Jae-won and I went back to the Children's Hospital today. He had to have more blood drawn, get his chest xrays done, and have his TB test analyzed. I still needed one more feces sample so I started on the top floor, with the TB test, and worked my way down. I was hoping the poop machine would do his thing before we left, but he was not cooperative. His TB test was negative. The nurse was so cute, I told her why I was there and she responded to bring my son in and she would take a look. You should have seen the surprise on her face when I pointed out he was on my back quiet as a mouse.
Next stop was imagining. He did very well with the xray. He cried a little, but didn't fight me and the technician to badly. She verified the quality before we left and we were good to go after the first try. We ran into a former student Jennifer and her mom. They live just a few blocks away, and I tutored the girl a few summers. Frig and I hope Jennifer, a certified babysitter, will be able to watch Jae-won for us in a few months.
I am a bit perturbed because they did not break up the blood tests anywhere close to even. On Monday they took only three vials while today they needed EIGHT. The little man was so sad, and it took so long. Good thing Omma listened to the tech on Monday and had been giving him lots of grape juice so his blood flow was strong.
I am supposed to hear back from Cardiology by Thursday of next week to set up an appointment with them. I will attempt to call Ophthalmology tomorrow. I imagine both of my men would be very happy if these appointments were completed before Omma goes back to work.
In other Christian Jae-won news:
1) He has learned the wonders that a light switch holds.
2) He is at least trying to spit after teeth brushing. Maybe because he realized Omma wasn't giving him any toothpaste.
3) He put on his own shirt for the first time yesterday.
4) We had our first hotdog, Hebrew Nationals, for lunch today. They went over very well.
5) He loves tacos with hot sauce. We have had fish from El Rey and homemade Turkey.
6) His fasctination with buckles continues. His newest addition being the buckle on the bike helmet.
7) Monday's visit with Nanny, his great-grandma, was a hit. They played ball and peak-a-boo. We look forward to lunch with Mama, another great-grandma, and his Great Aunt Susan tomorrow.
8) Tonight we will be going downtown with his Godparents to listen to some live music outside at the park.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Shots and Mongolia Spots
Today our little man spent 3 hours at Texas Children's Hospital being poked and prodded. To start the pediatrician asked a bunch of questions about development, and had him show her how he could draw. She tried to get him to speak, even gave him a phone, but mum was the word. She answered all of my questions: lactose intolerance and calcium, caring for an uncircumcised penis, teeth grinding, and making sure we aren't over feeding. She also did a once over checked his heart and such. She was so good she got down on his level and never once asked him to come out of my arms and get on the table.
After we were done with the doctor a nurse came in and he received three shots - 2 in one leg and 1 in the other. He also had a TB test. He had to get on the table to have these complete. Finally we went down to get his blood drawn. The moment he was placed on the table he started to scream. He learned fast that what happens on the table is never pleasant.
He really was a champ. I brought lots of yummy snacks and they did their job keeping him occupied. We do have to go back on Thursday for more blood work, TB test needs to be checked, and he will have a chest Xray as well. I believe will need to load the bag with even better food this time.
Also, we learned that what we thought was a bruise on his tale bone is actually a Mongolian Spot. I have heard of these, but never noticed a reference in his paperwork to him having one. This was a relief, especially to Frig, as he has been super worried that the "bruise" didn't seem to be healing.
After we were done with the doctor a nurse came in and he received three shots - 2 in one leg and 1 in the other. He also had a TB test. He had to get on the table to have these complete. Finally we went down to get his blood drawn. The moment he was placed on the table he started to scream. He learned fast that what happens on the table is never pleasant.
He really was a champ. I brought lots of yummy snacks and they did their job keeping him occupied. We do have to go back on Thursday for more blood work, TB test needs to be checked, and he will have a chest Xray as well. I believe will need to load the bag with even better food this time.
Also, we learned that what we thought was a bruise on his tale bone is actually a Mongolian Spot. I have heard of these, but never noticed a reference in his paperwork to him having one. This was a relief, especially to Frig, as he has been super worried that the "bruise" didn't seem to be healing.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
This Is Dedicated
I am dedicating these few pictures to Things 1 and 2 and their super special Mommy. Christian Jae-won, his Appa and I are all very lucky to have such wonderful friends in our lives. I had NO idea when I open the Oriental Trading Company box (no the irony was not lost on anyone) so many months ago how big a part all of its contents would become in our lives.
Overalls are a blessing for Omma as she doesn't have to continuously pull my pants up!
Walks would be incomplete without his fisherman hat.
How could the "I hate being hot" guy get any sleep without his onsies?
This is the best bib EVER! And this 12 year old sleepier is AMAZING!
Overalls are a blessing for Omma as she doesn't have to continuously pull my pants up!
Walks would be incomplete without his fisherman hat.
How could the "I hate being hot" guy get any sleep without his onsies?
This is the best bib EVER! And this 12 year old sleepier is AMAZING!Grandparent Visits & Mass
This weekend we are giving each set of grandparents a one hour "sightseeing tour" of their grandson. Since Frig and I am working very hard on bonding and attachment we are asking that they do not touch or perform any other care taking while here.
We are currently one down and one left to go. Yesterday went well. Of course he was shy and played opossum as far as being sleepy was concerned, but finally started to show his true monkey man colors towards the end. I hope today goes as well.
Yesterday evening we took the little guy to mass for the first time. When we picked a pew second from the back we could tell the two single men in close proximity were not too pleased. We think our little man had them apologizing for thinking ill of him by the end.
I did realize not to long into it that if he was able to stay quiet for the first seven hours of a fourteen hour plane ride that he mostly likely could do one hour of quiet in a Church. He did start fidgeting during the Homily. I remember that was always the hardest part for me as a child as well. Also, there was a family of four that came in a little later than us and took the seats directly in front of ours and their four-ish daughter started coloring on one of the envelopes. Well that got Jae-won thinking and he decided it was time to look through the books. We are lucky he knows how to treat books with care.
We are currently one down and one left to go. Yesterday went well. Of course he was shy and played opossum as far as being sleepy was concerned, but finally started to show his true monkey man colors towards the end. I hope today goes as well.
Yesterday evening we took the little guy to mass for the first time. When we picked a pew second from the back we could tell the two single men in close proximity were not too pleased. We think our little man had them apologizing for thinking ill of him by the end.
I did realize not to long into it that if he was able to stay quiet for the first seven hours of a fourteen hour plane ride that he mostly likely could do one hour of quiet in a Church. He did start fidgeting during the Homily. I remember that was always the hardest part for me as a child as well. Also, there was a family of four that came in a little later than us and took the seats directly in front of ours and their four-ish daughter started coloring on one of the envelopes. Well that got Jae-won thinking and he decided it was time to look through the books. We are lucky he knows how to treat books with care.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
One Week Home
Today is the one week anniversary of the little man coming home. He is sleeping through the night, and fighting me for naps. I keep trying to tell him that his Uncle thoroughly prepared me for any level of tantrum he wants to throw. I will just love him and hold him and come hell or high water he will take a nap.
The rest of his tantrums are super short. I think more out of frustration at not being able to communicate with me the way that he could with his FM. I can't wait for him to say his first English word. We figure "more", "shoe", and "Blue" are all in the running.
I though I would include a few tips (at only 9 days in) for others thinking about adopting a toddler:
1) If you aren't in shape get in shape! I weight lift via yoga, but you better be doing something or you are going to HURT! I am feeling this.
2) His FM was able to show him my picture for just 2 months and he recognized when I walked in the door. He has called me Omma since those first few hours together. Now try telling an 8 month old "this is going to me your forever Mom".
3) My mom keeps saying "I just love that age" and now I understand. He is helpful, playful, observant, and loving.
4) I can tell that Korean food gives him comfort so I would keep that in mind. If your child is coming from a different culture incorporate his or her food into what your family eats.
5) Amazingly the experts are right - he does seem to be regressing a bit. Especially when it comes to naps. I wish I could go back in time and ask the FM how she got him to take his naps back when he didn't go to sleep on his own.
6) If your kiddo knows a different language learn as much of it as you can. The few key phrases I know have been invaluable. CJ already knows when I am asking if he is hungry or thirsty because I used both languages every single time for the first week we were together.
If there is anything I haven't touched on, that you are curious about, please ask away. I will tell you about our experience to date.
The rest of his tantrums are super short. I think more out of frustration at not being able to communicate with me the way that he could with his FM. I can't wait for him to say his first English word. We figure "more", "shoe", and "Blue" are all in the running.
I though I would include a few tips (at only 9 days in) for others thinking about adopting a toddler:
1) If you aren't in shape get in shape! I weight lift via yoga, but you better be doing something or you are going to HURT! I am feeling this.
2) His FM was able to show him my picture for just 2 months and he recognized when I walked in the door. He has called me Omma since those first few hours together. Now try telling an 8 month old "this is going to me your forever Mom".
3) My mom keeps saying "I just love that age" and now I understand. He is helpful, playful, observant, and loving.
4) I can tell that Korean food gives him comfort so I would keep that in mind. If your child is coming from a different culture incorporate his or her food into what your family eats.
5) Amazingly the experts are right - he does seem to be regressing a bit. Especially when it comes to naps. I wish I could go back in time and ask the FM how she got him to take his naps back when he didn't go to sleep on his own.
6) If your kiddo knows a different language learn as much of it as you can. The few key phrases I know have been invaluable. CJ already knows when I am asking if he is hungry or thirsty because I used both languages every single time for the first week we were together.
If there is anything I haven't touched on, that you are curious about, please ask away. I will tell you about our experience to date.
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