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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

Some Pics to go with the last Post

LAKE HOUSE AND STARVED ROCK