First Easter

CJ had an amazing first Easter:

• He loved his first Easter party thanks to an awesome coworker of mine.
• He was enthralled with his first basket this morning - the fact that contents had magically increased over night made his eyes open wide.
• He was shocked by how many extra people were in mass and handled the crowed pretty well.
• He thoroughly enjoyed a going to the train with his Pops, Grandma, and Nanny without his parents. He even thanked then without prompting.
• His post Easter day with Mamaw and Papaw was a blast. He loves all of his new dino and train toys.

 

 

Train Party

CJ and I went to an awesome birthday party today. We'd really like to send thanks to D. and her parents for having us. It was a 3rd birthday party for one of the girls in his class. There was one other girl from school and about five boys that he knew. We also had the pleasure to meet one of D's friends and her two boys. She just happens to be an adult adoptee from KOREA! She got my information and I really hope she follows through with an email. I would be very willing to drive to Cy-Fair so CJ and her 2.5 year old could play together again. She is also supposed to pass on some information on heritage camps held in Carrollton for when CJ is a little older. This is really great news because all of the camps I knew about before today were several stated away.

Well my guess would be that from the video you know the other thing that made today's party such a blast. This really got me thinking about planning CJ's party that is coming quickly. I want it to be something fun, but not overwhelming.

Korean from Head to Fin

Tonight's dinner was a real adventure for me. This was only the second time in my life I have cooked a whole fish. I have to say I don't even remember how the first one turned out which most likely means it wasn't worth remembering. I believe this is because I grew up in a house where I can only recall my mother cooking frozen fillets so that is what I feel comfortable cooking.

Today I wanted to take a bit of a risk and cook a recipe I have only Americanized to this point by using Tilapia fillets. It was scary and messier than my meals normally are, but well worth having to wipe all of the sesame oil off of the floor around the stove. The basic idea is to place a whole Flouder into a wok with several inches of very hot oil. After both sides have been fried through once a hot pepper-garlic-sesame paste is slathered on each side in turn. The fish defiantly tasted Korean and we felt very adventurous. CJ even said a rare toddler "Yes" when I asked if the food tasted like in Korea. I doubt he really knew what I was asking, but I appreciated the affirmation anyway.

Next time I will add some tradition Korean sides to the mix instead of doing a lame Asian veggie stir-fry. We are taking some culinary baby steps.

Rejection Never Felt So Good!

I am sitting on the couch watching the news and getting in a little computer time. What has afforded a tired Omma this brief respite you might ask. Well it happens to have been the rejection of her son and I am thankful!

Most evenings I do get a short break after I clean CJ while his Appa plays with him a bit, but this evening Christian specifically requested his father for bath time. I think it was very kind of the little man since I did take the two small ones for their after school walk/ bike ride, make the after school smoothies, jello for lunches tomorrow, dinner for tonight and eat with him all in a matter of two hours. I need a chance to kick my feet up a bit.

Since I brought up the post school exercise I guess I should explain it in a bit more detail. This weekend Appa and I tested out a little theory of mine and were pleasantly pleased to find out I was right. If we take CJ's bike with us across the street to the trails then he will peddle the entire trail and nobody has to carry him. If we don't take the bike his "walk" quickly turns into more of a "carry" which negates the point of trying to wear him out. So the bike was a hit and once again Mamaw and Papaw deserve a round of thanks this time it's for getting a bike with a push stick. There are parts of the trail with gravel for drainage and CJ needs a "Push please!" to get over those rougher patches.

Sending consents 04/06/11

This was the subject of an email I received from our international agency earlier today. While I had my suspensions of what these documents meant I did email to confirm and was told:

The documents are for your court appearance to finalize your little one. If you have an attorney they will need a copy.

I paused in composing an email to our attorney to write this brief, but very joyful, post!

A Spoonful

CJ is very excited to have fully transitioned to full sized spoons and forks. He has been able to accommodate adult sized spoonfuls for several months, and even able to use light weight restaurant utensils with easy, but our heavier-weight home cutlery had been an real obstacle. He has finally built up enough strength to be able to lift even a large spoon to his mouth and easy empty the entire contents in one bite full. Yesterday evening his father forgot about the transition and gave him a toddler fork. CJ was quick to correct him!

Recently he has been imulating both of us in another manner when eating. Appa and I frequently ask him if he is finished eating so now he is doing the same of us. Asking "Our you done?" several times during the course of a meal. Also, Appa is apt to prod Christian to eat the less desirable vegetables before he is ready. CJ likes to leave the worst for last where Appa and I do just the opposite. CJ's has now started to tell his father "You eat!" when he does this. As in "leave me alone and focus on your own plate". I appreciate the help as I never feel like his Appa is getting enough nutrition.

We are still slow and go with the potty training. I am trying to be patient and not push it as he doesn't yet have all those intergral signs of being ready that all the books seem to talk about. Oh well, at least he is polite and says "Thank You!" after I change his poopy diaper.

We recently purchased a new car and this is only adding to CJ's car obsession. The first day to school in the new car he said "Bye-bye" to the old car as we pulled out of the drive way and then accurately pointed out two  cars of the same make and model as it while we were driving. He loves the new car because it is smaller and he can now reach the door (I finally found out why child locks were invented) and he gets a better view out the window as well.

We are looking forward to the end of the month. CJ and I put up a few decorations for Easter this past weekend and he is now very much enjoying playing with the few small items. Thankfully his Montessori training is paying off and he returns them to their place after each time. CJ will have a four day weekend, but Appa and I will not. We are all super lucky that Christian's Mamaw and Pawpa will be able to spend the day with him the Monday after Easter!