Care Package #2

Emerson, look what's on its way to Korea for you!

I was reminded yet again of how small a gallon size ziploc is when trying to send a care package. I must have either forgot or just really impressed myself with my squeezing abilities last time, because I bought way too much stuff to send this time around.

This care package is special because a representative from our agency is going to Korea and will be hand-delivering it to Emerson and foster mom. The best part is that she is going to take pictures and even a VIDEO of them! I can't wait!!!!!!!!!

Here's what I was able to push and shove while gritting my teeth fit into the ziploc:

Cotton tees, beanie, toddler spoons, socks

More pictures of her waiting family

Shoes now that she's started walking!
So proud of my little baby!

So here's how disillusioned I was... The following is what I could NOT include in the package: a little blankie, lotion, a toy phone, a summer dress, and a pair of tights. I'm not Houdini after all. But luckily I get to send a birthday package soon so those will surely be in the next package. Yay!!

Getting Ready. . . 11 Years Ago

Dear Emerson,

Mommy and Daddy got married 11 years ago today. We didn't know it back then, but God was already preparing OUR family. Our wedding day was one of the happiest days of my life, but God knew then that even more joy was headed our way - YOU!

We are so blessed.

faith

"Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right."

"Feed your fears and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will."

- Max Lucado

I am trying.

Photo Friday ;)

That was the subject header in the email sent from our case worker today. Winking face included. And sure enough... here was the picture that was attached!

What a sweet, sweet surprise to get an updated photo of our baby! She has grown so much in just the two months since we last got a picture. Her hair's gotten longer. The email also mentioned that she gained two lbs. and two upper teeth since March! This now brings her to two teeth on top and two on bottom.

Her outfit is so colorful and adorable. Our case manager pointed out that she's wearing her signature polka dots, lol. And lOOk! She's holding on to the Sophie giraffe we sent her last month! That is so endearing. I can't believe she's actually touching and holding the same toy we sent. Her little hands are so cute. I love the way her fingers are holding onto Sophie. I hope she's enjoying it and gnawing on it to her heart's content!

We had a rough start to the week but like I posted then, I just need to look out for the rainbows. And what do you know, God sent an amazing one our way today! Thank you, Lord! Seeing her picture renewed and refreshed my soul. My heart still deeply aches to be with her and that won't change until the day we are with her. But it's just amazing how an update or her picture can put a HUGE smile on my face and simply make my day.

I wish we could have "Photo Friday" every week! :)

10 Months!

Another mini birthday is upon us already!

As you turn 10 months old today, we are celebrating the day with joy in our hearts for you!!

Our precious Emerson,


Today was a very sad day for mommy and daddy. Our agency notified us that Korea announced this year's visa quota and you will not be getting your's. We will not be able to travel to come for you until next year. We were originally told that we may be able to travel in December. I have tears in my eyes even as I write this. The cut-off for this year's quota is all families who were matched by end of last November. We were matched with you in February.


I called our case manager to see if there was anything we could do to see you and/or be with you while you wait for your visa to be issued. I let her know that we were planning on opening an overseas office, and now in light of today's news, we could place the office in Korea and I could work there and raise you as we both waited for your visa. As expected, she said that wouldn't be possible. I figured that'd be her answer, but I was grasping at straws. I heard sadness in our case manager's voice while talking with her. I know she wants you to be home with us, too.


Emerson, for some reason I can't give up hope that we will be able to bring you home to be with us this year. I don't know how we will be able to wait another year to see you in person, to hold you and give you long overdue hugs and kisses. To bring you home to your family where you belong.


I'm so sorry, my baby girl. I don't know why, but I feel responsible that I can't bring you home to be with us. I feel helpless right now. I know you are in wonderful hands with your foster family. I also know God is watching over you and your every breath.


You know, early this morning I was up and working on the computer by the window. It was raining off and on, and I happened to glance up right when the rain stopped and a rainbow appeared. I ran and grabbed my camera to take a picture of it.

A rainbow signifies a break in the rain and signals the sun is coming. My little sunshine, I know you are coming home and in the meantime I will be watching for the rainbows along the way.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

Mother's Day

I am a bit emotional on this Mother's Day. I know, I know... what's new, right? I haven't stopped being a tad bit emotional for the past several months! But that's what Emerson's presence in my life is doing to me. Today I'm thinking about:

* Naturally my mom who has always been my prayer warrior and who relentlessly prayed and continues to pray for our daughter. Who cries tears of joy with me whenever we get any sort of update on Emerson.

* Foster mom in Korea who is lovingly raising our daughter. Who has seen our daughter grow from her itty bitty infant stage to a waddling baby today. Who will continue to raise and provide for her until we finally get to go to Korea to bring Emerson home with us.

* Emerson's birth mom. To the woman who gave life to our daughter thereby giving new life to my family... I am thinking of you on this Mother's Day.

* First time mommies like my little sis who is experiencing her first Mother's Day this year. Who I have watched with wonder and pride as she naturally and with amazing ease stepped into her role as mom.

* My fellow adoptive mommies who are either waiting for their kiddos to come home, and those who have been so blessed to have their child home to share their first Mother's Day with them.

* My gal pals who either have babies growing in their tummies and those who have them growing in their hearts as they wait to become mommies. I can't wait to wish you all future Happy Mother's Day.

* The amazing mothers I see day in and day out who I take pointers from on how to be the best mommy I can to Emerson.

My heart is simply overflowing today.

Children's Day!

Happy Arini Nal, Emerson!!

Arini Nal is Children's Day in Korean. It's a major holiday in Korea celebrated on May 5th. It's practically equivalent to Christmas for the children in Korea. Today they get showered with presents, new clothes, eat yummy foods, and/or go out on outings, such as to the zoo or an amusement park.

Dear Emerson, we hope you have a wonderful Children's Day today! You may be too little to remember what you and your foster family did today. But I hope whatever it is, it will make your eyes light up, bring laughter to your lips, and fill your heart with joy!

Daddy and I look forward to making your days with us feel like Children's Day always.

Roomies

This weekend Jagger and I became roommates.

My new roomie.

Even though it's still going to be quite awhile before Emerson comes home, I got the ball rolling on getting our home room ready to become her home. First step was for me to move out of my existing craft room and move my stuff into Jagger's room. We're going to turn my craft room into a play area for Em.

I guess I should clarify that Jagger didn't really have his own room. It was just a spare room that we put all his cat toys in. It was also the room we'd put him in when we had guests over who had allergies/aversions/fear of cats. Not sure if he minds sharing the room with me, but he did make the move a bit difficult at times. Gene and I would be moving furniture like my desk and shelves, and Jagger would either block our way or try to jump on the furniture. That could have been his way of telling me to stay out, haha.

Jagger had legit reasons to be less than enthusiastic.

I did move in quite a bit of stuff.

Some of Jagger's belongings were
moved out of the way for my desk.

Jagger (lower left hand corner) leaving the room

dejected with what it's become.

Once I was pretty much moved into my new crafting quarters, I got to work finishing up some cards for a dear friend. She is announcing to family the very big news that she's expecting, and thought Mother's Day would be the perfect occasion to do so! She asked me to make some gender neutral cards for her mom and MIL. She also wanted to make sure she could include an ultrasound picture in them. So I went to work and these are what I came up with....!

Baby bibs! The card on the right is a two-parter.

She can pull out the inside and attach her ultrasound photo.

And of course, my new roomie tried to get into the photo shoot again. I had to take close-ups so that he wouldn't be in the shots. I finally gave in and snapped one of him as well.