tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38341418012839194112024-03-18T23:55:31.304-05:00Yoo Mee--Keep BeautyThis blog is for our child, Olivia. This is to track her journey home and allow people who have prayed for her to share in our joy. We hope that she will read this one day and know that we chose her and our love for her started before we knew her.Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-80348140254736096952012-02-19T20:39:00.000-06:002012-02-19T20:39:17.787-06:00New blog address...In case you didn't see it on the last post, check us out at <a href="http://www.aseoulfulhome.blogspot.com">www.aseoulfulhome.blogspot.com</a>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-59144862521764579622012-02-19T20:32:00.001-06:002012-02-19T20:33:39.725-06:00Last Post, but keep following on our NEW blog!!!I had said all along that once we had been home a year, we would close this blog as Olivia's journey home is officially over. We have been in this house as a family for a solid year tonight!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bfFPzI5aFJBWHtowoVLTyVstzo2W1jH7xhfimcDzsr06JBUnJ-DAt__Hih8J6uH6qPyHT0iXIKY8CBthxqjMrD9tIAT_6tTWT5MO32xuPlzO84Wdub1UWXwsONSo-TjaecSPSWEKQwpK/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="330" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bfFPzI5aFJBWHtowoVLTyVstzo2W1jH7xhfimcDzsr06JBUnJ-DAt__Hih8J6uH6qPyHT0iXIKY8CBthxqjMrD9tIAT_6tTWT5MO32xuPlzO84Wdub1UWXwsONSo-TjaecSPSWEKQwpK/s400/085.JPG" /></a></div>It has been a WONDERFUL year and we thank you for following our journey from beginning to end. I am going to be turning this blog into a book, but would love for you to continue to follow our journey as we enjoy life as a family of four (hello....Oscar!) and pray for our next Korean cutie to come home to us! Please hop on over to our new blog home at <a href="http://www.aseoulfulhome.blogspot.com">www.aseoulfulhome.blogspot.com</a><br />
I hope to see all your faces (and MORE) in the corner as a follower. If you have been following us and never clicked "follow" (I am guilty of the same) please click follow so I can link to your blog or just know who is reading about us.Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-60628577781504337042012-02-18T22:52:00.000-06:002012-02-18T22:52:07.408-06:00HOMEExactly a year ago, we were somewhere over the Pacific with a terrified little girl. We had been in the air 6 1/2 hours at this point. We had a long way to go! <br />
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I just wanted to get home. We were all tired and ready to begin the adjustment phase. I love to travel, but when it is time to be home, I AM READY. I don't want the travel part in the way (especially the 5 1/2 hour layover in Atlanta)<br />
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However, I was looking forward to our homecoming which still blows me out of the water to think about. What an amazing end to an amazing trip. <br />
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Yesterday was another day similar to a year ago as far as wanting to be home! We weren't sure we were going to be discharged, but at lunch, I told John, "let's take our chances...load the car!" We were weary of being in that small room and could see how much better our girl was. She NEEDED to be there as far as the rest of the week. I hate to think what might have happened had we not gone to the hospital Monday night. The care there was amazing. I know I have not ever had great things to say about that hospital, but I take all the bad that I have said and will replace it with praise to the nurses and doctors that cared for Olivia. They were all so kind, efficient and helpful. It is so nice to know that we have such wonderful care right here close to home. They even called today to see if we needed anything and to see what Olivia had drunk today, how many wet diapers, etc. <br />
Olivia finally made the turn and we were released from the hospital around 7:30 last night. Late yesterday afternoon, I felt like we had a bull in a China Shoppe with an IV attached. She was everywhere! I knew she was feeling better because the day before, she didn't even have the strength to walk! Yesterday however, Olivia was pulling out the drawers and getting in them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSqqr5KNVwnBr4Gwr3jZ_WjRajeQwTybRRMgcs6hwA0omgeUARpWm26VwRNknw0ndR9SpkvH_IRI_xLgEvvY4exjvX4NU3pcforRWFLc5yHY49AnW8HMGfEe2RQSQMPYc6QwTaao_MZhp/s1600/downsized_0217121253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSqqr5KNVwnBr4Gwr3jZ_WjRajeQwTybRRMgcs6hwA0omgeUARpWm26VwRNknw0ndR9SpkvH_IRI_xLgEvvY4exjvX4NU3pcforRWFLc5yHY49AnW8HMGfEe2RQSQMPYc6QwTaao_MZhp/s400/downsized_0217121253.jpg" /></a></div>It was pretty funny, but clear that it was time to go home. She ate some food and drank some juice, but promptly threw it up. Once we got home, we had pizza since that is what we ate our first night as a family. She ate a full piece and kept it down! <br />
Today has been a quiet day here. We have taken it slow and played as she wanted. I have no clue why, but I am exhausted! My time to be productive (while she was napping today) wasn't so productive. Hopefully tomorrow I can use the time better! <br />
Though Olivia is not quite 100% back to herself, she is getting there! We will continue to go at her pace for a few days. She tires easily, and she is definitely not going at her normal speed. Thank you for all the prayers, texts, phone calls, gifts and love that you have sent our way this past week! It means so much to us!!!Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-92094412068557781082012-02-17T12:11:00.003-06:002012-02-17T12:36:42.081-06:00Family Day and Feeling a bit better!!!A year ago a sweet, terrified girl was placed in our arms. (Question...do you go on Korean date or US date? I think I have done a bit of both this week.)<br />
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She would have nothing to do with us and gathered her belongings (her jacket and blankie)everytime I would move them. We will celebrate tonight by having Pizza Hut. Unfortunately, she probably won't eat again this year. Normally, she loves pizza, but she just isn't quite up to it yet. I can't believe its been a year! What a wonderful year it has been!<br />
Olivia Rae, you were truly made to be our daughter. We love every ounce of you more every single day! You are such a blessing!!<br />
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On another note....bringing us up to date, we are hoping to see home tonight. Olivia has made the turn and is becoming more her spunky self. Yesterday we saw her little eyes for an hour or two and today she has been up chattering since 9 a.m. Last night was the first night she slept beside me instead of on me and was able to get rest. She still has an IV, and her temp. was just 99.5, but we are so hopeful that today will be our day! It is great to see her personality come back out and her silliness! Here are some pictures that we have taken....sorry for the poor quality. My good camera had to be shipped off for a 'malfunction' so we have the cell phones. <br />
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I want to play my new piano, but I just don't feel good yet. (yesterday mid-morning)<br />
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She has done great with her breathing treatments! (last night)<br />
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Mommy and Olivia playing the piano that Nana sent yesterday (along with the rest of the toy store!) ;)--early evening yesterday<br />
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Olivia initiated eating this morning...then threw it all up 10 min. later. Small steps though!<br />
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Ready to color, but not feeling my best!!! (yesterday mid day)<br />
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Playing "drinking games" with daddy...just juice people. :) She loves to clink the glasses and say "cheers!" (yesterday afternoon)<br />
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BALLOONS!!!! (late afternoon yesterday)<br />
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Mom, this is a strange way to take a bath! (last night)<br />
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I love these balloons! (today)<br />
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And currently, Miss Olivia is eating some of Nana's delicious banana muffins!!! Thanks Nana! (just now!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXOafIQi3tmlqhUdK6ACNjcErUjteooy5A2HlCnwJy2MMlNTYT4H9rbLaFjhay6EjstjHYGdz-_hO81zOHC-NJcQBaVt67fYfS0dnYoaK3bdsam1jAeFSqgJa7R1FYNEQKkRSELon1JNR/s1600/downsized_0217121217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXOafIQi3tmlqhUdK6ACNjcErUjteooy5A2HlCnwJy2MMlNTYT4H9rbLaFjhay6EjstjHYGdz-_hO81zOHC-NJcQBaVt67fYfS0dnYoaK3bdsam1jAeFSqgJa7R1FYNEQKkRSELon1JNR/s400/downsized_0217121217.jpg" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-19479943378129001602012-02-16T05:02:00.001-06:002012-02-16T05:07:14.645-06:00Still sickWe are entering day 4 in the hospital. Our nurse came in a bit ago and said that they are full on the pediatric floor, and she felt that Olivia is her sickest baby up here. I thought she had turned a corner yesterday as she ate 2 french fries for her Grampy and drank a few sips of a milkshake. She stayed awake for sometime yesterday too. Before then, we were only seeing about 5 minutes or so of her little eyes open per day. She has been so sick. She not only was awake, but we saw some life out of her....my friend Danyell was at the hospital with her mom and brought Olivia a balloon and bear. Olivia had fun looking at them and playing for a few minutes. Its the first time I think she has been aware of her surroundings all week. <br />
Our doctor said her lungs still sound 'gunky,' but that she is improving. Her temperature finally broke last night and she is currently asleep on my shoulder. The minute she is set down or brought off of our shoulder she coughs uncontrollably. They have turned her IV down to try to get her to drink on her own. However, she now hasn't had a wet diaper since 7 last night. I tried some juice a few minutes ago, but she refuses. I wish she could understand that to go home, we have to get off this IV and she has to drink on her own. Poor baby. Hopefully today will be better. Our nurse said a bit ago that she doesn't see us going anywhere for a few more days, but I am hopeful that we will be home soon. What a week!!! <br />
Just to continue with our celebration of being in Korea a year ago and meeting our girl, here is a picture from Feb. 16 in Korea. Regardless of being in the hospital, I am holding my girl....that is all that matters. She is in my arms and she knows I am not going anywhere. She knows she is loved. I don't care where we are!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60u5LacUp2PWc5YUzYvxn5QCYey50s2WQOb1mYaogaA6UZgqJacQx_IYla8aRr7ZC6sa9EbflHQnDrt5Uu2kOljANmcUTqYBo_Blx18zWUbnNY4eh5FbCObeT0VCLBDJvofK6D2cJu38u/s1600/IMG_4400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60u5LacUp2PWc5YUzYvxn5QCYey50s2WQOb1mYaogaA6UZgqJacQx_IYla8aRr7ZC6sa9EbflHQnDrt5Uu2kOljANmcUTqYBo_Blx18zWUbnNY4eh5FbCObeT0VCLBDJvofK6D2cJu38u/s400/IMG_4400.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBaZnea1WFsuUYkql7GJVvXBpBtRjJKfQH3Jur9XEhO_ceC4EPdLtPyrLSbZM9OnuQ7QMGpEfDLrKqcgLHmeI8_cAQqBioLXtvheDoCdR1S9Bkuf_zVoZiRyjLJKdoq5pyQRi4Y9_LKTp/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBaZnea1WFsuUYkql7GJVvXBpBtRjJKfQH3Jur9XEhO_ceC4EPdLtPyrLSbZM9OnuQ7QMGpEfDLrKqcgLHmeI8_cAQqBioLXtvheDoCdR1S9Bkuf_zVoZiRyjLJKdoq5pyQRi4Y9_LKTp/s400/IMG_4347.JPG" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-91301714165326978062012-02-14T14:37:00.002-06:002012-02-14T16:10:15.806-06:00Not the plans....Yesterday, was Feb. 14th in Korea, so all day I would think, "right now we were....." We really haven't made plans for our family day, and John is now saying next year, we will definitely have plans. Unfortunately, Olivia's croup, turned into Pneumonia. I got her home last night and called the doctor as he asked to give him an update. He said he thought we would be best to go ahead to the hospital. So, luckily, he called in orders and we bypassed the ER. We first went for a lung x-ray. We go to her room and they began checking her out. The hospital now has a pediatric floor that opened two months ago. This little guy was waiting on her pillow. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBWZBkXPjIOl2PZM0sIYKvPflaOqsl386xlll6NanUiHempOlKKkgev7_CuBg3ANy2yZNhve0qWSAPVx4LJkLEc-_fK90Z92HGmAAvK40aGGXnbNs4-FsGKIhqNPBKKU7JcvIZaNjt6rC/s1600/0214120825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBWZBkXPjIOl2PZM0sIYKvPflaOqsl386xlll6NanUiHempOlKKkgev7_CuBg3ANy2yZNhve0qWSAPVx4LJkLEc-_fK90Z92HGmAAvK40aGGXnbNs4-FsGKIhqNPBKKU7JcvIZaNjt6rC/s400/0214120825.jpg" /></a></div>She really hasn't eaten since last Thursday, but they were concerned that she isn't drinking. She was only getting a little. So, I thought an IV of fluids and we would be on our way. She was so dehydrated that they couldn't find a vein big enough. It took 5 different people, 6 or 7 tries and one shot of antibiotic before she had the IV at 11 p.m. <br />
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We got there at 7. She was such a good sport. She would cry and say, "owwww!" but that was the extent of it. She just closed her eyes. I have found that this is how Olivia handles things that she doesn't like. She closes her eyes and stays quiet. She feels miserable! They came in and got her temperature and it was 105. Later, they came to tell us that she had pneumonia not in just one, but both lungs. Our doctor only heard it in one lung earlier in the day at the office. She is a really sick little lady. They went ahead and did an RSV swab and returned in about an hour to tell us that that, too came back positive. When she saw the doctor yesterday he jumped back when he saw how red her little ears were. He said that they were fire engine red. When he did rounds this morning, I asked if he thought we would go home tomorrow after he said that we would be there again tonight. He crossed his fingers. He later came back and said we should probably expect at least 2 if not 3 more nights. She is still pitiful. Grammy and Grampy couldn't stand not seeing her, so they stopped by for a bit. When you come in you have to put a gown on because she is on 'isolation.' Grampy had a lot of fun blowing up the gloves and being silly. There is never a dull moment in our family! Nana wants to come so badly, but we told her no because she takes care of Mickey's grandfather who is 104 years old. We can't chance getting him sick. <br />
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I put my shoes on to come home to grab a shower (seeing as I am still in my work clothes from yesterday!) and she sat forward and said with her little lip turned upside down, "me go." I told her mommy wasn't going anywhere and unzipped my boot and sat back down. Luckily, we have both been able to be there the whole time. She is definitely wanting her daddy right now. <br />
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We are giving her gatorade through a syringe, but she really isn't interested. The IV is providing fluids and an antibiotic, but we are trying to motivate her to try on her own. Everyone there has been so nice! So....pray for our little lady. <br />
Now ask me how much I wish I were in Seoul?!?! Yep, put me on that big blue plane....with a healthy Olivia. I hate that she is sick. Lastly, I asked the doctor when he thought she could return to school (MDO) and he said that with her being such a preemie and having lost so much weight (back to 21 lbs at 2 1/2 yrs) and that she has now been so sick, that he would advise her not going until flu/RSV season passes. I thought, ok....that is March. Wrongo....he said April. :( So, I am saying end of March beginning of April. :) She was beginning to show progress with her 'buc buc' (puke bucket) and all. No really, she reached out for her teacher the other day. She loves them both and often calls them by name. She needs the socialization with peers, discipline from someone aside from family and language/speech with kids her age, as well as her anxiety to know that WE WILL come back. However, I need her to be healthy. I guess I have to choose the more important one which is health. So, it looks like MDO will be on hold until late March/beginning of April. I hate that, but she will get back in the swing.Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-57991421989516816092012-02-12T21:17:00.000-06:002012-02-12T21:17:22.052-06:00Korea....day 2 (a year ago)We just called mom and dad and reminded them that a year ago they were currently hiking a mountain in the COLD. (We took the tram up) :) It is noon in Korea. Then I realized I was a day off. We had done that the day prior on the 12th. It is now the 13th there. So, we were visiting the palaces. What an amazing day. We got to see them perform. We got there just in time. It wasn't many more hours until I began receiving sweet messages of friends waking up at US time to pray for us as we met our sweet Olivia for the first time. I think I truly saw my REAL friends in this process. I know you don't get many in life, but with the ones I have, I am set. That is a day I will NEVER forget. As I have snuggled her most of the day today, since she is sick, I have thought a lot about that first meeting and how terrified she was as were we! What a year, what a blessing!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9CxQbaGq0-AFbbV3Yz3GxaHD7reu74wLB7hjgygFF-ZpDacDgOH6cF5bDzBWZh-OliUc7WQc9K1fOokkqcQ2RbiXP0C9Wrl6v3JI2PjHNMx1hrkA6ISTaFJUZpkIbPlb21Pk451vC5pY/s1600/IMG_3996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9CxQbaGq0-AFbbV3Yz3GxaHD7reu74wLB7hjgygFF-ZpDacDgOH6cF5bDzBWZh-OliUc7WQc9K1fOokkqcQ2RbiXP0C9Wrl6v3JI2PjHNMx1hrkA6ISTaFJUZpkIbPlb21Pk451vC5pY/s400/IMG_3996.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCBZiOR_Uqe41roL5K5rqd003dbJJrTN2uR1TMH9_As78-NP83s2qPR0e61gttfs_LjHg-LgjHDuRHNR3k594HhTEF-tOX2CVjPZxPAKDFupYqHxURy-6CRele8zRSf0440m9EX7laPgw/s1600/IMG_4029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCBZiOR_Uqe41roL5K5rqd003dbJJrTN2uR1TMH9_As78-NP83s2qPR0e61gttfs_LjHg-LgjHDuRHNR3k594HhTEF-tOX2CVjPZxPAKDFupYqHxURy-6CRele8zRSf0440m9EX7laPgw/s400/IMG_4029.JPG" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-59343125513154538702012-02-11T08:20:00.000-06:002012-02-11T08:20:53.478-06:00Sick again....Well, Olivia has the croup yet again. She just got over it 2-3 weeks ago, but she is down for the count. I hate it because today we are celebrating Annelyn's 5th (I CANNOT believe she is 5!) birthday. It looks like I am on my own for the tea party, and daddy and Olivia will hold the couch up with lots of Bubble Guppie episodes. Bless her heart....she gets so upset at drop off for school that she throws up. It was so bad this past Tuesday that her teacher had to go home and change clothes. So, she now has a bucket, or buck buck as she calls it. I just figure this is her anxiety coming out, and that she will outgrow it. In the meantime, we have a buck buck. She didn't have much of a cough on Thursday when she went to school, but had a lot of congestion. She played fine and seemed fine. She reached for her teacher which is a great sign to us that she is starting to like it. She had a great day! However, she threw up at naptime (in her buck buck nonetheless). I talked to the director and she agreed that it was simply congestion. When Olivia is sick, she doesn't play, eat or do anything. At this point, she was still playing and having a big time. <br />
By Thursday night, however, we had a sick girl. So this mama felt kinda bad for telling her the day before, "no sick, Olivia." To which she responded, "no tick....buck, buck(nodding looking stinkin cute)." I guess I won't win that award for 'mom of the year.' ;)<br />
So yesterday mom took her to the doctor for me. This was a first because I think/feel that is my job, but didn't need to leave work since I missed Wednesday due to John's grandmother passing away. She had a temp. of 102.3 and feels crummy. She pretty much slept yesterday, and has been up and down most of the night. Hopefully her fever will break today and she will be on the upside. I told her she has to get better before Tuesday...I don't want her to miss school.<br />
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(and might I add, look at that handsome fellow taking care of her. Oscar loves his sister!)Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-75309784832595230072012-02-08T08:39:00.000-06:002012-02-08T08:39:37.478-06:00A year already!A year ago today, we were out for snow. I got up to check email as I do any morning I am home. I opened our email to see one from our international agency that said, "Today is your day. Please call me." My heart jumped....it was our turn to finally get the travel call! We scrambled that day to find rooms and flights. We left for gorgeous Korea 48 hours later. I couldn't get to my girl fast enough! What a year! <br />
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We got our bags packed, and we were off! I don't think I should be sad over this anniversary, but I am. I am sad that our first year has past. I want to be leaving for Korea and bringing home a sibling. I am excited to live life and watch Olivia grow and change, but sad that the firsts are over. I know....odd. :/<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqCznLWKyNRwnPPCVv6fulfbmG1Jji7OcjNt8qRRSYGcMr3soHO4en3ep6owRWkcQ4dp1i2uKWFROvBdhulrRs_R_9olDuk5RUekOukHy9ghB1Q_3LLH8LD4q-iHD2-V6fX1i0AjzZmXd/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="308" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqCznLWKyNRwnPPCVv6fulfbmG1Jji7OcjNt8qRRSYGcMr3soHO4en3ep6owRWkcQ4dp1i2uKWFROvBdhulrRs_R_9olDuk5RUekOukHy9ghB1Q_3LLH8LD4q-iHD2-V6fX1i0AjzZmXd/s400/IMG_3875.JPG" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-38726556181954327782012-02-05T09:10:00.000-06:002012-02-05T09:10:25.404-06:00The best phrase yet....It might be because Olivia is talking to me when she says it, but the absolute BEST phrase she has come out with lately is, "me mommy." When we go around the room asking her to name everyone, she gets to me and says, "me mommy!" I LOVE IT!!!!!! I am the luckiest person to get to be "me mommy" to this great kiddo!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUO_1afNo7adRgWwMAB0uHTa9qaa0FYGovQQAiNAKJKCH55KCrVOR09Tj5831Q3SSpz7JH1Ej8TLm3av0UadD7rSy0nRkE8nt2xcb7czD-ZXK-IngewbYLRyT-2sfD3fWv7ojPBuOvw3nX/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUO_1afNo7adRgWwMAB0uHTa9qaa0FYGovQQAiNAKJKCH55KCrVOR09Tj5831Q3SSpz7JH1Ej8TLm3av0UadD7rSy0nRkE8nt2xcb7czD-ZXK-IngewbYLRyT-2sfD3fWv7ojPBuOvw3nX/s400/IMG_0331.JPG" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-24072184303976507642012-02-01T05:21:00.000-06:002012-02-01T05:21:22.598-06:00Gonna be a bright, bright, bright sun shiny day......It is quite possible that I have a mini me in asian style. I do not walk outside without sunglasses on. I truly can't see. Olivia seems to be doing the same thing lately. I was looking through pictures and began to notice how many she is wearing her glasses in. (they are upside down the majority of the time!) As we walked both in and out of church Sunday, Olivia had her glasses on. At one point, she was under the seat in her bag and popped up and had them on. The row behind us about laughed out loud. <br />
Check out my super stylin' girl. <br />
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First love of sunglasses....thanks Ashley. :)<br />
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A girl on a mission!<br />
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I know it is blurry (hard to drive and take a pic....no mom and dad, I was at a stop light, not literally driving!) I bet the song "I wear my sunglasses at night...." will be in your head the rest of the day. :)<br />
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I don't know if I have said in the last 30 sec. or so, but I LOVE THIS KID!!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBf-TaaOXO8CTyMOyiIfPTv2vlsYcu9xMxKiI6pJVtp8iwg9UZea0j8y5fKmIJgb91oy4h7JRnp58vcE5CB9rAPhcDdiz03HIK3y9lOtSF6QH5PcTueN1P8X_VscxyRivzWWQz1QvdZCq/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBf-TaaOXO8CTyMOyiIfPTv2vlsYcu9xMxKiI6pJVtp8iwg9UZea0j8y5fKmIJgb91oy4h7JRnp58vcE5CB9rAPhcDdiz03HIK3y9lOtSF6QH5PcTueN1P8X_VscxyRivzWWQz1QvdZCq/s400/IMG_0986.JPG" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-24544705067344219932012-01-26T02:12:00.002-06:002012-01-26T02:13:59.128-06:006 nights out of 342 ain't bad....Yes, I know there are 365 days in a year, but we have only had Olivia 342 of them. I truly can't believe that we will be coming up on our year mark soon! That post is for another day though. Last night, Olivia slept in her bed. This makes 6 total nights of sleeping through the night since she has been home. Can we say EXHAUSTED! She actually asked to go to bed around 7:45. Which if you know my child, that NEVER happens. I rocked her and laid her down in her bed. I then left in no time. This too, is rare. She usually needs to be rocked or know that I am close by until she is asleep. She must have been exhausted because this morning, I saw this...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Nvw4NZpdDSf3-y9s37qLcEQ6L7yYoF8T8MizQEffv6ds8Ibh-YQq1HrAve2fNXs0rOnDqcAU7Cx1XgehFN5QG_c5VDeqqPuj51oMNpD95scMbYGiSyXjwL3hVwXQlFGu-vOUCa0XVPDQ/s1600/IMG_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Nvw4NZpdDSf3-y9s37qLcEQ6L7yYoF8T8MizQEffv6ds8Ibh-YQq1HrAve2fNXs0rOnDqcAU7Cx1XgehFN5QG_c5VDeqqPuj51oMNpD95scMbYGiSyXjwL3hVwXQlFGu-vOUCa0XVPDQ/s400/IMG_0973.JPG" /></a></div><br />
...and she was no where in sight!<br />
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HOLY COW people, she has NEVER slept that much! Granted, I didn't get to bed til 1:30 or so, but still. I actually got worried while I was getting ready for work and went in to check on her. Here is what I found.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4ymTtFuxG8egPUF4rP2K5FmTPMcpOVFiZdoPzcl9CEPvbWuB8t8gG1ejWDInZ2ObYTTAQcMrQt88n1d4lH7JRDwacklqsIp5N4k-UpBBAKkms8jL9pqOToIWpnfbYXaR2uxFjCSwDfEP/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4ymTtFuxG8egPUF4rP2K5FmTPMcpOVFiZdoPzcl9CEPvbWuB8t8gG1ejWDInZ2ObYTTAQcMrQt88n1d4lH7JRDwacklqsIp5N4k-UpBBAKkms8jL9pqOToIWpnfbYXaR2uxFjCSwDfEP/s400/IMG_0975.JPG" /></a></div>...a snoozing sweet girl....in her OWN bed. This afternoon called for a celebration. We went to Wal-Mart (where all good hicks go) and got a new toy. I thought this might make an impression on her for tonight. She was so proud of herself! It did as she went to bed, and we talked about if she woke up to just snuggle her animals close and go back to sleep. I have been up sewing and heard her a bit ago. I am about to head to bed, wonder if she is in there or if she was taken back to her bed? <br />
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Yes, we must have ALL animals on board. Pooh (my childhood stuffed animal, Zoe, School Zoey, Sheep (thanks cousins--he is HUGE!), and blankie (her towel that came home with her from Korea.) Add me in there sometimes, and that is one crowded toddler bed!!! When we rock her, she has Zoe, Pooh and blankie. One night John was rocking her and she said, "sheee...." She very patiently asked several more times, but John didn't understand. Finally she got right in his face and yelled, "SSSHHHHHEEEEEEP!" John couldn't quit laughing. I had a great laugh from in the den, too! She is hysterical!!!Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-2514125291479344102012-01-15T18:01:00.000-06:002012-01-15T18:01:07.831-06:00Helping with the dishesWhenever I put up the dishes, Olivia comes running! She gets a chair and pulls it up to the counter. She immediately asks to help, so I give her the silverware. I put the knives away first, and then she goes at it. She has many of my OCD qualities already, and I find her putting the silverware in the correct places. Sometimes she decides to add a little of her own personality and I get this.....<br />
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Don't worry, the ones she licked we rewashed. She is a great helper who brings a lot of laughs while helping. :)Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-47023356996353830152012-01-13T22:08:00.000-06:002012-01-13T22:08:41.649-06:00Our Korean AmericanI was just going to post this great pic. tonight, but then I saw that today is Korean American Day. I am SO LUCKY to have been chosen to be this kiddos mama! I feel beyond blessed every time she hugs and kisses me. We will always honor her Korean heritage. It is part of her. Happy Korean American Day folks! <br />
January 13 was declared as "Korean American Day" in 2003 by the US Congress to celebrate the centennial of Korean immigration into the US and to also recognize Korean Americans' impact and contributions.<br />
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She has been pulling her hair up and saying, "Nana, cut cut." She definitely needed it cut. <br />
She ended up cutting a full inch! Maybe we shouldn't wait so long before our next cut.<br />
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Checking out what is making her hair wet.<br />
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She loves a squirt bottle!!!<br />
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Oooh, can I see? <br />
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Keep your eye on the prize!<br />
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What a big girl I am!!!<br />
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Let me see!<br />
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Nana is telling her to be still for the 100th time. Look at Olivia's finger and what she thinks about it. We all got a good laugh!<br />
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Do I still have hair....let me check!<br />
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Ugh, this is such hard work!<br />
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Looking maybe a little nervous.<br />
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Thanks Nana!<br />
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One happy girl with a great new haircut!!!<br />
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Nana always has great suckers for me to choose from!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4HNJzvN0qdtFqbUqVTMMcQNlGHrkb_pAA_64LsFxcwz9mQ-EDBg9aCQArCuhbVs_mRgs-jgmFL3HzQHCJtRgCH1mGbFecmPhZaC6yqFvqYH6H7MGLvpOY9IpQUh_h_32Jiv0uzOUM-_C/s1600/IMG_0847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4HNJzvN0qdtFqbUqVTMMcQNlGHrkb_pAA_64LsFxcwz9mQ-EDBg9aCQArCuhbVs_mRgs-jgmFL3HzQHCJtRgCH1mGbFecmPhZaC6yqFvqYH6H7MGLvpOY9IpQUh_h_32Jiv0uzOUM-_C/s400/IMG_0847.JPG" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-57528239455422528952012-01-05T22:09:00.000-06:002012-01-05T22:09:28.983-06:001st Day of School for OliviaHer bags for Grammy/Grampy's were packed, her school bag, nap mat and lunch box. She had a load to take this morning!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-5wTLEhI9LmiDijNYq3dILculjvYIrfVCbc-ADGjueb8JCW-8DWsNj4qGw0sK_nPIookio6Q05bQa94G8bt6bbYAtRfEFjSw7x9I6LoPgr9MKCZCTFjeArrsATNFboKFK0dBaoZHo82x/s1600/IMG_0790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-5wTLEhI9LmiDijNYq3dILculjvYIrfVCbc-ADGjueb8JCW-8DWsNj4qGw0sK_nPIookio6Q05bQa94G8bt6bbYAtRfEFjSw7x9I6LoPgr9MKCZCTFjeArrsATNFboKFK0dBaoZHo82x/s400/IMG_0790.JPG" /></a></div>Today, I met Olivia and mom at First Baptist Church for Olivia to start her 1st day of school. She got out of the car and put on her bookbag like a big girl. We walked over and I wanted to get a picture before we went in. She smiled when I asked her to, but was positioning her bookbag and quickly told me it was, "heaby." <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrC_INeLcZ0eI4XCCMhJNwExEscw-i05hp7Sw6DIoQUXXbC3LuK15_oVBB4sqSJc6bcQTwFze-mSWYQ5TN5Ec6pjYACFztsGj_AaEh1EZZt63tXgMdJ9aQdzOgMPbU8FdjYDmXa2WauB4E/s1600/IMG_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrC_INeLcZ0eI4XCCMhJNwExEscw-i05hp7Sw6DIoQUXXbC3LuK15_oVBB4sqSJc6bcQTwFze-mSWYQ5TN5Ec6pjYACFztsGj_AaEh1EZZt63tXgMdJ9aQdzOgMPbU8FdjYDmXa2WauB4E/s400/IMG_0791.JPG" /></a></div> We got inside and her teacher let me come in. Normally we will just hand her over the 1/2 door to them. She immediately spotted the kitchen stuff and started to play. I tried to grab a quick picture, but obviously not the best quality. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk-L0De3j8m3jZnS6IGprNVeiESQl44YqObiVPc3LxS2_j9eRnZz_YQLnqLkw4oa4OxKJu9texwD1vlrrPO9s-E8pKoGmyV7suNao5cj7RSAeir8JS5wwzfaJze6VRNG8l3r76QNxc1lC/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk-L0De3j8m3jZnS6IGprNVeiESQl44YqObiVPc3LxS2_j9eRnZz_YQLnqLkw4oa4OxKJu9texwD1vlrrPO9s-E8pKoGmyV7suNao5cj7RSAeir8JS5wwzfaJze6VRNG8l3r76QNxc1lC/s400/IMG_0794.JPG" /></a></div>I kissed her head and told her we would be back after nap. She walked across the room and began to play. No tears, though she looks very unsure!!! (not sure what is going on with that hairbow??) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_a8UVZNpfZ-Dnqn8vlHfXffAQdggRHrwu1m5LtFCM1cu1RDU-XG_DD0UllcctnlEfugXi4qRDTX5L-CuD0pQKjgZOQ8sADkD9RJ-UKc7tS_BomheBWEQq9Swj5XPzyFbjjytzGGM-Bsy/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_a8UVZNpfZ-Dnqn8vlHfXffAQdggRHrwu1m5LtFCM1cu1RDU-XG_DD0UllcctnlEfugXi4qRDTX5L-CuD0pQKjgZOQ8sADkD9RJ-UKc7tS_BomheBWEQq9Swj5XPzyFbjjytzGGM-Bsy/s400/IMG_0795.JPG" /></a></div>I went back at 2:15 to meet mom again to pick Olivia up. Normally I won't do this since I can't leave work like that twice a week, but I was not missing my girls first day of school. When we got back, her teacher said Olivia had a good day. She cried a bit a naptime and said, "mommy, home," but had a good day otherwise. She painted (I will need to post a pic. of that!), played, sang, ate lunch, and took a nap. This was the first time she had been put down for a nap by anyone other than me, mom or John. This is huge!!!! She is the youngest one in the class, but I am hoping that will work to her advantage. I am hoping it makes her language pick up and encourages her to work harder. She is a smart one, but she is also extremely stubborn. (I could possibly be on the stubborn side, too, so we will definitely have our rough patches.) :)<br />
Her teacher said she didn't eat much for lunch, played great, and tried to sing the words that she could say. So, I am very pleased with that report. <br />
When I got there, they had just been woken up 10 minutes before. She was snuggled up being rocked and having Fancy Nancy read to her. She really had no interest in coming to me. :( You know where my head went, right....oh no, attachment! She finally came to me and snuggled with me. She was so sleepy. I have wondered if she was a bit mad at me for leaving. The girl can hold a grudge. <br />
So tonight, I have really talked up going back to school. I asked if she is super excited to go back to which she said, "no." I asked if she wanted to go back to sing and paint. She raised her eyebrows and said, "no." I asked several questions each time getting the same answer. After dinner she wanted a piece of fudge for dessert. I asked some of the same questions with the fudge in my hand. Amazingly, I got, "uh-huh!" It was really cute and funny. I think she will adjust, but she may not want to be left on Tuesday. Sorry kiddo. We are leaving you, but we will ALWAYS come back. We love you SO much! I don't think I can even put into words how much I love her at this point. She is the best thing ever!!!!Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-85997563112946266402012-01-02T21:57:00.001-06:002012-01-02T21:57:43.054-06:00Snowman Fun!!!Well, I am personally wishing for about 13 snow days that happen between Monday and Friday of any given week between now and spring break. Olivia has taken to this snowman that I have. This isn't his normal spot, but well, it is for this year. :) Enjoy the cuteness!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhnS75yC4_DXrAmSIBuMC_BomaJTUDNPuewDz9uaAgO9xrPfqCBLAMIWwQ4bwgsJ3MepyKFfddMCDyp6YAlCyDIItEqgF0b1JhL5opgvU1OKhGyeSVgplFw0tmQMh8ClY9RPZHeZxPU5_/s1600/IMG_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="296" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhnS75yC4_DXrAmSIBuMC_BomaJTUDNPuewDz9uaAgO9xrPfqCBLAMIWwQ4bwgsJ3MepyKFfddMCDyp6YAlCyDIItEqgF0b1JhL5opgvU1OKhGyeSVgplFw0tmQMh8ClY9RPZHeZxPU5_/s400/IMG_0757.JPG" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-78253696676627191822012-01-01T01:46:00.002-06:002012-01-02T14:00:45.459-06:00An Unforgetable YearAs we say goodbye to 2011, I am amazed at how my life has changed. I stand amazed daily at what God can do in our lives. I think that is what is exciting as we move into 2012. God is already there. He knows what will happen. He has a plan for us. 2011 started with a wonderful phone call on January 5th. It was our first day back to work from Christmas break and after faculty meeting I got the best phone call. We had made the first batch to be submitted for EP! We knew we would be on our way to our girl soon. February came and we got on the big blue plane and headed to South Korea to meet our daughter. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp3fF20aLI2XrXoF3UZLpDGh1Tc_rhb2aLkGbQ8zSmQjMlQNiZnXp6X2__qNFzj6nmCG8qN3uktopUCAjC1c30GIJH5x5bduAyBLCCb-Ip-tBlhPM7j9e3VAsbbSkPv_9mQ2o2Qs8GqBP/s1600/IMG_4076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp3fF20aLI2XrXoF3UZLpDGh1Tc_rhb2aLkGbQ8zSmQjMlQNiZnXp6X2__qNFzj6nmCG8qN3uktopUCAjC1c30GIJH5x5bduAyBLCCb-Ip-tBlhPM7j9e3VAsbbSkPv_9mQ2o2Qs8GqBP/s400/IMG_4076.JPG" /></a></div>Yes, that is Olivia 10 1/2 short months ago. It is hard to believe that is the same child. I was terrified. I knew God didn't lead us this far, across the world, to steer us wrong. She was so blank. So lifeless. With faith, we returned on the 16th for one last meeting before Olivia was ours forever. That meeting went better, but I was still nervous. She wanted NOTHING to do with us. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZvgUe5SZdnFFShpEIjYuHKhLe2G9CZU5q0uGS-Pvy2XPEOwoifPYV2DyjV_iI0HxVHmQbg6ZT-2e2r_AvR5YiwpfVpCU4H1ZdqQRiFeJhOVxmfmbd5m03aXdDj09bkl8OvMZsni_boQa/s1600/IMG_4320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZvgUe5SZdnFFShpEIjYuHKhLe2G9CZU5q0uGS-Pvy2XPEOwoifPYV2DyjV_iI0HxVHmQbg6ZT-2e2r_AvR5YiwpfVpCU4H1ZdqQRiFeJhOVxmfmbd5m03aXdDj09bkl8OvMZsni_boQa/s400/IMG_4320.JPG" /></a></div>Her little eyes look so sad. Her little heart has had so much heartbreak in such a short time. It hurts me more now to think about it then it did at that time, and it hurt a lot then. I hate to think that her fostermom is missing her today as they are bringing in 2012. I wonder how her birth mother feels. Does she have a peace about Olivia. I wish she knew how happy Olivia is today and how much we love her. I had no idea I could love her this much!!! <br />
We made it home and began to adjust as a new family. Uncharted territory for all of us. Olivia had new everything! New sounds, smells, language, clothes, food, parents. You name it, and it was new. We had a grieving child. Days and nights passed and slowly we made progress. We stuck together as a team, and all grew together. There were many hard days. I have not spoken much on here about it because that is somewhat private. However, adoptive mama's, you know what I am talking about. It's just hard. She came home and was essentially a mobile infant. We were starting from scratch. We slowly began to see some personality come through. <br />
Olivia began understanding us and slowly started to let us into her heart. I also allowed her to enter mine. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjGLxwER_EwKcphRgzDOsFt55YfbIVOpLfCM1ttPfIQ6UvWEa4M7StvI3VcPrefvWFDJLQOjPnfE7IfoisyLfUJu9uLtSAEWl5eq-qP6coDqjgMmXPkPcxojHryiaDfUADxjypb4G47QG/s1600/IMG_4927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjGLxwER_EwKcphRgzDOsFt55YfbIVOpLfCM1ttPfIQ6UvWEa4M7StvI3VcPrefvWFDJLQOjPnfE7IfoisyLfUJu9uLtSAEWl5eq-qP6coDqjgMmXPkPcxojHryiaDfUADxjypb4G47QG/s400/IMG_4927.JPG" /></a></div>We moved from cold winter to spring and well, that just helps everything, right? We found Olivia loves the outdoors. I quickly learned that she must not have ever felt wind in her face as she was terrified the first time. We played outside, planted flowers, and continued to grow as a family. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QjTAG_t1XYFgSlLTL3PLxSEN7bFG46DD-dCD6OYL4S1Mf2Q_Y6-2FaNfPBvvV68i4i-VhI1teNyROiIhkCH1lOFinXLEjFeXhSk4tJYo2Nz9wpvx58PVtv-OPs8UGfPEYj9h-L-y-hF7/s1600/IMG_6551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QjTAG_t1XYFgSlLTL3PLxSEN7bFG46DD-dCD6OYL4S1Mf2Q_Y6-2FaNfPBvvV68i4i-VhI1teNyROiIhkCH1lOFinXLEjFeXhSk4tJYo2Nz9wpvx58PVtv-OPs8UGfPEYj9h-L-y-hF7/s400/IMG_6551.JPG" /></a></div>By April we allowed people to hold her, but that was it. It wasn't until I returned to work in August that she stayed with anyone aside from me or John---and it was Grammy and Grampy, so that was a huge relief! <br />
I wish I knew when it happened, but I don't. Even sitting here looking back at the thousands of pictures, I can't pinpoint when I fell in love. I can't imagine her not being here. I can't imagine a day without her. She is such a joy! She is sassy, funny, spunky, loving, cuddly, and darn near perfect in her mama's eyes (as long as she isn't having a throw down fit--not my child, right?!) <br />
Early June, we planned a quick trip to Gatlinburg to spend a weekend at Dollywood. We thought that would make a great first getaway. Unfortunately, Olivia came down with her first illness since being home. We decided we probably shouldn't take our child that was on an inhaler and multiple antibiotics out of town. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5GiboFFdSQEsr2DbueL7JHFC8rKjD-KpC4q7xa4O1iP-zHoSu3KUPMdvKZ0itfOcx11sDASkVgJZeAy9O9qqcGDAy3ykOng4cxmwJu0nvwjE9fzrnBwKCNEn5KMGMXks6O2miKMrOBDx/s1600/IMG_7258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5GiboFFdSQEsr2DbueL7JHFC8rKjD-KpC4q7xa4O1iP-zHoSu3KUPMdvKZ0itfOcx11sDASkVgJZeAy9O9qqcGDAy3ykOng4cxmwJu0nvwjE9fzrnBwKCNEn5KMGMXks6O2miKMrOBDx/s400/IMG_7258.JPG" /></a></div>I quickly learned that Olivia is not barely sick. If she is sick, she is down for the count. <br />
Her birthday came in the summer, and we celebrated red, white, and blue style. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1J_Fpwvyv56aJ2XUWnLMNast_uKGUz_aXeiCMjI0ZtFpisxDK7fuIH8lCjqOHJpO2XQvr29XTnUJlQOKK_6ozeBBs3ARFAwLfPrE2yrLhtwwCT64JcaQfiQh8hi52FiybUgNJTXrDSOj/s1600/IMG_7622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1J_Fpwvyv56aJ2XUWnLMNast_uKGUz_aXeiCMjI0ZtFpisxDK7fuIH8lCjqOHJpO2XQvr29XTnUJlQOKK_6ozeBBs3ARFAwLfPrE2yrLhtwwCT64JcaQfiQh8hi52FiybUgNJTXrDSOj/s400/IMG_7622.JPG" /></a></div>We enjoyed long summer days out at the pool, time with friends, and time with family. I tried to soak up every second. I think I remember saying repeatedly this past summer that it was the best summer ever. We didn't do anything fancy, and we didn't need to. We had all we needed right here with us. <br />
Fall came, and it was time to head back to work. This was very hard for me. Olivia and I had literally been inseparable since she came home in February and I didn't want to leave her. Well, it was time, and we made it! She has done great! We took a short weekend trip to Fall Creek Falls and this was Olivia's first overnight trip anywhere. We were a bit nervous, but she did great!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l8uFjceT8TCXc_ZX-p5cZKa8nxWncH4p5B2VaXc2bh2fQEUWl5-yjcU372peDekh3Ftk1vNrpvfyKloPvp0vcwNK5rSdklrJWNVK0Gecw4l3ortRTIDFxkYcmL7WtLR3i9Z026TZW0yP/s1600/IMG_8593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l8uFjceT8TCXc_ZX-p5cZKa8nxWncH4p5B2VaXc2bh2fQEUWl5-yjcU372peDekh3Ftk1vNrpvfyKloPvp0vcwNK5rSdklrJWNVK0Gecw4l3ortRTIDFxkYcmL7WtLR3i9Z026TZW0yP/s400/IMG_8593.JPG" /></a></div>In October, we enjoyed a great trip to the beach with our friends Ashley, Brandon, and Everley. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFF6eXnobh-DW1U6CHBVoDQb0yU3tMz1YBGoW5tJm0K8g12jtStJ3iKQ2cWVe61HWX7yjec2YbV8kZi6p8YUOOsmANsiUgSbhQgLPm2IgUUMXgpiGCbYn8bLyiukSHa6UFHrBtYZA5T8vV/s1600/IMG_8869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="311" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFF6eXnobh-DW1U6CHBVoDQb0yU3tMz1YBGoW5tJm0K8g12jtStJ3iKQ2cWVe61HWX7yjec2YbV8kZi6p8YUOOsmANsiUgSbhQgLPm2IgUUMXgpiGCbYn8bLyiukSHa6UFHrBtYZA5T8vV/s400/IMG_8869.JPG" /></a></div>It was spur of the moment, but it was very needed and wonderful. Finally, the end of October meant that it was the beginning of the holiday season. John, for some reason, had really looked forward to Halloween with Olivia. We carved pumpkins, painted pumpkins, and went trick-or-treating. <br />
.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlONHdvELu8uK7fKo-ihfDmRNYMhZVXJmaRSV8xA3udHGIt4zg1bf01WJ5Xgl_JivP4CkDbOcc0TBo6uTx3Pnbx1FZLv33hdJssMIXUXnLzeFG9X890cQejWtvlqbqkJdPr-vvjAqqAZ5/s1600/securedownload%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlONHdvELu8uK7fKo-ihfDmRNYMhZVXJmaRSV8xA3udHGIt4zg1bf01WJ5Xgl_JivP4CkDbOcc0TBo6uTx3Pnbx1FZLv33hdJssMIXUXnLzeFG9X890cQejWtvlqbqkJdPr-vvjAqqAZ5/s400/securedownload%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div>I am already looking forward to this next year of holidays to do the fun stuff again. She will understand more and hopefully we can do more! I hope we get to go out to a pumpkin patch and do fun things like that!! By November we were past ready to finalize, but had been waiting on paperwork and a court date. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA_qGsq5UX2Koxex7818-8lZ_kjjaCxaMjoV2nyT8Cnex48qAefEXqpTZ9Ih3g35iC8bCjMSP2hnakmuVgxncUpPqy4OAv-Z596XN3IvozzreE4lnHCiiagVAbn3nWjyeMI3ulusiUuuS/s1600/IMG_9946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA_qGsq5UX2Koxex7818-8lZ_kjjaCxaMjoV2nyT8Cnex48qAefEXqpTZ9Ih3g35iC8bCjMSP2hnakmuVgxncUpPqy4OAv-Z596XN3IvozzreE4lnHCiiagVAbn3nWjyeMI3ulusiUuuS/s400/IMG_9946.JPG" /></a></div>Luckily, we got one on November 18th. I was excited that we got that day because it was 9 months to the day of us being home with her. That same weekend, Olivia was baptized. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kdCkX7A2yel9Ir2QDtdOMRfUsyZrzInodIjTwSDKApYW3PiDZxYqd-phkhHdni8RrinDfOrzkLNsI32clG_NqpackqDtMSv_9Go-RRTUnqLaX7C7LLvWxdVrXFxm5Z4TKSHE-_ogtBcJ/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kdCkX7A2yel9Ir2QDtdOMRfUsyZrzInodIjTwSDKApYW3PiDZxYqd-phkhHdni8RrinDfOrzkLNsI32clG_NqpackqDtMSv_9Go-RRTUnqLaX7C7LLvWxdVrXFxm5Z4TKSHE-_ogtBcJ/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" /></a></div>What a wonderful weekend. Our family was able to share in both days. We wouldn't have it any other way. <br />
Thanksgiving seemed special to have that extra seat filled at the dinner table. Olivia and Annelyn ran around and played while I cooked. Olivia loves to be with her cousin! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2h-mjypFISdQTY7qRZ0YCETsKkRfamMFvtWqhXuFasvjIJm4XjiItZyQUuUu3uLx2GfLSZ88rWYr3oCwSh9YlHUwqWWndEKbmnlSovpvhWgMzu5a_BvRmcQU6696LN2q2TSn4GGQ0rt-/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="278" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2h-mjypFISdQTY7qRZ0YCETsKkRfamMFvtWqhXuFasvjIJm4XjiItZyQUuUu3uLx2GfLSZ88rWYr3oCwSh9YlHUwqWWndEKbmnlSovpvhWgMzu5a_BvRmcQU6696LN2q2TSn4GGQ0rt-/s400/IMG_0050.JPG" /></a></div>Last but not least, we began the Christmas season once the table was cleaned from lunch on Thanksgiving (ok, maybe not that fast...) Olivia enjoyed getting presents from the elves prior to Christmas. She sings "Away in a Manger" and has sweet hand motions, and she loves to hold Baby Gigi (Baby Jesus). She got to help bake cookies with Grammy and Annelyn which is a tradition that has been as long as I can remember. We enjoyed Annelyn's Christmas play and I got 'sewing for a sibling' up and running with holiday orders.<br />
Even though she seemed overwhelmed on Christmas Day, she seemed to really get the hang of it and had fun. <br />
So, here we are, one year later.....these are just the highlights. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3VSbBBSXjjefDj1hIpGU3LNP65VaZmT3xn4jJJfXug1woBY7Nx2rAUlYFzVyopQmerArJDrqCbsDQghpRluvA0xC2M9zWWsuEStlR-vzjmjanPMcP2ZvgeiWa13ZG-yPunr1pwqH4HFa/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3VSbBBSXjjefDj1hIpGU3LNP65VaZmT3xn4jJJfXug1woBY7Nx2rAUlYFzVyopQmerArJDrqCbsDQghpRluvA0xC2M9zWWsuEStlR-vzjmjanPMcP2ZvgeiWa13ZG-yPunr1pwqH4HFa/s400/IMG_0330.JPG" /></a></div>I can't help but wonder where we will be this time next year. I am so excited to soak up more time with Olivia over the next year. Will we have a face to put with our prayers? Will Olivia be a big sister in the waiting???? One thing is for sure, we will tackle this next year as a family. That seems to be working for us. :) I can't wait to make more memories. Happy New Year!!!! Thank you for reading about us, praying for us, and traveling the wonderful adventure called life with us.Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-4680518653337179672011-12-28T10:17:00.000-06:002011-12-28T10:17:30.829-06:00ChristmasWell, I think the last post I put about Christmas was behind. I took some pictures to show that we were slowly catching up. (but I never blogged about it...slacker! :)) We got our tree up and wrapped some presents. <br />
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We made it through the last few days of work (we didn't get off until Dec. 21st). A sigh of relief....until about 1:00a.m. when Olivia started to throw up. She was up the remainder of the night throwing up. The next day I had many errands to run and things to get done before Christmas, so John stayed home to take care of Olivia. She wasn't sick anymore, but very weak and very tired. <br />
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We continued to get ready for Christmas over the next few days, but also tried to take it easy for Olivia's sake. We made some crafts and stayed home and played. I sewed every chance I got to be sure to get everyone's orders done before Christmas. <br />
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Christmas Eve mid day we went to Johns' dad's house. We enjoyed a great brunch and family time. <br />
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It was getting to be naptime, so we headed home. I was exhausted since I have been staying up most nights until 2 (at the earliest) to work on sewing, so I laid down to take a nap. I woke up and noticed that John was under a blanket and really cold. This is not like him. About 5:30 on Christmas Eve John got sick. He felt miserable. He insisted that I take her on to my family's house for our Christmas Eve celebrations, so with my stomach feeling off, we loaded up and headed to mom's. I didn't have time to be sick! There was still a ton to be done, so I figured I felt nauseaus since I had been surrounded by it since early morning Thursday. We ate a great dinner, opened our Christmas Eve presents (always pj's and a nutcracker) and then made our traditional sugar cookies.<br />
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Oscar loves to help bake!<br />
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It was super late and we knew Santa would be coming soon, so Olivia and I went back home. Poor John was sound asleep on the couch, so I quietly took Olivia to bed. Once she finally went to sleep, it was time to get busy. I still had gifts to wrap, crafts to finish (the footprints above), and sewing to complete. At 4:40 I finally laid down. This is our first Christmas to not spend the night at mom and dad's, but it wasn't really optional. So, I guess it worked out. We got up and Olivia opened her presents from Santa here at home. <br />
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She stopped mid way to clean up and then said, "wipe" and took off downstairs for a kleenex. It was pretty comical to watch her. I think she was most excited about the batteries.<br />
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A few nights ago when I was rocking her she said, "baba's (batteries), Santa, ho ho ho!" I thought that was super cute! She finally understood that Santa wasn't some guy who comes in the house in the middle of the night to do anything bad. When we first mentioned him and told her he was going to bring her toys she said, "noooooo" and looked very frightened. We have a stuffed Santa that when she saw it she said, "back" as in to put it back in the attic. She loves him now and he stays in her room. <br />
So, we finished up at home and got ready to go to mom's. We had a lot of fun opening presents there and then ate a delicious lunch.<br />
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Luckily, John felt well enough to go. I knew he was still weak, but he wasn't missing Olivia's first Christmas home. Before we knew it, it was time for mom and dad to head out to Chattanooga. We hung out a bit more while John and Olivia napped. This gave me a great opportunity to play with Annelyn. They woke up and it was time to go to his mom's house. She had a huge meal! We opened presents and then John and I played catch phrase with his neices. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt68jj4pS6YWN8YSwxgxXsOZlKyBFIcCmUacSarp9Srvn8EmRjdGUgjdyy4L-MNEkDnoJ5AwEK9AY-uRlz32sXrV8s3-mxrFjRN7M3gEUc1Lta8pbArJgMMyBM72KXKMmhuhxXeOv3ZDVH/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt68jj4pS6YWN8YSwxgxXsOZlKyBFIcCmUacSarp9Srvn8EmRjdGUgjdyy4L-MNEkDnoJ5AwEK9AY-uRlz32sXrV8s3-mxrFjRN7M3gEUc1Lta8pbArJgMMyBM72KXKMmhuhxXeOv3ZDVH/s400/IMG_0711.JPG" /></a></div>In the meantime, Olivia had gotten her appetite back so she was getting Nana and Aunt Amy to feed her as much as they would. It was late and Olivia needed to get to bed. We came home, changed clothes and then went back to mom and dad's house to keep their dogs since they were in Chattanooga. Somewhere in all of this, I began to feel miserable. By this morning, I had zero voice and had been up with nausea all night. I never did get sick though. I went to the doctor only to learn that I must have the same virus, but that it hit me differently. I feel flu-like whereas they threw up. I also have an upper respitory virus. So, instead of cleaning, shopping and playing with Olivia today, I have spent my day in the bed. All this to say, this really isn't how we invisioned our first Christmas with Olivia. However, I told John I would much rather her be here with us all sick then her be in Korea and us here without her. We love that child so much!!! She is so much fun. I am hoping I feel better tomorrow and that we can play. At some point, I really need to find my floor. As John tripped over toys a few minutes ago, he said, "um...we may need to pick up a bit." They played all day and all the new toys haven't found new homes yet. That is on the list this week. Merry Christmas! We are so blessed to have this Christmas with our precious Olivia!Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-64002238519366710852011-12-21T23:35:00.002-06:002011-12-21T23:36:33.007-06:00Our Star of the Show!Last Monday we went to see my niece, Annelyn, in her Christmas play at church. I think this child has found her calling. She loved being on stage and singing the songs. She is 4 and the play was long. She got a little restless and felt the need to help her buddy next to her since that child had not made it to practice. Annelyn would dance a bit with the songs and then try to help the girl do the motions. It was hilarious. Olivia enjoyed watching the play and cheered her cousin on. Great job Annelyn! We love you so much! When we left, she cried as they were going home because she couldn't understand why the people didn't want to see it again (in practice they must have done it several times through). I thought that was precious--its hard to be little sometimes.<br />
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Love that they are all going one way and Annelyn is going the other, but she is rockin' it!!!<br />
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She didn't miss a beat of the singing and dancing at first. <br />
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Straightening her friends' costume. Poor kid. She was so polite to let Annelyn invade her space. <br />
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"helping" her friend. Really???<br />
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a time out for a hug...in the middle of a song. <br />
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Um....hello Annelyn, you are in a play. Sit up. <br />
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Annelyn had a solo. She did a wonderful job. I was impressed that she would get up and sing in front of a crowd!<br />
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Olivia clapped. She thought the play was great!<br />
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Sweet girls! They love each other!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0qNsPJYUUwXlFI1JuW9b4p02ZWqNNLPQYh4gSCphekl9rhlGsWtuHxwxRtUpD9m9x9kTsAOqZQveKYRkVYj4K97aAytn49JoxaUSk6ihjpPItDgCb9Z9zx6iayyh6M8q262MJpI-BTz0/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="352" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0qNsPJYUUwXlFI1JuW9b4p02ZWqNNLPQYh4gSCphekl9rhlGsWtuHxwxRtUpD9m9x9kTsAOqZQveKYRkVYj4K97aAytn49JoxaUSk6ihjpPItDgCb9Z9zx6iayyh6M8q262MJpI-BTz0/s400/IMG_0415.JPG" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-51494636793145105832011-12-17T23:29:00.000-06:002011-12-17T23:29:44.621-06:00Decorating mom and dad's treeLast Friday we hung out at mom and dad's house and John put the lights on the tree. We all went over again Saturday night to decorate!<br />
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Before we decorated, we had a great dinner that had some of my Thanksgiving favorites. The girls did a great job with the tree. They both decided they liked having Jeremy (aka...Moose) to hold them up high to hang the ornaments.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEROSd4UeboIJdoedM3-dDk5FgywMsRl94Xur1_UHbCk_8XYWlT_k7vX8-Erch71R5AW5EoGNruOlQnVCGIXnvlmN6FlBDph4DsD3fvPcaKCoUX3Giny-3ZNRokO-q1wCPiXfy3L_cVziX/s1600/IMG_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEROSd4UeboIJdoedM3-dDk5FgywMsRl94Xur1_UHbCk_8XYWlT_k7vX8-Erch71R5AW5EoGNruOlQnVCGIXnvlmN6FlBDph4DsD3fvPcaKCoUX3Giny-3ZNRokO-q1wCPiXfy3L_cVziX/s400/IMG_0357.JPG" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-62971707598691870412011-12-08T22:32:00.001-06:002011-12-08T22:35:55.381-06:00Behind....So, let me set the scene of Christmas' before this year. Anyone could pretty much walk in my house at any given time (without warning) and it was nice and neat. Maybe a blanket on the couch was unfolded. The laundry was clean and put away, the dishes were in the dishwasher or put away, decorations (didn't matter the month) were done at the first of every month. Christmas presents were usually bought and wrapped before Halloween. Everything has a place and it was all where it needed to be. <br />
<br />
Christmas 'then' <br />
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Now....enter Christmas 2011 at our house.... <br />
(sorry....I don't really even have a picture of now--maybe I will take one soon. Just add lots of toys surrounding the decorations)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIGMosPwJgCm0IrIpVmnwxBDK70zUjXzRXBREKGf9Sqxev_3TLwbbOgSmU9d1JB5kPrXLjIA6ABCtt98JIZcuX4YpGFM-WUzUhbNKLZ6qHPLaGPii4IeeAjbbPcO0k9l4qYBfzm09LAMb/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIGMosPwJgCm0IrIpVmnwxBDK70zUjXzRXBREKGf9Sqxev_3TLwbbOgSmU9d1JB5kPrXLjIA6ABCtt98JIZcuX4YpGFM-WUzUhbNKLZ6qHPLaGPii4IeeAjbbPcO0k9l4qYBfzm09LAMb/s400/IMG_0170.JPG" /></a></div>These are the same deer that are at the base of the mantle in the other picture. Notice, no glass vase with pretty green sticks there? Olivia broke that lovely vase back in the summer. She now walks past the empty place and says shaking her hand, "don't touch." I gotta admit, its pretty cute to see her do that. It was just a vase. <br />
<br />
<br />
I took the day off from work because mom had some more eye surgery and was unable to keep Olivia. John took yesterday off with her, so today was my day. This morning, I found myself in Wal-Mart at 6:30 getting some thread. I thought I could get some sewing done before my "helper" woke up. As I walked through my house all I see is mess. We have toys out in the den, stuff all over my counters (papers/junk), fabric, shirts galore upstairs, laundry (clean and dirty), etc. A MESS I tell ya. I got a little flustered since, if you know me, mess is not in me when it comes to my house and things. I am OCD in that everything has a place and it must be in the right spot. Enter Olivia! She is very good to clean up, but can make a mess just as quickly as your children can, I am sure. SO, I found myself trying to straighten up and pick up before she woke up rather than sewing. We have yet to put up our tree upstairs and um, presents, well, maybe people will get them before New Year's! :) <br />
So, as I look at my decorations through coloring books, toys and more toys, I am so thankful that I GET to have these toys and things that say Olivia is here and well. Last year we dreamed of spending Christmas with Olivia here, and now we get to. So the tree isn't up and decorated and presents aren't bought yet, BUT we are having fun and enjoying each other. It will get done, right? <br />
<br />
I found this poem on another blog and couldn't help but think this is how I was feeling this morning--a bit like the Grinch. <br />
<br />
Read to the rhythm of "Twas the Night Before Christmas".<br />
<br />
Twas the first of December I was already “done.”<br />
My fudge was not working, this was no longer fun.<br />
I had barely just started this advent of peace, <br />
It was all I could do to hold back a scream.<br />
The stockings were not hung by the chimney with care!<br />
And remnants of cookie sprinkles are still everywhere.<br />
How many people do I have to buy for?!<br />
Why can’t they all want something from the same store?!<br />
I did not nestle my children in their beds...<br />
In fact, I wrestled them with a head-lock instead.<br />
When out of the kitchen there arose such a clatter-<br />
I arose from my bed screaming, “What in the world is the matter?”<br />
“No, you may not have a drink of water before bed! <br />
For in the night you will pee, and I will (again and again and again) have to wash your bedspread!”<br />
I pulled out Martha Stewart and Southern Living too,<br />
I thought to myself, “Our neighbors, I will out-do!”<br />
Then came the Grinch slithering slyly into the room,<br />
I didn’t even notice the impending doom.<br />
Slowly, but surely, one thing at a time-<br />
He stuffed up the chimney all the peace that was mine.<br />
Amid all the boxes and garland and holly,<br />
I found myself displaying nothing but folly.<br />
“That ornament! It’s an heirloom!”<br />
I said with a cry.<br />
“Baby Jesus doesn’t go there!” with an impatient sigh.<br />
About to pull my hair out,<br />
I sat down with a plop. <br />
With a thought to myself, “They're causing my efforts to flop!”<br />
As I looked around in utter dismay...<br />
My eyes fell on baby Jesus asleep on the hay.<br />
The Lord brought to my mind<br />
That lowly stable scene,<br />
Where not an ornament was hung<br />
And blinking light did not gleam.<br />
Where there was not a single gift wrapped with glittery bow,<br />
But instead the Light of the World, wrapped in swaddling clothes.<br />
All of a sudden Martha Stewart's tree wasn't so nice,<br />
As all of the ornaments clumped just three feet high.<br />
I remember the giggles that got them all there,<br />
and giggled as Mary and Rudolph rode into the Snow Village Square.<br />
I tossed the December issue of Southern Living out the door,<br />
And leaned back on my Christmas pillow that was (once again) thrown on the floor.<br />
With my new-found perspective, I rolled onto my face-<br />
Confessing my sin and receiving His grace.<br />
I went to the rooms of all my precious, sleeping babes,<br />
With tears in my eyes,<br />
Kissed each one on the face.<br />
Christmas is not what I had been portraying it to be.<br />
It’s not about tinsel or trinkets or a tree...<br />
If I get it all done, that will be fine, but regardless<br />
A peaceful December is mine.Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-72597423451785629352011-12-02T19:26:00.000-06:002011-12-02T19:26:13.202-06:00Presents and decoratingCan it get any better? I mean, really??? We are loving every second, but lately even more so. Olivia has turned into (yes, still very 2....so add that in) a comical little person. Her personality has really taken off. Maybe because her mom and dad are pretty silly, but she is stinkin fun these days. Maybe we are really feeling the holiday spirit, but we will take it! I love this girl more every second. Sometimes I hug her and kiss her and think it just can't get better, then I want to squeeze more! <br />
<br />
We came home the other night to a box. We were playing with Oscar as that is a must when we first get home and Olivia went to the kitchen (hers) and got one of her knives. She then worked quite sometime on getting that box open. Funny thing, we open boxes with scissors. Grammy, where did she learn to open boxes with knives??? This kid imitates everything and takes every word in!<br />
<br />
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She loves to hold clothes up to everyone to make sure they will fit. <br />
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Now for the shirt....will it fit--I'll check!<br />
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She loved decorating the tree! She is going to really like doing the fun tree upstairs this weekend!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqKD6i8HNhS3t4gYdX6_UlBRTvuUdvQAOkJrCgrKyR6IbznSzNhwq2b7pFnTCtTJGOCOjdRNwMH431UOEeD1kMw1qLExAdijd_jCNoagPQccvGsr2oRDB5dKYXhyphenhyphenAET80XX2MEwDLTKZB/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqKD6i8HNhS3t4gYdX6_UlBRTvuUdvQAOkJrCgrKyR6IbznSzNhwq2b7pFnTCtTJGOCOjdRNwMH431UOEeD1kMw1qLExAdijd_jCNoagPQccvGsr2oRDB5dKYXhyphenhyphenAET80XX2MEwDLTKZB/s400/IMG_0129.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Tree done, ready for bed, love my new jammies!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYakDQrvFzZHyeqn1EkHUCbionyHZcZkZtY-15XkWWJf-PpdBg5jkUzo5rHaPf7wVtojEza_8PkV2FYFvnjc7RnlzZBBCDIBQXmHP1qyvk0JsbtrfOjRq_n2CTEqEwG8DSDJSLbOzqCFTk/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYakDQrvFzZHyeqn1EkHUCbionyHZcZkZtY-15XkWWJf-PpdBg5jkUzo5rHaPf7wVtojEza_8PkV2FYFvnjc7RnlzZBBCDIBQXmHP1qyvk0JsbtrfOjRq_n2CTEqEwG8DSDJSLbOzqCFTk/s400/IMG_0146.JPG" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-9161955742250451382011-11-26T19:30:00.000-06:002011-11-26T19:30:56.617-06:00Happy ThanksgivingAnother first for our family. We gathered around the table and had a new face this year. It was a sleepy face, but we felt so lucky and blessed to have Olivia home this year. As I look at other adoptive parents going through the holiday season without their little one home, I am reminded of how last year felt. There was definitely a big hole in our lives. I want to just reach out and hug those people, because I KNOW how they feel. I KNOW how they ache. <br />
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This Thanksgiving did not dissapoint. Olivia and Annelyn wore matching shirts that my sister got them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq0BlfXgwu9S_VfYiHqXkIL_Jc5hpKjG4bqpPWs_6luO7b1HLKRQwX9n4In9K22qaSN6kXFLbcGCkCC3gpPggabnXryVWxqBu5LK-r-PCaFTjGpF8oJk0gDYudMNwqiLPLJ43CgFqy0Xm/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="278" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq0BlfXgwu9S_VfYiHqXkIL_Jc5hpKjG4bqpPWs_6luO7b1HLKRQwX9n4In9K22qaSN6kXFLbcGCkCC3gpPggabnXryVWxqBu5LK-r-PCaFTjGpF8oJk0gDYudMNwqiLPLJ43CgFqy0Xm/s400/IMG_0050.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtmaoBnLyna2WOt9LVZ3P8OxHMqDiREQIJQF_wpbIAup9oIAhJ37F5RinYKq6OPVtq8C6QyMLW1Tt-Uo9DRc0cqyKmkeknnbewhhc0LsFklYbvba4AJAsgv25J9zT59UpyY1rULh4eYmm/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtmaoBnLyna2WOt9LVZ3P8OxHMqDiREQIJQF_wpbIAup9oIAhJ37F5RinYKq6OPVtq8C6QyMLW1Tt-Uo9DRc0cqyKmkeknnbewhhc0LsFklYbvba4AJAsgv25J9zT59UpyY1rULh4eYmm/s400/IMG_0056.JPG" /></a></div>They played great while I cooked. Olivia got into the stickers, and we all had a good laugh.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNQ54L-MwT6u2TdjIbflQRUTbDUhBVZroQ22ydvmc1E2He2zrF9gxSHvNFjoCBKxPIrpgwpsyaIqdtNJImSS5xX1Pex5rSSAaJXYtHgM7Y-qdKa2LUEghqksFOXzPG-eLHxafV1k79-ht/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNQ54L-MwT6u2TdjIbflQRUTbDUhBVZroQ22ydvmc1E2He2zrF9gxSHvNFjoCBKxPIrpgwpsyaIqdtNJImSS5xX1Pex5rSSAaJXYtHgM7Y-qdKa2LUEghqksFOXzPG-eLHxafV1k79-ht/s400/IMG_0063.JPG" /></a></div>Mom typically is cleaning dishes/pots and helping me in the kitchen, but this year it was dad. Mom had a bit more eye surgery on Tuesday, and couldn't lift or be near the oven heat. Dad was great help, and kept me right on track. Our Thanksgiving funny this year was as I, literally, was stirring the last thing for the oven, the oven blew. John and I packed all the food up into the car and went to his mom's to cook it. Once it was ready, we loaded it back up and took it back to moms. I figured we could just laugh about it. Its just food, right?!?! <br />
After a great meal, and lots of full bellies, I took Olivia upstairs at mom's and rocked her to sleep for her nap. I sat there and remembered how I wished for this just a short year ago. I say short because since she has been home, time has flown! I can't believe it is Christmas time!!! <br />
Annelyn and I took this time to play a bit, and then it was time for us to head over to John's family. We went to his aunts house this year, and enjoyed time with them for a bit. Olivia enjoyed yet another plate of food! <br />
We went back to mom and dad's to play a bit more and to get Oscar. Olivia was obviously ready to go to bed since she got her story and got into the doll cradle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdlDyCMVsWfOVshglMYTeTBbMwjs5KQYcS6bqXA8Lzb-f0ren6V0u3mONz7rYoYf4QBtso12Q59kUoBNb0U5FhOan0YmkO73BFmr2cyaU5NSIlAsaP9qkIlJF_fI4DZM149mXwPZ47Wwv/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdlDyCMVsWfOVshglMYTeTBbMwjs5KQYcS6bqXA8Lzb-f0ren6V0u3mONz7rYoYf4QBtso12Q59kUoBNb0U5FhOan0YmkO73BFmr2cyaU5NSIlAsaP9qkIlJF_fI4DZM149mXwPZ47Wwv/s400/IMG_0075.JPG" /></a></div>So, we loaded up and headed home. <br />
What a HAPPY Thanksgiving it truly was. I am so excited to enter the Christmas season. Not because I am hopeful for that one particular present under the tree this year, but because Olivia is home. Olivia gets to experience so much this season. From what I have heard, the elves should start visiting soon! I can't wait. We haven't fully decorated yet (a first for me), but as I pulled out a Santa, she kept saying, "back, back." She wasn't a fan at first, but she is liking him now.Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3834141801283919411.post-72690324875476689492011-11-23T23:40:00.000-06:002011-11-23T23:40:56.420-06:00BaptismThis past Sunday, surrounded by family, Olivia was baptized. She wore her Hanbok for the baptism and then we took it off. Our minister did a wonderful job and was so considerate of the fact that Olivia was scared. She did not allow him to hold her, but did fine when he put the water on her head. She kept wanting Grampy throughout his small ceremony, but John and I held her. I really didn't get to focus on what was said, but what I did hear was perfect. After church, we all headed over to mom's for a great lunch and some family time. Our family has become super fun in the last 8 years. There are six kiddos now, and they all get along really well. Unfortunately, Ian is the only boy, but is the oldest and such a trooper. <br />
We didn't get any pictures of all the kids together, but we had really good intentions. There weren't many pictures taken at church either. I hate that. I need to be more specific when I hand my camera off for someone else to use. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbauB58K_bQnGv-T53Fxn_abR4ggQZAbRjpMsRx_XkZTKsX_BO-EqBM0-V8q2aXkJx53HQex8Mp9n4pOtDlJglSmozXdiWIBLFhXaKH0-Y70lzg0UzsuEC1KevWVnWOkqgP-RLHwpD2LeU/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbauB58K_bQnGv-T53Fxn_abR4ggQZAbRjpMsRx_XkZTKsX_BO-EqBM0-V8q2aXkJx53HQex8Mp9n4pOtDlJglSmozXdiWIBLFhXaKH0-Y70lzg0UzsuEC1KevWVnWOkqgP-RLHwpD2LeU/s400/IMG_0022.JPG" /></a></div>Laura http://www.blogger.com/profile/15176348783006482288noreply@blogger.com0