Last week was rough. I think Cy realized he wasn't on vacation and he was here to stay forever. We had a lot of testing us as his new parents. His first thing he wants to do when he wakes up is go open the garage door and hang out in the car. We had a few grieving episodes and it is hard to watch, we just have to be there for him. He also really enjoys hitting me and scratching my face...so that is always a blast...LOL! It is mostly when he is upset at something. However, we are learning "gentle" and "be nice to mommy." I feel like I tell him "no" more, wipe his nose, wipe his face, etc...all the things that are horrible to a two year old.
Our social worker stopped over for first visit and she was just as inexperienced as us! This is the first time in 50 years that the kids have come home this old. They really don't know what to say for advice. So I do recommend purchasing; The Weaver's Craft - Toddler Adoption. We just got it in the mail today and I can't wait to check it out. The reviews are pretty harsh as her examples are brutal but we can look past some of that stuff.
Cy started this week with a cold, little upper respiratory deal or teething I can't really tell and a fat lip (one of many I am sure he will get playing).
This week I am working on food! That is my project. Cy doesn't like toddler food, he wants to eat what we are eating so we are finding ways to make our meals toddler friendly. For the first time I have a list with shopping and meal planning. I will get better as time goes on but let's see how this week goes. Tonight's menu: Roasted Chicken, Baked Potatoes (we never eat potatoes but Cy likes them) and roasted carrots. Update -- Cy threw most of the food around or fed to the dog...hehe. Oh well gave it the old college effort. Cy likes garlic, little pepper and we'll see how he does with herbs de provenance. He is more of a sour and savory kid then sweet, except he loves Italian Ice's. My father in law told me when Marg went back to work he fed the kids green beans with soy sauce and hot dogs! You know what I chuckled forever at that and now I get it! Everything I read talks about soy sauce on stuff and Cy loves it! So I am going to try it. I also want to have more snacks readily available. He is mostly a fruit kid but we can try other stuff. He is eating a little more everyday.
Jeremy started going back to work part time to full time this week and I am so tired every night I could go to bed before Cy and it is only MONDAY! Plus I am fighting whatever germ Cy has picked up. My friend Leslie has a Korean student she host who is coming over sometime this week to help us figure out what Cy is saying. Seriously he talks a ton and I feel bad because he gets so frustrated.
We have the Nelson's coming out Memorial Day weekend (probably), Josh (Jeremy's brother in June) and Jeremy's family from Australia in July and I think some California family in July/August sometime when they drive through. It is amazing what kids will do, family is coming to town!
All things good though despite a few issues which are a constant; changing shirt (major tantrum), still won't sit in the bath tub and I have to get in with him for him to even take a bath and an occasional diaper change outburst. We just keep comforting him, being there for him all the time, loving and kissing him (I think he is already tired of my kisses) everyday. One thing I read is to tell them that: we will always be here for him, how much we love him, when he is upset expressing his emotions, etc.
He is learning English everyday! He can say "open", "mommy (but I think he thinks it is more my name)", "okay", "hi", "bye-bye", "chicken", really loves to say Moo, play Peekboo Barn on my IPhone, he is in love with the Alphabet song -- he can go to E on his own, he loves the drum our friends Kate and Cam got him, loves guitar and piano, music, singing and dancing, so far he is still exploring our house and his little world.
Keep you posted on the rest of the week later on...til then
An-nyung-hi ka-se-yo (Korean for Good-bye)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Week Two
Our first week with Cy went better then could be expected, however we are now in tantrum/grieving stage. Yesterday was a rough Monday for Cy. I am pretty sure he was grieving and we had multiple bouts or frustration on his end. Where I feel bad is that I just have no idea what he is saying so I can't help him. However, thanks to our neighbors The Perry's I now know "kim (sp) means seaweed.
Surprisingly his crying frustrations don't overwhelm me really, which surprises me. The most overwhelming is the diaper/clothing battle. I just don't get it! Seriously how can this be that this kid HATES me putting clothes on him. Not all the time thank god, but it has become the new trend for our family. Plus, I seriously have some cute stuff for him to wear AND he is usually cold. Or do you really want to sit in a dirty diaper...come on! That cannot be comfortable. He wants to do EVERYTHING himself and eat whatever you are eating, but then chew it and spit it out like a cow. Hehe!
We took his toddler bed/crib down, it was never going to be used and just put a mattress on the floor. My brother and sister-in-law did that with their son and it is brilliant. Our only problem is that our mattress is as hard as our floor so we need to go shopping. He slept on a futon forever with his foster mother so we need to try to match that somehow. He is sleeping well. He wakes up usually after a few hours of sleep upset but then goes back to bed after a half hour or so for the night. I can already see his teenage years as he HATES to wake up. It takes him forever to get going and if I wake him up from a nap...watch out! It literally cracks me up. Then here is me, mommy, saying change your diaper, lets put this cute outfit on you, blah blah. He is probably thinking to himself, "You have GOT TO be kidding me lady!"
In Korea they really do worship their children and they are rarely told "no" until they go to school. On May 5th they even have a holiday called, "Children's Day (It is a National Holiday)." When they are younger they get the run of the roost. So we take this kid to American where he doesn't understand what we are saying, he hears "no" a lot, eats food (since our foster mother was all about the bottle) and we don't let him do whatever he wants. Although, when he becomes aware he will realize it is Children's Day pretty much everyday at the Nelson's. We are going to give Cy so much opportunity and we will always keep his South Korean roots. That was the whole point of traveling around and just hanging out to understand the country.
Along with us keeping his culture around us, next year we will start going to Heritage Camps. This is a great way for him to make friends and stay connected to his culture. Our agency is also right down the road and they host monthly events and get together.
Here is the good stuff happening, I don't want to forget this part because he is doing pretty well. He is starting to eat. I know it probably sounds silly but I want him to eat food so bad! He loves Kiwi, Strawberries, Italian Ice, Quinoa, rice, Seaweed chips, French Fries and anything someone else is eating. He really enjoys playing in the backyard and hanging out.
Pretty much everything our foster mother told us...he doesn't like or really say or do, so we are starting from square one.
If anyone has tips on putting lotion on your child, putting clothes on your child or changing your child's diaper when it needs to be changed it would be greatly appreciated.
Surprisingly his crying frustrations don't overwhelm me really, which surprises me. The most overwhelming is the diaper/clothing battle. I just don't get it! Seriously how can this be that this kid HATES me putting clothes on him. Not all the time thank god, but it has become the new trend for our family. Plus, I seriously have some cute stuff for him to wear AND he is usually cold. Or do you really want to sit in a dirty diaper...come on! That cannot be comfortable. He wants to do EVERYTHING himself and eat whatever you are eating, but then chew it and spit it out like a cow. Hehe!
We took his toddler bed/crib down, it was never going to be used and just put a mattress on the floor. My brother and sister-in-law did that with their son and it is brilliant. Our only problem is that our mattress is as hard as our floor so we need to go shopping. He slept on a futon forever with his foster mother so we need to try to match that somehow. He is sleeping well. He wakes up usually after a few hours of sleep upset but then goes back to bed after a half hour or so for the night. I can already see his teenage years as he HATES to wake up. It takes him forever to get going and if I wake him up from a nap...watch out! It literally cracks me up. Then here is me, mommy, saying change your diaper, lets put this cute outfit on you, blah blah. He is probably thinking to himself, "You have GOT TO be kidding me lady!"
In Korea they really do worship their children and they are rarely told "no" until they go to school. On May 5th they even have a holiday called, "Children's Day (It is a National Holiday)." When they are younger they get the run of the roost. So we take this kid to American where he doesn't understand what we are saying, he hears "no" a lot, eats food (since our foster mother was all about the bottle) and we don't let him do whatever he wants. Although, when he becomes aware he will realize it is Children's Day pretty much everyday at the Nelson's. We are going to give Cy so much opportunity and we will always keep his South Korean roots. That was the whole point of traveling around and just hanging out to understand the country.
Along with us keeping his culture around us, next year we will start going to Heritage Camps. This is a great way for him to make friends and stay connected to his culture. Our agency is also right down the road and they host monthly events and get together.
Here is the good stuff happening, I don't want to forget this part because he is doing pretty well. He is starting to eat. I know it probably sounds silly but I want him to eat food so bad! He loves Kiwi, Strawberries, Italian Ice, Quinoa, rice, Seaweed chips, French Fries and anything someone else is eating. He really enjoys playing in the backyard and hanging out.
Pretty much everything our foster mother told us...he doesn't like or really say or do, so we are starting from square one.
If anyone has tips on putting lotion on your child, putting clothes on your child or changing your child's diaper when it needs to be changed it would be greatly appreciated.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Beginning of Second Week
It is the beginning of our second week with Cy. Things are going better then expected. I have to say my body has never been as sore as carrying a 25lb kid around all day! He literally wants ME to carry him all the time! He hasn't really played with many of his toys, but enjoys Jeremy's guitar, loves Backyardagains, Yo Yo Gabba, playing with the hose,this VTech car deal we got him, the Cozy Coupe, music, etc... He does find the garage door opening and closing a fascination! He literally wakes up with the thought of opening and closing the garage door! It is so exciting for him, not so for us. :)
I think we are still in the mode of is he grieving or is this a toddler tantrum. However, being only the beginning of the second week we are treating a lot as the adjustment period. Do du deo (however you spell it) it my least favorite word. Our friend Christy told us what it means so that has helped, but there are these stream of words beginning before the do du deo that are spoken with such conviction. He says it all the time with everything.
Diaper changes and putting clothes on have their moments, it either goes well or it is World War II. I am not sure if it is a toddler thing or is it just intimate and we are strangers. My friend Leslie let me borrow her "What to Expect When Having a Toddler" book and everything he does seems just a toddler to me but who knows.
This week will be trying new adventures and maybe a day for us at daycare with him to see how it goes (first time is us being with him there for an hour or so). Since after this week I go back in two weeks. It seems short and a lot of stuff to accomplish.
I think we are still in the mode of is he grieving or is this a toddler tantrum. However, being only the beginning of the second week we are treating a lot as the adjustment period. Do du deo (however you spell it) it my least favorite word. Our friend Christy told us what it means so that has helped, but there are these stream of words beginning before the do du deo that are spoken with such conviction. He says it all the time with everything.
Diaper changes and putting clothes on have their moments, it either goes well or it is World War II. I am not sure if it is a toddler thing or is it just intimate and we are strangers. My friend Leslie let me borrow her "What to Expect When Having a Toddler" book and everything he does seems just a toddler to me but who knows.
This week will be trying new adventures and maybe a day for us at daycare with him to see how it goes (first time is us being with him there for an hour or so). Since after this week I go back in two weeks. It seems short and a lot of stuff to accomplish.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Pictures or our Arrival!
My friends Adrienne and Carri have a great photography business. Adrienne came for our arrival on Friday night at 10pm as a friend to welcome us home and as our families budding photographer to capture the moments!
Captured by Carri & Adrienne
Captured by Carri & Adrienne
First Week
We have made our first week with Cy and all things considered things are moving as good as can be expected. He still really hasn't eaten but our doctor said it will come with time. What can you expect when someone was literally on formula for the first 2 years of their life. However, I keep trying food all the time with him, the hard part is that you waste a lot. He really seems to like to eat what we eat too.
He is still more attached to me but does well when I leave with Jeremy. We tried a new plan last night. Jeremy sleeps with him through the night and I sleep in our room. The split shifts in the middle of the night were killing us and Jeremy is and has always been a better sleeper. It takes me forever to fall asleep and when I would wake up with him I think I am a little more stressed. We have had people over in our first week but haven't left the house with him. There is so much out there on what to do, however the notes from his foster mom were that he really likes people. We figure small doses as long as he then came back to us were fine. We haven't heard from our social worker yet, so we will see what she says. We are venturing out today for the first time to Lee Martinez Farm in Fort Collins. Figure for a few hours then a car ride for a nap will be good.
My biggest worries is if we are doing things okay. I guess until our social worker contacts us we are just winging it.
Cy's First Week Likes:
I want to thank the love and support or our family and friends. Thank you for the food, understanding, errand running, etc... I want to thank Christy (fellow adopter), thank you for being there for me via text message! It is nice to talk with someone who knows what you are going through.
He is still more attached to me but does well when I leave with Jeremy. We tried a new plan last night. Jeremy sleeps with him through the night and I sleep in our room. The split shifts in the middle of the night were killing us and Jeremy is and has always been a better sleeper. It takes me forever to fall asleep and when I would wake up with him I think I am a little more stressed. We have had people over in our first week but haven't left the house with him. There is so much out there on what to do, however the notes from his foster mom were that he really likes people. We figure small doses as long as he then came back to us were fine. We haven't heard from our social worker yet, so we will see what she says. We are venturing out today for the first time to Lee Martinez Farm in Fort Collins. Figure for a few hours then a car ride for a nap will be good.
My biggest worries is if we are doing things okay. I guess until our social worker contacts us we are just winging it.
Cy's First Week Likes:
- Seaweed chips
- Green beans
- Formula (haha! I had to put that in for him in the future)
- David and Melissa's cereal mix for Owen
- Water -- he didn't really drink water either. Weird I know.
- His teddy bear his foster mom gave him on his 1st birthday
- He ate mac and cheese once.
- Being outside.
- He says Hi, Bye, Okay really well
- He did eat some of Owen's sandwich
I want to thank the love and support or our family and friends. Thank you for the food, understanding, errand running, etc... I want to thank Christy (fellow adopter), thank you for being there for me via text message! It is nice to talk with someone who knows what you are going through.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Settling In...
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| First stroller ride around the block. He loved it! |
His biggest struggles are when he wakes up from a nap or sleep. He cries and I am sure he is crying out for his foster mother and father. I feel so bad and you can never understand the "silent tears" until you actually see them for yourself. It is so painful to not even know what he is saying. I wish I knew someone who spoke Korean as there are a few words he repeats and we literally have no idea. As for sign language we try but still a little early.
I assumed we would have like a few feeding times and all would be good. We think his comfort is his bottle. He has a bottle 24/7. I have been filling it with water sometimes because he never drinks water. He really likes apple juice and his formula. Not to keen on the soy milk or milk yet. He LOVES strawberries, strawberry yogurt and that is about it right now. He really hasn't eaten that much yet. We tried to give him some organic cookies and a piece of a banana once and he just spit it up.
He seems to be okay with both Jeremy and I which is good. It helps a lot with us taking turns. I can't wait until he will eat something solid. I have no idea what you even feed a toddler and feel my cupboard is filled with cookies. LOL
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| Cy cuddling |
Peace and Love
First Morning at Home
We got in late last night and Jeremy took first shift. He let me sleep from midnight until about 4am and then Jeremy slept from 4am to 8am, however he is back to sleep as Cy is sleeping. Our morning is Cy's night time. I will wake him up to start getting him in sync with our sleep schedule.
Cy traveled really well! He slept on both flights and only cried when we changed his diapers. His foster mother sent us with a ton of stuff and one main thing is she made a photo album. She said she wasn't married but there is an older man who spent a lot of time with her and Cy, along with her kids (son and two daughters) and nieces and nephews. He did go up to every old Korean man saying, "Father" all the time. That does break your heart. He lived well these past few years. She lived in a really nice house, he had tons of toys, traveled around a lot, etc...It makes me feel so good to know he was so loved and cared for but in the same thought I hope he adjust to us well. He is a very outgoing little boy and very accepting of everyone.
We'll keep you posted!
Cy traveled really well! He slept on both flights and only cried when we changed his diapers. His foster mother sent us with a ton of stuff and one main thing is she made a photo album. She said she wasn't married but there is an older man who spent a lot of time with her and Cy, along with her kids (son and two daughters) and nieces and nephews. He did go up to every old Korean man saying, "Father" all the time. That does break your heart. He lived well these past few years. She lived in a really nice house, he had tons of toys, traveled around a lot, etc...It makes me feel so good to know he was so loved and cared for but in the same thought I hope he adjust to us well. He is a very outgoing little boy and very accepting of everyone.
We'll keep you posted!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
T-minus 16 hours
We are in the final stretch and I can't tell youhow excited we are to meet our son! I cant wait to be home! As much as we have enjoyed our stay we are ready. I dont feel nervous or anything, more excited and a little numb. I feel a little in disbelief that we will no longer be 2, but our completed family of 3. We have waited so long for this day and even being here in Korea still seems unbelievable. I asked Jeremy how he is feeling, "He feels good, satisfied with the trip. Nervous about the trip home because tomorrow our whole world changes."
I can't wait to be walking offnthe plane in Denver and see out family and be in the car with Jill (my sister). I want to see our home and Cy in it. I cant believe we are going to be parents!
I can't wait to be walking offnthe plane in Denver and see out family and be in the car with Jill (my sister). I want to see our home and Cy in it. I cant believe we are going to be parents!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Last Day in Seoul
Today is our last day in Seoul. I can't believe it as I have waited for this day since we got here. Our time has been invaluable. I feel that I have so much emotion for this country that will come across to Cy. Today we are going to go see Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The rest of the day will be last minute errands, packing and trying not to burst with excitement! Our journey to get a lot of stuff for Cy for "Gotcha Day" has been a success. We got him a lot of Korean stuff and I know he will love it. We definitely need to start saving as I know we will be back with him multiple times. Most adopted children will come back with their families to meet their foster parents.
Last night we walked around town and just ate street food and checked out the night scene in Seoul. We have enjoyed talking with these lovely Aussies here with their children. They are such wonderful people and we welcome their stories on their adoptions. Between the three families there are a lot of kids so they have a lot of experience!
Today it will sink in that we get to keep him forever tomorrow and these 8 days will seem to have gone by super fast. I can't wait to bring Cy back to his home country a country that will now be our second country. People use to make fun of me all the time because I wanted to live out of country and now we won't necessarily live out of country but South Korea will be a culture and country that our family will embrace as our own.
Peace and Love
Last night we walked around town and just ate street food and checked out the night scene in Seoul. We have enjoyed talking with these lovely Aussies here with their children. They are such wonderful people and we welcome their stories on their adoptions. Between the three families there are a lot of kids so they have a lot of experience!
Today it will sink in that we get to keep him forever tomorrow and these 8 days will seem to have gone by super fast. I can't wait to bring Cy back to his home country a country that will now be our second country. People use to make fun of me all the time because I wanted to live out of country and now we won't necessarily live out of country but South Korea will be a culture and country that our family will embrace as our own.
Peace and Love
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Hump Day
Only two more days until we get Cy! I can't stand it I am so excited. As much as I feel this traveling is more then valuable (especially after talking to other families) I am ready to hold our son. We went to the Korean War Museum yesterday and it was amazing. I feel awful that I didn't have much knowledge around the Korean war, however after walking around the museum my knowledge of Korea is much greater. This poor country has been beat up by everyone, the Mongols, Japan, North Korea, etc. It has been resiliant and fought hard. Learning through our tour at the museum with the help of many nations (including the US) South Korea is the free society it is today. The Operation into Inchon involved some 75,000 troops and 261 naval vessels, and led to the recapture of capital Seoul two weeks later.
The battle began on September 15, 1950, and ended September 19. Through a surprise amphibious assault far from the Pusan Perimeter that UN and South Korean forces were desperately defending, the largely undefended city of Incheon was secured after being bombed by UN forces. The battle ended a string of victories by the invading North Korea, which was supported by the Soviet Union and China. The subsequent UN recapture of Seoul partially severed North Korea supply lines in South Korea. The majority of United Nations ground forces involved were U.S Marines commanded by General Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur was the driving force behind the operation and he landed in Incheon with minimal chances for success and came out successful! This one action changed the course of the Korean War for the better.
Here is a link to more information on the Korean War.
The battle began on September 15, 1950, and ended September 19. Through a surprise amphibious assault far from the Pusan Perimeter that UN and South Korean forces were desperately defending, the largely undefended city of Incheon was secured after being bombed by UN forces. The battle ended a string of victories by the invading North Korea, which was supported by the Soviet Union and China. The subsequent UN recapture of Seoul partially severed North Korea supply lines in South Korea. The majority of United Nations ground forces involved were U.S Marines commanded by General Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur was the driving force behind the operation and he landed in Incheon with minimal chances for success and came out successful! This one action changed the course of the Korean War for the better.
Here is a link to more information on the Korean War.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Back from Gyeongju
We are back at the guesthouse in Seoul and it feels good! It kind of feels like home and everyone welcomes you back. Gyeongju was great! I would not stay in such a fancy hotel next time, however we only had a week to come out so what can you do. I finally got 6 hours worth of sleep so that was really nice, mind you not it was with a little help. We got their right as the Cherry Blossoms were blooming and it was such an amazing spectacle. We visted Anapji, Bulguk-Sa, Grotto and biked around the town. There is only Korean food in Gyeongju and we had the best Korean BBQ! It was funny but they put us in this off shoot of a room with these four Korean men who had gone through 8 or so bombers of Hite Beer and 6 or so bottles of Soju so they were feeling no pain. Then there was us Americans who know idea who how to do Korean BBQ and they just kind of left us there and we totally smoked up the room. That was hilarious.
Today it is un-godly humid and cloudy day with some rain possible for the evening. We are going to the Hyundai department store (Hyundai owned is everywhere around here) and the food courts are pretty good and cheap here and we are headed there to eat and then off to a museum.
I definitley forsee us coming back here multiple times when Cy is older. We are hearing a lot of kids want to know information on thier birth parents and other information and is seems important. We should start saving now. It does seem VERY important. I like the connections I am finding and hope to keep in touch in the future. I see me needing to email them often.
Today it is un-godly humid and cloudy day with some rain possible for the evening. We are going to the Hyundai department store (Hyundai owned is everywhere around here) and the food courts are pretty good and cheap here and we are headed there to eat and then off to a museum.
I definitley forsee us coming back here multiple times when Cy is older. We are hearing a lot of kids want to know information on thier birth parents and other information and is seems important. We should start saving now. It does seem VERY important. I like the connections I am finding and hope to keep in touch in the future. I see me needing to email them often.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
The People
One last quick entry before we head to Seoul Station. I just have to comment on the Korea people. They are an amazing people. They are so nice! Having been to New York and Rome as my largest cities, South Koreans put them all to shame. The line up in order to get on the subway. They let people off and they get on, give up thier seats to their elders. We look like we are lost looking at maps and the South Koreans are more then excited to practice thier English. I sometimes have just enjoyed watching people and the dynamic. Girls walk arm and arm with thier elder mothers, almost looping thier arms between each other. Same sex friends are probably more affectionate with each other then partners; boys and boys and girls and girls. They are very affectionate, holding hands and caressing. But it is not sexual. It is just how they act with each other. I just respect and love so much the affection towards each other. I will have to make sure Cy understands that about his people and culture.
Peace and Love as we are off!
Peace and Love as we are off!
Off to Gyeongju
We are headed out this morning on the KTX to Gyeongju for a few night stay before heading back to Seoul. I have to say I wasn't sure how I would feel about seeing Cy on Thursday and then traveling for a week and it has been mildly difficult. The good old Catholic guilt sets in thinking why are we traveling this long? We have waited so long to see him and now we are just galivanting around Korea. Jeremy doesn't have the same thoughts as me as he is cool with traveling around. The one area where I feel good is that we get to really see Korean culture. Being from Fort Collins and where he will grow up there is not very much Korean culture. We can explain history, people and stories to him as that would be beneficial. But a part of me wishes we were leaving on Monday or Tuesday back to the states. Then another part of me is seriously nervous like, we are bringing this child home! It is going to be rough, is a month at home with him going to be enough? What I have seriously loved is meeting everyone in the guesthouse, making connections and hearing stories. Each family we met has been very involved in keeping the Korean culture alive and current in thier everyday lives and that has been very beneficial to hear and see. They have come back to Korea with thier children two and three times.
Korean food has been suprisingly good. I didn't know much about it and we have eaten at very traditional places. Korean BBQ is suprisingly my least favorite over here. We had the best lunch in Insa-dong which was this dumpling soup! They also put jalapenos or chili paste in everything! I have enjoyed the kimchi at certain places. They use metal chopsticks here which was interesting. Seoul is a very clean and orderly place. The subway system is in English and Korean and Jeremy stated with all of his travels the easiest to get around. Of course the train station is where you see most of the homeless and crazies.Yesterday we went to a traditional tea house and shopped in Insa-dong. We mostly took it easy because I was on 2 hours of sleep and my knees were killing me. I think 5 to 6 hours of sleep might be my max.
We are headed out this morning on the KTX to Gyeongju for a few night stay before heading back to Seoul. What is exciting about Gyeongju is that it is more country side then urban. It will be nice to get out of the city for a few days. The call Gyeongju the museum without walls. It was the capital of the Silla dynasty for over a 1000 years.
After we get back from Gyeongju we are going to Pyeonchek (sp?) and Asan to see where Cy was born, hopefully the orphanage and where his mother is from. Both places are just a few hours south of Seoul.
As much as I am going to enjoy the travels, I am seriously counting the days down until we leave on Friday. I just want to be walking into our home at 11pm on Friday. :)
(PS if there are errors I apologize, my whole page is in Korean and I have no idea what to click to check stuff)
Korean food has been suprisingly good. I didn't know much about it and we have eaten at very traditional places. Korean BBQ is suprisingly my least favorite over here. We had the best lunch in Insa-dong which was this dumpling soup! They also put jalapenos or chili paste in everything! I have enjoyed the kimchi at certain places. They use metal chopsticks here which was interesting. Seoul is a very clean and orderly place. The subway system is in English and Korean and Jeremy stated with all of his travels the easiest to get around. Of course the train station is where you see most of the homeless and crazies.Yesterday we went to a traditional tea house and shopped in Insa-dong. We mostly took it easy because I was on 2 hours of sleep and my knees were killing me. I think 5 to 6 hours of sleep might be my max.
We are headed out this morning on the KTX to Gyeongju for a few night stay before heading back to Seoul. What is exciting about Gyeongju is that it is more country side then urban. It will be nice to get out of the city for a few days. The call Gyeongju the museum without walls. It was the capital of the Silla dynasty for over a 1000 years.
After we get back from Gyeongju we are going to Pyeonchek (sp?) and Asan to see where Cy was born, hopefully the orphanage and where his mother is from. Both places are just a few hours south of Seoul.
As much as I am going to enjoy the travels, I am seriously counting the days down until we leave on Friday. I just want to be walking into our home at 11pm on Friday. :)
(PS if there are errors I apologize, my whole page is in Korean and I have no idea what to click to check stuff)
Thursday, April 5, 2012
First Day in Seoul
Good Morning from Seoul!
We met with our social worker around 10am and Cy. The meeting with Cy was awesome! He doesn't shut up. He is a total talker and he likes to do everything himself. He also climbs on everything, stands on things to try and balance and rock back and forth. He has no fear, just stands and doesn't care. He has the most beautiful laugh. I loved it. Very expressive and VERY independent. The talker part is all me and independent is all Jeremy. He kissed our hands, gave us kisses and hugs. He did say, "where is Daddy...there he is" and played peekaa boo with him. It felt like second nature. He sat down next to me and played with me a lot. He likes these nasty flavored cheetos from here. We would feed him and then he would eat half and give the other half to me, after awhile it was like I am good...no more for mommy. I thought he was very responsive to mommy and daddy but only thanks to the foster mom for installing that aspect. He is VERY strong. He liked our camera and took pictures and trying to pry it from his hands was virtually impossible. He love moving a chair (and he would say Ugh) as he lifted in and sit in the chair (so Kathy the chair you got him I think he will like). He really likes pretending to drive a car. He is very inquisitive and mimics everything we do. I guess I will really now have to watch saying the F*** word. LOL!
We met some great people on our floor from New York, we ran into them after meeting with Cy and they invited us to join them Namasong Hanok Folk Village and Namasanag MarketYesterday was a busy day. The day started out with spending like $20 on breakfast just trying to find a place that was open. Nothing really opens until 8 or 9am which is crazy and i was jet lagged and starving. We filled our stomachs and then headed back to get ready to meet Cy. They love bread, waffles, donuts and coffee. We ate some good Korean food; beef noodle bowl (spicy warm goodness), korean bbq (not so good suprisingly) and amazing fried chicken.
Seoul as a city is so clean! The people in the subways are orderly in how they move as a society. I can't believe it! It has been enjoyable.
Second day and we are having lunch with Dr.Kim (head of Eastern Social Welfare) and our meeting.
Peace and Love!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Finale
We are leaving on a jet plane to pick up Cy on Tuesday, April 3rd. I can't tell you how excited we are to meet him and this weekend has been a whirlwind. We finished everything!
Car Seat has been installed!
Stroller assembled!
Room Finished!
We still have some picking up, packing and mopping but overall I don't believe our house has ever looked so good. If you are wondering what pictures are in the frames, we went with and Explore/Travel theme. I found a print of the word "Explore" written in animals. We surrounded it with pictures from Jeremy and my travels around the world. The one's that are blank we will add in our pictures of Korea. As this journey will be the most special and memorable trip of our lives! We are bringing back the best souvenir, our son.
This will be the last blog post until we are in Korea, if we find Wi-Fi. Much love and peace!
Car Seat has been installed!
Stroller assembled!
Room Finished!
We still have some picking up, packing and mopping but overall I don't believe our house has ever looked so good. If you are wondering what pictures are in the frames, we went with and Explore/Travel theme. I found a print of the word "Explore" written in animals. We surrounded it with pictures from Jeremy and my travels around the world. The one's that are blank we will add in our pictures of Korea. As this journey will be the most special and memorable trip of our lives! We are bringing back the best souvenir, our son.
This will be the last blog post until we are in Korea, if we find Wi-Fi. Much love and peace!
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