Korean Expo

Korean Expo at Northern VA Community College in Annandale, VA

R.A.Q.

Spring, (or should I say what is supposed to be spring) has thrown us into a new phase in this parenting life of ours. I am calling it the Taxi Phase. It's a life where I often ask myself "How did I get here?" Like when I open the back of my truck and out pours all forms of sporting gear accompanied by Goldfish, water bottles and matchbox cars. Or when Lily throws her version of a tantrum and shouts to me "I'M NOT YOUR MOMMY ANYMORE MOMMY!!"
How about the feeling like you're constantly expected to be a walking, driving Wikipedia? Check out the recent questions being thrown at me from my 5 year old...




1. How do people die Mom? Do you just drop to the floor and boom your done?

2. Can't God bring you back to life? He is GOD ya know!

3. Mom, if you show someone your butt, you are mooning them so if you show them your pe**s are you sunning them?



As for the 9 yr old, we have conquered "The Talk." Yes, it's officially done. We think it went very well...no pressure for a parent right, just a conversation that your kid will remember his or her entire life! AHHH. He seemed to be very empowered with his new found information, kind of like being let in on a little secret. After all the questions on anatomy, puberty and disease... the funniest one had to be "So Mom, if you don't want any more children in that way, are you and Dad gonna do that AGAIN?"

Ahh...good times. What are some of the Recently Asked Questions coming your way?

We've Got You Babe!

Because of you Lily, we have embraced a culture...










Because of you Lily, we have seen beauty...







Because of you Lily, we have shed tears for strangers and have memories burned in our hearts...





Because of you Lily, we play with dolls and call Dora the Explorer...



Now because of you Lily, we get hugs, kisses and this bright smile...



It's because of you Lily, we have become an Italian, Korean American family! We are so thankful for you. Happy Forever Family Day!

Keeping Connected

In a few days, it will the 2 year anniversary of the day we got Lily. I came across this link for an organization called The Ties Program
Check out the video. CHSFS organizes trips like this also and I look forward to the day where we take our own birthland trip back to Korea. I know it's a few years away but the way time is flying it will be here in the blink of an eye. I can't help but wonder if someday Lily will want to open her file and locate her birth family. In my own selfish way I hope she does, but I realize it's entirely her choice. We wholeheartedly support whatever decision she will make. Can you imagine having the opportunity to say "thank-you" to your child's birth mom? How powerful. Only time will tell.

Adoption Forum 2011

Happening in April...
Intercountry Adoption Forum in DC

You Go Girl!

It's been a big week for Lily...


Just one month ago, her feet wouldn't even touch the pedals and now she is riding. Ok, I know...probably not a good idea to let outside toys in the house.



We discovered "Pinkalicious" after story time at the bookstore. Brings a smile to my face to be able to say I have a daughter obsessed with Pinkalicious. Never thought I would be able to say anything like that in my lifetime.



And finally....




No more diapers!!!

Guilty

What did we do to celebrate Lunar New Year? Nothing! It was just one of those crazy weeks where time just got away from us. Now, we are always up for taking the kids out and we have pushed the limit many a time but this time, it just didn't happen. I am sure many of you can relate to the project a simple meal can become with 3 kids at a restaurant. I do feel a bit guilty since it is so important to incorporate Lily's culture into our lives and we do have like a billion Korean restaurants and bakeries nearby. I guess there is always next year. Check out this article:
Seollal Brings New Adventures, Old Traditions.
We are in the process of sending an update to Lily's foster family in Seoul. I am pretty behind on that too. Shocker! I plan to include a few of these shots in the snow. My mom made her this cool sweater set...

Ooooooooo snow!!!


Is she coming?


She told me not to eat the snow...


But I did it anyway...