Big Bear

Our friends invited us up to Big Bear two weekends ago and we decided to stay for just a day since we weren't sure if Bethany would sleep well in an unfamiliar place. Turns out she would've been fine as she took both her naps in the pack n' play with no trouble at all (this was my first attempt to sleep her in the pack n' play). Had I known Bethany would've done so well, we would've stayed longer. Though our time was short, we had a great time with old and new friends. Thank you so much to the Tsais and Kims for inviting us!

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of our time together with friends and even more disappointing, no pictures of Bethany in the snow. Sam did manage to take pictures of Austin's very first ski lessons though. He did a great job and had a lot of fun. After his two hour session, he and Sam spent the rest of the afternoon skiing together.

 Nothing like a hot clam chowder bread bowl to warm your insides.

Eat Cake and Be Merry!

Sam called me from work this afternoon to tell me his co-workers had thrown him a surprise baby shower complete with lunch, a cake and gifts. It was so sweet of them!

Here's the cake at work.

Here's what came home to us.

After we shared a few huge slices of cake, this is what took place....

At first Austin seemed to think it was quite funny.

But then he wasn't so sure and wanted it washed off right away.

That is, until this took place

and then all was fine with the world. :)

By the way, this all started when Sam only pretended to push Austin's face in the cake. Having been given the idea, I (yes I) was the one who first gently pushed Austin's face into the cake. It was all fun and innocent with only his nose covered with frosting until Sam decided to shove Austin's face into the cake. Then Grandma decided that her son-in-law needed a taste of his own medicine. Ha! Ha! Ha! I love my family! :)

In other news, today was also our first post-placement visit with the social worker. All went very well and we have three more visits to go before we are able to finalize our adoption.

Thank you for all your help Ilana!

Happy One Month Home Bethany!

In honor of Bethany being home for one month, I decided to finally try on the hanboks her foster mother sent for her and Austin. Bethany's was a little too big but Austin's fit just right. In my rush to get it done quickly, I forgot to take into consideration that Bethany had recently woken from her nap. As a result, she was not too happy about her first hanbok pictures and I wasn't too happy with the lighting and background. Needless to say, I should've waited but I still think both sister and brother look great in their new hanboks.

* Thank you to Austin who cooperated even though he thought his hanbok looked way too girly. :)

Our First Meeting with Bethany through Austin's Eyes

In the midst of all the excitement, big brother Austin was able to capture our very first moments with Bethany. I think he did a great job!

As promised here are a few pictures of the homecoming we received at LAX.

 We've arrived!

 Anticipating our arrival.

So excited to meet their new friend!

My mom, mother-in-law and dad meeting their granddaughter.

I love that my dad is too busy smiling at Bethany to look at the camera.

A family of four!

Thank you to our dear family and friends for giving us such a warm welcome!

Bethany is 11 months old!

Happy 11 months Bethany (technically 1 more day to go)! It's been 17 days since Bethany has been home and without a doubt she is a perfect addition to our family. We are extremely grateful for a smooth transition and feel so blessed to have had the privilege of adopting her. Thank you God for sovereignly choosing Bethany to become part of our family.... what a truly wonderful gift she is!

In the short time she's been with us, we've quickly discovered that she is the sweetest thing ever! I would describe her personality as easy-going, content and happy. She smiles easily and has the cutest little laugh and "happy sounds" that melt my heart. But I will warn you - if you cross her, she'll be sure to let you know!

She entertains herself easily with the toys around her and likes to bang on things to make noise. Her favorite toys by far are these colored plastic balls that she bangs together to make a clacking sound and an electronic drum that she bangs with the palm of her hands. She also likes paper. Whether it be a napkin or Austin's homework, she likes to take it and crinkle it in her hands. I can just imagine one of these days, Austin having to tell his teacher that his little sister ruined his homework. Guess he won't be needing "the dog ate my homework" excuse. :)

She still dislikes her baths but is doing much better with everything else I mentioned in my previous post (thank goodness!). She can still sleep as much as 14 hours a night and could sleep even longer if we didn't wake her. She has adjusted well to the crib ever since her fourth night home and will usually go in willingly to take a nap or go down for the night.

Our girl also loves to eat! She will gladly eat any type of food we give her and will take an average of 6-8 ounces of formula at every feeding. Give her any type of sweets like snacks or fruit and she becomes a voracious eater. Give her something she particularly enjoys and she'll smile, laugh and do a happy dance in her high chair. No wonder I call her "little miss piggy" and "miss jiggly puff" (this one is more in reference to her chubs and rolls).

She also likes to watch her big brother and smiles every time he gives her hugs and kisses. Although Austin loves his baby sister, he does not want anything to do with her drool. To his credit, Austin is my official "Bethany's bottom sniffer" and is quick to help out as long as there's no drool involved. :)

She is still pretty uncomfortable around most men. She'll slowly warm up to all the Aunties but the Uncles are a different story. Now if we could maintain this discomfort all the way up to her college years, it would sure make her teenage years a lot easier. ;)

She does like her Daddy though but will be the first to let him know she prefers Mommy instead. Fortunately, Sam is very understanding and aware of Bethany's situation so instead of feeling hurt and sad, he continues to be persistent in his love and care for her. It warms my heart to see just how much he loves his little girl. :)

Content to play with her favorite colored balls.

Mommy's making me practice having independent play time.

She says it will help maintain her sanity. :)

 

Give me a snack and I'll smile for you every time!

Spending some quality time with big brother.

As you can see, Bethany was more than willing to give Austin's nugget a try.
Too bad Mommy and Daddy said no.

I'm happy to report that she is much more at ease with other people.
This makes Grandma very happy too.

She even let Emily unni feed her and let Auntie Nancy change her diaper.
This is a huge step! :)