wee, WEE, wee all the way home!

Eliza Grace's Baptism

2012-01-23T21:01:00.000-06:00

On November 6th Eliza Grace was baptised as a covenant child in our church. It was such a special way to celebrate Orphan Sunday as she and our friend Betsy were baptised by our families as a sign of the covenant that we have with Lord and as further proof that they are orphans no more! She and Miller wore their beautiful hanboks and got many sweet compliments. What a great day for our family!

November 2011

2012-01-23T20:54:00.002-06:00

Silly sisters in their turkey clothes enjoying our beautiful fall weather. These girls LOVE riding bikes (or scooters or wagons or skates)!

I love this series of the girls playing at sunset on the playground at our school while Wilson was at football practice. So fun!

Watching big brother play soccer

Miller at Disney on Ice with her preschool class

No one knows it yet, but WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!! Mom started practicing with the backpack leash and Eliza Grace thought it was hilarious!

Happy birthday Dad! Thirty-three is looking pretty good.

Eliza Grace's first American Thanksgiving- pumpkin pie was a hit!

Eliza Grace's first movie on the "big scream" (as Miller calls it)- the Muppets. She loved it and now screams "bumpets! bumpets!" EVERY time we get in the car- meaning she wants to listen to (and sing along with!) the sound track!

Playtime in October

2012-01-23T20:37:00.001-06:00

Bomgar Backyard Burger Bash

Basically Daddy's company picnic, but the picinic is Backyard Burger brings a grill cooks dinner- yum!

This balloon guy is so much fun- we love his veggie tale get up! The girls had so much fun going back over and over again to get new balloon sculptures!

Eliza Grace was also a big fan of her own personal bag of Cheetos!

EG has apparently been taking fashion lessons from her sister and is completely proud of it!

watching Wilson play flag football

Eliza Grace with her buddy Jane Riley (these South Koreans are officially Southern with their double names!) Jane Riley is a Holt baby, as well and is one year older that Eliza Grace. They've had so much fun getting to know each other!

Welcome home Betsy- all the way from Russia, finally!!!

Eliza Grace and her partner in crime, Mabry, playing in the dirt. Yes, there is a WHOLE playground that they are looking at, but dumping dirt on each other's heads is, of course, much more fun!

Meeting Aunt Lauren for the first time. Putting her English degree to it's test with a board book!

Miller and Caroline soaking in the State Fair

Eliza Grace's first craft!! We had so much fun doing her handprint art.

What We Do While the Big Kids Are at School!

2011-12-01T09:01:00.000-06:00

One

2011-11-17T12:27:00.002-06:00

One hundred forty-seven million. 147,000,000. That's one number thrown around for how many orphans there are world wide (some estimates are actually quite higher). If you are in the adoption community it's a number you can't get away from. It's paralyzing to think how many babies are going to wonder the streets today, how many are being spread much too thin among too few car givers in an institution, how many are falling in love with a foster family that is not their permanent home. You know that you can't help them all and that can be so defeating. Our church has an excellent contact that works with orphans in Ukraine. Her story is unbelievable and she has literally given up everything to advocate for the kids hidden behind orphanage walls over there. She spends most of the year there loving on them and then comes to the states for a few months to personally spread their stories and try to find them homes. Her mantra is not getting hung up on the 147,000,000. Get hung up on ONE. She'll tell the stories of a few children and finish by saying, "Now you know". That's her charge to say no, you can't change the lives of 147,000,000 million kids, but you can change things for one.

Another thing you know if your a momma in the adoption community is that you STALK waiting children photo listings. Doesn't matter where you are in the process- you may not a have a penny to your name and are fundraising, you stalk. You may have been matched with your baby, you stalk. You may be waiting for the travel call any day, you stalk. You may be home and waiting to finalize you current adoption, you stalk. Your husband and family think your nuts, but you don't care. You stalk! You can't stay away from all these precious little ones who are waiting. And no matter how much you try to stalk from a distance, one little face always grabs you and won't let go.

I want to introduce you to that face for me. He's been nicknamed Casper by his caregivers in the southeastern Asian country where he was born. He's 3-1/2. He's been diagnosed with failure to thrive along with some respiratory issues. His health seems to have improved, but I would imagine he will probably have a few home breathing treatments in his future. He's described as friendly and loving, but a little shy of strangers. From the videos and pictures I've received on him, it looks like his favorite toy is the snap on cap to a baby bottle.

So I am now on a mission to find this little man a home. He is at my absolute favorite age! Three year olds are just soooo wonderful. He needs a momma and a daddy. Right now he is one of 31 children being cared for by 2-3 nannies. Can you imagine trying to prepare meals, feed, dress, clean, and start it all over again for 15 children at once! I'm sure he's loved, but there's just no way it's enough. And don't even get me started on a bottle cap for a toy. This boy needs some hot wheels, and trains, and tonkas! The last weight I have on him is from a year ago, but at 2-1/2 he weighed less than Wilson did at 3 months!! This sweet guy needs some hot meals and the security of home so that he can grow and thrive. More than all of the above, he needs Jesus. If he is to remain in the country he's in, he'll likely never know the name Jesus. He'll never know the beautiful adoption story that we can all share in with our Heavenly Father.

Enjoy this smile because this is one serious toddler- out of 90 pictures of him there are only about 2 that you see a hint of a grin!

Look behind him at ALL those crib legs. An orphanage is no place for a child!

And here he is all dressed up- oh how I want to kiss those little cheeks. I want to see this guy horsing around with his brothers & sisters and holding hands with his momma and daddy.

Please pass this along to anyone you think might be interested. Please don't let finances stand in your way. His country's fees are among the lowest I've ever seen and would possibly be lowered.

Is there room for one more in your heart? Please contact Erin Mower at Holt International (541) 687-2202.

Now you know about this ONE.

Thankful Day 9

2011-11-09T10:42:00.005-06:00

If you're on facebook, you know there's a wave of people doing a daily post of what they are thankful for in preparation for Thanksgiving. I have joined this group and am truly enjoying making conscious recognition of my many, many blessings. I intend to mostly keep my "thankfuls" to quick thoughts that easily fit in a status box...maybe at the end of the month I'll compile a complete list and make a full blog post. That being said, today's needed more time and attention. So here goes.

In case you are not a fellow Mississippian (or possibly you are and live in a hole) we were presented with the historic opportunity to stand up for life and define a person as the life that begins at conception. Unfortunately Satin was on his best game and the lies and misconceptions and scare tactics surrounding this amendment won out. As one facebooker said, "Education in this state does indeed rank last among humanity." It's unbelievable the things said & believed that prevented our state, one that holds traditional, family values among the highest in the nation, from approving this. I had to pray that I would not see "the face of the 'no' movement" today as dropped Miller off. I AM MAD. I'm heartbroken. I'm in disbelief. I'm in no place mentally or spiritually to even pass her by in the hall silently- most of my day will be spent in prayer over my heart and attitude (feel free to join me- I need all the help I can get!)

What is there to be thankful for?!

Today I am thankful for a woman a half a world away. One that I will in all likelihood never meet. One that faced social ostracizing, possible loss of family, loss of the potential to get married should she ever spill her secret. One that chose to live in agony for months on end. One who made mistakes. One who put the life of an unborn child ahead of her comfort, ahead of her need to "move on and put the past behind her". One who gave our daughter the name Grace. I'm crying as I type this- I'm not sure I've ever cried for her like this. I felt her pain as I touched her fingerprint on the papers releasing Eliza Grace to the care of the Korean government. I looked for her in every woman's face as I walked the streets of Seoul and EG's birth city. She's in my thoughts often. But today I am thrust in the face of all she had to endure to bring our baby girl into this world. Make no mistake- she's no saint and is certainly not perfect. But when the time came to put it on the line, she stood up. She stood and selflessly chose to do things this great "generous" state of Mississippi is boldly saying don't really matter and that if we're going er, let's er on the side of convenience. This mama bear is ready to attack- anyone with me!?

If you are... I ask that you pass this criteria. That you be a Christian (and with that I assume you are pro life). Not a Sunday only "christian", not a Christmas and Easter "christian", not a "I live in the Bible Belt so I must be" "christian". I mean a "ready to lay down my life and follow" Christian. A "life is going to be hard, but I was promised nothing else" Christian. A "I've read the Bible and believe every word to be eternally true" Christian. Still with me? Good. Now I want you take a good, hard, honest look at adoption. If you are truly a Christian and truly pro life ask yourself what is holding you back from filling out an application. I urge you to go to www.rainbowkids.org or www.holtinternational.org or one of the many other advocates out there. Allow your heart to be broken, allow it to fall in love with one of the faces you see, allow it be so filled with faith in our Almighty Creator that you will no longer let fears and doubts planted by Satan to stand between you and that face. Being a pro life Christian doesn't end at stopping abortion, it follows through to ensure life beyond poverty, orphanages, and foster care for those who are born. Go. NOW!

(above is a handful that have grabbed my heart- unfortunately my family can't bring them all home. These children are all waiting in various Asian countries, they are various ages, and in various degrees of health. If none of these is crying to you, there are literally MILLIONS more to listen for in your state, country, and around the world)

You're still here!? You must have a really, really good reason ;) If there's just no way you could adopt- you have more kids than your state will allow, your too old (and I mean really too old- could you be the mom/dad to a teenager- they are out there and NEED a home), or are on your deathbed- what are you doing to get these little faces connected with their families. Are you praying? Are you advocating? Are you caring for them while they wait? Are you visiting them? Are you helping fund someone's adoption? Are you supporting a family newly home with their baby/child? What are you waiting for?!

Day 9b: I'm thankful that you've read this far. I'm thankful for the opportunity to speak my mind. I'm thankful that maybe, just maybe I won't scratch any one's eyes out- y'all are praying for me right!?

June 2011- A Few of Eliza Grace's Firsts

2011-11-08T22:42:00.001-06:00

First trip to the Science Museum:

Verdict:

Kinda fun...

Kind of a disaster!

First Swim:

Verdict: Swimming is AWESOME, ice cream is even better!

Eliza Grace LOVED swimming. She was quickly counting and jumping off the side, going under, and coming up smiling. This lead to Miller have a little jealousy, so she began jumping off the side & was swimming by the end of the summer.

First Korean-American friend (who also made it here through Holt):

Verdict:

She steals snacks

Makes a mean pretend bulgogi

She's not too bad. We miss you Evelyn!

First baseball season:

Verdict: While Wilson is VERY cool

Big Daddy is much more entertaining!

Miller & Caroline

2011-11-08T15:15:00.000-06:00

Just two girls, sittin' in the dirt, with their John Deer . . . dressed in princess costumes. What a pair!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-07T09:13:00.001-06:00

I had so much fun making Halloween costumes this year. I was needing some crafty time- and this was a great fix. Miller was Rapunzel & Eliza Grace was a candy corn. Who knew- a bajillion yards of tulle and a crochet tube top = easiest princess costume in the world for about $5!? I braided a bunch of yarn and stuck an alligator clip in it glued a few fake flowers here and there and we had Rapunzel's signature "do". Wilson was Captain Jack Sparrow. A local thrift shop provided the blue vest & shirt. A pair of mom's old tights & some heavy yarn leftover from some unfinished something became a great wig.

Eliza Grace quickly fell in love with this holiday. Yelling, "HEY!" whenever the big kids got too far ahead of her when running to the next house. She's in love with all the suckers that now live in our pantry- freeing up her chocolate for a charity case known as "Mom at 4:30 in the afternoon".

I'm Back...I think.

2011-11-06T23:42:00.001-06:00

Okay so I've clearly been on a huge blog hiatus. It was a very busy summer followed by an equally busy fall. I feel like we're digging out of the newly home from Korea fog, we're settling into having someone at school ALL day, juggling two fall sports, and figuring out our new normal. So it's time to recap. No. I will not do it in one post. Instead I'll be doing it post by post- I'd like to say one a day, but we all know it will be more like 12 one day and none for 3 more, so we'll see what happens! They also will be in no particular order- sort of like my brain right now! We are busy, our hands are full, but they are full of wonderful things. Like two girls trying to share one mom's mirror. Enjoy...

PS- my return to regular blogging also marks 500 posts!! WOW!

What If- The Personhood Amendment

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

What if there’s a rape? What if we laid down our life and picked up our cross and followed?

What if I’m unable to have my own children and limits may be placed on medical options? What if there are millions of children around the world waiting in the fields of the fatherless for us to realize that they are already ours?

What if a new life is putting my life in danger? What if the number of hairs on your head is known and that a sparrow does not fall unnoticed. If the birds don’t worry- why should we. Doctors will be allowed to care for us.

What if I don’t trust our lawmakers to sort things out like I want them to? What if we rested in the arms of someone who’s not asking us to, someone who knows the names and has plans for the lives that will be saved- If we’ll just trust and let them be saved.

What if this is the only opportunity we are given to voice what the majority of us believes. A life is a life when the Lord speaks it into being. No matter how it was created. No matter what it means to those who will be inconvenienced by it.

I’m not surprised at the opposition to the Personhood Amendment. The Evil One has got a lot to lose if it passes. It’s up to him to plant seeds of doubt. It’s up to him to cause division over something that is at it’s core very simple. It’s up to him to convince followers of Christ to believe him and spread his message. I’m not surprised but it doesn’t make it any harder to watch. There’s a story about a young man who was graduating from college. His father was very wealthy and he just knew he’d receive the expensive sports car that he’d been lusting after as a gift. He went to visit his father after graduation and was presented with a small box. He opened, a little confused, and out fell a Bible. He threw the Bible down and stormed out, angry that his father had withheld the one thing he’d asked for. His anger was so great that he never spoke to his father again. Years later when he went to clean out his father’s home after his death, he found the Bible in his father’s office. He thumbed through it and a key fell out. The key to the car he’d wanted with a tag saying “paid in full”.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this amendment is what we’ve prayed for for years. Please don’t discard it because the wrapping isn’t what we expected.

Happy Fall!!

2011-10-10T21:27:00.002-05:00

We're alive and well and hoping to blog again soon!!

In the mean time we're loving the cooler weather, gorgeous colors, pumpkins, costumes, and playing flag football under a full moon.

Happy fall, y'all!

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When I Get Where I'm Going

2011-07-22T14:52:00.004-05:00

Dancing with Granddaddy on their 50th wedding anniversary

When I get where I'm going

on the far side of the sky.

The first thing that I'm gonna do

Is spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna land beside a lion,

and run my fingers through his mane.

Or I might find out what it's like

To ride a drop of rain

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

there'll be only happy tears.

I will shed the sins and struggles,

I have carried all these years.

And I'll leave my heart wide open,

I will love and have no fear.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

Don't cry for me down here.

I'm gonna walk with my grandaddy,

and he'll match me step for step,

and I'll tell him how I missed him,

every minute since he left.

Then I'll hug his neck.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

there'll be only happy tears.

I will shed the sins and struggles,

I have carried all these years.

And I'll leave my heart wide open,

I will love and have no fear.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

Don't cry for me down here.

So much pain and so much darkness,

in this world we stumble through.

All these questions, I can't answer,

so much work to do.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

there'll be only happy tears.

I will shed the sins and struggles,

I have carried all these years.

And I'll leave my heart wide open,

I will love and have no fear.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

Don't cry for me down here.

But when I get where I'm going,
and I see my Maker's face.
I'll stand forever in the light,
of His amazing grace.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Oh, when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
Hallelujah!
I will love and have no fear.
When I get where I'm going.
Yeah when I get where I'm going.

This song came on the radio about a month ago and as I sang it I prayed these words for my grandmother. The Lord has graciously answered. Nan is admiring the crown on that Lion's head and dancing again with my Granddaddy in praise and adoration of our Lord and savior.

The Greatest Milestone Yet!

2011-06-28T23:33:00.001-05:00

Today marks four weeks since Eliza Grace was placed in our arms. It's been a busy four weeks full of many ups and downs. We've had many firsts and marked several big milestones. Someday, I hope to blog about it all ;) But tonight we hit a milestone that could not wait to be blogged in chronological order.

We finally heard a good hard belly laugh out of this girl! The first one nearly choked her (very similar to her reaction to crying- it can make her throw up almost instantly). Fortunately her supper stayed down and we were able to capture a smaller, but no less thrilling repeat. Enjoy!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jog...

2011-06-13T22:59:00.000-05:00

We woke up bright and early on June 3rd to get dressed, zip up our bags and head downstairs to meet our driver to the airport.

It's about an hour drive from our hotel to the airport and Eliza Grace fell asleep on the way there. We got into the airport and were directed toward the appropriate line to get checked in. Gotta love some Happy Mom Service.

We then had to settle in for the few hours of waiting until it was time to board the plane. Again- we ran all over the place chasing this girl. We got some ice cream, we played on the playground, we road on the moving sidewalks. We met another adoptive family that was going to be on our flight. (Hi Baby Cora- just in case you ever happen to read this!! Hope your doing well in Philly!)

Finally it was time to board. Eliza Grace fell asleep again fairly quickly and then woke up an hour or so later when our meal came. When she was done eating she sort of just slid down the seat and onto the floor. She laid there and just rubbed her face on the floor. I think she was just sort of trying to block the whole thing out. It was fine with us, though- she was quiet and soothing herself.

She fell asleep and stayed asleep for a good 45 minutes before some lovely stewardess noticed a small lump under a baby blanket, realized it was a baby, and began to flip. "Do you see all of this danger? She can not stay here. It is cute, but too dangerous." SHE MADE ME PICK HER UP!!! Let's just say Eliza Grace was less than thrilled. I spent the next couple of hours furious. Every time Eliza Grace cried I wanted to find that stewardess and show her danger!!! So we spent the remaining 10 hours or so running up and down the aisle of the plane, throwing puffs all over the place, and making friends with our very gracious neighbors (one lady even chased EG for us for a little while- God bless her!). I even discovered that an airplane bathroom makes quite a spacious playroom when compared to the seats in the peasant section we were trapped in! I'd put the lid down on the toilet have a seat and Eliza Grace would run in little circles around the bath room. We played in the water, chewed on the toothbrushes and just had a grand time until some poor soul would knock on the door in desperation. We ate again and Eliza Grace fell asleep for the last hour of the flight.

We landed in Chicago and then the real fun began. We were supposed to land at 9:40, but didn't get in until 10:15. Our flight to Jackson was to take off at noon. That gives us an hour and 45 minutes-no problem, right? Did I mention that we had to get through customs with an immigrant, get our bags, get across town to THE OTHER AIRPORT, get our bags checked, go back through security (a special thanks to the security guy that felt the need to do a litmus test on our bottle of formula...ugh) and haul hiny to our gate and onto our plane? Well we did and we totally made it!! Thanks to Aunt Sherry, Uncle Bruce, Charlie, & Cole for meeting us at O'Hare and getting us to Midway. Eliza Grace LOVED meeting them and getting decked out in some red white and blue.

We got to Midway and to the ticket counter to ask if there was anyway we'd be making it. We were informed that our flight had been delayed 20 minutes!! Praise God- I just couldn't take having to wait much longer to get home. The previous flight that was on the plane slated to take us to Jackson was carrying a group of disabled WWII vets that were on a tour to somewhere. Obviously they needed a little extra time exiting the plane. The exact same little extra time we needed to get to that plane. Perfect!! We ran up right in time to begin boarding our flight.

Last flight for a VERY LONG TIME, Baby Girl. I promise.

Eliza Grace was so worn out by now that she slept the entire flight. In fact, I woke her up to put on some fresh clothes before we landed and she met her welcoming committee.

And what a welcoming committee it was!! We were so thankful for all the friends, family, church members, and adoption group members that showed up to welcome us all home. Eliza Grace turned on the charm and worked the crowd. She ran right up to Miller and hugged her like they'd known each other for years! It was priceless.

After we greeted everyone we loaded up in the van for the first time as a family of five and headed home. We were greeted at home by balloons on the mailbox, a freezer full of food, neighbors, and more family. Thanks to everyone for making it such a special homecoming!

The Pororo Effect

2011-06-13T08:37:00.001-05:00

Pororo is a VERY popular Korean cartoon. I recently saw where Playhouse Disney China had picked it up. Our sweet foster family gave us a copy of Season 3 in English- Pororo in English can be very hard to come by!! One afternoon we needed a break so we popped it in the computer to see what Eliza Grace thought. Umm...I think she's a fan!

Seoul- Last Day!

2011-06-13T00:39:00.001-05:00

By the last day we were in Seoul we were full of mixed emotions. We were definitely ready to get home but also had so many things we wanted to do and see before we left. It was hard to settle on what do and where to go while at the same time wanting to pack our suitcases.

We decided to do a little exploring on foot. We headed into a quiet little neighborhood and did a little geocaching. We also browsed some sort of outdoor health food fair and enjoyed some local art. There was a man painting and had several of his pieces lining the streets leaning on the walls of one of the ancient palaces. There were a couple that I had a hard time leaving leaning up against that wall!

We went into the palace grounds and let Eliza Grace get down. She RAN all over the place, up and down any steps she came to, and met all kinds of new friends. When we entered the palace, they were in the middle of the changing of the guards. One of the guards waiting to go on smiled and waved at her. Then when we were looking into one of the buildings she met a little boy who was carrying around a couple of pine cones. She managed to coax one of the pine cones out of his hands! She also attempted to catch a pigeon with one of her fruit melts, but after he pecked at it a little he ran off.

Then we headed back to Insadong Market to do a little more shopping. It was a great afternoon of browsing the shops and looking for things to share with our friends and family and to remind us of this incredible trip. We went into a little print shop to look at some artwork and met the sweetest little lady. She was so excited that we were adopting Eliza Grace and thanked us many times. She also gave us a brass book mark to give to Eliza Grace.

We had a quick snack and then caught a cab back to the hotel. When we got there Eliza Grace made it very clear she was not happy hanging around the room. So we freshened up and headed back out. Phil was determined to try some street food so we stopped by a vendor that was near our hotel. As he was downing some sort of meat on a stick the lady selling it took EG from me. Eliza Grace took one look at this lady and turned around and reached for me!! It was definitely the highlight for me. We continued our stroll underground to browse the little mall below our feet. I got one of my favorite souvenirs- a little charm for my cell phone. It's a turquoise blue Korean knot with a little silk bird and beads. So sweet and delicate and a daily reminder of our time in our daughter's birth country! We also went back to the Krispy Kreme to introduce Eliza Grace to one of the world's finer delicacies. She thoroughly enjoyed it and we bought a few extra to eat the next morning before we went to the airport.

Yummy Underground Supper and Dessert

We went back to the room and packed a little. Our hotel was right across the street from the Seoul Design City a part of UNESCO- United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. It looked like they were building some sort of huge stadium but in front of that was a stage area and there was some sort of live performance every night. We heard everything from show tunes to Amazing Grace on the bag pipes. We decided to go check it out this night and were treated to a live ballet performance! How fun- but it really made me miss Miller. She would have loved it! We watched and chased Eliza Grace all over the place.

What a day! It was finally time to go to home, finish packing, and go to bed.

Appa!!

2011-06-11T21:49:00.000-05:00

This is from Gotcha Day. All you need to know about this video is that the yellow phone is her foster mother's and it had just rung right before I started videoing and that "Appa" means Daddy. No wonder she's having a little trouble giving him up for Phil.

Progress is being made- he did get her to sleep tonight!

Seoul Day Four

2011-06-10T23:27:00.003-05:00

Ready for the Day!

We ate breakfast at the hotel- she liked just about everything except sitting in a high chair.

We loaded up to go to the Korea National Museum

Beautiful poppies at the entrance

EG and me emerging from a mob of school girls ooing over "cuta bebe"

Phil in front of a HUGE painting.

Eliza Grace sacked out on my back- finally! She had run around like an absolute mad woman all over the museum. I got a blister from chasing her, put a band aid on it, then wore the band aid out from more chasing. I finally gave up and threw her on my back. She was out in five minutes!

Eating lunch at the museum

Caching at the museum

The three of us in front of a large bell in the gardens at the museum

A panoramic of the gardens

Sitting with Dad in the cab on the way to Seoul Tower

Cable car going up to the tower

Seoul Tower

it's a communication tower that has become quite an icon

Phil chasing Eliza Grace around the park at the base of the tower

The Locks

This is what the tower is famous for. Engaged couples come here and put a lock on the fence and throw the key over to symbolize the permanence of their love. Adoptive families have caught on and followed suit. It's a really cool site!

Adding our lock to the fence

The center of Seoul is located in the park at the tower.

We slept hard that night!

Seoul Day 3

2011-06-01T03:54:00.003-05:00

Sorry this post is so late! This is one BUSY girl we've gotten our hands on! But she is wonderful and we can't wait for everyone to meet her.

Yesterday, May 31st was our Gotcha Day. We didn't actually get to get her until 3:00 in the afternoon so we started the day with a trip to Lotte Department Store. It's ginormous!! I think they sell everything! The bottom floor is sort of like a Fresh Market and then as you go up the next 10 floors you come across every top brand of clothing, jewlery, and accessories. The top two floors are restaraunts and coffee shops. It was definitely an experience- I think I've been less intimidated in Phipps Plaza in Atlanta or any department store in NYC. Great people watching and a good way to kill some time.

We came back to our room and started a list of questions for Eliza Grace's foster mom and finished wrapping our gifts for the Holt staff and her foster family. Before we knew it, it was time to go down and get a cab to Holt.

We made the drive over and got there about 20 minutes early. We walked in and the first face that smiled at me was Eliza Grace!! She smiled and I said hey to her then her foster mom realized who we were and brought her over to us. We gave her the bunny we had bought her for her birthday and played for a minute until DJ our social worker came out and took us to a private meeting room.

Eliza Grace was very enamored with her FM's phone and was watching "the bear song" on it. Phil quickly pulled it up on his phone (in English) and she then took his phone. Next we moved on to puffs and I think she was sold- we weren't too bad after all.

We asked her FM all of our questions and we exchanged gifts. She gave us a photo album of EG's first year that we absolutely treasure. When we get home and can scan some of the pictures, I'll post them. She also gave us the hanbok that EG wore at her first birthday party. She selected a computer mouse from her Tol table- so she'll be a computer wiz! She also gave us season 3 of Pororo in ENGLISH!!! This is a very popular Korean cartoon that is really hard to find in English. And a Pororo stuffed animal.

While we were meeting her Appa (foster father) called her. She sat and talked to him on the phone- I have a super cute video of that- I'll probably have to share that when we get home as well.

So here are the pictures from our meeting:

As you can see she conked out on the ride home. She probably slept a good hour or more when we got back to the hotel. Then we got to meet the real Eliza Grace!!

She has one mode- ON. We ran around the room, then we ran around the hall, then we moved the party to the lobby. We went up and down stairs and the escalator. I was pouring sweat, so I decided we'd give the pool a try. Silly me- the pool is for running laps around!

After that we came back to the room for a bath and bedtime. Her foster mom told us that she loves her bath and that she goes to bed about 11.

We were worn out so we started a little bit sooner than that, but she was definitely not ready! She roamed in and out of the bathroom looking for Appa, she jumped all over the bed, and just generally did anything she could to stay UP. We walked the hall for a little while and came back. She played for a little bit and then I think she started to get it. She was staying with us. She got her shoes (new Target Robees that we brought- she LOVES them) and pointed to the door. She wanted out. So she cried a little and then I put her in the carrier and walked around the hall some more until she fell asleep. She woke up when we got back and was furious. We laid down on the floor together and she cried some more. She then climbed on top of me and fell asleep. And that's where she stayed most of the night. On my chest on the floor. Eventually I was able to roll her off and cover her up with her favorite blanket (one that we sent for her birthday!). She woke a few times in the night, but went right back to sleep. She slept until about 8 this morning. She woke up and saw Phil and started crying. She ran to me, cuddled for a second, then looked back at Phil with a big grin and started playing peek-a-boo with him.

She is just really doing great. Better than we could have every expected. We're exhausted from chasing her, but thrilled that she is so happy with us.

Alright- I've way over done my computer time- excuse any typos, I don't have time to proof! :)

Seoul Day 2

2011-05-30T14:56:00.002-05:00

So, on day two we decided to brave the subway and make our way to the town of Bucheon where we believe Eliza Grace was born. Our goal was to find the hospital where she was delivered and see this "little" town where she began her life.

Question: How many Koreans does it take to get Phil & Maggie going in the right direction on the subway?
Answer: Apparently there aren't enough in Seoul!!

The man pictured above with Phil is Lim. He is a 76 year evangelist who spends his days on the subway spreading the good news and inviting people to his church. Today his mission was to get us to our destination. He ran all over the subway asking what lines we should take to get to Bucheon. In the picture on the top right everyone you see is arguing over the best way for us to get there. Not two seconds before they were all huddled around the map pointing in different directions- kind of like Sunday at home...

Lim was not convinced that we understood him so he got on the subway with us and made sure we got to the train station and onto the right train. He then decided "what the heck" and got on the train with us! He said he goes wherever people are. He taught us how to buy our tickets and that when you get where you're going you deposit the card back into a machine and "catch the money" (you get a refund if you don't use the entire fair). He repeated no less than 15 times "you understand me, card in, and catch the money!" always cupping his hands so that we'd understand to get our money back.

Thank you, Lim. You'd be so proud to know that we made it back in one piece and got on the right subway back to Seoul! (It was going the wrong direction, but I digress)

So we exit the train station in Bucheon to see this-

Our Baby Girl's quaint little town. It was a little overwhelming at first, but we got going towards the hospital and soon things began to look a little more small town (think any major US metropolis smaller than NYC).

As we walked toward the hospital a poster caught my eye. I did a double take and it was a Holt office. We had no idea that there was an office in Bucheon, but this is likely where Eliza Grace's birth mom came for counceling. We went in and went up to the sixth floor where the office is located. I took a picture of the door of the office. I didn't want to appear intrusive or like we were trying to find her birth mom, so we didn't go in. What a neat surprise- I love that we're getting these little puzzle pieces for EG. The first picture above is the hospital sign and the bottom right is the hospital. After I took that one a security guard came and told me "no pictures" so I put the camera up. We walked into the hospital. It's waiting room looked about as organized as any University Hospital and we decided to leave before we were admitted.

Above are a few more shots of the town. Phil geocaching in a park near the hospital and one of the streets. Once you got away from the train station, the streets really were beautiful. Tree lined with flower baskets hanging from swan shaped lamp posts. We saw school children playing on their playgrounds and walking home from school.

We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant. Absolutely no English spoke here. LOL. We finally recognized "japje" (I know it's misspelled, but we'll let it slide this time). This was a traditional Korean place where you sit on the floor and food is cooked on your table. I think it's supposed to be self cooked, but I think they were pretty sure we'd mess it up, so they did it for us. It was fabulous (except that soup with the whole egg in it- that was cold and strange and even Phil didn't eat it). But everything else was the best. Phil spilled his and they brought him a bib. That still makes me laugh! Maybe I should keep one in my purse!

We navigated our way home and decided to take a look at Namdaemun Market. It was absolutely insane. We were so tired that we bought one souvenir, took one picture, and headed back to the hotel.

The picture very much does not do it justice. We aren't even really in the market yet. Imagine the French Market in New Orleans (but 50x bigger) during Mardis Gras and add rickshaws and motor cycles buzzing in and out.

We got to our room and freshened up a little. I sat down and read a little while Phil showered. I must have fallen asleep and he left me sleeping. I woke up at about 11:00pm and now my days and nights are all goofy! He woke up 2:00am and we watched a Netflix. Now Phil's back to sleep and I'm blogging.

At least we don't have anything important to do to day, right? In nine hours we'll meet Eliza Grace and all our lives will be changed forever. Stay tuned...

We Are Here, We Are Here, We Are Here...

2011-05-29T09:47:00.000-05:00

baggage claim at Incheon Airport

And feel about as big as those Who's who first screamed "we are here" from their spec in Horton's trunk. This place is HUGE. And BUSY. And it's CRAZY great!! I'm blogging at the end of day one in Seoul for us. We flew from Jackson to Chicago where Phil's sweet Aunt Sherry picked us up from Midway airport, took us to breakfast, then dropped us off at O'Hare for our non-stop to Seoul.

the drop off at O'hare

checking in at Asiana in Chicago

The trip over was uneventful but very long. The Koreans do not appreciate my LOVE of air conditioning being on about 68 in any moving vehicle and I was HOT the entire 14 hours over. Yuck! But, Asiana is a wonderful airline, beautiful stewardesses, fun movies, good food, water and juice coming out your ears (a must for long flights!). We landed in Seoul, changed currency, and met our driver, Mr. Lee. And, yes, I sang Mr. Lee for the rest of the day! I was about ready to kiss Mr. Lee because he did like his car cold and I finally had chill bumps at the end of the hour drive to our hotel! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mr. Lee.

We checked into our hotel, the Westin Chosun. It is beautiful. They just had their grand reopening this month- what a great time to be here! We unpacked, had a sandwich in one of the hotel restaraunts, and went to bed. We'd been up about 26 hours at that point.

(control panel for the TOILETS in our hotel lobby- way too much!)

(We're all ready for our baby girl!)

(view out our window)
This morning we met our Holt issued tour guide , Hye Won. She was very sweet and stayed with us most of the day. We toured a couple of museums, Gyeonbok Palace, and Insadong Market.

Changing of the Guards

(emperor's Cadillac- 1914)

Musical instruments

Throne Room

Korea's Blue House- like our White House

Concerned citizen in Insadong Market. "Dogs are Friends, Not Food"! There were several people staging a protest.

(Green Tea/Pistachio & Hello Kitty donuts from underground Krispy Kreme)

After our tour we came back to the room for a quick nap and then did a little exploring of the underground shopping areas. We had Krispy Kreme's for dinner- I was ready for some good sugar!! We got a few necessities at the 7-11 and discovered a couple restaraunts we want to try. We then walked around our hotel grounds where the Temple of Heaven is located. We also discovered that the Guiness Book of World Records has certified the Westin as The Oldest Hotel in the Republic of Korea! Cool, huh?

ceremonial drums

Guinness Book Plaque at our hotel

The "R" in room is right under our window.

Now it's off to bed. Tomorrow we're going to try and find the hospital where Eliza Grace was born.

sorry the post is so all over the place layout wise- blogger's being a little weird! And spellcheck isn't working either :(

I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane

2011-05-27T04:15:00.000-05:00

The Wait Just Got a Little Longer

2011-05-19T20:35:00.002-05:00

How can we possibly wait TWELVE DAYS to hug and tickle this silly little goose!!

We just got these new pictures tonight. We're on cloud 9!

PS- this is one of the outfits we sent her. What in the world size is she going to be? The jacket fits perfectly and the pants are about 5" too short. I can TOTALLY relate- my pants are ALWAYS just way too short! :)

Hopping on the Seoul Train...

2011-05-18T18:07:00.001-05:00

Well, I guess that should be the Seoul plane. But either way- WE'RE GOING TO GET OUR BABY GIRL!! We got the green light at about 1:30 this afternoon. We'll be nailing down flights soon, but we do know that we'll meet her on May 31st. I can't wait. As I went to look at the calendar, I was struck with how intimate a God we serve. One that is interested in minute details like our family's schedule. The last date that I have anything written on my calendar is the 25th. Then there is NOTHING until June 3rd. Not that we're normally such socialites, but we do have a ton going on in the next few weeks between birthday parties, baseball games, and the end of the school year. Our hotel reservations are from May 26th to June 2nd. It's like He KNEW when we'd be going!! LOL. What a blessing that our kids can just "be" while we're gone and not have anywhere that they need to be taken.

At the exact moment that the phone rang with "THE CALL" Eliza Grace's Pat Pat was walking in the door to bring her a little happy. Her very own Meon. What a great memory this little lion will always hold- the other two have been such a presence in our lives and now this one already is!!

So now we pack & pray. Pray for EG and her foster family and that they would have a very sweet and blessed last week together. Pray that we are able to quickly figure her out and how to comfort her as we get to know each other. Pray for her brother and sister as they also adjust to our new normal. They are so excited!

Lately...

2011-05-17T23:24:00.001-05:00

Lately, we've acquired a few new housemates. Meet Puzzle and Russel . . .

Two turtle hatchlings- different species from each other and really funny to watch. If you look closely in this picture you can one of the funnier poses they strike- stretching their heads all the way out of their shells and resting them on their rock. Pathetic!

Lately, Miller got another set of tubes and her adenoids removed . . .

Third times the charm, right? In the bottom picture, she's recovering, watching cartoons with her get well balloon clipped to her blanket. She never looses the sense of humor.

Lately, Wilson got upgraded to new bunk beds. This could possibly be the biggest delivery I've ever gotten from FedEx . . .

I'll post the finished project the next time he cleans his room :)

Lately, I had a great Mother's day with two of my awesome kiddos and their daddy . . .

Lately, we've had some great visits with our cousins (in Kentucky & Tennessee). . .

Sorry to Pete- he moved on from the swing before I got my camera out, but you can see him here.

Lately, we've been partying. . .

Our friend Bradley turned three.

Our friend Morgan turned three and had a princess party.

Miller had her last day of preschool and celebrated with her friends at Jump Zone.

Wilson still has a few more days of school, but they did have field day last week. How fun.

Lately, we've been counting down the days until we go get our Baby Sister. We've heard from DC that Eliza Grace's Visa has been issued. We're waiting for the social worker in Korea to officially inform our agency in Oregon so that they can call to tell us we have a green light. We are anticipating leaving towards the end of next week! I wish I had a picture to follow this statement, but we didn't get any with the last Well Baby Checkup report that we received yesterday :( She is doing well, though. She's 23 pounds, 32 inches, has eight teeth, is drinking from a cup, walking, running, saying a few (Korean) words, stacking blocks, and doing other great 16 month old things.

So that's what we've been up to, lately.

What a Fun Day

2011-04-29T17:14:00.003-05:00

Sorry to say it, but this is another no picture post- but I should have some soon. Maybe we'll have a picture post tomorrow. Is the Picture Pages theme starting in your head, too? Good....

We began the day by finishing up Wilson's new room. I can't believe how old he's getting and the car bed just isn't cool anymore. He even said the other day he's not that interested in seeing Cars 2 this summer. A moment of silence, please.

We had told him at the beginning of the adoption adventure that if we wound up having a boy, he'd be sharing a room and get bunk beds. Well of course, he was devastated when our baby turned out to be a girl- because that meant no bunk beds. Phil reassured him he could still have bunk beds and probably before Eliza Grace got here. Promise fulfilled. Wilson now has one of the coolest sets of bunk beds I've ever seen and his room is looking so big kid!! Alright enough about that, I'm not in the mood to cry.

This morning I found out that someone in our EP batch had been approved. Later this afternoon we got an email that Eliza Grace's EP had been approved too!! We're so excited! The end is sight. What exactly does this mean? Here's the words directly from our agency's email: (you can skip reading all this if you want- but that means I'll just make something up if you ask later, "so what's next")

Now that my child’s EP has been approved what’s next?

Now that EP has been approved, it is still difficult to determine exactly when your travel call will be. What we know is the following steps need to occur before your child is ready to travel.

· Travel Certificate- Holt Korea will apply to the Ministry of Foreign affairs for the travel certificate after the EP has been approved. This typically takes about a week to gain the approval. We are not notified about this.

· Visa Physical Exam- This is done by an outside Doctor appointed by the US Embassy. This has to be done after the EP and travel certificate have been issued. Usually the exam takes place at the Holt clinic but if the child has special needs the exam is done at the hospital. We will e-mail you when we learn the physical has been scheduled (not everyone in the same EP group receive the same visa physical dates). ·

Class B waiver- This is only needed if the Doctor doing the exam notes something that they want to make sure that the adopting parents are fully aware of. If there is something noted on this form then Holt-Korea has to have a Class B waiver accompany the visa physical when submitting the P3 into the Embassy. The Class B waiver lets the officials know that the adoptive parents are fully aware of what is noted on the visa physical, and would still like to proceed with the adoption. The waiver also has to say exactly what the Doctor noted on the Visa physical, word for word. If you child needs a waiver we will notify your family and send you the waiver by e-mail.·

I600- Holt-Korea does not need your approved I600 until the very last stage of the process (submitting your P3 into the Embassy). Your I600 will only have an effect on your travel time if you delay in filling once you receive your Legals. Once your I600 is approved please send the Eugene office and your branch or co-op a copy.·

P3-The packet that Holt-Korea submits into the Embassy for the one way travel visa. This packet contains; I600, I864, birth/marriage/divorce certificates of adoptive parents, 1040, W2, legal document of child, vaccination certificate, visa physical examination, medical acceptance letter (if needed), photo of child and IR4. This takes 5-8 business days to be approved, if there are problems with any of the documents it will take longer than 5-8 days to be approved. We are not notified when the visa worker submits the P3 into the Embassy.·

VI- Visa Interview-This is new as of November 2009. The foster families now have to physically take the children down to the Embassy for a visa interview. This happens after the paperwork has been submitted into the Embassy. We are not notified about this.·

Final steps to prepare for travel- The final steps after the visa has been issued are the pre-flight report given to all families. This is a one page sheet that has important information such as eating, sleeping and other important things to help with the transition. Also, depending on when your child was last seen by Dr. Jeong he/she might go in for one last visit to make sure they are healthy enough to fly. Once these are taken care of the flight coordinator will start making travel plans for those who are escorting.

For those who are traveling, our staff in Korea will send us an e-mail when your child is fully ready. We will then contact your family so you can start making travel plans.

We don't anticipate the Class B waiver being needed and our I600 is already approved and in all the hands it needs to be in. So there's two things we can mark off the list.

The coolest part about today is that I've met a new bloggy friend. Remember back in December when I posted about being matched with Eliza Grace and how we had to decide between her and another little boy? I met his mamma today on the online bulletin boards for Korean adoption families on Holt's website. His EP was approved as well. There is a really good chance we'll be in Korea at the same time as his family and we might get to meet him. As I told his mamma, he was never mine but I felt soooo responsible for him. He was sent to the waiting child list after we made our decision. It was so hard to see Eliza Grace stamped with "I have a family" knowing that a new picture had been added because we had said "no" to him. I was so relieved when in just a few short weeks he too had a family. And it is so awesome to have contact with them. He's going to have 3 older siblings. I just can't wait to learn more about him!

You Never Know What You'll See When You Geocache!

2011-04-28T20:54:00.000-05:00

Love these shots Phil got of Wilson on one of their latest runs...

Spring Has Sprung and Our Lord Is Risen!

2011-04-26T14:56:00.002-05:00

The first day of Spring was March 20 and the kiddos woke up to some pretty fun baskets full of things to enjoy this new season with. I think their favorite is the nets for catching bugs, minnows, frogs and turtles. The girls got new flip flops and Wilson got a fishing pole. Everyone got a new book and some seeds for planting. We are so thankful for God's renewal of his earth each year!

Miller and Wilson planting their seeds.... I think a couple of the sunflowers may actually make it :)

Dying eggs at Pat Pat's house

Dying eggs at Granna's

Miller's school egg hunt

Wilson's egg hunt

Making Resurrection Cookies the night before Easter- we sealed them in our oven ("the tomb") and put soldiers there to guard them. When we bit into the cookies in the morning- THEY WERE EMPTY!

Wilson on Easter Sunday

Miller on Easter Sunday- wearing a dress my mom MADE for me to wear in a wedding as a flower girl when I was little.

Easter Sunday with Phil's family at Pop & Mim's

Afterwards, Wilson and Miller got to spend the night with their great grandparents and mom and dad had a date night. What a great day!

It's Raining Outside . . .

2011-04-21T13:31:00.002-05:00

...but we're CELEBRATING!! We just found out that Baby Sister was submitted for EP on APRIL 6th!! The process has begun for her to receive her ONE WAY Visa home! An added bonus is that we have two weeks of waiting for our travel call under our belt and didn't even know it. We now have a window of 4-6 weeks before we travel. So May is a viable possibility, but I'm still guessing we might be on the trip of a lifetime on our anniversary (6/8) and my birthday (6/9).

Wa-hooooooo! What a relief!

Ethridge Update

2011-04-19T13:07:00.005-05:00

Long time, no post. We've been pretty busy around here, but I'm not sure if I have many pictures to prove it. Mostly busy with not so fun stuff...

Wilson has just finished his first round of achievement tests- which he though was fantastic. They were his best everyday!! Can't believe I have a little one big enough to be filling in bubbles on a scan tron sheet. (Scan tron is probably an outdated word- they probably score their cards by infrared web cams or something- but you know what I'm talking about) He's also the proud care taker of two baby turtles (although I see us cutting that back to one by the end of the week- two babies are very cute, two adult 10" turtles in my study, not so cute).

Phil has continued his Geocaching quest with Wilson and Miller eagerly following him anywhere for a treasure hunt. It's all fun and games until someone gets poison ivy, though. Poor Phil, it seems that this is going to be our "first sign of spring" from now on. He never had it as a kid, but now it just seems to hunt him down!

I have been ~~anxiously~~ patiently watching emails and adoption boards hoping to hear that Eliza Grace is being processed to leave Korea. If there is in fact any pattern to time lines she was probably submitted for her emigration permit last week. However, our social worker in Korea has been out of the office since last Wednesday and won't be back until tomorrow (maybe today, I can't keep the time difference straight!). Then the US office will be closed this Friday for Good Friday, so it may be next week before we hear anything. Early this week I realized I was actually a little relieved that we didn't hear anything last week. Up until now going to get her has seemed so far in the future and so abstract. Monday it sank that I could have just heard we'd be going to get our baby soon and I kind of freaked a little. You know when you're engaged and you know you're going to get married and you've bought a dress and picked out a cake and looked at 1000 flower arrangements, but then like the week before you go "Oh my gosh, we're really going to do this!" Or when you've been pregnant for 10-1/2 months and you've set up a nursery, been to the doctor a gagillion times, washed tons of tiny clothes, but it's not until you're driving to the hospital that you go "we're not getting back in this car with the back seat empty...ever again!" Well, I'm there. We're really going to pick up a 16 month old and say "you're living with us now, ok?" What if she hates sleeping in her crib? She's probably never slept in one before- most babies sleep on mats by their foster moms. Which leads to the next panic attack of what if Pottery Barn doesn't sell the quilt that Miller has on her bed anymore and we wind up with this really miss matched room (wouldn't that just be the end of the world!?) To ensure we won't have TOTAL chaos, I did go buy a few more yards of the fabric that is on Miller's headboard- at least those will match. What if she screams the WHOLE time we're in Korea, what if she screams the WHOLE way home, what if she really hates us for a LONG time, what if I NEVER sleep again!?

What if I stop worrying and remember Who set us on this path and Who will see us through. What if I remember that we've been new parents twice- neither time was a perfect walk in the park, but we wouldn't change a thing. What if I remember the indescribable joy I have in my heart every time I see my sweet baby girl's face and the ever growing impatience to get there and hold her. Oh yeah . . . everything's going to be GREAT- mismatched beds and all!

So then I pulled it together to go to jury duty this morning. Yep jury duty. There's just something about being in the courthouse in Canton that brings back the scenes of A Time to Kill. We were greeted this morning with "Y'all'n come in the courtroom now" (Note to my non deep south readers: Y'all'n is actually three words in one "you all can"). We all filed in and proceeded to be entertained by a video (yep- VHS) of the jury process. Thanks, I watch A LOT of Law and Order- I really don't need the video. You can return it to whatever high school substitute teacher you stole it from, k? Then we got to take a break- thank goodness- that was grueling. Then we got to the excuse part. I got out pretty early on- kind of wish I had gotten to hear some of the other sob stories. What was my airtight case? Sick child, we're going to see a specialist in the morning. "Ma'am, you'n* go. You don't have to call or come back." I said thanks, the judge said "yes, ma'am".

*you'n singular of y'all'n

Which brings us to, Miller and her fourth ear infection of the last few months. We're going to see her favorite ENT (I say that in most sarcastic tone my keys will allow me to type) in the morning. I hope he feels like this is just a string of bad luck, but I also hope if we need a third set of tubes he can tell now so that we can get it over with before we leave to get Eliza Grace.

My sweet Nan is still with us, but is very weak. None of us understands the reasoning behind the aging process or what the Lord is doing through it, but we trust that he does work all things to his glory. I am also bitter sweetly optimistic that Nan will see that glory first hand soon. What an awesome thought!

My best for today has probably already happened. Right before I sat down to post, the Fed Ex lady pulled up in my driveway. She flung open the door to her truck and said (with the biggest grin and in the most excited whisper) Have you gotten the baby yet!? I slumped my shoulders and said no, not yet. She frowned and said, "I hadn't seen y'all in a long time, I just knew you'd gone to get the baby" She handed me my package and told me, "hurry up and go get that baby- I'm getting impatient." "Me too, girl. Me too!" Eliza Grace, we may never know how many people are cheering you home baby girl, but I'm so thankful for each one I find out about. Hope you're sleeping well.

Let's get Vanya Home!

2011-04-11T18:56:00.001-05:00

If you go to my "favorite blogs" tab you'll find No Greater Joy Mom. Oh my goodness- what an amazing woman and family. They have seven children- four were adopted with some pretty significant special needs. Their stories of what having a family can do for someone with "special needs" are inspiring and truly an example of what happens when you allow God to break your heart for what breaks His. Adéye is also an unbelievable advocate for orphans. Read a few posts of her blog and you'll be astounded at what the Lord has done for some pretty desperate adoptive parents trying to get their little ones home through her blog. Right now she is trying to get a little boy in Russia named Vanya's adoption funded so that all he'll need is a family to commit to him. He's an older child and will be transferred from his orphanage to a much worse place if he's not placed with a family soon. She's raised over $9000 from complete strangers in a matter of days- what a blessing for this little boy and his family! Please check out her post. "Chip In" (at the top of her blog) $5, $10, whatever you feel led and watch the Lord will do. Also spread the word on your blog or facebook. She has got some pretty awesome giveaways up for grabs. Just comment that you chipped in, blogged, and/or facebooked about Vanya. Leave a comment for each way you helped- you'll get an entry for each. As important as each of these steps is please also pray for the family he's waiting on. Is it you? Is it a friend of yours? Pray that this family will answer God's calling to place orphans with families soon!

Thanks!!

What a Super Weekend!

2011-04-11T09:49:00.002-05:00

The Ethridges had a GREAT weekend. I'm not sure there's anything else we could have crammed into the last three days!

Friday Wilson had a birthday party to go to after school. It was in the woods behind the birthday boy's grandparents' house and there were water guns!! About 30 minutes into the squirting Wilson came running up to me and said "Mom! My tooth just came out!" This was number six and I think the first one with NO TEARS!!

We left the party came home and put on dry clothes and went with daddy and his office to the Braves game that night. The kids had a great time jumping in the bouncy houses, eating hot dogs, and watching fireworks. I think there may have actually been a baseball game going on, but I'm not sure ;)

We came home worn out and went to bed late. We got up the next morning and loaded up to head to Starkville for Super Bulldog weekend. We had so much fun seeing Uncle John, playing with Oscar- a REAL bulldog, more jumping in bouncy houses, meeting cheerleaders, eating ice cream, watching a little football, and seeing friends.

Oscar at the KA house

Playing in the fountain at the Chapel of Memories

Pow wow about 2/3's of the way to the baseball game- Do we want to keep walking in the blazing heat, stand in the sun, and watch the dogs be gator bait, or do we want to turn around and go find some ice cream?

Dad, do you really have to ask? ICE CREAM!!

Miller with a "Cheer Cheer" She had a great time singing the fight song with her!

The Maroon & White game.

From there we went to meet Evelyn. It was SO GREAT to see her home and to watch her in action. She has a great temperament and the BEST smile. We could have watched her for hours. Made me very anxious to get some news on our girl!! We went to church the next morning with the O'maras and then started the trek back home.

We unpacked the van and went to the park for a birthday picnic for Pat Pat. Fun, fun cousin time and some yummy food. Hard to beat a chocolate cupcake!!

Happy Birthday Pat Pat!

Paw, Wilson, & Phil

Me and my niece- we were discussing our matching double chins...she said she try to cut back on the Enfamil, I said I do better about the butterfingers

Amy & Matthew

Playing Princess Frisbee with Paw

Matthew and Uncle Phiiuuul

Fun, fun, fun- Happy Monday, y'all!

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

2011-04-05T09:38:00.002-05:00

A dear family from our church the Perkins have FINALLY met their little girl in Russia. They have been on the adoption roller coaster for years. This has been an extrodinairy ride including one trip all the way to Russia to meet a few possible matches only to get there and find there were no children available in the area they were taken to!

This weekend they met 11 month old Betsy!! I can't even express how thrilled I am for them. Hurry home Betsy, you have three big brothers, a big sister, and a huge church family dying to meet you!!

Adoption Education ;)

2011-04-02T22:39:00.002-05:00

I did not write this, but a lot of does kind of sound like something I'd say- lol. I love Tracy's answers to the "most common questions" adoptive parents get. Yes- I think I've heard almost everything on this list, but I pray that these questions are left burning in my ears and not in those of our children. Please, please don't take this as a blanket "don't ask me any questions about adoption". I LOVE talking about adoption and really love discussing it with anyone interested in the process especially if they are considering it for their family. However, I hope that those who are just "curious" will think before they ask something in front of my children. You never know what kids are thinking or how they will process something they overhear. I have had many many rude questions over the six years that I've been a parent about my age and "how young" I must have been when I started having children. It's all I can do not to scream I'M OVER THIRTY. I was 25 and had been married for two years before my first child was born. Most people quickly try to turn it into a complement of how young I look and how glad I'll be one day. I'm sure I will. Right after I answer the next question. It will be from the wide eyed six year old, "Mamma, what were y'all talking about?"

So, without further adew. . .

10 Things Not to Say to Adoptive Parents

Especially in front of their kids.

by Tracy Hahn-Burkett

Author Tracy Hahn-Burkett has a four-year-old daughter adopted from Korea and a seven-year-old biological son. Whether well-intentioned, curious or inappropriate, Hahn-Burkett has had many a question lobbied in her direction regarding her daughter and their family make-up. Hahn-Burkett offers you, the curious, some advice before you speak. Along with ten questions one should not ask an adoptive parent, she gives her blunt responses.

Is it difficult to love a child who isn’t your own?

My children are my own — both of them. Yes, I know what you mean. And I repeat: both of my children are "my own."

I could never love someone who doesn’t share my biology.

I’m sorry your heart is so limited. And presumably your spouse doesn’t share your biology, so I’m sorry for him or her, too.

She/he’s so lucky.

If there are adoptive parents who haven’t heard this one, I don’t know them. Yes, my adopted child is lucky, just like her brother who was born to me — just like any kid blessed with a good family. Moreover, my husband and I are lucky to have her as a daughter. My daughter is not lucky, however, by virtue of having been adopted or because she’s been adopted by an American family. Her life story will always be one that begins with wrenching loss of family, country, language, culture and all things related to the place and people from whence she came. She will have to figure out how to incorporate all of this into her identity at some point, no matter how much we love her.

That’s great you’re adopting, it’s so much easier than having the child yourself.

Clearly, you have never adopted a child. What, exactly, is easy about it? Is it the hundreds of questions prospective adoptive parents have to answer along the path to adoption, questions that go to the heart of what kind of people they are and dissect every aspect of their lives? Is it committing to a lifetime of knowing that at anytime from toddlerhood through adulthood, your child may come to you with wrenching questions about his or her origins and your answers may be unsatisfactory? Is it knowing that the very fact that your child is yours means that somewhere a woman will probably grieve every day of her life for the child she could not raise? Is it missing the early months, sometimes years, of your child’s life? Is it telling your child when he or she asks to see baby pictures, "Sorry, I don’t have any"? I could go on, but you get the point.

She’s so adorable; she’s just like a little China doll!

Yes, thank you, I think she’s cute, too [edited to remove a rant about the term china doll ... I take no offense to that particularly because it does not mean a doll from China as so many sensitive AP's take it to mean- I added a link if you're intested] If you’re going to gush and coo over her, please consider that blond-haired, blue-eyed boy standing right next to her. He’s my kid, too. He’s pretty cute, too. And he can hear you.

Her "real" mother was probably a prostitute.

I’m her "real" mother, and so far as I can recall, I have never been a prostitute.

What kind of a person would give up such a beautiful, sweet child? (This comment is often accompanied by a clucking of the tongue.)

In general, the kind of person whose options are limited in ways you have never even had to imagine. Birthmothers are not bad people. Very few, if any, birthmothers who relinquish their children do so lightly. For most, it is a searing, heartbreaking decision that will haunt them forever. Also, please understand that when you say things about my child’s birthmother, you are commenting about the woman who gave my daughter life and whose genes remain an inseparable part of her — forever.

People who adopt children from other countries just don’t want black babies, or People who adopt children from other countries just want an "exotic" child, or People who adopt children from other countries are shirking their responsibility to adopt at home.

Very few parents who choose international adoption do so because they don’t like "dark" kids or because they want an "exotic" child. The systems of international and domestic adoption differ in fundamental ways, and most parents who choose to adopt educate themselves thoroughly and then pick the program that is best for them.

Anything in Chinese addressed to the Asian adopted child.

[I personally would not consider this a huge faux pas- or even put it on a list of 10 things not to ask in front of my child- in contrast I think it would give us a chance to discuss her heritage with the asker and later on at home]

This happened to me when my daughter was a year old. A woman in an elevator said something to my daughter in Chinese, and by the time I figured out what had just taken place, the woman was gone (thereby robbing me of my opportunity to deliver any sort of snarky reply). My daughter is American, has lived in this country since infancy, and the language she understands is English. Why would you assume anything else?

[Many people want to know if Eliza Grace has been taught English- well, she's only 14 months old, so how much of any language would you expect her to know? But the answer is no. She lives in South Korea, with a South Korean family. They might know some English, but I'll bet I know A LOT less Korean :) She'll know a few words of Korean, but will pick up English quickly. Someone did recently make an intersting statement about adopting an international toddler- "don't forget that their thoughts will be in Korean" Toddlers do understand and use a lot more of their language than they verbalize. What a culture shock for this little girl!]

How much did she cost?

Another one we’ve all heard, generally more than once. But my child is not a melon; I did not pick her up at the store. She cost me nothing. I did, however, spend quite a bit on adoption fees to support the process and travel costs, just as I spent quite a bit on medical care, etc., in conjunction with the conception and birth of my biological son. If you truly want to learn more about the financial aspect of either process, I will be happy to discuss that with you. If you’re only interested in knowing in order to pass judgment, it’s none of your business.

Thanks for reading!

Overheard

2011-03-29T20:39:00.000-05:00

The following is from a fellow AP (adoptive parent) from her FB (facebook) page today. I left the names off just in case their "neighbors that they didn't friend" happen to read my blog- lol.

Status: "xxxx thinks it is funny how I used to find folks from the Holt BB [bulletin board- where all the mammas get together online to ask questions, get advice, vent frustration, share excitement over a piece of paper coming in the mail, etc] on Facebook and be tempted to request their friendship, but was afraid they'd think I was a crazy stalker. Now, over half of my friends list has at least one little Asian cutie in the profile picture. :) I love my AP friends!"

Comment #4: " I won't accept someone who lives down the street that I don't know really well, but if they are an AP mom I'll accept them every time. :)"

Comment #5: "Well our fellow AP have been checked by the FBI, BCI, had a child abuse clearance and check by the Dept of Homeland security! Plus they have cute kids. LOL! The neighbors have not been checked by all of those people and they can't have kids as cute as ours!! LOL!!!!!"

Hmmm- so that's why I've never felt awkward "talking" to all these strangers about my children.

Adoption CheckList

2011-03-28T09:26:00.002-05:00

Thought I'd share this checklist I just found on a fellow Korea Adoption Family's blog. In case you're considering adoption- this is pretty much the process for all countries, agencies, and programs. LOL!
Happy Monday!!

Hello from Eliza Grace

2011-03-20T18:57:00.002-05:00

I was 14 months old on the 10th. I'm 32 inches and 22 pounds! It looks like I like cookies and I'm really excited about these bows that Mamma, Daddy, Wilson, and Miller sent me. Thank you to the O'Maras for bringing goodies to me, Umma, and Abba. I can't wait to get to play with Evelyn!! My next check up will be in May- talk to you then!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day- 2011

2011-03-20T01:03:00.002-05:00

I have a book to recommend- Celebrating the Christian Year by Martha Zimmerman. My blog friend Kelly (and fellow Korean adoptive Mamma) over at The Minus One Project has blogged many times about it and I had to check it out. Mom gave it to me for Christmas and I couldn't put it down. Martha (we're on a first name basis) reveals so much that I never knew about the many Christian celebrations that we still observe (or that are at least mentioned in our churches today). She also has so many great suggestions for celebrating the holidays without loosing site of their true meanings or origins all while keeping the focus on Christ and what learn about him through observing special days related to his life or the lives of Christians who have walked before us and left big footprints for us to fill. (The book is currently out of print- so you'll have to find a used one!)

I have to admit, I never knew much about Saint Patrick or why we even had a day on our calendar marked in his honor. What a blessing and what fun to learn about him and great lesson of forgiveness and spreading the gospel at all costs his life exemplifies.

The kids started the day by watching Secret of the Kells while mom woke up. Really fun movie set in Ireland. We then started the fun...

We had green oatmeal while I summarized the story of Patrick and why his life is worth celebrating. He lived in what is now Britian during the Roman Empire. He and his family were Christian. Irish pirates came down regularly and raided the unstable/under protected area. Patrick was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave/prisoner. Many years later he was able to escape and get back to his family. He soon realized he had been among unbelievers in Ireland and had pity upon them. He went back the land of his captors and began to spread the gospel and plant churches. It is believed that he used the shamrocks growing wildly in the area to illustrate the Trinity (three complete parts making one hole). Wilson interjected here that you could also use poison ivy for the illustration. Yes this holiday would look completely different if its origins were in the Southern United States!!

We spent the rest of the day focusing on clover and the great reminder it is for us of the loving triune God we serve.

We painted empty paper towel and toilet paper tubes green, cut them into strips, and then made clover to hang on our banister garland.

We picked clover from our backyard to put in the center of our table for dinner- beef stew and a very green pistachio cake, yum.

Of course, the kids were much more interested in this guy that hitched a ride in on the dirt clods in the clover bucket.

Biology lesson of the day- if you live in a clover patch, and you eat a clover patch, you have very St. Patrick's Day themed poo. Wilson learned this the hard way- but was rolling on the floor laughing when he saw that his souvenir from Patrick the Grub was EXACTLY the same color as the clover they'd been stuffing in the vase!

The kids took an afternoon break and decided to watch Pirates of the Caribbean. Well, there were pirates in the story of Patrick. Right. Right!?

Then we had a yummy snack. Clover pretzels. We dipped mini twists into some green colored white chocolate and put them together in threes.

Happy Saint Patty's, Y'all!

The Tooth Pulling Machine

2011-03-20T00:18:00.001-05:00

That was the title of this picture when Phil texted it to me one night last week. Wilson lost two teeth in two days- and pulled them both himself. The second was actually a successful execution of the old tying a string to a door knob and attaching the other end to the tooth trick. Neither Phil nor I had ever seen that really work- but it did!!

As my mom says- he now looks like a real six year old!!

I have to add that the tooth fairy is really starting to show her age. She made it to his room for the first tooth, but was apparently just too tired to make it back the next night. Seriously!? What does it take to get good service these days!

our adventure

2011-03-15T22:46:00.001-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Preview Party at the Science Museum

2011-03-01T17:38:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago our family went to the preview party for the new temporary butterfly exhibit at our Natural Science Museum. It is a really great exhibit with lots of interactive displays.

My very hungry caterpillars in their cocoons.

Wilson with one of the butterflies that landed on him!

One of the many gators

Funny story from the trip. The portion of the exhibit with live butterflies is in the indoor swamp area of the museum. For those of you not familiar with the museum, this is a glassed in room with with a huge aquarium that is about 5 ft. tall and full of alligators, turtles, and fish. The room is connected to the rest of the museum, but separated by doors that stay closed I'm sure for climate control purposes. So for now, there are also butterflies flitting through this room with stands of orange halves for them to munch on. There were guides at the door telling us to watch where we step because the butterflies were also all over the ground (which is made out of decking material making it hard to see dark butterflies). No strollers were allowed and we were all tip toeing around with the occasional "WATCH OUT! YOU'RE ABOUT TO STEP ON ONE!" being yelled throughout the building. (Maybe they should have thought twice about having the general public mingling with their precious endangered bugs...) So anyway, Phil is carefully watching the alligators in the tank and notices that a butterfly has landed on one of the logs floating in the swamp. He then sees a pair of gator eyes floating towards the log. Then the eyes rise up out of the water and are trained on the butterfly. And SNAP the butterfly is GONE! Who knew- next to human feet, an alligator is a butterfly's most dangerous predator!!

I'm thinking that there wasn't a lot of consideration for the circle of life in designing this portion of the exhibit.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T17:29:00.002-06:00

Garland on our stairs made from pine cones, leaves, white paint, glitter, valentines left over from what the kids took to school, and some heart Christmas ornaments.

You STILL Don't know when she'll be home?

2011-02-09T15:46:00.001-06:00

Nope. Our best guess is still late May early June. But it could be March or September.

What is taking so long? We'll the short answer is it's in God's time- He's big, we're peons and this is really just a blink of an eye in the scheme of eternity. The official answer is we've completed everything on the US side and now it's in Korea's hands. "Overseas process includes Holt [Korea] staff presenting your home study and acceptance papers to the Ministry of Health and Welfare to obtain an Emigration Permit (EP) for the child. Once EP is issued, you will be notified. Also needed, but Holt Eugene is not always notified when completed: blood testing, Visa Physical, Travel certificate (passport), and Holt Korea sets up a Visa interview (our local USCIS office send the I600 approval to Seoul)". We are currently in the first half of that quote- waiting for her to be submitted for her EP. If you click the Adoption Timeline tab at the top of the blog and scroll to the bottom of that page you'll see a copy of the "task list" we were given by Holt. The above was taken from that list. It's also encouraging to look at this list and see how far we've come in such a short time! We've only been at this for a little over 6 months which is really a good time frame if you roam around and look at other adoption blogs.

I haven't seen anything new about your adoption on the blog? Well, there's just not a lot new going on and there won't be for a while, probably. The next thing you'll see me shouting from the blog rooftop is that we've been notified that Eliza Grace has been submitted for her emigration permit. That will narrow down our travel time to sometime within six weeks from that date. However, we will not know our exact travel date until we get THE TRAVEL CALL (it's in all caps because it is THE EVENT we've been WAITING FOR the whole TIME!) When we receive THE TRAVEL CALL we will hear she is READY and we can go pick her up as soon as possible. I will drop everything call all of you to see when you can take which child, pack suitcases for me and and all three children(Phil will do his own packing, maybe ;P), call the travel agent to get tickets and hotel accommodations set up, and then deposit previously mentioned children and head to to the airport. All of that will happen within a few days of getting THE TRAVEL CALL and will probably be pretty fast.

Until then, there's just not a lot to be said about the adoption. We should get an update on her in March and every other month after that until we get her. Hopefully pictures will accompany each of those updates. And I'll definitely share them here!

There are however a few things that I've been able to do:

Put together another care package. Our good friends the O'mara's are waiting for THE TRAVEL CALL for their little girl any day now. They graciously offered us a precious corner of their suitcase to send a few more things to Eliza Grace. They'll deliver them to Holt Korea while they are there (and no (because I know you're asking!) they will not get to meet Eliza Grace :( they will drop our care package off at Holt and Holt will contact our foster family to let them know it's there.) In this package we sent a felt barn with a stuffed cow and pig, a teething toy, baby soap, a new photo album with pictures from her birthday party, a few hair bows, and a little toy phone that plays a recording of us saying our names and that we love her. This time I also stuck a couple of happies in for the foster parents. They are from Smart Mom. We gave mom a copper Teething Bling necklace (that I had a hard time parting with) and dad a Babe Magnet tie. The necklace is a rubberish disk that looks like stone. They are so unbelievably gorgeous but completely made for your baby to grab and gnaw away on. The tie has a squeaker and rattle hidden inside. As I told the dad in the enclosed letter, I don't know how comfortable it would be to have a baby jerking on your tie- but maybe it will bring a laugh! He is very attached to Eliza Grace and takes her walking every afternoon when he gets home from work I wanted him to have something for the two of them to play with.

The next thing I've done is fix a little nursery nook for baby girl. She'll be sharing a room with her big sister. As I've gotten the layout of their room all fixed there just wasn't a good spot to put the rocker. I also wanted to have somewhere to go away from everything to rock in the middle of the night, or the middle of the day, or whenever she'll let me rock her. So, I deconstructed the crib skirt and bumpers we used with Wilson and Miller and made over the dormer at the top of the stairs that is between the girls's room and Wilson's room. It's so cute and cozy (I've just got to get the artwork hung!). I hung their mobile from the ceiling and added Phil's baby quilt on the chair. Miller is loving it and can regularly be found in the chair with a pile of books. She also asked to be rocked for the first time in a long time the other night. She fell right to sleep- it was awesome!!

So what's going on Eliza Grace's bed? Well every summer our church has a fantastic toy exchange. So this summer I bought two sets of bedding (one to match Wilson's room and one to match Miller's room) for a grand total of $20!! Now that we know which one we'll be using, I'll resell the boy set this summer. I just couldn't part with what the first two used yet, though, so I had some fun with the seam ripper and the singer.

Well now you're all caught up on your burning questions! Happy Snow Day!!

Budding Artist

2011-02-02T18:17:00.001-06:00

As most of you know I like to do a little painting. Art and crafting has been an outlet as long as I can remember. It's so fun to watch my kiddos enjoy the same. Wilson in particular is really enjoying drawing lately (something his mamma definitely does NOT enjoy and has never had the patience to work at). But it suites him to a tee. Below are a few of my favorites from the past few months.

One of his first family portraits. It was before we knew Eliza Grace, so he'll have to do another soon. Phil is still dealing with the fact that he is portrayed as a brunette. He still identifies himself as a blond. I won't push it- my driver's license still says I weigh 100 pounds :)

This one is from sometime during Christmas break- I think my favorite part is the sleigh.

This was such a surprise- he came up with all by himself. Miller was sick and he wanted to cheer her up. He asked for a piece of card stock and the bucket of craft stuff- Voila- Rudolf!

A Dragon

Under the sea- LOVE this one. He got a drawing book from the library and sat down and did the WHOLE thing one afternoon. I was completely amazed when he appeared with this whole little sea colony. I was also amazed at how well each little critter turned out. He refuses to draw with a pencil- only a pen or crayon. What a guy!

Update on our Baby Girl

2011-01-28T22:32:00.001-06:00

We were headed out the door for dinner when this:

came in my email inbox! I've been waiting for this picture since we mailed her her birthday happies.

The first part of the email was the results from her 1 year MRI. We knew that she had it last Friday and that they'd have the results Wednesday. I was really hoping we'd get the good news before the weekend. And we did. Everything was completely normal- no need for further monitoring. Most of you know Eliza Grace is considered "special needs". She was born about 5 few weeks premature. Amazingly, she only spent 5 days in the hospital after she was born and has been with her foster family ever since. As part of the screening for orphans she was given a neurosonogram. This is a very common practice in Korea- Korean adoptive parents insist that this test be run. Most brains, however, are not completely developed at the time that this test is run. EG's had something that didn't look "perfect" so they did an MRI at 6mos which also didn't look perfect. So they scheduled a follow up MRI for 1 year. Because all of these tests have been a matter of formality (as opposed to being in response to any abnormal symptoms) we weren't really all that concerned about this test, but it's always good to know that everything is looking good.

The added bonus is that we got another picture of our girl. This time with her care package that we sent for her birthday! I'm so glad to know that she got it. I doubt it made it there by her exact first birthday and the babies stop going to the doctor once a month after their first birthday. I was concerned she might not get back to Holt until her next well baby check in March. I can not believe how big she looks!!Miller was really impressed too- "look how big she gotten!" She then pats her on the head through the computer screen and tells her we're coming to get her. And I love her little hair sticking up out of her bow. So ready to meet her.

We love you Eliza Grace!!

The Girls' Birthday Parties

2011-01-27T14:41:00.001-06:00

Before the month gets completely away from me- I need to post about our girls' birthday parties. I think this is actually the third post covering Miller's birthday. From taking a cookie cake to school, celebrating the actual day and then having a party with her friends, the celebrating has definitely gotten spread out!
We'll start with Eliza Grace's party because it was first. Her first birthday was on the 10th. She had phone calls from a couple of her great grandparents (I was completely impressed that they remembered her special day- so sweet) to start the day off and then as a family we went out to eat and opened her birthday presents.

We went to one of our favorite Asian places- sadly there's not a purely Korean place around, but this is pretty close. Our server was so confused when he was taking our drink orders. He was trying to concentrate on us, but his eye kept wandering to the picture of Eliza Grace with a 1st birthday hat strapped to it! I explained that we were celebrating our daughter's birthday but that she wasn't home yet. I think he got it, but then all the staff thought she was Chinese- and were completely confused when I said she was from Seoul! She'll be here for her next birthday- we'll let her do all the talking!

In Korea the first birthday party is called the Dol and it is a BIG deal. Here's a fun website to browse- check out the check list for your dol. Let's just say, we missed a few things! One fun part of the Dol is the doljabi. This is a game where the baby is place in front of a group of toy objects that represent things in her future. The party guests watch as the baby crawls to and grabs something of interest. The first things the baby grabs are supposedly the most significant- or will be their career.

We did a version of this. Obviously Eliza Grace wasn't here to choose so I printed a few cards with some icons on them folded them up, put them in a bag, and Wilson and Miller got to choose- blindly. Miller chose an abacus and Wilson chose a crown. So we'll have a royal accountant! (the other options were a computer, drafting table, microphone, black board, and paint- mostly things from our family members' occupations)

Her birthday presents- before and after. The books and bunny were from us. I bought the Little Miss Spider book last spring. The Lord had just begun to work in our hearts about this adoption journey when I pulled this off the shelf at a local store. In it Little Miss Spider gets separated from her mom after her egg hatches. An older bug helps her as she searches and keeps her safe from danger. In the end she decides that a mother is not someone that looks just like you, but the one that loves you best. I bought the book right then and there- just in case these whispers in my heart ever came to be. Her brother drew her the picture and Granna got her the baby doll. Her Aunt Ashley got her the car- it was a set of two. We sent one in her care package and kept one to have when we get her.

At the end of the week it was FINALLY time for Miller to celebrate with her friends. This was quite the wait for a three year old. She new she was having a party at the church with the jumpy and her friends and asked everyday between her real birthday and the party day if TODAY was the day for the jumpy (eight days- in case you were wondering!) She had a great party. All she really requested were cupcakes- so the church and jumpy were just icing on the, well, cupcakes! The highlight was that the tube from the jumpy to the blower kept coming detached. Most kids were traumatized, but Miller who knows no fear thinks it's hilarious and is still talking about "da jumpy fell down!" with a huge smile on her face!

Pirate cupcakes for the boys

Princess cupcakes for the girls

The initial spontaneous jumpy deflation

Unca John getting schooled in the finer points of princess beauty products

Big Adoption Week . . .

2011-01-14T20:46:00.006-06:00

We've gotten several fun adoption related emails, FedExes and phone calls this week. Since Eliza Grace was one on Monday, she had what's called her 2nd physical exam. It's basically her monthly check up, but because she's a year old now they consider this to be an "official update" for her pediatrician here. She'll also only be going to the doctor every other month now. She's about 30 " tall (50%) and 21.5 pounds (also 50%), saying Mamma, Daddy, and food and has four teeth. She plays pat a cake, waves goodbye, imitates other's behavior, and plays ball. This is a very standard form, so there's not a lot of insight into her personality, but it's always great to see that she's growing and developing!

Earlier this week we received a receipt for some of our immigration paperwork from the Department of Homeland Security and it had our address listed in the wrong state. So, I called to make the correction. While I was on the phone with the officer she let me know that our I600 had been approved! I absolutely can't believe it- it took less than a month even with all the holidays! So we are officially done with US paperwork, now we wait for South Korea to do all of their processing. I'm still saying it'll be this summer before we get her, but with all that's happened maybe we'll get to see her a little sooner. MAYBE. Wilson was so excited when I told him- he is so ready for her to come home. He keeps saying out of the blue "I can't believe they're done with our paperwork and that we might get her before the summer!" Love that boy!

Then when I didn't think things could get better- we got new pictures of our girl today! She's gotten enough hair that they've put a teeny tiny bow in in some of the pictures. It also looks like "grace" is not only her middle name, but a goal to shoot for. She's got a bit of a bruise on her eye and forehead. Being a toddler is hard work!

Congrats, congrats, congrats!!

2011-01-12T00:06:00.005-06:00

There have been LOTS of Seoul babies submitted for their Emigration Permits in the last week. I am SOOOO EXCITED to say that one of those babies is the daughter of our dear friends Amy & Patrick. They have been on this roller coaster entirely too long, but have remained mindful that the ticket for the ride was issued by the One who knew exactly when they would cross the finish line the entire time. What a great example to the rest of us twiddling our thumbs. We can't wait to meet Evelyn in person- 6 weeks and counting!! I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight.

CONGRATS, Amy Patrick!!

PS- Amy, It's a good thing the whole "Pandabrella Incident" didn't go on our permanent records. We may never have gotten these babies home!

Happy First Birthday, Eliza Grace!

2011-01-09T23:35:00.006-06:00

Tomorrow (in central MS) it will be Eliza Grace's first birthday. In Seoul the day is half way over, so I'll post now as she is on my heart and mind.

When we started this processes we had no idea where our third child was. If that child was a boy or girl, whether she was in our country or one far away. If he was a baby or a child. The Lord quickly led us to Korea and as we began wading through the specifics of that country it became a home away from home that we'd never even been too. Our child was there (or soon would be). We were encouraged by the fact that children were eligible for international adoption at an early age, the process moves fairly quickly, and that we'd likely have our child before they were a year old. I never dreamed I'd be going to bed the night before my baby's first birthday with an empty bed upstairs. It's so strange to miss someone you've never met!

As I look back over her first year I don't have the memories that I do with our first two. I have a calendar date of when she met her milestones, but no memories of clapping and jumping around like an idiot when she first smiled or sat up. I viewed her first steps in a photograph where she grinned and eagerly walked between her foster mother and social worker. The reality of what it's going to be like to pull her away from these trusted and loved people is really starting to sink in. Honestly, we're a little nervous about the transition.

I do have one thing from her first year that is a true gift. We know exactly what we were doing and where we were when she was born. She was born on the evening January 10th (very early in the morning here in the states). Normally I would not have been awake at the horrid hour of 4 or 5:00 in the morning. But on January 10, 2010 Phil and I were in Disney World, on bus, preparing for him to run his first marathon (he got to have the pain with this birth!). I love how the Lord works out the little details- I love that we had such a memorable day on her birthday.

Weather permitting (we're being iced in as I type for those of you who are not local), we're planning on having a little dol (Korean first birthday party) tomorrow night complete with a few little gifts for when she gets here. But I thought I give her something tonight. Actually its a regift. Something Phil gave me years ago. Long before we were married. We were actually juniors in high school.

It was around this same time of year and my granddaddy had just died. My grandparents lived in Greenwood and my family had gone up the day before the funeral. Phil and my best buddy, Lauren, came up for the funeral. I was heart broken and desperate to return to school so I wouldn't miss a day and have to talk about why I'd been gone and then fall apart at school. So, I said goodbye to my family, rode home with Phil and Lauren, and spent the night with Lauren's family. We were driving down the two lane highway, my head was leaning against the cold glass, tears were streaming down my face, it was starting to get dark.

Now would be a good time to let those of you who don't know Phil know that he is a sky/space/weather nerd. I mean that in a GREAT way. He is completely amazed by it all- the handiwork of our Father. As a kid he saved money to go back to space camp- he loved it that much. If your ever with him during a good lightning storm- get ready. Each bolt is like the first one he's ever seen- I LOVE IT! If there's bad weather, he's picked up right where my mom left off and I never have to remember to go the store or get away from the windows. He knows what all those weather maps mean. I'm in awe of how this trait was etched in him from the beginning of time- long before we met, long before we married, long before we knew about Eliza Grace. Back to the story.

So as the cotton fields are flashing by in the twilight, Phil takes a hand off the steering wheel and pats me on the leg. He looks into the sky. "Look, he's smiling back at you. . ." I looked up and the only portion of the moon visible was a tiny sliver at the bottom. A small smile- very similar to the one often seen on Granddaddy's face. And that was quite possibly the best gift I've ever received. I have a regular reminder of my granddad (the only one that is no longer with us). I don't necessarily notice each lunar cycle, but each time I do I smile and say a little hello to him.

What in the world does this have to do with Eliza Grace?

The moon is the little smile right now. I noticed it last night as I was loading groceries after fighting the "a snowflake is going to fall from the sky" Kroger crowd.

I've been reading and thinking about ways to incorporate Eliza Grace's birth mom into our lives. We more than likely will never meet her and we don't know a lot about her. Some people light a candle on mother's day or on the child's birthday. But that just doesn't really fit us. Some people write letters and draw pictures and either keep them or send a copy to the agency in case the birth mother ever expresses and interest in the child. I love that idea, but don't want it to be forced and Eliza Grace may not want to do that. I love that the moon is smiling on her first birthday. We now have this to remind us of the wonderful day she came into the world. We can now look at the moon smiling at us and know that it is also smiling on her birth mom. It can serve as a spring board for conversations throughout the year. We'll notice it when we notice it and talk about her when we feel like. I can write what's on my heart all day long, but I'm not so good at talking about important things- or bringing them up. God has known this from the beginning. He knew it the day he made the moon. He created Phil to be small child that was in love with His sky. He pushed Phil's desk next to mine in Algebra in the 8th grade. He hung the smiley moon in the sky on the day of my grandfather's funeral. And brought it back out on my 3rd child's 1st birthday to provide me an eternal opportunity to talk to my daughter about her history! Wow.

So, I know this has been long and there are very few pictures (not something I particularly care for) but I wanted it all down for our family. Stay tuned for pictures from our family's celebration of her big day and hopefully some of her- we should be getting an update soon. In the mean time Google 'Korean Dol'- these parties are insane- it will more than make up for my lack of pictures.

Happy, happy, first birthday, Baby Girl! I'm smiling at you, too!!

(no it's not the actually moon outside right now, a google image will have to do, have you seen the ice out there!?)

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2011-01-09T17:06:00.002-06:00

Happy 3rd Birthday, Miller!

2011-01-08T10:22:00.003-06:00

Well, this is you as a 3 year old! Hard to believe that this is how Wilson was when you were born. He seemed like such a big kid and I still think of you as my baby. I think if I had to sum you up in one word it would be spunky. You are contagiously silly and if you get tickled, bless the black heart in the room that does not get tickled too. Your preschool teachers are smitten with you and say they love it when you start laughing. You are very expressive and we love the drama on your face when you get excited- it's too cute! You are also quite head strong and know exactly what you want. For example- your attire. We have been having some pretty big wardrobe wars lately. Not that we disagree on styles, but that I prefer you get dressed and you'd rather just wear a t-shirt and panties! You enjoyed this outfit quite a bit during the holidays, but when it was time to go back to school- wow. It was not fun convincing you that you had to put pants on. (and no a dress is not what you want either- everyone suggests that, like I haven't thought of that :) So we have finally found a compromise. You wear a tshirt and then pick leggings or tights and a tutu to go with it. I have to say your clothing of choice has been much more colorful and much more "you" lately. Of course as soon as we walk in the door from anywhere the tights and tutu are left on the floor by the back door and you are back to the pantsless wonder that we all love! But the battle is over at least until bedtime. I just can't let a little person go to bed in a short sleeve shirt and pull up with no pants when it's below freezing outside. I. Just. Can't.

Soon your little sister Eliza Grace will be home and you have very mixed emotions about that. You proudly show her picture to anyone who'll look and announce, "that's my baby sister". After Christmas we rearranged "your" room to make it "y'all's" room and this brought a whole new realness to this sister thing and you've had a few cross words here and there. You're pretty protective of your things and want to make sure that we know what is yours and what's EG's. But you happily welcome anything new for her and were quite distressed when we mailed her blanket to her. I can't wait for her to get her to see how the two of you do together. (I'll probably be regretting those words soon, I'm sure!) But I know having such a great Big Sister so close by will be priceless for Eliza Grace and I know you're going to play a big role in her transition from her foster family to ours.

Miss Moo, I don't know what we did before you. I know it was a lot less colorful around her, there wasn't quite as much giggling, it was a lot less sticky, and I went months at a time with out saying the word tutu. I had whole tubes of chap stick that did not have the ends gnawed off and no one in this house appreciated my shoes! We love you little girl and love how you've turned us upside down!

These are a few pictures from your birthday morning. You've caught your brother's lego bug, but he doesn't think you're old enough to play with his. So, you got some of your very own. You have had so much fun building and rearranging your new Duplo circus and pet shop. You also got two new books. Goldalicious and Mary Englebreit's collection of Fairy Tales (to go with her Nursery Rhymes & Nursery Tales books you already have). You LOVE it and we have read most of them already! It was your favorite gift you said (that was before you got tutus and pretend cupcakes from Granna & Pat Pat!). You had a great day and were much loved on! Thanks to everyone for making it such a special day for our Miller!

Merry Christmas From the Ethridges

2011-01-06T22:34:00.002-06:00

So, this Christmas season got a little too hectic to actually get Christmas cards out before the big day. I bought some cards before the big day (but not enough for my whole list) with the intent of going to another store and getting more. I also wanted to wait until we knew for absolute sure that Eliza Grace was ours so that she could be included in the picture. Then two grandparents went in the hospital, a child got the stomach virus, paintings had to be painted, family had to be visited, the other child got the stomach virus, a niece was born, a third birthday is tomorrow . . . well you get the picture. Actually you haven't gotten a picture because I haven't mailed it! So I had to greatly slash the Christmas Card List because for some strange reason Christmas Cards are not for sale in January! So for all of my Blog and Facebook friends here you go:

Welcome Home Baby Ely!

2011-01-06T13:58:00.005-06:00

We are glad to report that baby Eli got to come home yesterday! So we headed straight over to her house to meet her after school today.What a little sweetie! She's teeny tiny and slept the whole time we were there. Which made her perfect for holding!

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Happy Birthday!

2011-01-06T09:37:00.003-06:00

Well the big day isn't really until tomorrow, but Miller took a cookie cake to share with her school friends today. She also needed to wear the birthday hat Granna gave her on her first birthday! This is miss moo with her teacher "miss feather" & her bff Caroline. More to come tomorrow!

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What a girl

2011-01-03T19:02:00.004-06:00

What's more girly than falling asleep in a tutu, on your cupcake quilt, wearing sparkly gold shoes, with a tutu wearing unicorn watching? Gotta love it!

Welcome Ely Marie

2011-01-01T11:48:00.003-06:00

The newest cousin has made her arrival!! Please join us in welcoming our first niece (how cute is she!?).

Ely Marie Hatchett

December 30, 2010 | 12:58 pm

6lbs, 7oz | 19.5"

Miss Ely is the second little girl in our family and is already proving her skills at being a princess in need of the spotlight. She's enjoyed getting everyone's attention by changing colors every now and then. As a result she'll be spending a little extra time in the hospital nursery as the doctors and nurses evaluate her to figure out what's behind all of her little episodes. Personally, I think a sparkly tiara might just be the cure :)

Please join us as we pray for her speedy release from the hospital and for Phil's sweet sister, her husband, and our nephew Matthew as they endure the trials of having a newborn in the hospital.

For updates on little Ely please visit their blog. I've also added a link on my Favorite Blogs page- it's Matthew and Ely.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Thank you, Dad

2010-12-31T22:49:00.005-06:00

With out all the summers spent on vacation, driving across (and up & down) the country, on the back seat of a Buick with only half a suitcase shared with my brother to call my own for two weeks at a time, I never would have been able to fit this:

into this:

This is the care package that we are sending to Eliza Grace! I was a little shocked at shipping costs. But found that if I could get everything into the large (at 12x12x5 not exactly what I would call large) flat rate box from the post office all her goodies could get to her in a little over a week for $55 (MUCH better than $168 with another shipping company!) This box only weighs six pounds for heaven sake!

So, within the walls of 720 cubic inches we squeezed

1 hooded fleece suit
1 one piece long sleeve, long leg play suit
1 three piece (pants, long sleeve t-hirt, hooded jacket) set
1 fleecy blanket (with her name and birthday monogrammed on it- we asked her foster parents if they could put this in her bed with her now and return it with her when we pick her up so that she'd have something familiar as she makes the transition from their home to ours- we'll see what happens- if we don't get it back they'll have a reminder of her and her birthday as they care for the next baby)
2 Minnie Mouse sippy cups
1 container of pineapple puffs
4 mini Eric Carle board books (thank you Chick fil A!)
1 stuffed elephant stacker toy
1 wooden shapes/color puzzle
1 teether/crinkly book
1 pink toy car
1 dolly
pack of 8 washcloths
1 disposable camera (so we can get some candid shots of her during the last months she's with her foster family)
1 book of photos of our family, dog, house, and she & Miller's room
Translated letter to her foster parents expressing our gratitude to them for making the sacrifice to care for our daughter and other orphans as they wait for their families

And here's Dad trying to distract the Pantsless Wonder (aka Miller- she HATES having anything on the bottom half of her body) from the box- she was a little distressed that we were sending all of Baby Sister's things away (sort of sad that her sister's things were leaving, but more sad that those things weren't secretly HER'S)

Thanks to everyone who bought clippies this fall- I think Eliza Grace and the foster babies that follow her will be greatly blessed by this little care package!

Thanks again to Dad. Who knew all that cramming, rolling, and folding t-shirts into 32nds would be such a valuable life skill. Now, I do realize that you could have fit it all into the Flat Envelope. Maybe in my next 32 years I'll be able to attain your level of greatness. Maybe.

Thanks also to Phil's Man Hands- without their unmatched strength and squeezing power the chasm between the box top flaps would never have been closed by a single strip of packing tape!

Room for Two

2010-12-31T14:27:00.003-06:00

Well, it was time too move all the new Christmas goodies upstairs and when I got there I realized I needed to figure out how two girls were going to fit into one already pretty full room. I knew they could- our kids have great rooms, but the prospect was a bit intimidating. So we pulled out the crib and started doing the furniture shuffle. We got a few new shelves at Lowes and an extra coffee table for Eliza Grace to play on (couldn't believe I found one IDENTICAL to the one Miller already had at the same consignment store I bought Miller's at nearly 10 months later!) I also got some white lacquer spray paint for them, but that project will have to wait until after I get my Christmas cards out!

I felt a little silly getting the room ready for Eliza Grace when we are still months away from getting THE CALL. But I'm really glad we did. It has made this a lot more real for Miller and has helped us to see where she is in processing all of this. She's a little confused because Baby Ely (her new cousin) came yesterday and for a while she thought Ely was her sister (she still says Ely's going to live here sometimes.) I think she's beginning to get that Ely is Matthew's baby sister and Eliza Grace is hers. Wednesday I told her Ely would be here the next day- Miller let out a good "NO, I don't like my baby sister!" So, A) Ely is not her sister and B) she's a little more realistic about this than I realized. I've been a little concerned that she thought a baby doll would be moving in. Glad she's aware that Eliza Grace is a real person worthy of some sibling rivalry!

For anyone else adopting (specifically from South Korea) we are loving Ten Days and Nine Nights. It's a great preschool age book about a little girl who's mom leaves to go to Korea to get her new sister. It counts down each day and what all the rest of the family is doing to prepare for the arrival. It also has some great illustrations of what happens on the Korean side.

Miller picked out the little version of the owl pillow that's in her bed for Baby Sister's bed. The Winnie the Pooh was Wilson's and the Lamb was mine. The blanket we'll be sending to Eliza Grace- maybe she'll get to bring it back with her.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T13:35:00.004-06:00

Our Tree

Hung by the chimney with care

Santa came!! Wilson got a bike and a puppy pillow pet

Eliza Grace got all kinds of goodies that I am on my way to mail to her TODAY!

Miller got Princess skates and a hippo pillow pet

Miller showing us her new lip gloss

Smae helping Miller with her skates

Jack showing off his new bunny

Granna gave Wilson a zip line!

And Miller got a grocery cart with a car on the front for her baby doll (Smae had LOTS of fun putting this together ;)

This was a first for me. SNOW . . . FALLING FROM THE SKY . . . ON CHRISTMAS DAY! It's taken 32 years, but my wish came true. Of course it was all of 5 flakes and was over in about 10 minutes and you can't even see it in the pictures, but it was there. Oh it was there!

We had Christmas dinner at our house with my side of our family. The kids helped me make a mini gingerbread house for everyone's plate- they turned out so cute!

Me and two of my three sister in laws- we missed you Lauren!

We had Christmas Eve breakfast at Phil's parents house with all of that side of our family. The kids had some great cousin time- all five were together under one roof, a rare occasion!

Pat Pat and Paw had just gotten back from Hawaii and brought all the boys fun surf board shirts and the girls cute dresses. (That's right I said girlS- Miller is no longer the lone princess in the family. Her new cousin Ely was born yesterday and she'll have a little sister before we know it.) Austin is missing from this picture- there's just too much for a two year old to get in in a day to stop for photo ops. Maybe next year!

Merry Christmas!

Just Can't Get Enough?

2010-12-21T21:16:00.000-06:00

Me neither- here's a few more . . . .

Our Baby's Walking!!

2010-12-21T16:47:00.001-06:00

Just got these new pictures of Eliza Grace (this is the SECOND update that we've gotten since we were matched!!). In this one there is a note from her foster mom and doctor. It reports that she can be strong willed (hmm she and Miller should have a good time!) and that she's doing great health wise, said that she's eating rice porridge and gerber baby food, taking two naps a day and sleeping from 11pm to 7 am and waking once for a bottle. This is a very typical Korean baby schedule- so glad that she's doing so well! We love you, Baby Girl!

My Favorite Picture Yet

2010-12-17T10:47:00.002-06:00

*Update- she has now moved from the page below to the "Matched and Home" page. She's sitting 3 rows above and 2 columns over from her buddy Eveyln who'll be another Mississipi girl in a few months!

This is a screen shot of the Waiting Child List page on Holt's website. That's our little girl right in the middle fuzzed out a bit with "I have a family" printed across. YEA!!

A face to go with a name!!

2010-12-16T16:08:00.001-06:00

Here she is!!!!

a couple of days old

9 months old

I just received a Fed Ex package that contains her birth mother's fingerprint and name. Wow. So amazing to look at that print and name and know that it belongs to someone so connected to us and yet we'll never know her. I don't even know the name of the emotion that belongs to this scenario, but it's a little overwhelming!

Fingerprinting went well this morning, except that I missed a call from Miller's preschool teacher while I was in there saying that she had thrown up at school. Little Moo missed her Christmas party and has thrown up off and on all day :( Which leads us to the following . . .

A few lessons I've learned as the proud driver of a minivan- While visiting my grandmother at the hospital I found that the ridiculously tight parking spots are no problem. Squeeze the van in, open one of the back doors and climb out! When your preschooler throws up in it- there are about 1000 floor mats that will need to be hosed down when you get home. Better than the carpet, though, I guess!!

It's safe to say my head's in the clouds with my youngest child but my feet are on the ground with the other two! There's a lot going on around here!

The Long Version

2010-12-15T22:13:00.002-06:00

So if you want the pertinent information- see the post below. If you want all the details of the last week or so of our lives, pour a cup of coffee, put a movie on for the kids, and continue . . . .

Sometime in September a batch of new babies was added to the waiting child list on Holt's website. Among them was an adorable little girl that caught our eye. Her "special needs" seemed to be things that would be manageable for our family, but there was to be one more test run in January. We had a pediatric neurologist friend of ours take a look at her file. He felt like she was doing pretty good, but would rather wait until the test run in January to commit. We sort of thought it over and just put her file away for the time being.

In the mean time we finished up our home study and we were focusing on the "you might get a referral for a boy from our 'standard' program" call. Then there was the no more emigration permits email and the we're not going to be handing out any more referrals this year email. So we resolved that adoption was sort of on hold until the new year.

In early December a case worker from the waiting child program called to see if we were still interested in the little girl because we never had committed one way or another. I let her know that we were, but we were waiting to see what the January tests found- if that was okay. I also asked if anyone else was ready to go to committee for her. She said no that actually there was only one other family still holding her profile and that she was considering opening her profile back up online (when a child is listed only a certain number of families are allowed to request that child's info- when that number is reached the profile is closed). So I left it with her that we were just going to wait until the new year.

Well, waiting was not what God's plan was (the whole be hot or cold and not lukewarm thing keeps coming to mind.)

A few days later the case worker calls back and says, "I never do this, but I have a child I want to ask you about. I usually don't give referrals when a family has a profile out." She proceeds to tell me about a little boy. I ask if can see his information and she emails it along. I start looking at picture of a precious, precious little boy and begin reading the most heartbreaking story I've read yet in all the profiles we've looked at.

So all of a sudden that baby girl that we'd "back burnered for now" gets brought forward. We're looking at two pictures and reading two profiles. How do you decide between two sets of deep brown eyes staring back at you?

The day after we get the referral we get an update on the little girl. An American occupational therapist had been in Seoul and had volunteered to screen some of the waiting children. She had screened the little girl and everything looked great. She was crawling, pulling up, cruising and saying mama and food. She was right on track with where a 10 month old should be. It was so reassuring to know that the whole screening and report had taken place in one language- we knew nothing had been "lost in translation". We ran these new reports past our ped. neurologist and his words were "I'm so encouraged- this is all great news". He also shared some of our concerns with the little boy's history and some of the holes in his story.

This has been the hardest part of the process. Looking at two babies that NEED a family and saying yes to one and no to another. We talked and prayed and truly began feeling led to the little girl. We looked at worse case scenarios and felt we do not possess the skills needed to parent the worst possibilities with the little boy. I pray that his history has no affect on him and that as I type he's being matched with his parents and forever family.

So, after a couple of days, I call the case worker at Holt and let her know we want to go to committee for the little girl. Now we have to face the reality that the other family interested might be selected as her parents if they too want to go to committee. A day goes by and I haven't heard anything so I email our Holt contact and ask if we'll still have to go to committee if the other family declines. She replies back that they have backed out and we do not have to go to committee! She will review the answers to a much briefer questionnaire than the last time we did this and she'll have our social worker review the match. Another day or two later she calls back to say "congratulations on your match, your file will be moving from the waiting child program to the Korea program and they'll be sending you your acceptance package."

Happy Dance.

Yesterday I received an email with all of the paperwork needed to officially accept our daughter and to get her legal paperwork rolling in Korea. It took literally all day yesterday to get sorted out, translated from government paper-ese to Magglish, and filled out. This morning was spent at Phil's office signing, initialling, signing, initialling, signing, and getting it notarized, copies made for our records, and putting in an envelope and overnighted back to Holt. It's in Richland right now, just in case you're wondering. Yes, I'll be tracking it every step of the way!

So, we are the proud parents of a baby girl. Her name will be Elizabeth Eun Ethridge. Eun (pronounced yoon) is a part of her Korean name and means Grace. Grace is a name that Phil has thrown in the girl name hat for each child- how fun that that was already her name! Elizabeth is my middle name and my mom and her mom's name- she'll be 4th generation- I can't wait to take that picture! We're still working on exactly what we'll call her. Today I've been practicing with Eliza Grace.

When will we get to bring her home? I'm saying this summer. There is not a lot of rhyme or reason to when you get your travel call so I won't know the exact answer until a few days before we board the plane to go get her. The phase that we're in right now goes pretty quickly and we should have most of the paperwork done on both sides in a month or so. Then it's just a matter of when she gets her emigration permit.

I'll be posting her picture in a couple of days when I know that all of our acceptance package has gotten processed. Stay tuned!

Gotta go to bed- we're being fingerprinted (AGAIN) in the morning. These are the biometric ones for immigration and are digital. No waiting 9 weeks!! Night, night!

For Real This Time!

2010-12-15T20:34:00.002-06:00

Announcing our newest little Seoul!!!

Elizabeth Eun Ethridge

January 10, 2010

6:48pm

5pounds 6ounces - 18 inches

Our Newest Addition!!!

2010-12-11T21:45:00.002-06:00

Well we've had a very big day around here! I've known since we announced that we were adopting that this day would come. Honestly, I can't believe it already has!! We have looked at several pictures, read profiles of a few that are available. It has been a little overwhelming at times, but we finally made a decision and it became official TODAY!

So, without further adieu, I'd like to introduce everyone to our new (to us) . . . .

covered in BLUE . . . . . .

'07 Honda Odyssey!

I can now haul all three kiddos (and their friends) comfortably. It was a little sad to say goodbye to the Accord- I've it had for 10 years and all 130,000 miles! But it was definitely getting a little cramped in there and it was time to move on. The kids are IN LOVE and having a great time climbing all over the place and discovering all the hiding places in it!

On the adoption front, I still feel like I need to wait a few more days to make any BIG reveals, but I will say that yesterday afternoon I got to hear the words "Congratulations on your match" over the phone and we are now anxiously awaiting our acceptance paperwork package to be in our mail box. This evening I got to see something really fun. For some reason, I went back to the waiting child photo listing site (don't know why I thought anything would have changed on a Saturday night). But, to my absolute delight, there was our precious little one's face with the words "I have a family" written across their little picture!! Yes, sweet one, YOU HAVE A FAMILY! And we can't wait for you to get here.

11 months

2010-12-10T20:59:00.000-06:00

Baby Girl, today you are 11 months old! Hard to believe you'll be a year next month. Today was big day for our family. We heard from Holt International that YOU are going to be a part of our family. We will be getting a bunch of paperwork next week that will make it all official. We told your grandparents and Wilson and Miller. Everyone is excited- especially Miller. She looks at your picture and says "there's my baby sister" with the biggest grin on her face. She's planning where your bed will go in the room you'll share and she's even given you a name, Cruella. I wouldn't take that the wrong way- she LOVES the bad guys in movies, it's more a term of endearment. Plus she's not even three yet, I'm sure she'll have forgotten all about it by the time you're both in high school!!

For the first time I'm truly sad about missing out on your first year. Until I held a picture of your little face knowing that you'd be my third child, I just accepted that that was part of inter country adoption. We would miss out on a lot of firsts, but we'd get to hold your hand through many more. But it's finally hitting home that you've been growing and learning for a whole year without your mamma, daddy, and big brother and sister to cheer you on! Miller keeps talking about she's going to take care of you, which warms my heart. But then I realize you're going to get here and be a head strong toddler and probably won't want a whole lot of help from your sister! Please indulge her a little :) Although, I'm thrilled to hear how well you're developing and how "on schedule" you are, there's a little ache that I've missed your first smile, roll, time sitting up, crawl, pull up, and cruise. To have been born a few weeks too early- you have accomplished A LOT in your almost first year. You're making your mamma proud and sad all at the same time. AND I HAVEN'T EVEN MET YOU YET!!

I can't wait to get an update on you and new pictures- I also can't wait to share what we have with the world. I guess I'll just have to, but I'm dying for EVERYONE to see how beautiful you are so they can gush with us!

Happy 11 months! Can't wait so see you and tell you in person.

Teaser

2010-12-08T18:19:00.000-06:00

Well, I can just hardly hold it in much longer. But because, as most of you know, the only thing certain about the adoption process is uncertainty, I'm going to have to. Just wanted everyone to know that the adoption is moving along REALLY WELL and I hope to have some REALLY FUN news & pictures in the next week or so. Please pray for our family!

'Tis the Season!

2010-12-05T23:44:00.001-06:00

The Christmas season is in full swing around here. A few days after Thanksgiving we went to see Santa. It was so much fun this year- neither child was the least bit apprehensive. They climbed right up and when Santa asked what they wanted Wilson told him an 18" bike and Miller said skates. Guess I should be hoping for one of our world famous balmy Mississippi Christmas mornings because if the Big Guy comes through- we'll be spending the day outside!

We've gone to a local paint it your way place and made our traditional hand print ornaments. This year was a little different, though. Wilson decided he did not want to do the ball with his hand print, so he selected a mitten shaped ornament to free paint. He ended up stamping his hand in the mitten on the back, but it went completely over all of the edges. My baby maybe too big for a hand print next year!

Friday night my dad took the kids to the annual Singing Christmas Tree while Phil and I went out to eat. This is such a fun tradition- the choir from a local college scales a set a of risers that form the shape of a Christmas Tree outdoors on the soccer fields. Everyone brings blankets and chairs and spreads out to take in the show. If it's actually cold you bring hot chocolate to keep warm while you listen. This year it was very pleasant so the plan was to have hot chocolate at my parents when we all got back. Well, little Miller fell asleep on the way back and we had to go straight home. Wilson was most disappointed about missing his snack at Granna's, but we soothed things over with the sight of a Christmas tree tied to the top of our car when we went out to load up! We got the lights on that night and Wilson drank some warm chocolate while he watched me.

Saturday Phil's dad took us all to the Nutcracker. This was a first for both kids and they loved it! Not too long into the show Miller announced that she wanted Santa to bring THOSE shoes to her for Christmas (ballet toe shoes). She was in heaven and twirled and danced in front of her chair a good bit. Wilson leaned over about 5 minutes into it and said "Mom, I think they're telling a story." I have such a cultured 6 year old!

Hope your start to the Christmas season has been as fun as ours has!

Mississippi Fall

2010-11-28T14:52:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving week in the park

Thanksgiving morning- wearing next to nothing (because it was in the 80's)- sitting on the deck coloring turkeys

Morning after Thanksgiving- sitting by the fire (because it was in the 30's)-wearing sunglasses "so the fire won't burn my face" with Blah Blah

New Family Hobby

2010-11-28T14:43:00.002-06:00

The Ethridge family has begun a new hobby. "Treasure hunting" if you ask Miller or Wilson- better known as Geocaching to the rest of the world. It has been a great way to spend a few hours outside on the weekends. Here are few pictures of Wilson at our first find. He traded a mini etch a sketch for the cool red car that was left in this cache.

Removing the hidden cache from a tree trunk

Miller "flying a kite" while everyone else hunted for the cache. A piece of caution tape hung in a tree- she's a clever one!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T09:25:00.002-06:00

Instructions for Thanksgiving Dinner From "Marney"!

Wow- I'm now a little unsure of what I should put my squash casserole in for our family's dinner!! Guess I'll put the large blue dish back- wonder if I even have a "regulation size" casserole dish.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Another Big Day!

2010-11-21T00:28:00.000-06:00

Sadly, no pictures to commemorate any of it, though.

Wilson lost his 2nd tooth- and pulled this one himself!

I got a HUGE chunk of Christmas shopping completed!

We got a letter from Holt saying that our Home Study is officially approved and was mailed to Korea on the 19th! Wow- our names are on their way to our sweet little one's birth country. I definitely feel one step closer today!

Happy Birthday, Phil!

2010-11-17T21:00:00.001-06:00

This is a belated Happy 32nd Birthday blog wish to my sweet husband. The big day was actually yesterday- and I hope it was great. It started out with Miller telling him what his birthday present was before he opened it while eating breakfast. Then donuts with coworkers, chick fil a at work for lunch, and dinner (Chilis) & a movie (Megamind) with the fam last night

All I can say is "wow" when I look back over what you've accomplished in your 32nd year. Completed your first marathon, knocked a big hole in the wall of the kitchen and learned to hang drywall, made the decision to adopt a third child, and completed a rim to rim hike of the Grand Canyon- just to hit the highlights.

We love you and are so proud of you. Thanks for being our fearless leader!! Hope your 33rd year is as fun filled as teh 32nd was!

Birthday Boy with his "sweet precious"

It's all about the accessories!

2010-11-15T09:07:00.001-06:00

So, why are we celebrating?

2010-11-13T12:01:00.002-06:00

Thursday was a great day- we finally received a draft of our home study. This was an email that we had been promised a lot sooner. The author said she'd write it and send it on to our agency ASAP and that we could just add in that we had clear FBI backgrounds when we got those reports. Instead, she put our file somewhere to wait until the FBI reports got here, many weeks later.

So our home study made it to our agency in time for our case worker there to email me saying, "I got the rough draft, I'll forward on any changes that need to be made, and we've just given the last referral for the rest of the year- but thanks for trying."

Phil called home from work and said, "you know I've been thinking, we should celebrate finally having the home study- let's go out to eat." We decided on Keifer's because even bittersweet news tastes better with a gyro and pita mozz.

I went across the street to get Wilson and we got home and I started putting clean clothes on the kids for our night out. Wilson wanted to know why we were going out to eat. I told him we were celebrating that we had gotten the report that told the people that have our baby that we're not bad guys. And it said that we're such good guys, we'd make a great family for our baby and to please let us come and get them. He got excited and said, "so we can go get them now?" To which I said, "well we're actually going to have to wait awhile before we can get them- it won't be as soon as we thought." "So, why are we celebrating, mom?"

Oh just eat your pitta mozz and stop asking me questions.

That's probably pretty close to what I answered. Because at the time I didn't really have a good answer for why we were celebrating. We had a hastily written document laced with gross grammatical & spelling errors (if I can catch them- it's REALLY bad!) that said we'd make a fit family for a baby. But a wall was being stacked up in front of us that wasn't supposed to be there. We'd been told we'd probably get a referral this year. Now, the emigration permits have all been handed out (so no one else can travel to get their children until next year) so the next logical step is to suspend referrals so there is not a huge back log once the EP's get flowing again in 2011.

Why ARE we celebrating!?

Now FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see- Hebrews 11:1

You are all sons of God through FAITH in Christ Jesus- Galatians 3:26

We live by FAITH, not by sight- 2 Corinthians 5:7

Have FAITH in God . . . if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go through yourself into the sea,' and . . . believes what he says will happen, it will be done for him- Matthew 11:22-23

That Christ may dwell in your hearts through FAITH. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.- Ephesians 3:17-19

We celebrate because we have been blessed by Jesus with the gift of FAITH. And what a gift that that faith can be placed in a God that is all powerful, all present, and all knowing. That that faith does not have to be placed in men with file folders or government stamps. He has called us to bring this baby home and that day will come. There will be trials and troubles and frustrations along the way, but what better way for the Lord to display His power as he bursts through all these walls & mountains that are placed in our way by the enemy and mere men! Shine, Jesus, shine and don't let my frustration with your timing be a hindrance to others!

Well, I feel better. :) I love the image below. It serves as a reminder to me to pray diligently for our child and for the many caregivers they will have before they reach our home. Please join me!

We Passed!

2010-11-11T14:40:00.003-06:00

Our social worker emailed Phil a draft of our home study this afternoon. Hopefully it's also made it's way to our case worker at Holt. The best line is on the last page:

"Mr. and Mrs. Ethridge are recommended and approved to adopt a child of either gender from ages 6 months to 2 years of age. The family is approved for a child with minor to moderate correctable special needs, including but not limited to a child who had complicated birth conditions. They are also approved for a healthy child. It is my pleasure to recommend that Korea place such a child with the Ethridge family of [our home town]."

It is OUR pleasure that this child is a part of our family.

So now, well, we wait. :)

They came, they came, they came!!

2010-11-04T13:46:00.001-05:00

FINALLY!! :)

What a BIG night!

2010-11-03T19:40:00.003-05:00

Phil FINALLY got home from a nine day hiking trip to the Grand Canyon tonight at about 6:30. Less than an hour later he had pulled the first tooth Wilson's ever lost! What a night!

Little sister was close by giving coaching advice. It was too funny!

Bring it on, Tooth Fairy!