Hot Sunday in the City

So, the girls are a little bored today as we continue
on with our 90 degree days.  We went for a quick walk this morning, but have been stuck inside pretty much every since.  

Yesterday, we packed the little man's luggage and our gifts for everyone.  1 bag right on the 50 pound mark for the airlines!

Still can't figure out the mobile 2 blogger.  It's not letting me upload new pictures.  But luckily, I found this gem of the girls.

Sting - I Was Brought To My Senses

Sting has always been comforting music to me.  He always puts me in a good mood.  This is one of my favorites.  Enjoy.

One Step Closer to Knowing

It's been another crazy morning for us.  We received word that the CD had finally arrived in Oregon yesterday (it was delayed by historic rainfalls in Seoul).  It was immediately shipped to Philly with a 10:30 am delivery time.  But as luck would have it:  I checked to see if it was delivered and there was a note saying "deliver next week"---come again?  It seems that someone at their front desk called to tell FedEx not to deliver because the doctor isn't in until next week.  Which we knew, but were hoping to have someone else read it (if possible).  A few frantic calls later and we talked FedEx to re-deliver (whew, a quick save).

But good kharma has not been with us, our doctor emailed to say that there was no one around to review the CD.  The best that she could do was next Tuesday (with a hand delivery to the specialist) and no guarantees on how long it would take to review.  Can we catch a break?

This has really been a struggle getting this poor kid home.  And yes, sometimes I feel like the cards are stacked against us.  But if there is one thing that I know, we have a lot of resolve.  As Mike said, someday we'll look back on this and laugh.  This little CD has traveled a lifetime:  two weeks to get from the doctor in Korea, historic flooding in Seoul, missed shipping to Philly, denied delivery by a receptionist and finally, two doctors that are unavailable to read it.  Let's just hope the MRI images are on it....let's not go there :)

And finally, I'm still having a hard time posting pictures to blogger.  The plan is to get the hubby to check this weekend.  Very weird.  As soon as I can, I'll upload pictures from the baby shower.  


  

Baby Shower

So, our amazing family threw us a baby shower last weekend.  It was wonderful and we got a lot of neat stuff.  I had an inkling that they were up to something, but it definitely way exceeded my expectations.  Thank you to Mom B, Aunt Chris and Grandmom for organizing.  And thank you Toni for the party favors that said Welcome Zachary in English and Korean (so cool).

The biggest surprise to our party: my parents and 2 uncles made the trek from Ohio.  So, it was perfect.  I always love having them around.  The house is never the same after they leave.  I just wish that they lived closer.
 
Today, we attended the funeral of a person that I hold close to my heart.  Betty took in a 25 year old girl from Ohio that was trying to make her way in Philadelphia.  I owe her so much and I will miss her deeply. I will always think of her with fondness and with a smile for my sharp witted Irish Catholic.  God Bless and May You Rest in Peace.

The news on the adoption front: Korea notified our agency that the CD had finally arrived.  Yeah.  We requested that it be expressed mailed to Oregon who in turn is sending it to our doctor.  It should have arrived in Oregon today, but it did not.  Very disappointing.  At this point, it is getting very frustrating.  So, now we are looking at mid-August to travel.

Michael Bublé - "Haven't Met You Yet" (Live)

So while we continue to wait, this song pretty much sums up how we feel.  (This ones for you Toni).  Mike came home with a big surprise, his group threw him a baby shower.  My favorite gift: a book titled Go to XXXX Sleep.  We can read that during his early morning wake up calls.  Thank you Tom for organizing.

And, I'm happy to report no more jailbreaks from the pup who shall not be named (but is a 10 pound wrecking machine).

Patience is a Virtue

My grandmother use to say this to me all the time as a child.  At night while in bed, I can almost hear her saying it "Shelly Ann, patience is a virtue" I know she's right, but sometimes it can be so difficult.  If I'm bad at this age, can you imagine how I must have been as a child!  (And just so you know, she always added the Ann whenever there was a hint that I might be in trouble).

Since we didn't receive the MRI today, it is looking less likely that we will travel in July.  So, I'm really praying for the 1st week in August.  We also received notice that the Korean Ministry will not be approving any EPs in July.  Luckily, we have our EP so are not in this boat, but I feel for these families.  They are now officially delayed for 2 months.  Our May 24 batch was the last approved.  And there will be no new submissions in July. That's really tough because kids were matched but are not allowed out of the country.

On a lighter note, we have an escape artist on our hands.  It seems that one tiny little pup (who will remain anonymous, but is 10 pounds and ornery), has figured out how to push open the baby gate.  For weeks, Mike and I have been reminding each other to close the gate while going upstairs.  And then last night, we saw the little stinker in action.  She may be clever, but now the gate has been tightened so it's harder to open.  I wonder, what she will think of next.....

Preliminary Report from Korea

Since our initial travel call, we've been waiting for MRI results.  In early April, the Korean doctors noted a shallow sacral dimple.  Normally this is not much to worry about.  But our doctor at CHOP, who is amazing, went the conservative route and asked for pictures with a ruler to discount any potential issues.  After two straight months of not getting the correct pictures, we received them immediately prior to our travel call.  And our dreams of traveling to Korea for his first birthday, were squashed.  There was not 1 but 2 sacral dimples and the higher one became more of a concern due to its height.  So, we pushed for an MRI.  The initial response was a 2 month wait for an MRI---devastating yes, but we did not waiver.  Luckily for us, Korea was able to schedule an accelerated MRI, which occurred last Friday.  Great news, right!  Bad news, it takes 2-3 weeks to get the reports from the hospital--ugh!

So while it was difficult to wait 2 weeks for the MRI, it has been more difficult not knowing the results.  That all potentially changed this morning when I opened my inbox at work and read MRI Normal.  The Korean hospital notified the Holt doctor that his MRI is normal.  Has the thousand pound gorilla been knocked off its cliff.  We sure hope so.  We're just hoping that we can get the images to our doctor asap.   We shall see.

Funny timing, I was telling my colleague the story at work this morning (prior to receiving the email).  Her response, I like his odds and they are in your favor.  (98% of the time, sacral dimples are harmless).  She then went on to say with her first child ever cut and bruise was a huge deal.  By the 2nd child, she was an old pro and took it for it was---

His wellness report also reports that he is meeting many milestones.  He's able to walk on his own, waves bye bye, plays with balls (that's my boy), and knows many words--umma and mama (So, he'll know how to call for us in Korean and English).  And the kid is a beast at close to 27 pounds.  The CHOP doctor also noted that it stated he was running, but she highly doubted it by 12 months.

Did I just find the next athletic freak of nature for USC football?  


 

 

Summer Time

Today, we treated my good friend Larry to a Phillies game for his birthday.  We first headed to Pat's for the traditional pre-game cheesteak.  Pat's is always busy.  We dutifully got in the line and waited for our chance to order.  And let me tell you, if you don't order correctly it can get ugly.  There's a lingo that must be used and there is real pressure not to mess up.  Luckily, Mike is an old pro.  So, he ordered while Larry and I went to another line for our sodas.  It was well worth it.  Mouth watering, by far the best cheesteak ever.

We then headed to the game.  The hometown Phillies versus the Atlanta Braves, in a race for 1st place at the break.  Let's just say that it didn't end like we wanted it.  After 11 innings, the Braves won.  But, the highlight, watching Cliff Lee.  The guys is an amazing pitcher and really should have had more run support.  But, the guy can also hit.  We watched him foul off about 10 balls and then just when you thought it was over---smashed a home run to dead center.  I've never seen a pitcher do that.  It was incredible.

So, happy birthday to my favorite Double L.  It was a great day and the weather was absolutely perfect! 

Wednesday Musings: Golf

So, we've been definitely trying to keep busy in order not to think of the little one.  On Friday, he goes in for his MRI.  Unfortunately, it then takes several weeks to get the results.  Crazy huh.

In the meantime, I played hooky on Tuesday and rode with Mike as he golfed.  And while we rode through the course on a hot, humid day, a few thoughts came to mind:

1.  Riding carts should be mandatory.

2.  Clothing optional---I kid

3.  Golf should be 14 holes and not 18.

4.  Why am I SO hungry after golfing even when I don't play.

5.  Old men in tight shorts and shirts should be banned

6.  4 to 5 mulligans should be allowed per round.

7.  Is it REALLY necessary to keep score?

8.  Finders keepers with lost balls

9.  No one should question the perfect placement of my ball in the middle of the fairway

10. Putts within 2 feet should be gimmes.

11. Cheat when you can't find your ball---I found it, it's over here on the fairway.

12.  And finally, what crazy man invited this game!

Happy 1st Birthday to the Little Man

Today, the little man turns one.  While we had initially wanted to be there with him to celebrate, it was not to be.  Hopefully, that just means that there will be plenty of others to celebrate with him.

In Korea, a child's first birthday is a big event.  They typically have a dol, which is described below, and the child is dressed in a Hanbok, traditional Korean gear.

The highlight of the dol is a ritual where the child is placed in front of a table of foods and objects such as string, books, brushes, ink and money. The child is then urged to pick up an object from the table. It is believed the one selected will foretell the child's future. For example, if the child picks up a brush or book, he is destined to be a scholar. If he picks up money or rice, he will be wealthy; cakes or other food, a government official; a sword or bow, a military commander. If the child picks up the thread, it is believed he will live a long life. The types of objects placed on the table for the baby to choose has evolved over time, as a reflection of society's evolving perception of successful occupations. Some parents place a computer mouse on the table, which signifies success in the high-tech field, or a toothbrush, hoping that the baby will be a dentist. However, many parents remain more traditional in their selection of objects to place on the table. This is followed by feasting, singing and playing with the toddler. Most often, guests will present gifts of money, clothes, or gold rings to the parents for the child at this time.

Hopefully, his day was special.  My birthday wish is that he is completely healthy so that we can get him home as soon as possible.