Well since I decided to update my website I figure I should stay on top of it.  Cole is doing great.  I think he is going to be the class clown when he gets older. He is so funny and loves to make people laugh.  He is such a different child then when he first came home.  At first he was very shy and quiet.  Don't get me wrong he would "talk" but nothing like what he's like now.  He hated to be rocked..he didn't want the closeness to me.  But now that is how I get him to go to sleep for every nap and at night.  We go up in his room and he right away puts his head on my shoulder and is out for the count within a few minutes.  The only thing that we have noticed is ever since he's been home, he's been sick. It started with a cold and then went to an ear infection, then back to a cold and then yet another ear infection.  The second one never really went away and got really bad.  It took 3 different antibiotics to clear it up.  Now I just took him back to the doctor today and he has yet another ear infection. I think it's time to talk about tubes.  Our primary doctor had told us that if he gets another one she would refer us to ears,nose and throat, but we didn't see her today as she wasn't in. So I will have to talk to her about it.  Just is frustrating to see him sick all the time.

Katelyn has adjusted rather well to being a big sister.  She loves to play with Cole and take care of him whenever she can.  A few months ago Mike landed himself in the hospital to have his appendix removed..and Katelyn insisted she would stay home and take care of him. I just couldn't do it so I had my mom come over.  Luckily she was in town.  I trust Katelyn fully but she is only 11 years old and I don't think she's old enough to leave home alone herself yet.  She's doing great in middle school. Just got her report card a few weeks ago and she has a 3.8 grade point average. I am just so proud of her.

Well I should end for now as Cole will be getting up from his nap soon and we need to get to the pharmacy to pick up his prescription.

Til another day!

*Be sure to go to our website and check out of photos section as I have some pictures of the kids there.

I have not posted here forever!!!!  The time has flown by...but I received an email the other day from somone asking if my site was still valid since I haven't posted in such a long time.  I am sooo happy to announce that our son Cole came home on July 25th!!!  What a blessing.  We are so glad to have him here.

I had been talking to my social worker quite a bit the week before we knew that he was coming home.  She was acting somewhat "strange"..meaning she wouldn't answer questions directly, she would make very small comments that just stuck with me.  I just had a feeling that she knew something and wasn't saying.  Well on Friday July 14th, my husband and I were standing in our kitchen talking about this..he was convinced that Cole wasn't coming home until August or September..and didn't really want to talk about it at all.  Just as he said that, the cell phone rang.  I saw that is was our social worker and wondered why she was calling since I wasn't expecting to hear from her until the beginning of the next week.  So I picked up the phone and all I heard on the other end was her saying "Cole is coming home on the 25th"!!  I couldn't believe it!  I actually collapsed and was hyperventilating.  I thought the day would never come! 

July 25th came and we had our parents come to the airport with us.  We got lucky as Cole flew into the city we live in.  We weren't expecting that at all.  Grandparents came here early and we all went out to eat before heading to the airport.  Man what a mistake that was.  My stomach hurt bad as my nerves were just shot.  We left and headed to the airport.  I had my daughter in the car with me, my husband was with his dad and stepmom and then my dad, stepmom and mother-in-law were behind me.  My daughter and I cried all the way there.  We couldn't believe it was really happening.  Got to the airport and my mom wasn't there yet as she was coming right from work.  We tried to wait for her but decided we needed to get up to the gate (they issued gate passes to me, my husband and my daughter).  Good thing we went up right away as we got held up in securty for a while.  Anyhow, we knew that Cole was coming home with another little girl.  So we were looking for the other couple.  Only a few minutes went by when we spotted a woman carrying a pink teddy bear and we just knew that was them.  What wonderful people!!!  We sat and talked for a bit.  Their flights were to arrive at 6:01pm.  Well it was delayed 30minutes...we thought we were going to die having to wait another 30 minutes!!!  Finally we saw the plane coming in.  Gosh the emotions!!!!  My daughter and I immediately started sobbing!!!  As people were getting off the plane, they would come up to us and say "I know you are waiting for one of those babies..they are so sweet and did so well on the plane"...my heart just sunk!!!  I couldn't wait to hold my son for the first time!  One woman came up to me and said "are you waiting for hhe boy or the girl?" I told her I was waiting for the boy  and she responded "oh I got to hold him, he's so sweet".  Of course our kids were the last ones off the plane and as soon as I saw him I just wanted to hold him and love him!!!  I walked up to him and said Hi Cole and then put my arms out to him.  He looked at me and put his arms out for me to take him.  It was such a special moment.  We had prepared ourself for him to be screaming and scared.  But he did none of that!!!!!  He went to daddy next as I talked to the escort (what a wonderful woman) and then he went to his big sister!!!  It was sooo wonderful.  I will never forget that day and those first moments with my son.

We proceeded to then go downstairs where the grandparents were waiting and believe me, there wasn't a dry eye in the house!  He went to every grandparent just fine..no screaming or anything.  He loved my dad.  Gave him a big smile and started "babbling" to him right away.  We were prepared for him to be screaming when we put him in the car seat to get him home but he did great.  Didn't make a peep.  I had him laughing all the way home as I played peek a boo with him.  What an adorable smile he has!!!

The first night wasn't horrible but it was difficult to get him to sleep.  I could hold him and rock him and he would fall asleep, but I couldn't put him down at all.  He would immediately wake up and start screaming.  So finally we got him to stay sleeping with him on my chest and laying on the floor with him.  He did great as he slept until after 9am the next day (I actually had to wake him up)

He came home exactly one week after he turned a year old.  We decided to wait until September to have a party for him with everyone attending.  It was a belated first birthday and welcome home party.  He did wonderful and got to meet extended family as well.

He is now 16 months old and just a blessing.  He is so handsome and very smart!  He loves to help us in any way he can.  And man can he eat!! He's a great eater.  He loves his big sister and they play together all the time.  Just so great that he is finally home with us.

We keep in contact with his escorts that brought him home.  There is a couple that brought he and the little girl that came also from Seoul Korea to Minneapolis.  In Minneapolis they switched escorts and the woman that brought him directly to us...is wonderful!  Cole was the first baby she ever escorted.  She has sent him a baseball hat and we email on a regular basis.  We also stay in contact with the little girls family.  We get together when we can with the kids.  They are so cute together and have a great time playing.  We joke that they will one day get married. 

We feel so blessed to experience adoption and have our son home with us.  We want to thank everyone that was there for us during this time as there were some ups and downs...but it's worth it in the end.  We couldn't have done it without the support of our loved ones!!!  THANK YOU!  I have posted pictures of Cole so be sure to check them out!!!

Til another day!

Well we received a call yesterday from our social worker telling us that she had an update of Cole for us.  It consisted of new information on how he is growing and pictures.  He is soooo big.  He doesn't look like an infant anymore..now looks like a little boy.  He's so darn cute.  He has 6 teeth, is walking and can say Oma (which means mom in Korean)..he likes to mimick sounds and is finally eating some solid foods.  Loves snacks is what the sheet says.  When I was speaking with my social worker yesterday, I said to her "I hope he comes home soon" and she responded with " Oh I think so"...so I might be reading much to into this........but.normally she tells us to keep ourselves occupied and try not to think of it so much.  Find other things to do.   But she was going to call our primary agency today to see if KSS (in Korea) submitted their list of kids for July to receive passports/visas to come home.  There is one other couple that is going through FAC...who received their referral the same day we did........so we are the only 2 couples that my social worker has right now that is going through FAC..so if she is calling them to see if the list was submitted then it must be to see if our son's name is on the list!  I now do feel like we are in the home stretch of everything...just wish I knew when he was coming home!

So...that is our exciting news.  Was good to receive an update on him and see how much he has grown.  Katelyn took a look at him and said "Oh man is he cute!!!!"...It's good to see her so excited about everything.

Our 4th of July was good.  Somewhat uneventful.  We hung out most of the day, grilled out, went to a festival in a neighboring community...and then had a fire that night and lit fireworks.  Katelyn enjoyed the fireworks...then the next day was back to reality..WORK!!!!

Well..am actually home somewhat early today so would like to go and get some things done.  If anything want to be outside! It's a gorgeous day!

Until another day!

Wow..has it been over a month since I last posted?  We have been so busy it's not even funny.  Working 3 jobs right now...Mike is working 2  yet...so we aren't home that much.

Today is officially 4 months since we received our referral of Cole.  No word yet on when he might be coming home.  It seems as though it's typically been average of 6 months from time of referral until they come home..so at least 2  more months for us to go.  I have having a horrible time with that right now.  The last few days have not been good.  I want nothing more than to have my little guy here with me.  The last 4 months went quickly..but the thought of having to wait another 2 just seem unbearable.  But what can I do?  I had a dream last night that Cole was home....when I woke up it seemed so real. 

Katelyn is doing well.  She spent 2 weeks in California recently..had a good time.  I missed her like crazy when she was gone.  Seems as though she grew another few inches while she was out there.  She's only 11 and as tall as I am (and I"m about 5'6")...She is now done with softball for the summer.  Her last game was on Thursday...so I think for the rest of the summer she can chill out.  She had alot going on during the school year and it's nice for her to just relax.

I started working over the summer for a friend of mine in Milwaukee on Mondays and Tuesdays...So I leave Monday morning and spend the night..come home after work on Tuesday.  It's about an hour drive which gets long...but it's just for the summer.  I still work my inventory job..and enjoy it...a bit anxious to get back to school though and work with the students again.

No big plans for us on the fourth.  We went today and purchased some fireworks..we tend to do that every year...Most of our neighbors do it also..so it's like we have our own little fireworks show here on our block.

We did some changes to the house since I last posted.  We got new carpeting in the living room..and painted in there as well.  We have some new furniture, have the basement fixed up into a rec/play area...and Cole's room is done!!!!  All painted, crib up, etc...so we just need him home!

Well...I will try to post sooner than I did this last time

Until another day....................

Seems like forever that I posted anything....so I thought I would do it now while I have a couple spare minutes.  We have been so busy..and trying to stay busy to keep our minds off of when is Cole coming home!  This is so very tough I can't even put it into words.  Knowing that you have a child out there..but you have NO clue when he's going to be home.....

We spoke with our social worker about a week or so ago..who told us there are delays with adopting from Korea right now due to the number of passports that are issued per month.  Now the wait is approximately 7-8 months from time of referral..which puts us at October.  I hope we don't have to wait that long.  We still need to paint his room though and get some small items for him...so maybe its' best..who knows.

Other than that..Katelyn is in full swing with softball and doing well.  They are so competitive this year..very different from last year.  Sometimes it's not enjoyable to watch because they take it way to seriously.  My team that I am on doesn't take it as hard as they do..

Katelyn will be done with school in less than a month.  I finished up work at school on Friday..so now I am working in Milwaukee 2 days a week and then my other job the rest of the week.  So busy busy yet..no time to rest!

Mike is doing great.  He had a birthday on Sunday.  Turned the big 31!!  I surprised him with a professional massage since he had done that for me on Mother's Day.  He LOVED it!  Never thought I would pay another woman to rub my husband down 

Well..of course I should get some stuff done around the house.  I am just so tired and my right knee has been giving me major problems.  I have never had a problem with my knees before..but all of a sudden it has become very painful..especially going up and down the stairs.  Hard to walk some days and I feel like I need a cane...So I just called today for a doctor's appointment.  Will be going in on Friday to see what the issue is.

Until another day

Last week Thursday we got a call from our social worker telling us that there was an update that came on Cole.  We were in shock as all this time we had been told that we probably wouldn't get an update on him..so it was a nice surprise..included were yet another stack of pictures!  He has grown quite a bit and is a big boy.  He will be 10 months on the 18th and he already weighs about 20 pounds!!!  He has started walking with support and has 4 teeth!!  He did get moved to a foster home the end of February..so that is good.  We are just so excited

This wait has become almost unbearable now.  It is really hard not to have him here with us..to hold,rock, hug, etc....just difficult.  Right now it's just pictures that we have.  UGGHHHHHHHH

WE went rummaging this last weekend and got some great items for him..including a high chair, stroller, and a glider for his room. I always wanted one with Katelyn but couldn't afford it at that time.  I have been sitting in it just rocking..basically day dreaming about when he'll come home.  Not soon enough

Softball season is in full swing for Katelyn now.  This is a tough age I think for girls playing sports..they love to socialize and if there's boys around..let's just say they aren't paying attention to the game.

I also joined a softball team.  This should be interesting to say the least!  Hopefully I won't injure myself or make a fool of myself.

Off till another day!

It finally came.  We received our I-600 approval in the mail on Saturday.  This is what we were waiting for...now it's all in Korea's hands.  The next thing we wait for is the phone call telling us that our son is coming home!  We can't wait although we know it will be a few more months before that happens!  Keep us in your thoughts that it will go quickly.  Although there is a hold up on passports being issued in Korea.....ugghhh

We've been busy now that softball has started.  Katelyn has alot of practices and had her first official game on Saturday..so that was fun.  It has been raining here for the last 4 days so her practice last night was cancelled and her game tonight was also cancelled.  I might be joining a softball team also..need more details before I say yes, but it's possible.

Mike and I are getting Cole's room together. We picked out paint and bought that.  I plan on doing 2 different colors in his room. Mike spent part of tonight taping the room so it is ready for me to paint.

We both have been very busy also with work.  Seems like we are never home and when we are it's nice to enjoy some quiet time together.  We dont' get alot of that anymore.

Well..off to spend time with Katelyn before she has to go to bed.  She is growing up so fast and want to cherish every moment with her that I can.  We had sixth grade orientation last week.  That was scary!  I can't believe that she is going to be in middle school.  How time flies!  I wish it would slow down some.  Next thing you know she will be off to college!

Until another day!

Well..the day is here...I turn 33 today!!  YIKES....How did that sneak up on me??  Oh well..can't stop it or change it so might as well deal with it.  Had to take Mike to the airport this morning.  He is off to South Carolina for work and will be home Saturday evening.  So he's gone for my birthday.  That's OK...After work I am going out with a couple of friends...so that will be good.  Supposed to be a nice day (around 74)..so we plan on sitting outside at a bar and ordering food as well.  Helps to have something in your stomach to absorb the alcohol.

Katelyn is sleeping yet...I have to wake her in a bit as we have to take 2 of the dogs to the vet this morning for routine check up..and she insisted yesterday that she wanted to come with me.

I saw that one of our adoption agencies tried to call me yesterday..but didn't leave a message...so I called back..and left a message for them.  I don't know what it's about but should find out today.  Kinda makes me wonder.

Busy with the rest of the week as usual.  Going to Milwaukee tomorrow to see one of my friends and have her groom Maebel (the dog).  She is sooo ugly right now (my dog that is!) and desperately needs the grooming.  Saturday I will be going back that way again to eat dinner at my dad's house as he is leaving for Tiajuana Sunday morning for work.  Sunday so far I have no plans and would like to keep it that way...as next week is going to be torture!  I work Monday through Saturday at the second job..and then my regular job as usual..plus there are softball practices etc..to attend..

Katelyn did great at softball practice last night.  They practiced some batting and man she smacked them~ I am very proud of her and hope she has a great season!

Well I'm off to try to wake Katleyn up (we'll see how it goes) and get the dogs to the vet.  Till another day!

Well, we had our rummage sale this weekend...went rather well actually.  Ended up with $521 total for the 2 days!  My dad had brought over a bunch of power tools and those went right away!!! So it was good. Got to meet alot of people so went well.  I am beat now.

This next week Katelyn is on spring break..so will be nice for her.  Busy week for me with work..except luckily I have Good Friday off ...so I will be making a trip to Milwaukee so one of my dogs can get groomed by a good friend of mine. 

Nothing new on the adoption front..just waiting for I-600 approval from CIS..hopefully that won't take too long.

Although this is short..gotta get to bed soon..I"M EXHAUSTED!!

Till another day.

We just received a letter in the mail yesterday from the state of WI that we have met our pre-adoption requirements and everything (including Cole's legal papers) have been forwarded on to CIS...so now we're just waiting for our I-600 approval.  (which means that our petition for his visa has been approved)...so that's exciting!!  The ball is rolling along!  I just can't wait.  The days have been going by quickly..with me working 2 jobs..I just can't believe that it's April already.  But then I think..oh July is so far away!!  UUGGHHH....We don't know for sure that he will come home in July..but that would be the earliest.  This is so hard to sit and wait knowing that you have this beautiful child waiting to come home.  I just can't wait until I get that phone call...one day it will come.  It's tough too cuz we dont' get any further updates or pictures unless something changes..so basically no news is good news. 

I am actually off from my second job today and tomorrow...will work Friday and Saturday though.. I just don't know what to do with myself this morning...not usual for me to be at home.

We rearranged the living room yesterday.  Got rid of our big entertainment center..as it just was taking up too much room in the living room..and man that thing could collect dust.  So we have a smaller TV stand which our TV fits on (Mike's 36 inch TV)...and put it on the opposite side of the room it was on.  So ..it's going to take a bit for me to get used to..but it does open up the room a bit more.

I got a call last night from a softball coach telling me Katelyn was picked to be on his team...I was confused as I got a call on Saturday after tryouts from a different coach telling me Katelyn was on his team.  So..some phone calls were made and she was apparantly drafted twice...so she is now on the second coaches' team that called me yesterday.  We are waiting to hear when practice is. 

Well...should enjoy the day until I go to work and get some stuff done....now that I have the time.

Till another day!