Listen Close - He Speaks

Part of hearing him would be that like always my parents were right, and part of it would also be all of the time we have been spending together these past two weeks. By my parents being right I mean that when they were in town at the start of December they told me he was speaking English, but Appa and I just weren't listening. I had a brief talk with CJ's teacher at the start of last week and she told me she was working with him on opening his mouth wider when he speaks. She, like my parents, mentioned how he is very quiet when he talks. I have also realized that he tends to only say part of the words.

On his list of most common words and phrases would be: hot, again, like this, this one, mine and no. Hot is missing the "h" sound and again is missing the "a". No sounds more like "nana" while mine is "ma". The last one is very confusing and forces us to listen super careful to hear when he is saying "ma" and when he is saying "omma" because the "o" tends to get lost.

Last night he said "pa" as he was reading/looking through his bible. I had just read a few pages and then past the book on to him while I started the ABCs book. He said "pa" a few more times so I figured he was trying to tell me something. I wasn't sure if he was saying "pa" or "ba" so I tried both and could tell from his expression that "pa" was the right sound.

I asked "What is pa?"
He let out a giggle.
I asked again, and he got frustrated.
I said "Do you mean Appa?" and he touched is forehead.
I asked "Do you love Appa?" and he finished the sign of the cross - three taps on his chest.
I said "Does 'pa' mean prayer?" and he giggled again, hid his eyes, and shook his head yes.
I said prayer a few times and he repeated after me each time with "pa".
I got out the prayer book his godparents gave him and we read a few prayers.

The lesson learned is to listen very carefully as you never know when God might be talking to you.

Christmas

CJ had an amazing holiday - Appa and I have been trying very hard to keep him from getting too spoiled this Christmas.

Trimming the Tree

Cousins at Great-Grandma's

Christmas Eve with Grandma and Nannu

 

Aunt Robin and Grandpa

Mommy and CJ

Roadtrip

This weekend the three of us will take our first road trip across our great state. I hope this doesn't ruin CJ for the car seat forever. As it stands he doesn't mind getting in the car. I don't know if that will still be the case after his 5 hour stint this coming Friday.

I have already done most of the packing because tomorrow is the school Christmas party and I am getting to attend. I believe I have everything we will need, but I am sure we will find that I have forgotten something. That being said I have already filled four bags.

Appa is working at a different campus from me on Friday and they get out a bit latter. As opposed to riding through rush hour we plan to come home for play time, dinner, and bath before getting in the car. This should mean that CJ falls asleep for most of the ride up. It will be the Saturday trip to Great-grandma's (2 hours each way) and the Sunday ride home (we are trying to take advantage of nap time) that will be the ultimate tests.

Please think of us this weekend as we test ourselves. This will not be for the faint of heart!

Godparents Save Dinner

I went to yoga after school today for the first time in at least two months. Right about the time when we started to settle in I started working late two nights a week and felt it unfair to go to yoga any of the other nights. We had planned to have the same spaghetti from Friday and nobody that knew the plan was very excited about them.

Right before I left for the Y Godfather Tommy called with an invite for a Pho dinner at his house. How could we turn him down? It was hard for me to get into my class as visions of Vietnamese danced in my head. When I got home CJ had worn himself out and was ready to eat. I gave him a few sweet potatoes and he was very upset that was all. He was certainly worried that he wasn't going to get enough to eat. I told him several times that we were going out to eat in an attempt to calm him down.

When we first arrived for dinner Godfather was alone and busily working in the kitchen. I offered to help, but it took awhile for him to accept the offer. Godmom works later and it took her bit to show as she had to stop at the store for a few key ingredients: chicken, noodles and WINE!

While the dinner finished the two Appas looked on as Godmother played with CJ, They were so cute. She commented on how all of his shyness has washed away since the baptism classes on October. Something I had told her, but she had yet to see in person. It really is an amazing transformation.

Well the dinner was a big hit and Christian had his first brownies for dessert. By the end of the evening Jenn and Tommy were certainly among the little man's favorite people. We were sad we had to go so quickly, but it is a school night and we have to wake so very early. Speaking of sleeping and waking both of the guys are already passed out and I think it is time for me to join them.

Tree Trimming

Yesterday Christian and I went out and bought what is my very first artificial Christmas tree.We are happily expecting Aunt Robin to visit us for a few days and she doesn't need any extra reason to have allergies when in town. I am pretty happy with the tree for several reason - the top two being less mess and it is a "slim" tree so it takes up less spaces than real tress we have purchased in the past.

This morning after I did a bit of rearranging of furniture, and cleaning which I could not control, I asked Christian to come and help me put the tree in its place. I wish Appa had been there with the camera to see his face. CJ was so surprised when I plugged in the tree and the lights came on, but Appa had been in the garage getting down the Christmas boxes.

Well it took a few tries to get the tee up correctly, and CJ wanted to be helpful so the two adults had to keep their patience about how much longer everything was taking, but we were finally ready to put on a few ornaments. Christian was very helpful as Omma carefully picked the decorations he should hang. However, his interest in the whole affair quickly faded. Appa and I decided that the bulk of the decorating should be completed at a later time, and some outside playing was in order.

While CJ played, Appa made lunch and I worked on getting a few outside lights up. I decided that this year was not a good year for battling with hanging lights on the eaves. It is always such a struggle to get them up and with our helpful toddler it would only be more so this year. Maybe the icicle lights will come out again when CJ is a little more independent, but for now a few on the bushes and the porch will have to do. Well once I had all of the lights up I realized I had a male end nearest me and the extension cord, but thankfully Appa saved the day with an easy fix to my dilemma.

After we ate Christian, Appa and I opened the Nativity set his Mamaw and Papaw gave to him. It had a lot of packaging and CJ was very helpful in throwing it all away when we are done. I have been trying to teach him about the baby Jesus using a book that was mine, but I know he doesn't yet understand what these new "toys" are all about.

After putting CJ down for a nap I headed out for my weekly tutoring gig, but when I returned I finished working on getting the house festive for the upcoming holiday. When he woke it was very cute to see his face when he first noticed the stockings I hung.

This morning I started some chili while the little man ate breakfast. Knowing we had a big day ahead of us I didn't want to have to think about dinner after decorating all day. Appa and I have been sneaking tastes out of the crock pot all day, and are just about to get bowls full for a meal. Appa and son have just returned from turning on the outside lights for the first time. I was told that I did a very good job - CJ was enthralled.

Thanksgiving

Rockin' with Pops

CJ really enjoyed this all American holiday (or I should say all North American so as not to leave out our very Northern neighbors that celebrated the same event a few weeks back). He started his celebrating on Wednesday when there was a Thangsgiving feast at his school. Appa was sure I had made way to many sweet potatoes, but the dish came back empty. Ms. Kesa it was a huge hit and pointed at one boy in particular that "couldn't get enough."

That evening we met my parents, brother, and Nanny (mom's mom) for dinner. Not only was Christian entertainment for our table, but the whole restaurant was impressed.  One patron shared that she wished her son would eat as well. You could see the looks of amazement on the faces of those around us as CJ ate his chips with habanero salsa. The waitress made a point to tell me that he was "bonito".

Uncle Ryan Up

Driving with Halmoni

On Thanksgiving Day Christian was, of course, the center of attention. He practice driving with Halmoni - until he started getting the key into the ignition successfully. He went for a walk with Pops and Blue dog. He played cars with Mamaw and Papaw. Uncle Ryan practice picking him up - over and over high above his head. Omma let him lick his first ever family clam dip off of the spatula. He played baseball with Halmoni and Appa.

Kisses and Hugs for Mamaw

We did have the meal at our house. Appa was so helpful. I sure couldn't have done it with out him. He peeled all of the potatoes, sweet and baking, cut the baking potatoes, and chopped all the veggies for the stuffing. He also sauted the veggies and helped me stuff the bird.

Much later in the evening Appa, Omma, CJ, Pops, and Halmoni all headed to the other side of town to visit with some of Pop's side of the family. Aunt Ann, not surprisingly, had a few fun noisy table top toy. I'm sure CJ will be looking for it again come Christmas time so I hope it is still around. Unlce John let CJ play with the dogs and hold the leash. Uncle George and Mama both kindly lent their keys for playing. I finally brought my men home when Appa started to fall asleep on the couch. It had been a very long day for the three of us.

Breaking from Playing - Family Clam Dip - YUM!

All Things Loved

Christian has many favorites. I do believe this is common of children his age - the fixating. The things he fixates on are also not all unique or for all I know none of them are unique. The car keys, for example, are an item cherished by little ones far and wide.

He also adores the phone. If a real phone isn't available for use then his hand will make do in a pinch. He likes to talk on the phone while riding in the car, towards the end of a meal, or while a book is being read to him. As you see not all times when he chooses to start talking on the "phone" would be consider polite.

His favorite toys seem to be the puzzles and the Legos. These are the first things he plays with in his room every single time. I feel pretty confident saying they are his favorites. He has gotten much better at the puzzles since he has started school. Both puzzles have nine pieces which are identical in shape and size, but painted with different designs. Prior to school he struggled with getting the pieces in their groves, and had pretty much no desire to make the patterns match. Now it is not only easier for him to get the pieces into a spot, but more likely than not it is the correct spot.

Most of all I do believe he loves school. He cries a little on mornings when he is told that there isn't school that day. I am so glad we found a place where he wants enjoys going. I hope he continues to feel this way about school wants he starts having to complete homework.

Sweet Surprise

We had a rough patch the past two weeks. Between Frig and I we managed to total a car and wash a phone in the laundry. The garbage disposal also went out, but thankfully my father was able to give me fix-it instructions over the phone that got it working again.

Today I was very impatiently waiting for the new phone to arrive, and when it finally did there was a surprise package we were not expecting by its side. The package was from our international adoption agency and the contents are priceless. Apparently Christian's foster mom had taken him for a professional photo shoot before he left Korea. She sent us a very nice leather frame with one photo of just him and one of the two of them together. There was also a necklaces donated by a volunteer organization. The pendant is a Korean flag and the back is engraved with CJ's name in Korean and his birth date.

This package was such a sweet surprise. The three of us are so lucky CJ has such a wonderful Foster Mom. We wish she wasn't half way around the world.

Say It Aint So

Christian has been congested since his first day of school. It has been impacting everyone's sleep. It has turned me into a nose wiping machine.

I was complaining to a fellow new mom, whose baby started school a few months ahead of CJ, and her reply was not a positive one at all. Am I really to expect that he will never be well again? Will I forever have to rub methylated gel upon him prior to bed? Will the mucus sucking bulb become my new best friend (and his as well now that he has figured out it really isn't a torture device)?

Getting Too Comfortable Perhaps

There are times when Appa and I long for the days that Christian was still getting to know and feel comfortable with us. The days when he ate whatever we put in front of him, and would never utter a single sound in front of a stranger. Oh those were the good days. Well sometimes that is how we feel anyways. Those times when he is throwing a tantrum because he wants to feed himself the very messy soup and we would really rather him let us help him. The times when I take him to buy new shoes, because his super cute Korean ones are wearing out, and he screams bloody murder because he doesn't wants his shoes off in a store.

Then there are the times when we relish in the progress he has made. For instance, the bitter sweet knowledge that he is starting to speak English at school. Yes, his teacher gave up his "secret" on Thursday. Christian is starting to use English. Apparently he told another child "No Allan, NO!" When she took a book away from him. It seems like there were other instances, but that was the first one to come to Ms. Kesa. She said "He knows how to use no very well." We can not wait for when he chooses to start trying out his English language skills at home.

Earlier this week he also learned to jump. Christian and I were at the park and I thought he was trying to poop because he was crouched down so low, but then I figured out he was trying to jump. The first few times he seemed to put so much effort into it, but both feet didn't make it off the ground at the same time. However, he did eventually he find success. He is getting pretty good with the jumping, but still starting from a very low crouching position.

More Grandparents

This past weekend my parents came to town. We celebrated Pops' birthday on Friday night. It was Christian's first fine dinning experience. He was, of course, very well behaved. The restaurant had one of those chairs that attaches to the table. Christian appreciated being so high up and in the middle of everything.

While we waited for our appetizers he feasted on fresh bread. I believe he thought that was all there was going to be. As soon as he was finished with the bread he asked to get out of the seat. I went ahead and let him join me on a trip to powder my nose and a short walk outside.

CJ was very excited to find out that the bread was just the beginning. He very much enjoyed his own food, a mixed seafood appetizer, as well as my Cornish hen and his Appa's Red Snapper. Other than the food he thought drinking out of the adult water glass was very special as well.

The festivities continued the following day when we met up with Pops and Halmoni at one of our favorite local breakfast spots. Our regular waitress, Leslie, was super excited to get to see Christian in person. We had eggs with hash browns and gyro meat all around.  Afterward we all went to play at the park. Christian met a new girl, K., while there. She happens to live on our street, one block down, and has just turned three.  Her father was very nice. He asked for our email address and sent us an invitation to her birthday party. I have already replied positively. This is already his second birthday party invitation!

Pop s had to take off for an appointment with his hairdresser and we invited the folks to come back for mass and dinner. Sadly they already had plans, but we understood. Plus, we really do like our weekly foray to Sweet Tomatoes and Pops wouldn't be able to go there with us.

Our final celebration started at the park on Sunday morning. CJ got super excited when my parents car pulled into the parking lot and Pops got out. After a fair amount of sliding, and Pops trying to teach Christian to go down head first, we went for Mexican food. It was sad to see Halmoni and Pops head back to their new home. We can't wait to see them again at Thanksgiving.

Plays Well With Others

The first day of Montessori school was today. The hour between waking and leaving the house was a whirlwind of activity on my part as I navigated around the two sleepy headed men in the house. I was exhausted by the time the three of got into the car and pulled out the driveway.

We arrived at his school at 7 AM on the dot, and watched as the lights inside were turned on. Ms. Kesa unlocked the front gate, and let her first student into the building. She was very understanding of us being first time parents and wrote down her direct line offering that we could call as many times as we felt the need. Christian was very confused as I handed him off to his cuddly teacher - not at all sure of what was happening. Appa and Omma said goodbyes and "I love you"s and headed out the door. The silent Christian watching with a befuddled look upon his face.

I was taken aback by the fact that he didn't let out a whimper. Even as we walked to the car it was silent inside the school house. All of the literature I have read regarding attachment and bonding was whispering to me that this was a bad sign. Alas, the first time either Frig or I could call, without it being during class, was when he had lunch. That means I had to wait HOURS to know how my baby was fairing. The post lunch update was a good one. Apparently once Christian figured out that his parents weren't coming back any time soon he did his fair share of crying, but he also didn't let it keep him from joining in the rest of the day either.

Frig did not have to teach the last period of the day today so he went a little early to pick Christian up from school. That way he could get the full update without it putting us at home super late. The news was incredible. We, Ms. Kesa included, are all just hoping that this wasn't a fluke. Although he has been super happy all evening. I do believe my little man really enjoyed his day at school.

End of the day update (in brief):

• Plays well with others
• .Joined in the routine like a champ
• Must be easy to feed - you bettcha!

Mamaw and Papaw Come to Town

On Saturday we were very lucky to have Frig's parents come into town. They got to our house a little after breakfast and stayed until after lunch when nap time started. We spent time at one of the parks we frequent and ate Christian's first Mexican food meal at a restaurant. He loved the never ending chips as he is used to Frig rationing them at home.

I would like to say that it was nice for someone else to be taking the pics for a change - Thanks Mamaw!

About to leave for the park.

Just the three of us.

Me and my little man

Two happy ladies and a squirmy worm

With Papaw

"I'm not too sure about that."

 

 

 

Always so good at sharing.

Week Seven

This past week I started back to work and Frig stayed home with Christian. We both thought this would play an important part in his attachment with his Appa. I believe it was also rather eye opening for Frig in so far as how hard it really is to be a stay at home parent.

It was also nice because Frig was able to meet Dexter, Christian's friend at the park, and exchange contact information. Now that Christian will be at school during the day he will no longer have unplanned meetings with Dexter at the park We hope that there will be a planned play date in the near future. Frig hopes the play date involves Dexter's Filipino mother making some of her native delicacies.

Chillin' wth Blue

Showin' off  my new haircut.

Showing love for the park

 

Home Again, Home Again

Today was my first day back at work. It can best be defined by shock and confusion. Christian was obviously very confused as I pulled out of the garage this morning. Frig says he cried for less than 30 seconds. When I returned he looked equally confused and didn't seem nearly as happy as when Frig would come home. I guess I should be celebrating that I am no longer the only one CJ wants.

On the other hand I went through shock. It was very hard to get into the swing of things and much of it was just going through the motions. I think I did a pretty good job of playing the part though and definitely reminded the students who's boss. There are a few small kinks I need to take care of, but all and all Frig did an amazing job playing my part the last six weeks.

Korean Festival

It was nice to be able to get pics with all three of us.

Yes, he is chewing on his carrier.

Omma and Godmom

Food - worthy of getting out of the carrier!

Why won't she let me do it?

Very cool dancing.

Students from my father's university.

What once was Godmother's then becomes Godson's.

Park - the only other reason to get off Omma's back.

Making his LONG way back to the slide.

Hydrating after park play.

Frig said CJ and I were the topic of many photos today as we walked around the festival and watched the performers. Some of the highlights not pictured here are that I may have a line of FREE Korean lessons and we got Christian's name written in Hangul (Korean alphabet). We were so lucky to have Christian's godparents join us on this special outing.

Prayerful & Pearful Snack

This afternoon I gave Christian canned pears in juice for his snack. I gave him one pear half to start because the last time I gave him pears he had turned them down. Well today he was in a pear mood and that half didn't last long past his prayer. He immediately asked for more, by handing me the bowl and not the fork. I obliged by giving him a second half. He clasped his hands for another prayer, and another, and another. He must have prayed 10 times before he got started on that second pear half. By the end he was even praying along (ie babbling as I said the prayer). He did the same thing for his third half. I wish Frig had been here so we could have gotten the whole thing on tape, but I knew if I got up to get the camera the magic would be lost.

Ophthalmologist

Today the little man experienced his first predawn wake up. He took it amazingly well, and I believe he enjoyed being able to say good-bye to his Appa when he left for work. This was good practice for next week when Omma is going to be the one leaving. We plan on him waking up before I leave so he won't be freaked out that I am not at home by waking after I've left. This will also be a nice transition to waking even earlier the following week when all three of us are going to school.

His appointment today went very well - in and out in just over an hour. He received yet another compliment from a medical worker, I am not sure if she was a nurse or a technician of some sort, for being such a well behaved little man. He had his eyes dilated so we did have to wait for the drops to take effect. The doctor could not find any signs of his eyes being out of alignment, and asked that we come back in six months. However, if nobody sees his eyes crossed between now and then we might forgo the appointment. The doctor said his eyes were perfect from what he could tell and the follow up seemed more for Omma's benefit than anything else.

Cardiologist

Today Christian and I went on an adventure to Cy-Fair to see the very nice cardiologist. I believe the little guy was a little sad when he realized we were not going to the park after all which is what we normally do after I feed him his 10ish meal. However, he was able to entertain himself with all of the goodies in the bowling bag I use for such occasions. He figured out real fast that I store lots of treats in the bag, and even on Monday at the pediatrician started helping himself to it's contents.

We arrived at the appointment about 25 min early, spoke to reception and took a seat. I gave him some cards to play with and started to fill out the form. It wasn't 10 minutes into it and we were already being called to the back. I was shocked by the efficiency.

The first woman who helped us had me change Christian into a gown, weighed him (26ish pounds), took his height (33ish inches), and did his blood pressure from all four limbs. On Monday CJ hadn't responded too well to the blood pressure monitor, reached at it with his other hand and fussed a bit, but today he didn't even touch the cuff. I have always loved the blood pressure cuff myself so I didn't understand his aversion. Next she did an EKG. For this test she placed 13 VERY sticky "stickers" on his torso and attached a wire to each one. Almost as soon as she got the last wire clipped on the test printed and she was done. I couldn't believe how fast it was.

Next the cardiologist came and spoke to me. He asked what I already knew and commented on the fact that since he was an adoption I probably knew a whole lot. (This means he actually read Christian's file. How amazing!) So I told him what I knew and then he told me more details complete with a diagram that was very geometric and made a whole bunch on sense to me.

So the gist of what is wrong: there is a hole (or maybe two small holes) in the septum (tissue) that separates the left and right ventricles (lower portions) of CJ's heart.  Because there is always a difference in pressure between the left and right side of the heart, and liquid will flow to the area of least resistance, some of his clean blood passes through this hole. The clean blood is then sent to the lungs. This means the lungs are having to accommodate more blood than they really should. It also means the heart is having to do some extra work. Finally, the hole(s) is very close to one of his valves. This may create a problem as the flow through the hole may start to pull the valve as well.

The doctor then said he would like to try and get some pictures of the heart, ultrasound, if we thought Christian would behave. We both agreed CJ seemed most willing to cooperate. During this whole time Christian has been eating a granola bar, and when the doctor leaves us he finishes so I take out a banana. When the banana is done we play with some bubbles. This is when he makes his only sounds of the whole 2.25 hour visit - a few shrieks of glee at the bubbles Omma creates.He gets bored with the bubbles, and goes back to the bag for more food. I direct him to the pretzel goldfish.


It wasn't too much longer and the next technician came to get us for the Echocardiogram (ultrasound). For this test he had to lay on a table, three more stickers with wires were placed on his torso, and by the end LOTS of gel all over his chest and tummy. He laid there for over 15 minutes, I was timing it with the VCR the tech had playing Elmo, and didn't make a peek. In fact the technician said she had NEVER had a two year-old be so still and that included her own two-year old. My son gets the "Best Echo Patient" ever award!!!!

At this point I got to dress the boy and after reading just one book the cardiologist was back to tell us his final prognosis. It is his opinion, I am happy to say, that at this time there is no reason for surgery. He included sound medical reasons such as he is thriving and the hole(s) very well still could heal on it own, but also adoption reason such as since it isn't paramount to correct the hole(s) at this time having CJ go through surgery would not help with his transition and attachment. Did I tell you I liked this doctor yet!?!?!? It is the doctors opinion that Christian should be allowed to experience the holidays and we will go back in 6 months for a follow up.

I am so excited by our whole experience - even the drive 20 plus miles was well worth it. The environment was so much more pleasant and all of the workers were so much calmer and kinder. There wasn't craziness in the elevator to deal with and I didn't have to pay for parking. I know I paid for gas, but trust me it was less. I wasn't able to make the next appointment, it's too far in advance, but if I have anything to do with I will be driving back north come 6 months from now.

Pediatrician

Christian and I went back to the pediatrician yesterday. I did better than the first time about timing which kept the parking garage fee from being as high. The first time we got there almost an hour early and it hadn't occurred to me how I would be paying for all of that time in parking fees.

Because I wasn't sure how long the appointment would take I took the little man for a very special treat before the doctor. He and I went to Whole Foods and shared a non-dairy frozen treat. It was super yummy, and only the second time we have given him anything like it. He was so happy.

As far as the doctors visit I have finally decided that I don't really care for her. The first two times I wasn't sure, but now I know it to be true. He has a follow-up shot for Hep due it March and I will not be taking him back to that doctor to have it done.

As far as results, all of his shots from Korea took so he doesn't have to redo any of them and all of the big tests (ie HIV, Hep, etc) were negative. He did have some bad stuff in his poop so that test is being redone. I guess it wasn't the vaccines they gave him that led to the diarrhea after all. I took the sample in today in fact, and we hope to have the results by the end of next week or it may effect day care. Also, the heart xray did show that his heart is enlarged.

Stay tuned for cardio and ophthalmology.

Playing

Playing with my dog!

Playing with Blue and a ball.

Doing the squat! "Blue please share the toys with me."

 What?

  Ball Love

 Patient Appa

 One of these days.

Playing toss with Appa

Practicing the newly learned "high-five" skills - Omma didn't want to have to keep explaining how he didn't know that one yet.

 Taking a ride.

"Thanks for making the park so much fun Appa!"

Christian loves playing outside. Sadly, I don't think the outside cares for him nearly as much. I say this because he gets hurt almost every time we take him to the park. Sometimes the hurts are small, but other times they are not. Twice this week his evening park time turned into evening get hurt in the face time. Consequently there won't be any pics for awhile. Poor little guy. I promise we are not abusing him!

Week Without Plans & Food Coloring

I intentionally did not plan any events for this week as next week is going to be a bear. We will spend three of the five days  at various doctors appointment. I am not looking forward to it. He fortunately is happily oblivious to what awaits.

We have been using our time to learning more about playing with toys and helping Omma complete chores. I am not sure which one he likes better. One of his favorite things to do, besides keeping doors closed and buckles buckled, is helping hang up his shirts. How long does this phase last again? Like all good things I know it will come to and end.

Yesterday evening Appa took Christian to the store to get a last minute item to complete dinner. While there the workers asked if they could give our son a LOLLIPOP and Appa consented. Well he didn't even have it for every long, but boy did it make an impact. By the time we made it to the park, after dinner and about an hour later, he was crazed. It was if someone had given our child drugs. He was running around screaming happily as a loon. One of the moms, that has met him three other times and never heard his voice, commented. CJ was happy mind you, but I think Appa learned his lesson. Appa doesn't want Omma or his son anywhere near food coloring if he wants us to act like sane individuals.

Can't Believe My Eyes

Later on we encountered a strange dog while I was holding the leash. Blue went crazy pulling and barking like mad lady. Christian walk over to me and put his hand out to help. I kept holding the leash myself, but I also placed it in his hand. I then told Blue several times in succession that "Christian has the leash." At that point she sat down, and while she still continues to bark it wasn't as loud and she certainly was no longer pulling! I wish there had been a fly on the wall to film that part as all those who know Blue are going to find it very hard to believe.

Male Bonding Take 2

I am currently watching our son as he plays at putting on my jean jacket while his Appa snores on the couch. This will be the first time that either of us has fallen asleep while Jae-won was still up. The little man wore the old man out for good this time you see.

There was much progress made this weekend. Jae-won called his father "Appa" for the first time, and is now giving kisses to both parents. They also made friends with the Father and two boys ages 2 and 4.5 that live two doors down.

Week Three in Film

A boy and his dog.

A little pre-mass activity for the little guy.

I bet your thinking he is going to want to swing for the first time aren't you?

Well he had us both fooled then. Yet another set of buckles to be mastered. These require the most help from Omma as they are very tight.

Playing with ancient toys at Nanny's house.