Our trip to Deok Su Gung Palace

Today we went on a tour of the palacial estate of teh king's and emperors of Korea.

Who knows how long I've loved you

Well, after a long wait the day finally arrived for us to meet our Bug in person. We took a taxi from our hotel to the agency and arrived a bit early since we didn't really know how long it would take. The social worker showed us to the meeting room and we spoke for a while before Bug arrived. She mentioned that she had meet him on many occasions and that he has a great personality and is very cute. (We couldn't agree more.) She also said that his foster sister, who is in her 20's is very attached to him and cares for him often.

Then the door opened and in he walked. His foster sister had him in a carrier and he was sleeping when he came in. They took him out of his carrier and his eyes opened a bit and then they handed him to me. Finally, I had him in my arms and could kiss his little cheeks and hair. He is so precious. I don't think it has actually set in yet that he is ours.

I handed him over to daddy, so I could ask the foster family questions. They said he loves his bath and comedians. He sleeps from midnight to 8 in the morning. He will nap longer if you nap with him. (that's great for me, because anyone who knows me knows how much I love the nap.) He currently sleeps between his foster parents on the floor but often his foster sister takes him into bed with her. He likes to have someone there when he wakes up. He has about 5 oz of formula every three hours and also likes, applesauce, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, yogurt and rice porridge.

After questions we exchanged some gifts. The family had filled an album of pictures of Bug as he has been growing and gave us two CD's. One with pictures, and one with video. We know this will be priceless to him as he grows. The foster grandmother bought him the traditional hanbok and it is adorable. I hope to be able to post some pictures some day.

Then we traveled to his travel physical. He was crawling around on the scale like crazy. He is actually scooting and he drags his legs at this point. We then returned to the meeting room to say goodbye. Of course we didn't want to leave him, but we know how much his foster family loves him and how difficult it will be for them on Wednesday. We assurred them that we will send many pictures of Bug as he grows so they know how much he is loved. What they do is an amazing gift- to raise a baby for 8 months and then say goodbye. They are incredible people and I don't know how we will ever express our gratitude.

Tomorrow we go on a tour of Seoul and Wednesday-late afternoon , he is ours.

The Final Countdown

It's about 8:14 a.m. as I write this and we are scheduled to meet "Bug" at 11:00. I'm beginning to get nervous. I hope I have all the correct gifts for everyone and don't do anything culturally wrong. These are the last people in the world I want to offend in any way.

We stayed in and slept most of Sunday, so I don't have any great pictures of Seoul to share yet. The hotel we are staying at is lovely and served a yummy breakfast. Now we're back in the room organizing the gifts, and getting ready to meet the little guy.

I'll try to post after our meeting to fill you in on how it went. Can't wait!!

We're Here!

We touched town in Seoul around 5:45 pm. Korean Air was wonderful and I highly recommend it if you ever need to make a long trek. They take great care of you. We had an exit row so there was ample leg room. The food was great and they even gave wine with one meal for free! Just like it was long ago. We've been up for over 24 hours so I'm off to catch some shut eye, but I just wanted you all to know we're here. We we recover a bit tomorrow and then meet Bug on Monday. I can't believe it's here.

"Leaving on a Jet Plane"

Today at about 1:10, I got the call that Bug is ready to travel.  More details when I have them!!

I'm so excited!

I checked my e-mail today to see I had a note from my friend who found out that her visa interview for her son is scheduled for tomorrow.  Since we've been on the same schedule she said to call.  I called.  Bug's visa interview is scheduled for tomorrow too! They don't really interview him, but I believe it is where they issue his visa.  After he has his visa, all that is left is for the travel call!!  I think I'm going to pass out.  

"Brand New Day"

Happy New Year!   This past year brought me to the crazy world of facebook, which has put me back in touch with many old and new friends.  I've loved reminiscing about old times and catching up on the new.  It's hard to believe how fast 20 + years have gone by. 

So to my friends who are happy to usher in a new year, this song by Joshua Radin is for you..  

It’s a brand new day
The sun is shinning
It’s a brand new day
For the first time
In such a long long time
I know
I’ll be ok

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year!