFS to bring an adopted child into our home, we must complete a certain number of training hours. Saturday's training, along with 5 online courses, will complete our hours. During the first part of the training on Saturday, a Pediatric Psychologist gave a presentation. It addressed a wide variety of topics including, child development and behavior management. It was very informative. Our SW gave a brief presentation on how to discuss adoption, the word adoption, and the meaning of adoption with your child as he grows up. My favorite part of the day was hearing from two families who have already brought their children home. K and I loved to watch the two little guys run around and hear about the families' journeys and experiences.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Happy Halloween

What a wonderful Weekend! The constant rain we have been having finally let up a bit on Saturday so the kiddies could get out and trick and treat. You may recall from my post last year that G was anti-"trick or treating". She's a little cautious of masks. Last year she would have nothing do with them. This year she is not so much scared but, likes to keep her distance. She dressed up for school on Friday and had a good time at the classroom party. I was lucky to be a room mom again this year. I just love seeing all the kids dressed up with those big happy smiles on their faces. This year G told us she doesn't like masks but was going to just go with it and "be brave". As you can tell from the pictures, she thoroughly enjoyed filling up that little bucket with candy.



Wednesday, October 21, 2009

LL Korean Reception

We were invited by LL (our agency) to attend a Korean Reception this past weekend. It was a great experience for all of us. . They had Korean food, a Tae Kwon Do performance, Arts and Crafts that G loved, and games for the kids. The best part of the reception for us was meeting other families. There were families there who have already brought their children home and waiting families, like us, who are in the midst of the process. We were lucky to be introduced by our SW to a family who is at the same point in the process as us. We are looking forward to staying in touch with them and following their journey.

We finished off that great day for our family with the annual bonfire at Mom and E's. I think every year gets better and better. What could be more fun than eating, drinking and spending time with family?
Many of you asked me that night, what the timelines are looking like. I recently asked our SW if 18 months is still the general timeline and she continues to give me the same answer..."We are hoping to get a few more referrals this year". The reason she gives me this answer is there is a "waiting list" and once other families are given their referrals, we move up in the list.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Questions

We have been asked many questions after passing on the exciting news that we are adopting a little boy from Korea ... "Why did you decide to adopt?";"Why did you choose Korea?"; "How does the process work?"; "Why does it take so long?" ; "How could you possibly get a boy, aren't more girls available?"; "How old are the babies?"; "Can you really afford to do something like that?"

For all the other above questions, I'm going to start by posting two links.

These links will help answer some of those questions for now.

New York Times Article
Korean Adoption

I do also intend to get all these questions answered myself in my own words, over time. I am far from a "good blogger" but, I will do my best to get this all out there and explained as times goes on. Thanks to all of you who have been so wonderful to us through all our of experiences in trying to add to our family. It is very comforting to now feel at ease and certain of what the next steps are. Although, there are never true "certainties" with adoption. We know the process is in place and we are slowly moving along. Yes, the wait is going to be long but, if you take a look at the big picture and the blessing at the end; the wait is really okay.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Fall 2009

G started school this year right after labor day. She is in the pre-k academy at her school. The class meets 5 half days a week. So, she is gone M-F from noon until 2:45 (believe me those few hours go very fast). She LOVES Loves Loves school and is disappointed when Saturday rolls around. I am so happy for her but at the same time miss my little little girl.
G's first day of Pre-K.


Back to school also means back to activities. G is taking dance again....which is good cuz the little thing LOVES to dance, just about as much as she loves school. It's a great way to burn off some of that extra energy when the cold sets in and she can't be running around outside. We switched studios this year but, love our choice. It's much closer to home and there are quite a few of Gracie's friends from school there with her.


First day of ballet/tap for the 09-10 year....such a sweet little princess.



This past weekend my cousin D got married. We had the best time at the wedding and reception. We love hanging out with family. D was a beautiful bride and her new hubby is such a sweetheart. We are very happy for them and wish them the best!!!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Some thoughts on Expanding our Family

I don't know what it is that has made me so ansy lately but, I am ready for the adoption process to move along. I know we are pretty far off, as our HS has not been completed yet but, I'm ready for a next step . I'm guessing this is because I am truly amazed at all the blogs and information out there pertaining to Korean adoption. The past few nights, I have not stopped reading and following other family's journeys through the process. There is so much to look forward to. However, I feel there is so much more information I need to prepare myself with.....what we as a family can expect, what this precious little boy will be feeling when his world is turned upside down, how to help our little G understand what is happening, and help our friends and family feel the same excitement we do. I know I'm probably jumping the gun on all this but, that's what I do. :) Our in-person Parent adoption training is scheduled for November. I think this might help us answer some questions and knowing that it will give us the opportunity to meet other families who are at the same point in the process as us is exciting. For now my personal next step is to start learning more about Korea and the Korean culture.

Monday, August 24, 2009

More to add...

to our busy Summer list.

We were invited by our best buddies, the B family, to come visit them in Houston and go to the Astros annual Gala.....Black Ties and Baseball Caps. The event was held on the Astros field and was organized to raise money for a local women's shelter. We had the most amazing time with the best of friends. I've posted some pictures below. In addition to the Gala, we went to the Houston Aquarium and got to see T pitch at two of the Ball games. We also got to spend some time on the field watching fireworks and watching the kids run around. We are so thankful to the Byrdaks for inviting us and giving us the opportunity to make such great memories.









August has been a month of ups and downs. On August 6th, we lost one of our close family friend's, dear Grandpa B. We will miss him dearly and are thankful for the time we were able to spend with him. He had such a gift for making each of us feel special especially, our princess G. Rest in Peace, Grandpa B. It was interesteting to watch G try and "understand" where Grandpa Bob is and what dying means. We are lucky that she is so close to the B kids (especially M). I think in their own 4/5 year old minds, they helped each other somewhat understand it better.


This past weekend we hosted a baby shower for M, A and Baby S. I think it was a pretty big success and am posting a few pics from that day too.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Summer

Summer is going by way too fast (doesn't it always) and we are making to make the most of it and squeezing as much in as we can before Gracie heads back to school. So far we have...
***Rented a Lake House** The week of June 21st we rented a lake house in Paw Paw, MI on 3 mile lake. KJ was a little swamped with work so we invited the Bartecki's up to enjoy the house with us for the beginning part of the week. This was so much fun for all of us. I got to hang out with one of my closest friends while the kids played in the water. We couldn't have asked for better swimming weather either. Although, this summer has not been very hot, we were in MI during the hottest week of the summer so far (heat indexes close to 100). KJ, Mark, Amber and Neena came up to stay with us for the latter part of the week. It was a funfilled week of swimming, BBQing and relaxing. We are hoping we can do it again next year. It was such a good time.
***Went to the Zoo***
***Spent an afternoon at the Water Park***
***Spent some time in Baba and Grandma's Motorhome*** Well this wasn't all of us. Gracie went to spend 3 days in the Motor home in South Haven, MI with her gparents. She loved it and didn't want to leave. My favorite quote of those few days was "when are we gonna drive this thing? I want to see what it feels like to drive a house"
***Went (me) to Rascal Flatts at Wrigley with some girlfriends***
***Went to the Symphony at Millenium Park*** Again, this wasn't all us. Uncle Mark and Aunt Amber took Gracie and of course she loved it. Music and dancing....right up her alley. My favorite quote from that night was "How does the baby go pee in Amber's Belly?" Ahhh the mind of a 4 year old....gotta love it.
***Listened to the Billy Joel/Elton John concert from a rooftop on Sheffield***
***Had our individual meetings with Lifelink***

More to come....

Sunday, June 28, 2009

First Dance Recital


Our little lady had her first dance recital on June 7th. She did such a good job. She was enrolled at the The Dance Workshop this year and had her recital at the Rialto in Joliet. She loved dance and loved her class. The class was a combo ballet/tap class but, her recital number was only to ballet ....Broadway Baby. She loved being the star that day and showing off everything she learned to her family....such a big girl!!!!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Starting an exciting journey...

As most of our family and close friends now know, we have begun our adoption journey. We are excited and overjoyed to bring a little boy into our family. It seems so surreal. I'm having a hard time accepting the fact that after all the discussions, research, and prayers for guidance.....we are actually in the midst of "the process". So excited!!!! We will keep this updated both for our memories and to someday show our little boy the journey the three of us experienced to bring him home to us.

In other news, our sweet G had her tonsils out on May 4th. She was such a brave little girl. I was so nervous leading up to the surgery. No mother wants to see their child in pain and I was imaging her being in this excruciating pain and refusing to eat. But, her recovery was nothing like that. She had mushy food for about a week and lots of Popsicles but, is now pretty much back to her regular diet. I had heard stories of how difficult it was to watch a child come out of anesthesia. I must admit that day overall was the most difficult. She was sick and "loopy" (as the doctors call it) but, really nowhere near as bad as I expected. The nurses advised us to keep her from running, jumping and screaming for a full 14 days. She has been feeling really good and hardly complains of throat pain anymore. The hardest part has been trying to keep her from playing and screaming. I must admit I am failing at that one but, who can complain. I'm so glad she's feeling better and looking forward to day 14 when she's in the all clear.

We also are anticipating the arrival of a new cousin for Gracie in November. We are so ecstatic that Uncle M and Aunt A are expecting their first child. Yippee!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Holidays 2008

The last months of 2008 were busy and exciting.




The Holidays started out with Thanksgiving at our place. KJ planned a fishing trip with M O. They were to leave the Friday after Thanksgiving at 4AM........(Yeah, I know...4am in the Cold Cold weather). Anyways, we figured since he would be heading out so early it would be a good idea to host here, instead of traveling someplace else. My mom (aka Neena) helped me do most of the cooking. We had a nice full table including lots of family. It turned out to be a wonderful night.





G received some dress up clothes from her buddy Logan earlier in the day. She became totally attached to the full Tinkerbell costume and decided to wear it all day including, during Thanksgiving dinner. You can do that when your almost 4 :-)

We were excited for G's first Christmas progam at school. As you can see for yourself, our little princess looked beautiful in her red dress. She performed like such a big girl up on the stage with all the other preschoolers.




G was all about Christmas this year. She was so anxious for the big guy in the Red Suit to bring her presents. She specifically asked for a ballet bag and clothes for her American Girl doll, Julie. We started our Christmas celebration at M&A's the Saturday before. M &A headed to Iowa for Christmas eve and Christmas day. For our celebration at their house, A made us a delicious dinner. As usual, she whipped us some unique and very tasty dishes. We spent the evening laughing, eating and opening gifts.








On Christmas Eve, we headed up to Grammy's for dinner. This was a particularly exciting night for G because Santa himself showed up after dinner. He brought the girls each a gift. As most of you know, for the past two years, G has wanted nothing to do with Santa. Well, she isn't terrified of the big guy anymore but, she chooses to keep her distance. She stuck close to mommy but, was glad to take her gift. The night was good and very festive. We loved spending it with Grammy and family.


The year ended with a big change for our family. KJmade another career move. We are so proud of Daddy and how he takes care of us ;-)