A Very Merry Christmas!!!!

The last few days have been filled with lots of Christmas cheer. Jae-min has had a wonderful time spending time with family and receiving some great gifts. Christmas morning did not disappoint with lots of giggles, squels, and laughter.
Here is our little man on Christmas morning. Joe and I went into his room together...Joe with the video camera, and me with the regular camera. Jae-min's response was "oh 2 cameras!!!" yes Jae-min its the paparazzi. We told him that Hoho had come and he began jumping in his crib.Jae-min and Martin waited in the room until we yelled for them. And then they came arunnin down that hall like lightning. And yes, as old as Marty is and as sick as they claim him to be he made it down that hallway before the little boy and was eager to see what Santa had left for him.

Oh look, a package of muffins.

And some safety scissors too!!!!!!!!!! Wow, Hoho really does listen. And if you look really hard you can see the choo choo set up behind Jae-min. Yup, Hoho got the message.

After all the gifts were opened Jae-min found this gift the best. A new Mickey Mouse cup. Who knew?????

We had a wonderful Christmas and thank all our family for all the beautiful gifts and for celebrating this special day with us. As this is our 2nd Christmas to share with a child, it contained all the magic and splendor we had hoped for. There is nothing better than to watch the face of a child, your child, on Christmas morning.
Merry Christmas sweet Jae-min. You still remain Mommy's favorite gift!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally....They Meet!!!!

Ah, finally after lots of Hoho sightings....these 2 finally have a face to face encounter!!! But it didn't happen in the old fashioned way. We didn't wait in line at the mall and wait and wait and wait, and then purchase that overpriced picture where the kid looks scared out of their wits. Nope, not this momma. We gave old Hoho a sneak attack......let me explain.Our town has lots of fun things for kids this time of year. One of which was a story time....and a promise of a visit of the big man himself. So...I packed up my little munchkin, dressed him in a cute sweater, and off we went. Now his intention was to listen to some stories, see Santa, play with some kids, and have some fun. My intention was to try to score a picture with this unsuspecting Santa.

The stories began and as you can see it was about How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Ok, a little old for my boy....but I still had another motive here. All of a sudden Santa arrived. Yippee, my plan is underway. He sat and listened to the first story and then announced he had to go and feed the reindeer. Ok...this was my moment. Jae-min and I packed up and followed Santa through the store (it was a furntiure store no less). We then said "excuse me Santa I was wondering if you would take a picture with my son". In true Santa fashion he looked into Jae-min's eyes, sat down on a comfy chair, and said "of course!!!"

So...this is our picture with Santa!!! Ok, I know Jae-min has a winter coat on covering the cute sweater, but hey, what do you want for a low down mission? Jae-min asked Hoho for a "choo choo, crayons, safety scissors, and muffins" Um yup, muffins!!!! He then said "hi Hoho, how you doing?" they had a little chat, gave alittle hug, and he was off to feed the reindeer.

Ah......MISSION COMPLETE!!!!

5 Months.....

Here we are at 5 months in the wait for KB too!! We thought we'd creatively make the #5 out of our Christmas stockings this month.

The wait continues to get alittle harder for me each month that goes by. My head knows that this wait could be long, but my heart wants it to be over and to see what the next chapter is for us. I find myself in a bit of a weird place...wishing the months away so that we can see KB too, yet wanting the months to slow down so that Jae-min stays this little forever. Its a hard mix.
We have begun to plan and dream about our next trip to Korea. I have started alittle notebook with sights we want to see, things we want to do this time around, and even stuff we want to buy when there. Its fun to plan and think about the future. Joe even added in some foods he wants to try this time around.

Tonight we loaded up the car and took a drive around town to see the Christmas lights. We listened to holiday music and heard "ooh sparkly, ooh pretty. ooh reindeer" from the backseat. I will cherish these moments with our son forever, always remembering the journey that brought him home and knowing that all we go through this time around will bring us to the perfect child meant for us.

5 months down.....I wonder how many more to go?

O' Christmas Tree!!!

This weekend was full to burstin' with Christmas trees. On Friday night we went to our town's tree lighting. Jae-min stared into the sky as the countdown began (I don't think he really understood what he was looking for). And then all of a sudden the giant tree lit up and the look on Jae-min's face was priceless. He then started clapping and shouting "Yay" over and over and over again.

Santa then rode by in his fancy car. Boy, Jae-min hasn't even had the chance to sit on Santa's lap yet this year, but he sure has seen him in motion alot!!!
On Saturday Jae-min and I went to cut down a tree at a tree farm with my parents. Unfortunately Joe had to work, so we went along with them for the ride. Jae-min had a blast pushing the cart, helping with the saw, and then wheeling the tree back to the car. Martin also had fun running among the trees!!!

Today we went to pick out our tree. Jae-min had fun walking among the trees.....but he mostly had fun...

collecting rocks!!! Yup, you bring the boy to a tree farm and he just wants to collect handfuls of rocks.

We all had a great time and picked out a short, fat, tree....my favorite!!!

Jae-min kept exclaiming "amazing, awesome...I like this one" Gosh, he sounded just like his momma. We picked the perfect tree, set it up, and will decorate it in several days. Jae-min can't wait!!!

Today is also a very special day....its our 12 year wedding anniversary!!! Gosh 12 years Who woulda thunk it? Huh honey? Just kidding. Its been a crazy 12 years. When I thought of that day today I can't believe where our life has taken us. Halfway around the world and back. On that day 12 years ago, I would never have thought it. But....I am so happy with every minute of the past 12 years.

Happy Anniversary honey. We've come a long way baby. Can't wait to see what the next 12 brings!!!

2 Years Ago....

My phone rang....and I heard the sweetest words I had every heard....."I have great news for you"! Jae-min was matched with us and in that moment, in that phone call, I became a MOM. This sweet little face was officially mine, all mine!!! I remember the day like it was yesterday. I remember being so scared, excited, overwhelmed, and nervous all at the same time. I remember the joy so vividly. I remember continuing to work the rest of the day and meeting Joe at home at night with flowers and a teddy bear. I remember it all because that is the day I became a mother. It would be 3 short months later before I got to hold my little bundle. And then the days would never be the same again.

It's hard to believe that this sweet face turned into this adorable little boy. With a sense of humor, a heart of gold, and a little bit of a sneaky side to boot.2 years ago I became a mother.....a role I had longed for. The last 2 years have been more than I ever imagined. When I got that phone call I don't think I truly "got" all that was to come. The really really hard times, and the really really good ones too.

My life changed on that day 2 years ago on the side of the road listening to my husband, the man that I love above no other, tell me that we had a son!!!! Our prayers and dreams had been answered. And we have never looked back. It's amazing how one little phone call can hold so much power to change your life forever.

Happy referral day sweet Jae-min. I knew from the moment I saw you, you were meant to be our son!! Thanks for making me a mom.