08/27/2008 Very Proud

Euitag brought home a "monthly?" report from his Advanced Pre Calculus class - he got a 122 out of 117 possible points for the last 2.5 weeks. He blew the curve and he said he has the top grade in the class right now. Ironically, he is not using a calculator - and does most his calculating in his head, but the teacher asked him to write it out. I guess she wants to see that he knows how to do it. We are VERY proud of him.

Aside: I never blew any curve and was never at risk of blowing one.

He is a good student and a great kid.

08/28 UPDATE: Euitag brought home a similar report from his honors English class - he is carrying a 98% in that class right now. Wooo Hoooo!

Blessings!

08/24/2008

Embarrassed:
I did a finger swipe on my buffet yesterday and a lot of dust came off. It is thick enough to write on. Needless to say – I have decided it is time to dust and vacuum. I will confess, I am a neat freak wanna be. At one time in my past life – before husband and children I was a very serious house keeper. Everything had a place and there was a place for everything. And even if there was some clutter – I always dusted, vacuumed and took care of other household chores at least on a weekly basis. My dear friend Kristy has the perfect house I dream about. Organized, clean and always ready for company. We have the opposite. Earlier in our friendship I would not let them come over. Now they are like family and we remind them of that each time before they visit.

Observation:
Boys and girls are different in one respect for sure . . . cleanliness. Lacie can go a whole week without a bath and when she gets out and the water is drained, the tub still looks clean. Paul on the other hand can have three baths a day and each time he gets out of the tub, there is a dirty residue on the tub floor. Amazing!

Lacie:
Last week when I was asking Lacie not to jump on the bed, I said, “Lacie, I need you to obey me.” She looked at me with hurt in her face and said, “Mommy, I am Owing-bey!”

Today as I was telling her stories about when she was a baby, each time I would share something, she would respond, “Mommy, now my eyes are wide open.”

Going No. 2 in the potty is still a very big deal for Lacie. Her reward for going no. 2 is to sleep with mommy. What she does not realize is that she is sleeping with mommy every night now. One reason is that I am too tired to move her when I go to bed. Another reason is because Paul and Lacie roll over on each other and wake each other up. And Paul is getting used to sleeping physically away from another body. Anyway – The other reward for Lacie going no. 2 is doing the “poopy dance.” So, after we wash hands, I hold her in front of the mirror and we dance in place while I sing, “Doing the poopy dance – I just can’t sit still. We are doing the poopy dance – I am so proud of you. Doing the poopy dance etc etc etc.” IMAGINE what Euitag must think when all this is going on. Poor guy – he must think we are very “silly Americans.”

Paul:
Now when Lacie is just sitting on the potty, he begins to dance in anticipation. That is pretty funny to watch.

Things have been missing around the house. It has been a mystery for quite some time. Lacie’s flip-flop, Paul’s ball cap, Lacie’s ball cap, four of six tracks to the train set Paul got for his birthday, a sippy cup of milk, parts of toy sets, etc. Some things have been found and they were self explained. But one day, I witnessed something quite interesting(?). My beautiful 17 mo. old son was lifting a couch cushion and placing Lacie’s ball cap and a medicine dropper under it. He very carefully sat them in place so they would not fall and then lowered the cushion. Hmmmmm – now I realize – we have a little sneaky “hider” in our family. We are still missing the train tracks, his ball cap, AND only God knows what. Some things I do not even realize are missing till I find them, for example – the sippy cup of milk. Lets just say that I really wanted to just throw the thing away. For those of you with adopted children, do you think this is just something cute to watch and wonder over, or could this be something deeper and something we should be a little concerned about. I hope it is not. If you have thoughts on this, you can email me privately – either way.

Euitag:
Doing well in school. He started band this last week. On Friday night John went to a parent meeting with him (it was pot-luck dinner style) and the parents got the run down of the year. The band plans a trip in the spring to New Orleans. I think that it will be fun for him. He will have some fund raising activities for his participation in band. I am sure most of you out there would love to purchase an entertainment book AND/or some cookie dough AND/or something from the other two fund raising activities that will take place. Just remember, before you buy an Entertain book from a stranger – that we may have them for sale.

Here are some updated photos. Now that Paul has some interest in sitting still for a minute Lacie can resume some coloring/play dough activities like in the old days before we got a brother.

AND last but not least – ISN’T he just the cutest?

Have a great week

08/21/2008 A Different Perspective

A friend of mine has this on her blog - it gives a real perspective about what adopted children experience. She has gotten "real" in her blogging lately and I appreciate that. She has shared personal weaknesses, and trials her family is experiencing. I hope I can get real - or more real. It is so easy to share the fun and funny things our children say and do and sort of shrug off the real stuff we experience each day - not just as adopted parents, but as parents in general. It makes me appreciate my own parents more. Anyway - take the time to read below. . .

Immense Loss;
Walk a Mile in Baby’s Booties

Imagine for a moment…

You have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fiancée. You love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. For the first time in your life, you understand what is meant by "soul mate," for this person understands you in a way that no one else does. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. Your emotions are intimately tied to his every joy, his every sorrow.

The wedding comes. It is a happy celebration, but the best part is that you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the world…the person who will be with you for the rest of your life.

The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face.

But IT'S NOT HIM! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man? Where is your beloved?

You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. You search every room in the house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back,...even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay.

But you know that nothing is okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? When? What has happened to him?

Weeks pass. You cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. Sometimes you ache silently, in shock over what has happened. The new guy tries to comfort you. You appreciate his attempts, but he doesn't speak your language-either verbally or emotionally. He doesn't seem to realize the terrible thing that has happened...that your sweetheart is gone.

You find it difficult to sleep. The new guy tries to comfort you at bedtime with soft words and gentle touches, but you avoid him, preferring to sleep alone, away from him and any intimate words or contact.

Months later, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust this new guy. He's finally learned that you like your coffee black, not doctored up with cream and sugar. Although you still don't understand his bedtime songs, you like the lilt of his voice and take some comfort in it.

More time passes. One morning, you wake up to find a full suitcase sitting next to the front door. You try to ask him about it, but he just takes you by the hand and leads you to the car. You drive and drive and drive. Nothing is familiar. Where are you? Where is he taking you?

You pull up to a large building. He leads you to an elevator and up to a room filled with people. Many are crying. Some are ecstatic with joy. You are confused. And worried.

The man leads you over to the corner. Another man opens his arms and sweeps you up in an embrace. He rubs your back and kisses your cheeks, obviously thrilled to see you.

You are anything but thrilled to see him. Who in the world is he? Where is your beloved? You reach for the man who brought you, but he just smiles (although he seems to be tearing up, which concerns you), pats you on the back, and puts your hand in the hands of the new guy. The new guy picks up your suitcase and leads you to the door. The familiar face starts openly crying, waving and waving as the elevator doors close on you and the new guy.

The new guy drives you to an airport and you follow him, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes you cry, but then the new guy tries to make you smile, so you grin back, wanting to "get along." You board a plane. The flight is long. You sleep a lot, wanting to mentally escape from the situation.

Hours later, the plane touches down. The new guy is very excited and leads you into the airport where dozens of people are there to greet you. Light bulbs flash as your photo is taken again and again. The new guy takes you to another guy who hugs you. Who is this one? You smile at him. Then you are taken to another man who pats your back and kisses your cheek. Then yet another fellow gives you a big hug and messes your hair.

Finally, someone (which guy is this?) pulls you into his arms with the biggest hug you've ever had. He kisses you all over your cheeks and croons to you in some language you've never heard before.

He leads you to a car and drives you to another location. Everything here looks different. The climate is not what you're used to. The smells are strange. Nothing tastes familiar, except for the black coffee. You wonder if someone told him that you like your coffee black.

You find it nearly impossible to sleep. Sometimes you lie in bed for hours, staring into the blackness, furious with your husband for leaving you, yet aching from the loss. The new guy checks on you. He seems concerned and tries to comfort you with soft words and a mug of warm milk. You turn away, pretending to go to asleep.

People come to the house. You can feel the anxiety start to bubble over as you look into the faces of all the new people. You tightly grasp the new guy's hand. He pulls you closer. People smile and nudge one other, marveling at how quickly you've fallen in love. Strangers reach for you, wanting to be a part of the happiness.

Each time a man hugs you, you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house is nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go, so you just wait in expectation for the next one to come along.

Each morning, the new guy hands you a cup of coffee and looks at you expectantly. A couple of times the pain and anger for your husband is so great that you lash out, sending hot coffee across the room, causing the new guy to yelp in pain. He just looks at you, bewildered. But most of the time you calmly take the cup. You give him a smile. And wait. And wait. And wait.

--Written by Cynthia Hockman-Chupp, analogy courtesy of Dr. Kali Miller

08/16/2008 State Fair, father son play group, etc

DEJA VU

After our backyard swamp finally dried up and after weeks of heat it has finally gotten cool enough and dry enough in the evenings to go into the back yard and play. Again, as I steal my good friend Lisa’s idea of what she calls dejavu – here are some fun pics of playtime:

Lacie at 21 months

Paul at 17 months (now)

Lacie at 21 months

Paul at 17 months

Lacie and Paul having fun on the play fort –

FATHER SON PLAY GROUP

Once a month the boys (any boys) who are internationally adopted or brothers of sisters who are adopted internationally – get together for a father/son playgroup. I would have gotten a group photo and MORE but I had an unfortunate event take place. I had on long pants and a wasp fly up my pants and stung me on the thigh at least 3 times. I almost dropped my pants on the playground but instead grabbed my pants where the wasp was and got to my car and dropped my pants behind the car door. Thank God no one else was on the other side of the car. I really did not care. This had happened to me in my 20’s but a wasp flew up my shirt. I did disrobe right there – but circumstances were a little different then. Anyway – here are the pics I got this time:

EUITAG

Each day of school last week got better for him. AND in two weeks, his English is so much better. I am very proud of him. The band teacher told him that he wanted him to play the clarinet in the band. So he practiced the other day and we got a free and private concert. I think he is really good. I hope it works out for him. He met a friend last week – a boy from Canada who has only lived here 3 weeks, so he is new to the school too. Euitag is a very very well mannered and good kid. If he were my kid, I would be so proud of him.

FAIR:

We took the kids to the fair. I thought Euitag would have had a horrible time, but he said it was fun – to watch the people. Yea, at the state fair – there are a lot of odd individuals. For example, there was one baby – about 17 months old who had a Mohawk on his head and on the back of his head (which was shaved) had "Fire" written in red ink. It looked like a Tatoo. Why would someone want to do this to his or her kid? But – ok – well, this is what makes the world go round.

We met Papa John (not the pizza guy) and friends at the fair. Lacie and Ava got “drivers license” and had a course on traffic safety for tricyclers. I do not know what was said but Lacie stood up and put the officers face in her hands and she got into his face and said something sweet. He smiled at her and took her in his arms. I missed most of it on film but did get the surprised look on the face of the officer.

08/14/2008 Lacie and her Prince

My friend made this slideshow for her blog. This is Lacie and her best buddy. I hope you enjoy! I sure did!


Have a great weekend!

Vonda

08/13/2008 Pre-School v. High School

We have done preschool now for three years. And we have done it well, not perfect, but well. How well does it have to be – you entrust your very young child to what you hope to be very loving and caring individuals, to love, nurture and teach your child basics: animals and sounds, colors, shapes, numbers, letters, days of week, months, etc. Even in the most perfect of environments there can be a weakness – a teacher who teaches your child “go big blue” instead of just the color “blue.” (Our team color is not blue.) Anyway, we are now in the throws of High school enrollment and it is a bit - well - not so basic.

Euitag started school this week. He brought home class information for his classes that appeared much like what I got on the first day of my classes at the University. It is a bit overwhelming – I can’t imagine being young and not understanding the language. He is tired from listening to another language all day and a bit intimidated I am sure. There are school rules, class rules, computer rules, dress codes, dress codes and more dress codes. There are choices – class choices – I mean he got to pick his schedule, except two classes – history and English. There are Club choices, sports, etc. (It may have something to do with smarts and abilities as well). I just remember having a few choices: what foreign language, and maybe one or two electives a year. There are forms to fill in and sign. Being a parent of a high schooler is a huge responsibility. Wow! But so far it is enjoyable.

We hope to take him to the State Fair this month. Euitag should get an interesting take on or state – cows, pigs, sheep, chicken, tobacco, dairy, hicks – oh, did I say hicks? Yea – that too, born and proud. AND last but not least – more of that good ole American food – the fattening kind – YUM YUM!

Lacie: Have I mentioned that in the past month or so that my daughter has not stopped talking? I just can’t imagine where that comes from. (Tee Hee) She talks from the minute she wakes up till she falls asleep. She talks when the toothbrush is in her mouth. She asks questions every second and mainly those that she knows the answer to. I have to say that she wears me out with her conversation but I try my hardest to remain patient and listen and chat with her. There will be a day down the road that I am going to wish she were talking my ear off.

Last night when on the potty Lacie told me she wanted her passie. She has NEVER had a pacifier. I was stunned – so, I said, I do not understand, what do you want? She said, “my passie.” And then she got frustrated because I did not understand her. She said, "you don't understand me" as she began to cry. I told her that I would not be able to understand her if she cried. Anyway - I repeated, "Passie?" She said NO! I said, could you explain it to me? What does passie mean? She responded, "I do not want you to see my bottom while I go potty." ohhhhhhhhhh (light bulb moment) Privacy – how did I miss that?

Paul is my sweet, rough and tumble boy. He had three baths on Sunday. One was because we went to the playground to play. He had no interest in swings, climbing and slides. He wanted to play in the mulch, carry around sticks and dig with his nails. (YES I was eeeeekkkkkk’ed) He threw mulch and got it in his hair. He is ALLL boy! AND he is a mama’s boy that is for sure. He is into mimicking right now – doing everything I do, or Lacie or daddy does. It is fun to watch him but also makes me realize that we must only do safe and proper things. He is starting to want to dress himself and put on shoes and socks.

I am sorry we do not have photos at this time. I will try and get some uploaded very soon.

Blessings!

08/06/2008 Cooking, scrapes and boxes

We are all craving Korean food these days, ESPECIALLY Euitag. Comfort food from home. I wish that I A) liked to cook and B) knew some good easy Korean meals to make. Anyway - one of my favorite Korean foods is Korean pancakes. That is a pancake but made with different veggies stirred into the mix. It can be eaten pure or with soy sauce. Ummm Ummmm good! So, at the Korean store I bought a mix. We had Euitag help us make it - based on observing his mom (the best Korean cook according to Euitag) make them. They were good, but not as good as Euitag's mom's pancakes. (according to Euitag.) Someday when we return to Korea I hope to experience his moms wonderful cooking.

Well, my cute little boy had a fall on Sunday. It really scared me. I thought he would end up with a shiner. He fell off the fireplace hearth which we have padded and use as a extra bench or place to park toys. Anyway, he tumbled off and began to cry pretty bad. The fall itself did not look that bad - but he fell on a toy with a sharp edge and it scratched his upper eyelid and scraped his face from cheek to eyebrow. When I saw how close it got to his eye, I was somewhat nervous - what if he scratched his eye, what if he gets infected, what if, what if, what if - So, after I calmed him down I called the doctor. The nurse (I love nurses) on call reassured me and told me what to watch for. Go to ER if his eye begins to tear or he can't keep his eye open. To go doctor the next day if he ends up with a bloody spot on the white of his eye? Anyway - he is healing nicely and he never got a shiner! Yipee!
The culprit:

The booboo:


We have lots of toys - so it amazes us why we worry about toys - just buy them a box. Don't even buy - go get them from stores. Oh and Paul's true favorite toy is an empty milk jug. They have had more fun with this box and much more entertainment now for over a week. Granted boxes do not last as long as a Tonka toy.


Have a great rest of the week!

Vonda

08/02/08 Welcoming Euitag

First - his name is pronounced like EEEE-tak (or better yet) Ee-tek. That is the best I can try and explain. I botched his name for a long time - pronouncing it U-tauk.

We have enjoyed him so far AND he is catching up on much needed rest. I am already learning a lot from him. I hope he learns a lot from us.

The night he was to arrive at the airport Lacie and I made posters so John could hold them up at the airport and he would see his name so he would know that John was the one to pick him up. Lacie had fun doing stamps on one of his posters.

Here are pics from the airport - of course it was about 2:30 a.m. The airlines lost the luggage and they were all tired. Euitag is in the white shirt with the black tie.

We went to the zoo today for my company picnic. It was so so hot but fun. We only had one pic taken at the zoo so I can't post any from that. But will post more family stuff later. Right now all my kids are napping - even my newest teen.

Have a great weekend and blessings!

Vonda

8/1/2008 3:00 a.m Euitag is here and safe!

OK - well he is not here at home, but at least on solid ground. They are still at the airport. There were many delays. His luggage did not make it. And not for anyone on the flight so they have to now wait to give our address for luggage delivery. Euitag plans to sleep all day tomorrow - we will wake him for dinner. I hope I do not sleep at my desk.

I worried about him all day and felt much better when I discovered there was another boy traveling through Atlanta with him. They knew each other from home in Korea.

We will post pictures as soon as we get them downloaded.

We are grateful he made it safely. I can't wait to meet him. It may be tomorrow. The only thing he must do before he goes to sleep is call his mother and let her know he is safe.

Good night (or morning)!

Vonda