Until Someday

THANK YOU.

2010-12-14T05:31:00.000-08:00

It's been a long journey. While I wrote this for our son, I kept it public because I hoped it helped those thinking about adoption, in process for adoption or those families navigating through the first year as a family. I have read many adoption blogs. I remember logging on to read about the referral days and imagining that one day that would be us, and yet that day sometimes seemed so very far away. Then I logged on to read about the families traveling to their children and being united on their Gotcha Days. I imagined that one day that would be us, and yet again that day sometimes seemed so very far away. I logged on to read about the first days home, the grieving, the sleeping, the eventual bonding and shed some tears watching all these families grow through the miracle of adoption. I may not have commented much, but I read and I have learned, and I will continue to follow many of you.
The past few years has taught me so much. One of the most important lessons in our quest to make another child ours, is that neither of our children actually belong to us. They are their own person. It's our job to help these little people grow to be strong, safe, secure, confident, loved and independent enough to pursue their dreams. If the day comes that our son decides it is a dream to find his birth family, I pray that we as parents feel confident enough, and strong enough, to support that dream.
The adoption journey does not end with finalization. It is a way of life. Our son may have questions, and insecurities that our daughter will not face. We have made a promise that we will always do our best and always love our son. And like most parents (adoptive and biological) I pray we don't screw it up.

I knew this blog would end one day. Two blogs and two kids are a lot to maintain. I have decided to merge both my children's blogs into one family blog. I hate to say goodbye, as I know the disappointment I have felt, when the families I followed have abruptly come to an end. If you would like an invite (my future blog will be private) please e-mail me at mdev57 @ hotmail dot com (subject blog invite) or leave your e-mail in the comments.
If you are reading because you are struggling with building your family, I hope you come to peace with your struggles. I also hope you find the family and the happiness you dream of having one day.

For now I say goodbye and thank you for reading, sharing, and celebrating with us. I am ending with a little Robert Frost. Yes, I am well aware that this is a little over the top dramatic. I am simply ending a blog, not winning an Oscar... but it's a beautiful poem with a beautiful sentiment, and well... it's my blog so I'll end it anyway I choose.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
~Robert Frost

WHAT HAPPENED TO NOVEMBER?

2010-12-13T07:59:00.000-08:00

November is National Adoption Month, Prematurity Awareness Month and Thanksgiving. All the things that built our family, ending in a day designated for giving thanks. Perfect. In the past I celebrated and mourned this month. Celebrated our son, our daughter and mourned the two that came too early. This year I celebrate(d). There comes a time that you make peace with the things that cause you to struggle. Some might believe that all things happen for a reason. I believe that our life events, both the good and the bad, lead us towards the decisions we make. It's up to us to make that decision. Our daughter's prematurity and our sons' short lives, led us to choosing that path less travelled. They led us to our son. Because of them, a boy was given a home, and a family was given the opportunity to share their love with a son/grandson/nephew. What once felt like a curse, now feels like a blessing. It amazes me the impact that those two lives have had on so many. They changed my world. I celebrate(d) each one of my children this (that) month.

No. It's not November. You caught me. I missed it. I did write this post IN November (does that count?) but hadn't actually published it, as I was waiting to include our big Adoption Day photos. That's right we have FINALLY FINALIZED. I have been too busy to update. Shame on me.
So our big finalization...I kept telling myself it was just a technicality. Kalvis is no more my son today as he was one year ago. This is just the paperwork. Sitting in the courtroom surrounded by our families (both physically and in spirit for those unable to attend), listening to the judge... yeah I cried. Just a LITTLE bit. As it turns out it was a big deal. I feel proud, blessed, and honored that we were given this opportunity to grow our family in a most unexpectedly perfect way.

And when it was all said and done, our boy not only became a legal member of our family, but a legal citizen of the USA. Nothing left to do but kick back and assume the role of the "lazy American".

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-11-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

FAMILY DAY

2010-10-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Some people celebrate Gotcha Day. Gotcha Day is known in the Adoption community as the day the parents got their child. Our Gotcha Day was October 23, 2009. This entire week I was thinking about our Gotcha Day and our week in Korea. The anxiety, excitement, fear, thrill and the absolute love that washed over us when we saw those little dimples and heard his raspy little baby babble. It was a special time that I will never ever forget.

Gotcha Day October 23, 2009. In the cab leaving the agency with our little boy. I love this picture because I can see every emotion I felt in both these faces. It was intense, to say the least.

The day we choose to celebrate is October 28,. October 28 2009 we arrived back in the USA with our beautiful son and ran to embrace our little girl who proudly held a sign at the gate reading, "Welcome Home Baby Brother". This is the day our family was complete. This is the day we will celebrate.
It was like crossing a finish line of a VERY VERY long sometimes painful race.
From the moment you sign and seal the application for adoption you think of this day. The big homecoming!!! You think it will be a very happy ending. The truth is that one year ago today, was our very happy beginning.
Happy Family Day, Kalvis. I love you with all my heart. xoxo

This is also the day we celebrate Imants. HAPPY BIRTHDAY IMANTS!!!!!!

A DAY AT THE FARM

2010-10-28T03:39:00.000-07:00

REINTRODUCING WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-10-27T05:11:00.001-07:00

JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY...

2010-10-26T07:52:00.001-07:00

Does anyone still read this blog? I took a long hiatus and think I lost my readers. I write it for Kalvis, so it's ok if it's just me and my mom. LOL. I just wondered.

PUMPKIN AND APPLE PICKING

2010-10-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

BREAKFAST AT OUR HOUSE

2010-10-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

I left the room for two seconds. Kalvis made himself (and the dog) breakfast.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A WONDERFUL BIG SISTER!

2010-10-21T04:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Livija. I can hardly believe our girl is 5. It's also hard to believe that one year ago we tucked her into bed on her birthday at vecmamina's house and boarded a plane for South Korea.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

MAMA'S LITTLE HELPER

2010-10-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

Kalvis is starting to help around the house. He'll help unload the dishwasher, and then typically open a drawer and throw in handfulls of silverware. He'll even help set the table. We each end up with more utensils than we need (and maybe a candle or two), but it's sweet and he's so proud of himself.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAPPY!

2010-10-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

October 5th, marked the first of a month of birthdays and celebrations. Pappy, Grandma and Pop-Pop came over for dinner and a cake (made by chef Livija). Happy Birthday, Pappy! We hope all your birthday wishes came true!

UPDATE!!

2010-10-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

Kalvis is doing really great. He is in the 100% for height. This explains why he eats like a horse but doesn't seem to gain weight. it's all in his height. He isn't saying too much, but he is babbling a lot. I think there will be a big word explosion any day now. We're not worried about this, considering he had Korean for 9 months and now has both English and Latvian in the home. He's sorting it out. He definitely understands everything we say and follows all directions we give him (in both English and Latvian).
Right now he says
Mama
Papa
Ball
He also knows a lot of animal sounds
dogs say "Woof"
Cows say "Moo"
Monkeys say "Oo Ooo Ooo" while pounding his chest Tarzan style
Sheep say "Baaa"
Lions say the cutest "RAAR" you ever did hear.

But the absolute best is when I said "What does Kalvis say?" Without missing a beat he smiles and says, "Mama". Yes, he is indeed a Mama's boy.

THE CHRISTENING

2010-09-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day. Kalvis was surrounded by friends and family which filled my entire yard with love and support for our little man as he was welcomed into the Lutheran Church.

Kalvis and his Godmother, Sarma

Kalvis with his Godfather, Scott

Kalvis with his other Godfather (a Liepins family tradition), Brock

Kalvis and his Godparents

Summer is coming to an end...

2010-09-21T19:35:00.001-07:00

... so I guess it's time to share what has kept me so busy I haven't been a good blogger.
I'm trying to catch up though. This past July we went on our first vacation as a family of four. It was awesome. We introduced Kalvis to Latvian camp. Nothing like a week in the mountains with good friends. Livija joined her third year with the "ikskisi" group. This is a camp for the little ones that is chock full of activities ran by the parents of our littlest campers. Kalvis loved every minute of it. He swam, ran, danced, played, caught frogs, and danced some more. Kalvis and LIvija's 4 cousins joined us for the week, along with many other friends, both new and old. If you have a minute, sit back and enjoy our week. It kind of makes me sad that summer is coming to a close. I'll be working hard in updating the blog to the rest of our summer. We've been swimming, playing, celebrating Kalvis' Christening and even threw in a trip to Disney World to end the summer. All these wonderful things is why I'm a little backlogged. I hope you all enjoyed your summer as much as we did.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

SWIMMING IN BLACK AND WHITE

2010-09-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO THE JERSEY SHORE

2010-08-24T05:54:00.000-07:00

At some point I will rewind and post our vacation pictures. I'm realizing that I am getting so far behind, I'll just have to start from where we're at and backtrack with a slideshow a little later...In the meantime here is our latest day trip to the Jersey Shore.

During the application process we were asked our favorite childhood memory. Mine, hands down, is the Jersey Shore. Every year we went. My parents, My aunt and uncle, and my Grandmother all lived together for one week. Days on the beach. Nights on the boardwalk. I would be so excited to go, I couldn't sleep the night before. Livija loves it. And now it's time to introduce Kalvis to the beach.
I think the pictures speak for themselves....

I even got some rare pictures of me with the kids!

It's been a LONG time since I last blogged

2010-08-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Certainly it isn't for lack of things to say or a lack of photos. It's been so long that I really don't know where to begin!! A summer with two kids is busy and wonderful. We've had family reunions, vacations, outings and many firsts. Kalvis' first time swimming at Gramma's, first time swimming in a lake, first time sleeping away from home, first time at Latvian camp with the family.... Too many pictures to post so I'm working on a slideshow to fit it all in. Until then, here's the happy family.

BUSY! BUSY! BUSY!

2010-07-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the little hiatus. We recently hosted a picnic for 100 family members and the prep and celebration has kept us very busy. We had an awesome time. Kalvis loved meeting the extended family. Livija loved running (and running and running) with the big kids.
During the celebration I discovered that people are actually reading this blog. Who knew? LOL. So for all those family members I will soon post a link to all the pictures I took over the weekend. For now, we sleep and rest and get ready to start prepping for vacation!!!
I hope everyone made it home safely, since family traveled from all over the US and Canada to wish a very happy 70th birthday to Janis, Mirdza and Arturs. Thank you all for the beautiful weekend.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

2010-07-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

One year ago Kalvis joined our 4th of July celebration in spirit (and as a framed 8x10)

This year he was running, playing, and swimming as if there never was a day he wasn't with us.

I hope you all had a beautiful 4th of July. We did!!

A DAY IN THE LIFE

2010-06-30T17:37:00.001-07:00

If you haven't noticed I LOVE taking pictures of my kids. I especially love capturing the moments as they happen and allowing the pictures themselves to tell the stories, rather than the words explaining the memories we create each day. We recently began our new summer tradition of heading down to the local reservoir for a weekly picnic dinner after Papa gets home from work. As always I packed up my camera. I knew that the natural evening sunlight would create some awesome opportunities for photos of the kids. I brought some cute outfits along and hoped to get some nice portraits of them sitting on the beach together. I should know better than to plan out the photos I hope to get. Sitting the kids on a nice summer evening and telling them NOT to go in the water and constantly reminding them to "Smile for the camera", isn't going to get the pictures I want anyway. So they get wet. So they get dirty. So what if their cute little outfits end up being a nightmare when I forgot to pack the towels.

THIS is what an evening at the beach is like with my kids. To me, THIS is what photography is all about... capturing the moment rather than creating one. So for those of you who asked me tips about photography, that's it. Let the kids be kids.

HOT HOT HOT

2010-06-24T10:53:00.001-07:00

It has been HOT outside. I'm not complaining. I love summer. I'm also not complaining about the crazy rain shower that came our way to break up the heat a little bit. The kids weren't complaining either, and enjoyed running around in it and then looking for rainbows. We didn't find any, but at least we cooled off a little bit.

SISTER/BROTHER LOVE

2010-06-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

I love that both our kids are so affectionate. At any moment of the day they surprise us and each other with hugs and kisses. Such a simple gesture can brighten any day.

MORE WATERMELON

2010-06-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Kalvis' new favorite thing is watermelon. He likes it in chunks, but especially by the slice. Here he is with his adoring cousin, Anna.

Our baby is getting big!

2010-06-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Doctor said that Kalvis is in the 95th percentile for height. This means that he is taller than 95% of kids his age. I think you can really see it in this picture. Whenever someone stops me (to admire how adorable he is of course), they always think he is much older than he actually is. I guess it's because he is so tall.

STRAWBERRIES!!!

2010-06-08T17:24:00.001-07:00

Imants has been working hard in the vegetable garden, while I've been working hard in the flower gardens. We have potatoes, squash, cucumbers, a variety of beans, blueberries, watermelon, raspberries, broccoli, onions, pumpkins, lettuce, cabbage, herbs, and more. Right now we have enough strawberries to do a little picking just about everyday....and THIS is Kalvis' and Livija's new favorite thing to do.

UPDATE!!

2010-06-07T05:03:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I really updated about our boy. Kalvis is doing beautifully. He is a little over 16 months now. At his 15 month appointment our pediatrician was very happy with his development and adjustment to his new life. He says a few words mostly "Maaa", "Mama" or "MAAAAMAAAA", but also Papa and something that sounds like Ball (which is really anything he throws). He eats beautifully with a fork for over a month now. I thought that was early. His patience with the fork is adorable. He'll try and try to get something as small as a pea on one of the tines. If all else fails, he'll pick it up and spear it on with his hands. That's not to say he's all about patience. Kalvis can definitely let his little temper come out, but we refer to that as his passionate side. While he can get angry at times, he loves and shows affection with even more zeal.
At this age, a little temper flare up is usually out of frustration to communicate. One thing that we have done to help his frustration is sign language. This has made a huge difference. Screams from the high chair are now typically a "Ma!" followed by the more sign. I highly suggest sign language for you new parents out there
**(hi, Andy and Susan!).
Speaking of his loving little affectionate side, Kalvis offers up hugs and kisses that melt my heart. It's not uncommon for him to come at you all puckered up over and over and over again. His love has extended beyond his immediate family as we watch his bond to grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins grow everyday.
So much more to say, but luckily I have thousands of more pictures to share and posts to write. I hope you are all having a wonderful start to the summer.

**our friends Andy and Susan are leaving for Seoul very soon, for their sweet boy. Send a little prayer/wish/postive thought their way for a quick and safe travel.

MORE FROM MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

2010-06-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

2010-06-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome weekend at Aunt Sarma and Uncle Mark's house. Many more pictures to come...

What a Great Adventure!

2010-05-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

We headed to Six Flags for the day with my sister and her family. It was an awesome time. The highlights for Kalvis was his first Merry Go Round and dancing with the Wiggles. This was the first of a season full of fun family outings. Bring on the Summer!!!

GET WELL SOON, PAPA

2010-05-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

Kalvis came into the kitchen today and very proudly handed me this beautiful bouquet of dead dry leaves. Just as my heart was melting, he reached to take them back. I handed them back and he repeated, "PAPA PAPA PAPA" as he did his stumbling little walk down the hall to where his beloved Papa lie in bed with a fever. "Papa!" he said as he handed him his get well bouquet. More beautiful than any rose, if you ask me.

AFTER THE RAIN

2010-05-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I admit it... I let my kids play in the mud puddles. Being a kid means you get dirty. I've learned to embrace the dirt. We just end the day with a nice warm bath.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-05-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

MARCH FOR BABIES

2010-04-30T05:11:00.000-07:00

Our team, Tiny Feet, walked in the annual March for Babies. We have raised over $4,000 for our little premature miracles. It was a rainy, somewhat cold day, but it was a good day. Four years ago a doctor told me that because of prematurity we would not have anymore children. Looks like we proved them all wrong, because this year we crossed the line as a family of four. Keep your mind and your heart open to all the possibilities life has to offer. The answer to your troubles might surprise you, but it could be the perfect one.

OUR HANDSOME BOY

2010-04-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

ON THE FARM

2010-04-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

WAIT FOR ME!!!

2010-04-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

He can't run THAT fast... not YET.

NOW THAT HE CAN WALK....

2010-04-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

...There is no stopping him. This mama is blissfully exhausted these days. We are so proud of our boy.

WAKE UP!!

2010-04-12T04:34:00.001-07:00

I am not a morning person. Despite the fact that I've been a mother for over 4 years now, I still struggle with the early morning wake up call. I drag myself out of bed, put Kalvis in his highchair with his milk, and make myself my daily hot chocolate (Yes, I am a child that drinks hot chocolate instead of coffee). I dream of my pillow, then I turn around and see this little face smiling at me. Suddenly our early mornings together don't seem so bad and I'm ready to start my day with a smile.

I wish I could be this cute when I first wake up.

UPDATE

2010-04-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Kalvis is doing beautifully with his new family. We had some nighttime sleeping struggles for awhile, but they are now behind us. Looking back, I am amazed at how well he has transitioned. Almost 6 months ago he transitioned to a new family, new language, new smells, and a new life. Those struggles seem pretty mild when taking all this into consideration. He loves his crib now. We tried some co-sleeping when we were having the sleep issues, but he did better in his crib. He now takes two 2 hour naps during the day. He goes to sleep at 7 or 7:30 pm and will typically sleep until at least 6am. If he does wake up, a quick snuggle will usually satisfy him before he is reaching back to his bed and his beloved pillow.
Kalvis loves books and will bring them to me and sit down and listen while I read to him. As soon as I finish the book, he reaches for it and hands it to me to read again. If I ask him to get a book, he will walk to the bookshelf and bring one back to me.
He is loving the warm spring air, and has started walking on the uneven ground really well. He will walk to his little car and climb in. He'll sit in it up to a half hour, opening and shutting the door, playing quietly. He loves when Livija pushes him in it across the grass. He has even begun sitting on a small tricycle and using his little flintstone feet to walk it across the floor.

Another big step, is the use of babysitters. We've done it a few times now, and he really seems to do great. He's gotten to know both set of grandparents very well, and enjoys time with them while mama and papa have taken the time to get the yard and garden ready for the summer.

It's going to be an awesome summer. We have big plans of getting out on a few trips and lots of day trips to enjoy the season. I am especially excited to introduce Kalvis to the beach and Latvian camp.

It's really hard to believe that one year ago we were still waiting for that first picture of our boy, and here we are now barely able to remember a life without him.

ALL DRESSED UP

2010-04-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

EASTER SUNDAY AT ESTHER'S

2010-04-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

We headed down to my sister's house to see what the Easter Bunny brought to South Jersey and found an Easter egg hunt for the kids. More cousins, more food, and much more chocolate.

FINDING EASTER BASKETS

2010-04-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

This year the Easter Bunny hid the baskets. Kalvis was the first to find his basket (or bucket) of sand toys. He also got some eggs filled with cheerios and goldfish, but I think he's eyeing up Livija's chocolate.

EASTER WEEKEND AT VECMAMINA AND VECPAP'S HOUSE

2010-04-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

SUPPORT THE MARCH OF DIMES

2010-04-05T13:37:00.001-07:00

Our little miracle, Livija Diane, born at 26 weeks. Just 2lbs 3 oz. Each year we walk in the March For Babies in celebration, in memory, and with hope for the preemies of tomorrow.

Please support us in reaching our goal.

www.marchforbabies.org/livismama

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-03-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

HE'S DETERMINED

2010-03-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

Guess who started walking? I'll post some video soon!

WALKING

2010-03-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

Taking a walk with Pappy and his big sister.

2010-03-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, I did get Kalvis' hair cut. No. I don't like it. I cried real tears on the way home from the hairdresser (I know I'm a loser). I miss his big moppy black hair. Luckily it grows fast. It'll be back in no time. He looks way too grown up now. Miss my baby.

This beautiful location is nearby, and a great place for picnics, playing, riding bikes, pulling wagons, digging in sand and eventually splashing around in the water. Both Livija and Kalvis love it. The plan is to meet Papa on his way home from work once a week through the late Spring/Summer/early Fall for a good old fashioned family cookout. It's things like this that make me so excited for the warm weather. I love starting all these little family traditions.

REMEMBER ME?

2010-03-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a LONG time. My camera was in the shop for awhile.
Kalvis has been blossoming. He is sleeping much better. He continues to take little steps with encouragement. He's gotten up to 5 steps now! Turns out he loves walking on the new carpet. One more tooth poked through this week, bringing the tally up to 7 teeth!

The big news is his new word! In addition to Mama, Kalvis now says Papa! He bangs on the window yelling, "PAPA! PAPA!". He crawls to the cat door on the basement and yells down, "PAPA! PAPA!". Imants is thrilled.

It's going to be an exciting summer. Luckily the warm weather is peeking through! I have lots of new spring pics on their way.

NEW UPDATE

2010-02-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

It's been an exciting month of milestones for Kalvis. Three or four weeks ago he was excited to practice walking. He would do a step here and a step there, then suddenly he took FOUR big steps into his Aunt Velta's arms. NOTHING since then. He has no interest in even trying. We encourage him while he is standing but he laughs at us and sits down. I give him push toys, but he ultimately flips them over, in true boy fashion, and concentrates on how the wheels are assembled. Oh well. Not rushing this little baby to grow up to fast.
Kalvis has two more top teeth poking through. These didn't seem to bother him as much as the top front teeth. Thank Goodness.
The BIG news is that he calls me Mama. I hear his little hands slap slap slapping along as he enters each room, "Mama? Mama?" and "MAMA!!!", when he finally finds me. His little arms reach up and he tilts his face to me making little kissy noises, until I lean in for "kissy lips".

The only bad news is that my camera is in the shop. Biggest snowstorm of the century (so far) and not one picture to show. :( Trust me though, it was a big one! We have 3 foot drifts outside.

PANCAKES!

2010-02-20T06:37:00.000-08:00

Kalvis is always a happy boy on a Pancake Breakfast Day! Look how excited he is waiting in his highchair!

I WEAR MY SUNGLASSES

2010-02-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2010-02-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, PAPA

2010-02-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

Imants came home from his business trip just in time to celebrate Valentine's Day. He missed the big snow storm of 2010, but we had a surprise waiting for him when he stepped out into the back yard to assess the snowfall.

GETTING TO KNOW UNCLE MARK

2010-02-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EVERYONE!

2010-02-09T19:41:00.000-08:00

All this talk about Kalvis' Birthday, almost made me forget to wish all those other January/February Birthday babies a happy Birthday. The night before Kalvis Tol we celebrated Vecmamina, Vecpaps, Aunt Sarma, Aunt Laila, Uncle Mark, Uncle Brock and yes Kalvis AGAIN.

SNOW DAY!

2010-02-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

I thought a January Birthday would be difficult for parties. Stuck in the house...cold... crowded... NOT THIS YEAR!!! We had a gorgeous snowy, sunny day. While the birthday boy napped we got out the sleds. Everyone from age 2 to 70 joined in on the fun!

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE OUR BOY IN HIS HANBOK AND THE BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL TOL CELEBRATION

THE TOL

2010-02-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

In early Korean times, many babies did not survive to their first birthday. When the baby did survive this became a reason for great celebration. The tradition continues in modern day society with the Tol or First Birthday party. As you know, our boy just turned one so it was time to celebrate! Kalvis was decked out in his traditional Korean Hanbok, which was a gift from his foster mother.

Everyone gathered around to watch the Toljabee. On the table we placed a spool of thread, a violin, a paintbrush, money, a book, and a knife (in the case of course). Guided by his Papa, Kalvis sat at the table and chose the thread and the paintbrush. The thread symbolizes a long life and the paintbrush represents a life of creativity and an artisitc future for Kalvis.

After the Toljabee, we had a delicious Korean feast. I have to admit, Imants and I are getting better with each Korean meal we make! The kids opened their party favors, which included training chopsticks, and used them to eat their whole meal (minus some spicy stuff)!

Finally came the cake. We had the traditional Korean cake and sang an American Happy Birthday followed by the traditional Latvian Birthday song. A little bit of everything that has made our family what it is today.

Aunt Corey and family was sadly, not able to attend. They were buried under snow. :( They did join us in the singing... Thank God for Skype!!

At this point our little Birthday Boy was all partied out. One last picture with the Godparents and he was ready for a nap. He practically dove from my arms into his soft pillow.

This is not where the party ended though! I have more of our day to post. Hopefully I'll get a minute later in the day to type again. Tune in later....

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-02-03T04:57:00.000-08:00

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY!

2010-01-30T07:32:00.000-08:00

One year ago, I held onto hope and daydreams of our second child. Four months ago, I held onto a picture of him. Today, I hold our beautiful one year old son. How is it possible? One year old! Every day he amazes me. Every day I fall a little more in love. Every single day I am thankful that he is ours.
Today I wish my son a very very special, and very happy first birthday. Today I am grateful for a woman, I may never know, that gave our son the gift of life, and I wish her peace.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

BLOWING KISSES

2010-01-28T17:29:00.000-08:00

THREE MONTHS WITH OUR SON

2010-01-24T08:18:00.000-08:00

There have been a few bumps in the road, but overall every day gets better with our little boy. These days he is a smiling, laughing, cuddling little sweetheart. He greets us with hugs and laughter. I can't imagine our lives without him.
Looking back on the blog and the pictures, it's amazing to see how he has blossomed in his new home. I look at this picture...

...and I see the sad boy. My tired little confused boy.
Now I look at these pictures...

...and my heart soars. There he is... the boy we met in Korea. He's home and I think he knows it. What a difference 3 months makes.

MY TWO FRONT TEETH

2010-01-21T16:17:00.000-08:00

It was a hard few days as these two teeth burst forth. There was lots of tears and very little sleep. Kalvis had a hard time too.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-01-20T06:00:00.001-08:00

PEEK-A-BOO

2010-01-19T14:48:00.001-08:00

Kalvis' new favorite activity is hiding behind our curtains. He could probably do it all day. You should hear him laugh. Once he starts he can't stop. He will laugh until big tears form in the corner of his eyes. Nobody makes him laugh like Livija. I could sit and watch the two of them for hours.

HEY KID, THAT'S MY NOSE!

2010-01-18T06:04:00.000-08:00

2010-01-10T05:21:00.001-08:00

It's been awhile, I know. I've been hearing it via e-mail and phone calls. Christmas and New Years were quite busy in our house. I felt a lot of pressure to post something really thoughtful for the holidays, and yet always came up blank when I sat to type. How many ways can I say how wonderful it was? It was. Truly wonderful. There is no better feeling than waking up Christmas morning with my family. There has always seemed to be a little something missing on Christmas. This year he was home in our arms and we've never felt so complete.

Christmas Eve was spent at Imants' parents house. This is always fun. I love that the family has so many traditions they've stayed true to all these years. Yes, even CANDLES on a Christmas tree! The best part of the night is the kids. We have Livija, Kalvis and two sets of twins (both 3 years old). It's a bit of a madhouse, but that is what Christmas is all about.

Then we came home, and carried our little ones to bed. Visions of Sugarplums already started dancing during the car ride. Imants and I stayed up for Santa. He was good to us this year.

And then Christmas Day at our house with my family, a 30 lb Turkey and lamb. Imants is the cook. I'm the chopper/prep girl. It was awesome.

After all was said and done, and the presents were opened, I think we all agree that this is the best gift of all.

2009-12-24T06:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our family to Yours...
This is going to be a good one for our family. I remember last year thinking, this is our last Christmas as a family of 3! Our baby boy should be home next year. It felt like it took forever at the time, and yet it now feels like he has always been with us. The wait is hard, but it melts away the moment that baby is in your arms. I've made some friends in the adoption community. Some are celebrating their first Christmas with their little ones... some are waiting for a little one to come home... some are waiting to be matched with the child they now dream of.... If they are home, hold them close and enjoy every moment. If you are waiting enjoy your (hopefully) last Christmas without them. Then hit the sales for some serious Baby's First Christmas items!!!

To our Family and Friends reading... thanks for keeping up with us. I love that even those who are far away, can celebrate our family through the magic of the internet. :)
We hope to see you all in the New Year.
Wishing you all love, happiness, and health on this very special Christmas.

HE IS ....

2009-12-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

...A LAUGHING BOY

...A HAPPY BOY

..A SILLY BOY

...A TEETHING BOY

...AND A WELL LOVED BABY BROTHER

LIVIJA THE RED NOSED REINDEER

2009-12-18T06:45:00.000-08:00

The countdown for Christmas is on! We took the kids into town for carriage rides and hot chocolate last night. It was bitterly cold, but we were all bundled up and enjoyed the luminary bags and Christmas lights. Kalvis especially enjoyed the light at the end of Livija's nose.

MY FIRST KISS

2009-12-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

Last night I was playing with Livija and Kalvis in Kalvis' room. He suddenly came crawling full speed ahead to my lap. He pulled himself up, grabbed my face with both hands and planted a big, wet, sloppy, open mouth kiss right on my cheek. I of course cried. He laughed.

MY FIRST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-12-09T04:50:00.000-08:00

OH WHAT A FEELING

2009-12-08T05:20:00.000-08:00

Typically Kalvis shows that he wants me by crying when I walk in the room and putting his arms up in that baby "Uppy" motion. Lately when I walk in the room, a huge smile spreads across his face and he crawls towards me laughing. THIS is an amazing feeling.
The other night while Papa watched football, I sat in my bed editing photos on the laptop, when Kalvis woke up. I decided to bring him to bed with me for a cuddle. It started the way it typically does... Kalvis was restless. He tossed and turned, pulling blankets and pillows. He finally settled in. Suddenly he sat straight up, looked at me, and smiled so big his pacifier fell out. He giggled as he climbed up on top of me. He collapsed horizontally across my chest and rested his head on my shoulder, falling fast asleep. I remember these moments with Livija and NO feeling in the world compares. It is complete bliss.

FIRST SLEIGH RIDE

2009-12-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

RECOVERY

2009-12-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

My blogging has suffered as the family has been suffering from colds. Kalvis recovered from the fevers the day after Thanksgiving. By that evening he had developed a horrific cough and a nose that runs like a fountain. When babies get colds like this, it is horrible. They can't blow their nose, or understand why they can't breathe with their beloved pacifier in their mouths. So we get up and rock them, while pulling out humidifiers at 1am. Then there is the coughing until he vomits on me in the middle of the night.... you'll forgive my slacking on the blog....
I am told that when these precious little babies get sick, there may be a little regression in the attachment process. We had a rough day where I began to question his attachment to us. Just one day where I thought perhaps I had imagined that wonderful week that I had just blogged about. I fell asleep that night worrying that this rough day, was a sign of things to come. A few hours later he woke up coughing and crying. I went to him and like an answered prayer, he snuggled against my chest and played with my hair, as he fell back into a comfortable sleep. Prior to this night his night wakings were lots of shifting in my arms, struggling to break free, until brought back to sleep with a few ounces from his bottle. This night I comforted him to sleep. Just me. No bottle.
Since that night, he cuddles.
He is recovering from his cold and back to his playful, smiling self. What a relief. It was a good reminder though that the attachment process is a PROCESS. It's good to be aware, question, research, and work for that bond of parent and child.
An excellent source I found in researching attachment and bonding is www.a4everfamily.com Thought I'd throw that in, since there are other families formed from adoption reading.

What's a post without a picture? Here he is 10 months old!

HAPPY (BELATED) THANKSGIVING

2009-12-02T03:53:00.001-08:00

It's been awhile. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I had drafted many Thanksgiving posts in my mind. We have so much to give thanks for this year. Unfortunately health was not one of them. My little boy got a virus a few days before Thanksgiving. By the time the holiday rolled around, his fever had hit 103.5. So no holiday travel and family dinners for our boy. I would've been content staying at home with the family, but our little Livija had made a marshmallow pie, and was so excited to see her cousins. So Papa and Kalvis stayed home, while Livija and I ventured out for Thanksgiving dinner.
To say I was disappointed is an understatement. Poor me. Poor Kalvis. He's home on Thanksgiving. So soon we take things for granted. The fact of the matter is, HE IS HOME ON THANKSGIVING. There is still endless thanks to give.
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, full of many things to be thankful for this year. Let the Christmas excitement begin!

HIP HIP HOORAY!

2009-11-23T07:05:00.000-08:00

We turned a corner this week! After weeks of nap time struggle. We did it. The first few weeks I tried, lying down with him, putting him down in the crib and rubbing his back, rocking him, putting him in the crib and leaving. I wasn't about to try crying it out with him. I think that would contradict the process of building trust with Kalvis. It's been very frustrating, I won't lie. But last week he did it. I didn't do anything fancy. I just put him down in his crib, turned off the light, and walked out. He quietly went to sleep. Now he naps twice a day like this. I didn't post earlier because I didn't want to jinx it.
I think this is a huge step. He's starting to trust that no matter what, we are here to take care of him. I see this as I am able to put him down more often as well. He no longer cries in search of me if I leave the room for a minute. He plays much more, and laughs a lot. No more deer in headlights type of looks from him. No more waking in hysterics. It's a BIG step. This adds to my long list of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to the holidays more than I have in a LONG time.

MAMA

2009-11-18T18:24:00.000-08:00

This beautiful little boy says Mama. Imants thinks it's for me. I thought it was mindless babble. He says it and smiles. I say it back to him and he smiles bigger and brighter. I laugh and say, "He doesn't mean Mama. He doesn't mean me", but inside I'm loving it. I'm starting to believe he means me.
So I ask around to some adoptive parents, "When did your child say mama?" I waited for the answer, all proud of my boy and myself. Then I find out that Ma or Mama is Korean baby talk for food. Suddenly I flash to all those sweet little times he said mama.... from his highchair. Oh well.... he'll say it and mean it one day. For now, the boy loves his food.

FIRST BIG FAMILY OUTING

2009-11-16T04:19:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a beautiful Sunday like ours. The weather was perfect! We spent the entire day at the Bronx Zoo. Livija LOVED all the "aminals" and Kalvis loved to nap in his stroller. Two weeks home and all we had gotten is two 10 minute naps a day. This weekend, the boy mastered the art of the nap (**quickly knocking on wood**)! By Sunday night he was sleeping through the night. A well rested boy = a VERY happy boy.
More zoo pics on Livija's blog!

HOW IS LIVIJA DOING?

2009-11-14T05:46:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants to know. I have to say AMAZINGLY well. I thought she'd show a little jealousy while we were in Korea talking to her on Skype. She missed us and here we are, a world away holding her little brother....but she wasn't. I thought the fact that I have to carry him most of the day, would be frustrating and cause some jealousy.... but it hasn't. Kalvis cries and she yells, "MOM, you better pick him up!". She thinks it's funny that he cries when I leave the room, and warns me not to go.
Livija loves anything and everything that is "big girl". The term "Big Sister" infers that she is a big girl, therefore she loves it. She stands at the kitchen sink where I give Kalvis his baths and is armed with a wash cloth, and has most recently appeared with a spray bottle of warm water and soap. haha. Luckily he doesn't mind a cup of water dumped over his head. She puts lotion on his skin, begs to feed him, and loves that he is now a part of our "family hugs". It's not to say that the novelty won't wear off, but for now her biggest concern is, "Doesn't his Korean family miss him?". I realize this may turn to "When is he going back to his Korean family?", but for now she is the proudest, happiest big sister I know.
In the meantime, we try and plan some special one on one time with each of our children. I think this is important to do throughout their childhood. Afterall they are different kids, they'll have different interests. Livija will get a date with her papa to the latest Disney movie, The Princess and The Frog, while Kalvis gets special mommy time while Livija is at school. Papa gets his special Saturdays with his boy while Livija is at Latvian school. Both kids are asleep by 8pm, so mama and papa even get some time to sit back and hang out as adults without kids. It's going well, and has become surprisingly normal in such a short period of time.

2009-11-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

2009-11-11T17:11:00.001-08:00

In my previous post I stated that we prepared for the worst case scenario, in terms of grieving. I should've also said, that we absolutely don't have the worst case scenario. Yes he is quiet, and his eyes don't always have the same sparkle they did in Korea, but he knows we are his mama and papa. He wakes up smiling. Mornings are his happiest time. Midnight wakings are his unhappiest. We see moments of joy, and moments of sadness. So as not to leave you all on such a depressing note, I thought I'd share a happy moment between me and my boy.

FOREVER A FAMILY

2009-11-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

There are parts of the adoption journey that people may not blog about or take pictures of... the grieving. The topic was discussed at our adoption classes, I've also read about it, and feel that we were prepared for the worst. While this adoption has been amazing and miraculous, it is not without loss, and with loss comes sadness. I am essentially Kalvis' 4th mother. He has had a birth mother, a foster mother up until 3 months of age, a second foster mother up until 9 months, and now me. It is not surprising that he wants me to hold him the majority of his waking hours. It is not surprising to me that he cries when I leave the room. While exhausting, I don't mind it at all. I am thrilled that he looks to me as his mother. I am sad, that I see his fears that I may not return once I leave the room. I've heard the stories of other adoptive families, but until you witness the sadness in your child's eyes, you don't truly comprehend it. His trust is lost. So we build his trust back in us. Each day, each moment spent with our son we try to prove to him that we are here, and we will continue to be here for him for the rest of our lives.
Each day has in fact gotten better. In the beginning, he would wake in tears, searching for his foster mother. He would come to us for the comfort he needed, but than refuse it, and cry inconsolably. Slowly he'd accept us, and come to us, allowing us to hold him and calm him. He cries giant tears that stream down his face. They are the biggest tears I've ever seen on a baby. They break my heart.
He does laugh and smile. Maybe not as much as he did, or soon will again, but he does and when those dimples appear they warm my heart. Today he laughed and smiled significantly more. Imants and I both commented about our time with him, and how his happy laughter lasted longer than it has since we returned home. He is blossoming. I know it will be on his terms and in his own perfect time. I am not scared that it won't happen. I saw it in Korea. I see it in the photographs from his foster mother. He's quietly observing, learning and rebuilding his trust. We can't rush him. We can only love unconditionally and with great patience.
I know why the adoption process is long and hard, filled with so many emotions and so much struggle. It was preparing us for this time with our son. We've learned that GREAT things come with great patience and struggle. We've learned that everything we've been through is worth it times 10. We've learned that these while these days can be tough, they will soon be a distant memory. The struggle is a drop in the bucket compared the the wonderful things that lie ahead for our family. The dishes might not get done, and maybe I won't take a shower (again) today, but I'll sit and hold my boy and remind him every chance I get, that we are here to stay, because we are his forever family.

2009-11-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

I have a lot to type about and very little time on my hands. Our little boy isn't a fan of being put down. Although he has made great improvements in the past week. I hope to sit down tonight for an update. For now, here is a picture for my sister in law, who says she checks multiple times a day, and is disappointed when there is not a new picture for her. :)

2009-11-04T16:42:00.000-08:00

THE DAYS....

...AND NIGHTS OF JETLAG

WE'RE HOME!

2009-11-03T15:55:00.000-08:00

We've been home for almost a whole week. Sorry I've slacked in my blogging. Jet lag and adjusting to being a family of four is a lot of work and requires sleeping in the spare time that was once spent blogging. Finally I'm feeling a little human again. I think Kalvis adjusted to the time quicker than I did. Such a blessing.
So where did I leave off? The flight was a... nightmare from hell? Yeah, that about covers it. LOL. Kalvis slept through take off, so I thought we were off to a good start... I'd say he slept a grand total of 6 hours, his papa got him to play and smile for periods that added up to about an hour.... that leaves us with approximately 7 hours of crying, and squirming and walking up and down, up and down the aisles. Kalvis just wanted me. The stewardesses offered to help. Older ladies offered advice and tried to soothe my boy, but he just wanted me. That got me through. He recognized me as someone who could comfort him. Through his tears he wanted me, and this got me through. His tears were not the only ones, I must admit. Exhaustion and sadness of my son's sadness brought on a lot of my own tears. Landing in JFK was such a relief.

Imants and I were SO excited to see Livija and have the four of us together for the first time. It was a joy that words can't begin to express. We were greeted by my little Livija, my parents, Imants' mom, my sister and her two girls, and my best friend. They held their welcome home signs with tears of happiness, and greeted us with big hugs. It was like crossing a finish line to the race of a lifetime.

THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT OF ALL

2009-10-29T03:55:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA!
More to come on our homecoming.

LAST NIGHT IN KOREA

2009-10-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

This is it. Our bags are packed and lined up by the door. We spent our last day doing some last minute shopping, visiting a buddhist temple, and walking to the Seoul Tower. Yes... WALKING. With a 20 lb baby strapped to me. The Seoul Tower is up a VERY steep VERY long hill, overlooking the city of Seoul. It wasn't easy, but it was a nice way for our son to say goodbye to his first home. We ended our night with a walk at the rooftop garden by our hotel. The cool evening air calms Kalvis before sleep. Bedtime is still his hardest time, but has gotten SO much better. He used to cry unconsolably. Now he cries, but I am able to soothe him. Previous nights he seemed to be searching for his foster mother. So baby steps towards a healthy loving bond with his mama.
Leaving Korea is bittersweet. I can NOT wait to see Livija and have the four of us together. FINALLY. And yet, I am sad that Kalvis has to say goodbye to such a wonderful country. Many native Korean people stopped us in the street to bless our baby and wish him well in his new home of America. One man even came up with very limited english and pointed to Kalvis' eyes and then mine stating, "it no matter". It doesn't. I have no idea why, but our son was meant to be born halfway around the world to another mother. This somehow seems perfect to me. I wouldn't change a thing. My little Tae-seong is a blessing and while I may not have thought so at the time, each step that led us to him was also a blessing. I am a very happy mommy tonight. i will be a VERY VERY happy mommy tomorrow with Kalvis, Livija and Imants.

2009-10-26T05:23:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our last full day in Seoul. We're leaving early Wednesday morning. Looks like we're gaining back that Wednesday we lost last week. Imants is VERY excited to have a birthday that lasts 37 hours. Unfortunately it will be stuck on a plane. We are continuing to have an amazing time in Seoul. Today we shopped in Insadong... AMAZING SHOPPING. Even Imants enjoyed it! Then we headed back to the hotel for a picnic dinner of sushi and wine on the floor of our room while Kalvis slept in our bed.

Tomorrow we are planning on some serious photoshoots of Kalvis in his home land. Can't wait!

Sending Love to Livija. I miss her so much it hurts. xoxo... we'll be home soon!

GOTCHA DAY

2009-10-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

Gothcha Day is known in the Adoption world as the day your child is placed in your arms forever. Our Gotcha Day was October 23rd 2009 (3pm). It was amazing. Reminds me of the day we brought Livija home from the NICU. Such a feeling of accomplishment after traveling down such a long road.
He was changed into a brand new outfit from the agency. White pants and a little white hoodie. We excused ourselves from the room as he shared a private goodbye with his foster mother. We could hear her cries from the hall. The social worker then reached for Kalvis and placed him in my arms and we were quickly whisked away. While we waited for our cab, his foster mother followed and whispered her last goodbyes through the window. Kalvis did not cry. He sat in his papa's lap looking out the cab window at the city. Then he fell asleep.

SLEEPY BOY

2009-10-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Kalvis woke up from his nap with a BIG yawn.

CRISIS AVERTED

2009-10-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

During our SKYPE chat with the family, my camera took a tumble off the table. My camera = my prized posession. The lens snapped off and my heart dropped. On our first day here, we walked by a sign that said "NIKON". I mentioned something about it, wondering aloud if we could purchase cheaper equipment here. So off we went to the Nikon store. Turns out it wasn't a Nikon store but a Nikon repair shop! I don't think they normally take customers off the street. Ten minutes and $30 later I had a perfect camera, fixed, cleaned and a bonus 1G memory card. Imants finds it quite humorous how things always seem to work out like this for me.
So today we are off for more siteseeing and more picture taking. We got out and about in the general area of our hotel, testing it out, seeing how Kalvis would do. He does well. Here is a picture after a short trip around Seoul.... such a sweet boy.

2009-10-23T22:53:00.000-07:00

Our first meeting with Kalvis was wonderful. As we prepared to head to the agency, I became VERY nervous. Butterflies, heart pounding in my ears, shaking hands. Imants found it very humorous, although I'm pretty sure he had some butterflies himself. Once we arrived, I felt calm. We sat in a room at the agency and soon Kalvis arrived with his foster mother. She pushed him in, in a stroller. We had not seen him since his 4 month picture, so we were very anxious as they entered the room. He was (is) absolutely beautiful. We did not have any pictures of him smiling, and I had no idea he had such sweet little dimples. AHHH, melt my heart. I did not cry (my goal for the day), he allowed both Imants and I to take turns holding him. He seemed very curious. We spoke with his foster mother through a translator. Tae-seong was her first foster child. We were warned that this was going to be very difficult. His foster mother clearly loves him very much.
She gave us photos, both professional and personal photos of her life with Tae-seong. She also gave us the traditional Korean hanbok for Kalvis to wear for his first birthday. She told us how he loves persimmons from her persimmon tree (and gave us some to try). She told us that he rolls around restlessly before going to sleep. He loves to be outside. He loves dogs (good news for Luna). She shared many small important details of our son's personality. It was a lovely visit.
We met with the Doctor. He gave us the thumbs up to take him with us the following day. Then came the tears and many promises to send updates and pictures. We will be forever thankful to our son's foster mother. She taught him how to love and to be loved. She did this without any regard for how hard the goodbyes would be on her. She truly gave him the greatest gift. We left that day with very full, very happy, yet very heavy hearts.

2009-10-23T02:37:00.000-07:00

There is so much to say, but there is a spot next to my boys that is calling my name. New mommy's need their rest. I'll post all about our wonderful day after some much needed sleep.

SIGHTSEEING IN SEOUL

2009-10-23T02:06:00.000-07:00

We had our own private tourguide for the morning. In-Ju was wonderful. Not only did she show us around, but we had the rare opportunity of getting pictures of Imants and I together.

2009-10-22T01:18:00.000-07:00

My boy rockin' the neckerchief. He's got style. I love those dimples.

2009-10-22T00:48:00.000-07:00

It was amazing and wonderful... and I am going to bed. We need to be well rested for pick up tomorrow. I'll post more detail tomorrow, as my eyelids are closing involuntarily. I promised my sister a picture though, so here we are! Totally and completely in love.
Kisses to Livija. We can't wait until we're all together. xoxo

ON OUR WAY

2009-10-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

We got an early check in! I'm so relieved we got to relax, freshen up and gather my thoughts. Now I sit and stare at the clock until it is time to head to the agency. 25 minutes we leave. I have butterflies. I wanted to post again before we leave, because I want Kalvis to read this one day and know the joy we feel. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find the proper words that would do this moment justice.

LIVE FROM SOUTH KOREA

2009-10-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

After a 14 hour flight we arrived safely here in Seoul. We cannot yet check into a room and the stores have not opened, so we had breakfast and are hanging out. We are exhausted but running on adrenaline. It is almost 8 am here and we will be having our first meeting in 6 hours. We are HOPING for an early check-in because I'd love to take a shower before meeting my little boy and his foster mother. If not, we rinse off in the hotel bathrooms, and make the best of it. No worries.

I really have no idea what to expect from our first meeting. My goal is to not turn into a crying mess (which is difficult because my eyes seem to constantly be brimming with happy tears). I am hoping that he is comfortable with us. I brought some treats, some bubbles and a few toys to bribe him into my arms.

I hope to post again soon...WITH PICTURES!!!