Nash's Room!

This weekend we took a break from watching hoops and worked on Nash's room.   We have a long way to go but we are beginning to see signs and picture our little guy in his special space. 

See?  Lots of room for more stuff!

two stuffed Puggies waiting for hugs and love

ok, currently Nash has to share his closet with my purses

Politics Schmolitics

Why do you have to wait so long to travel?  This is probably the most common question we get when we tell people it might be November or December before we will travel to South Korea to bring Nash home.  Honestly, I’d be thrilled if it was November.  The current time lines they are giving families are you have to wait up to 11 months or maybe longer.  Let’s dissect this statement.  Hmmm, wait up to 11 months, this leaves the possibility that it might be before?  I’m still trying to decide if I’m a glass is “half empty” or “half full” type of gal.  I think it depends on the day.  Today, I’m feeling half empty.  Maybe it’s because I’m now being told it might be a month before we get the promised new pictures of Nash   Hey, I get it.  We are not the only family waiting to get updates, the call to travel, etc.  Currently 96 families alone are waiting to travel (just in our agency in MN).  
Ok, back to the original question.  The reason why we have to wait so long is the Korean Government only issues so many immigration permissions to adoptee children in a given year.  Once a certain quota is met for the year, you have to wait until the next.  I have no idea where we are in the quota line.  Perhaps Brad and Angelina could lobby for us?  Its pathetic, but that’s my best and only idea. 

Happy Birthday Butch!

Today Butch the pug turned 10 years old!  Seems like just yesterday he was a puppy, chewing on my shoes and running away from home.  Ok, so he still does those things but I love him anyways! 

and yes, we are still waiting for our updated picture of Nash......

Update at 8 months!

This week we got our first update on Nash!  It only took 2 weeks to get, they must have known that deep down that was about how long I could only wait before loosing it.  He is doing great.  At his 8 month check-up he is 22 lbs. and 28 inches tall.  We get what is called a “progress report” from the agency in Korea and it tells us one page worth of facts about him.  I’m so thankful that he is healthy and happy, you rock FM.  The report tells us information like his toilet habits, developmental milestones, what he likes to eat.  Currently, his favorite choices include rice cereal, mushed up strawberries, apples and yogurt.  I think he is going to be a “foodie”.  I might be reading between the lines but really, with this information there is only one conclusion.  He is a genius.  (Yes, I might be one of THOSE moms).

Check back because we are getting a new picture...hopefully by the end of this week!   

What's up Cuz?

This blog is officially a family affair.  Nash's younger cousin Nolan (born to my baby sister this past December) wanted to get in on the fun!

Dear Nash,

 

Hi buddy, it's your cousin Nolan.  My mom has told me all about you and I am getting so excited to play together. You are a little older than me, but I am hoping we have the same interest in toys.   Even though we are pretty little, I have big plans for us next summer at the cabin!  Your mom really likes to swim so I know she will spend lots of time with us in the water.  Our dads can take us fishing and my dad will let us keep frogs in our pockets! (shhh, don't tell our moms!)  It's going to be so great having an instant best friend.  Wait till you meet grandma and grandpa...they have so much love in their hearts for us, we are lucky boys!  This summer while I am waiting for you, I will find a great area that we can make a fort, and find out where all the frogs play.  And most importantly I will save you a super spot on the boat next to me.  Until then buddy, eat your veggies and grow big!  We have lots to do together!

 

Love Nolan

 

PS.  Hurry home!

 

 

Road Trip

You know how when you take a long road trip to somewhere you’ve been, you think about the different landmarks along the way to break-up the journey, it makes the trip seem faster for some reason.  I think this is a good analogy for our adoption process.  And currently, it feels like we have not left the city.  We are stuck in traffic, behind some person texting while applying make-up and flossing and… oh wait…focus.  What I’m trying to say is we are trying to break free to the highway so we can speed to the end.

After I posted about how we can request two updates on Nash, it got me thinking.  Most people I’ve talked to told me to space them out and don’t ask too soon because you only get 2 after all.  All of which was very good advice (which I ignored).  I put in for our 1^st update on Nash!  We are not guaranteed that it will include pictures, but we are hoping!  So we are now waiting within the wait, but here’s to our next pit-stop.   Beep, beep.

The Wait- Coping Strategies

While I'm in a letter writing mood...

Dear Mr. UPS Driver,

Thank you for all your prompt and frequent deliveries as of late.  The weather has not been kind to you, nor has our slippery driveway.  I just want you (and my husband) to know that my shopping habits will eventually subside, either when I run out of money or my son's closet will be fully stocked.   I’m still trying to figure out how many snoopy t-shirts, pajama sets, hoodies, cargo pants, jeans, socks, bath toys, books, etc. that a 1.5 year old might need (rhetorical question).  Shopping (a lot like this blog), helps me cope with the wait to bring home my son.  Please don’t judge.  I’m happy to throw my bestie under the bus and say she too has lots of deliveries to her house.  You are officially added to the holiday card list for all your diligent efforts. 

Ah, I see package #KLNM2321111123 was just delivered.  Right on time!

Your loyal customer,

Alli

10,000 adoptees in the land of 10,000 lakes

Wow, I'm so touched at all the support for this blog!  I already have more followers than FB friends.  I thought I would throw out a little information while I still have your attention.   We have received so much support from our family and friends throughout this process.  The adoptive community is huge in Minnesota and for that, I'm so thankful!  Did you know that Minnesota has over 10,000 Korean adoptees, which makes its the highest number per-capita in the world?  Ok, off my soapbox, lets turn to the star of the show.  Our boy Nash.  Many of you have had specific questions about him, here are some of the more frequent ones we've received.
Who does Nash live with? 
He lives with his foster mom (FM) and her family.  He has been with her since almost birth.  We know he is being very spoiled.  The FMs in Korea are angels, guardian angels.  They care for these babies like their own.  Most babies get to sleep on the floor with their mom's and are rarely, if ever apart from them. 
How often do you get updates on him?
This is tough to swallow, still for us.  We only can request two updates because....well.....that's what we were told.  I'm guessing the reason is the agency here, and in Korea don't have the capacity to send monthly updates to the families.  Last time I checked, there were 94 families in our agency alone, waiting to travel to Korea to bring home their babies home. 
When does he get to come home!?
So many unknowns in adoption, and this is the hardest one to tell people, and frankly, to ourselves.  We are being told, that expect to wait up to 11 months.  Our best guess is November or December.  Why so long?   Oh honey, that is another post for another time!  

Kimchi Pizza-An open letter to Nash

Dear Nash,

Today you turned 8 months!  The last picture we have of you, you were only 5 months old.  You must be changing so much.   Last night, Daddy and I checked out a new pizza place that we are sure you will love.  The owner is Korean American and she knows pizza!  As we sat there and ate our Kimchi pizza, I thought about what is going to be like taking you to all our favorite places, as well as discovering which ones will be yours.  Some places I can't wait to take you include the Minnesota Zoo, the Children's Science Museum, the boardwalk in Duluth to look at all the ships and throw rocks in the lake, and the Union Terrance in Madison.  Oh, and I must not forget the cabin!  I can just picture you and Nolan having a great time, exploring the woods, fishing with Uncle Mike, and grandpa taking all of us for boat rides. 

I wonder what your foster mom and family have planned for your today.  Even though most people might not celebrate every month of a birthday, today, especially, my heart is aching to have you home with us.  Daddy and I are planning to paint your room today (green v. blue? we can't decide!).  We love you. 
xoxo,
Mommy and Daddy

Opening Remarks

I've read a lot of blogs.  Especially random, google searches about people who have a blog about "adopting from Korea" blogs.  I feel bad.  Like a stalker.  I will tell you, I love these blogs.  They make me feel like I'm not the only person in the world experiencing this same, unique journey to building a family.  Most of these blogs are about families who have their children home safe, so in a way, I picture my life when finally, Nash is home in our arms.  I look forward to sharing our journey with all (5) of you.   And a special thanks to all those people I "stalked" for not making their blogs private.

Another special thanks and shout-out to Betsy and B.  My fancy-just-get-dance-y buds who convinced me to start this blog.