Nash & The Tantrums

My sister was just tell me, "you need to blog!"  Finally something to blog about!  Today we received a year progress report on Nash!  He is doing great!  Or as great as you can tell from a one page report.  I was not expecting it so it was a wonderful surprise.  Ok, down to the dets.

• walks without support or one or two steps
• says "No" meaningfully
• says "Umma" or mamma
• displays frequent tantrum behaviors (gulp!)
• turns pages of a book
• puts 3 or more objects in a container
• follows simple errands

The report is from today, he is still weighing in at 23.5 lbs, takes a few naps a day and they say he sleeps through the night.  The last comment states he's an active boy and doing well.  I'm not going to worry about the tantrum behaviors....I've yet to meet a kid who does not occassionally melt-down.  Our social worker hinted that we might also get some additional pics....I'll try not to get the hopes up but will post them if we do!

First Birthday Photo and Update!

We got a few first birthday photos!  He is with our birthday care package we sent.  At one year he weighs 23.5 lbs and is 30.7 inches tall.  I can't get over that hair!   What a wonderful surprise. 

A birthday celebration for Nash in Korea and at Home.

One year ago today (July 6, 2010), halfway around the world, our first baby was born.  I think of Nash everyday, but today on Nash's first birthday, I'm thinking about the birthday celebration his FM might have planned for him.  A Korean birthday celebration known as dol.  The dol celebrations includes prayers, dressing Nash in his ceremonial dress (known as a han-bok), and perhaps participating in a Korean custom known as doljabee.   Oh I hope to see pictures of this oneday.  This ceremony blesses the child for a prosperous future and places objects in front of him for him to choose that would tell Nash's future and what career he might have.  Some items and examples might include a book or paintbrush, which if chosen would represent a scholar, food represents a government official, etc.  I'm sure if hubby was placing objects in front of him he might be pushing the soccer ball towards him.  I know he is surrounded by many who love him and have done everything possible to make this day special for him.  When we meet his FM, I'm going to remember to ask her how they celebrated this day, so I can tell Nash stories when he is older.
At the cabin, we had our little celebration for him, along with the July 4th birthday girls.  And check out the blog next year, for Nash's 2nd birthday, because I might already be planning a roaring party in which ya'll are invited!

Reagan and Julie, both July 4th babies!

Thanks for the cake Auntie Erinn!



I think Nash will fit in perfect with this crazy group!



Its almost July???

For the first the since Nash has entered our lives, time is moving somewhat fast.  I think it might be because its summer, or the fact that for the past week we were on vacation.  So, I've been thinking.  I think I should just be on permanent vacation until we get the travel call!  Oh wait, I'm not rich and famous although it was hard not to feel that way this past week when we were on vacation in Miami on my husband's company dime.  It was a nice break, from the reality of the long wait and all the obsessing that goes along with it.  The week just few by.  It is always fun to re-connect with many of the people we only get to see once a year at the convention.  Here are a few pics from the trip.  

Anyone recognize this Top Chef Judge?!? 

Deep Fried Apple Pie.  Need I say more.

Company awards banquet

Fun with other spouses!

Surprise Update!

Today, we received the best surprise! Our social worker sent us these pictures that were taken YESTERDAY at his 11 month appointment.  I'm just so thankful and hope all the other mommy's waiting will get an update soon too.  

He weighs 22 lbs and is 29 inches tall. 

I also have six teeth!



I'm ready for my close-up!

Happy 11 Months Nash and a first birthday update?

Today is Nash's eleventh month birthday and today we received some promising news about another update in our near future.  We were told that we should automatically receive (meaning this does not count as an official "update request") on/around his first birthday.  So we can keep our last update in the bank for now (and for those of you that really know me, keeping things in the bank is not best strength)!  So, perhaps next month at this time, as a selfish present to us, we might have some new picture to share.  

So people, if that doesn't get you to check back not sure what will?!?!

Kil Sook

I was doing my daily dose of shopping browsing online and came accross this artist.  I just feel in love with her work.  She herself was adopted from Korea and lives in Milwaukee.  I didn't really know this at the time but should have guessed by hear heartfelt and touching portraits of kids.  It was hard to choose just one print but this poem just spoke to me, I can't wait to read it to Nash.  I'm actually crying as I'm typing it (its hard to see so I'll type it out for everyone).


there has always been
a special branch on our family tree
just for you.

family.

no two trees are exactly a like
no two branches grow the same.
by plane.  by train.  by car.
by hope.  by fluke.  by circumstance.
by love.  by promise.  by story.
by memory.  by want.  by choice.

by gratitute.  by dream.
by thank you.  by hug.
by tears.  by smiles.
by miles.  by delivery.
by wait.  by good night.
by the journy.
by the way

its good to be home.



http://www.kilsook.etsy.com/



Distract Me, Please!

Yeesh, where did the week go?  Well, you can't complain when the work week is only 4 days!  The theme of my post today is diversion.  Specifically, diversion from my thoughts about how LONG this dang wait is.  I might have to take down my Lily pie tickler because any day now I think it might say "Waiting 100 years for Nash to come home"   here are some suggested topics I'm glad to discuss vs. this eternity of a wait to bring my Nash home.

1.  Your summer plans.  Mine include going to cabin, finding great places to eat outside around the metro area, an upcoming trip to Miami, Twins games, date-nights, bonfires at my besties house, the farmers market, golf, and taking Butchy for leisurely walks.
2. Your baby must haves.  If you have toddlers, what are your favorites for: traveling in the car, baths, playing outside, etc. 
3. Summer books- I could use some good summer (chick-lit) reads for the beach and lazy cabin days.

Many thanks!