First Family Zoo Day

This morning Frig and I brainstormed some different ideas for how we should spend Memorial Day and we settled on taking CJ to the zoo. Some of you may recall that I did take him to the zoo one time before, early on, and that it didn't go very well. Today was the complete opposite.

First, I learned a lot from watching the more experienced zoo goers on our last trip. We came prepared with water for all, hats, lots of snacks, sunscreen on, and the wagon instead of the stroller. Christian pulled the wagon "My turn!" he would tell us, more than he rode, which made his father and I VERY happy.

Second, CJ did amazing with his potty training. He even managed to go number two after his snack. This really helped with any potential stress levels.

Third, he was so much more into the animals. Knowing what they were called and wanting to get closer looks at different birds, the chimps, the grizzly bear, and the "horses" (large antelope and zebras).

Fourth, his Daddy was with us. Everything always goes so much smoother when Appa is able to come with us.

Early on - still a little unsure.

Starting to take closer looks.

No time to stop - eating on the go!

Can you see the bear?

Daddy too!

African drumming

Checking out the Chimps.

Being checked out by the Chimps.

Mommy, CJ and the cool Giraffe

"And Daddy too" - CJ wasn't happy until he took a photo with Daddy.

Gottcha Day

September 20 will forever now be a date of vast importance in our household as it was the day Christian officially became Christian and our son forever. It was a day surrounded by much drama and sadly very little celebration. This was due to the fact that the mother of a girl in CJ's class chose to leave her sick daughter at school the previous Tuesday despite the fact that the child vomited on the way there.

By the time we were headed to Grandma and Pop's place on Thursday, Christian as showing similar symptoms. I had never seen so much vomit come out of such a little body or even out of a big body for that matter. More likely it is that I have never seen vomit covering a little body, filling up his car seat, and desperately tried to soak up the stuff with a toddler blanket as it came spewing out of a tiny mouth.

From that point, about 4:30 Thursday afternoon, until right before we returned home Sunday morning, it was evident through symptoms and attitude that the little guy was not feeling his normal self. I wish we had been able to have a more festive weekend filled with happier memories, but we did get to spend bonding time none the less. We were also very luck for our lawyer. She was extremely efficient and very child oriented.All four adults felt very forchunate.

First Mother's Day

Dear Christian Jae-won-

I am so thankful that you made this Mother's Day a reality for me. I am so lucky to get to be your forever mom. I promise that while I may sometimes have to go away that I will always return home to you and your Daddy. We are so fortunate that God gave you to us to love, teach and cherish always.

Forever your mom

P.S. It is going to be very hard to top this year's gift of "poop in the potty", but I am sure you will try!