I’m Thankful: Day 14

Did I mention that the kiddos weren’t that cooperative yesterday? So I washed their clothes and took them back out again. The results were … ‘doable’, but we got a little comic relief. So today I’m thankful for the reminder that I can’t take photos of my kids so seriously. And if I get stressed out about it again, I can always whip out a pair of black frames. Because I learned today, that they can make me laugh super hard.

Leah Lemmons - November 14, 2011 - 5:15 am

Oh em gee!!! Those are so cute and yet, so hilarious!!! Love these pics!!! LOL Lighten up Rach! People have been telling me that for years. I’m finally “trying” it! Of course at my age, what have I got to lose!! lol

Jae - November 14, 2011 - 2:49 pm

FWIW, I tend to love the not smiley photos the best! Your kids are precious no matter how you photograph them! Just tooooo cute!

Jenny - November 14, 2011 - 6:09 pm

i love these pictures!

I’m Thankful: Day 13

 

Seriously. I’m thankful for Photographers. We had our Holiday photos today and BOY, is it difficult to get my kids to look at the camera at the same time and smile and so forth. Our photographer was SO kind and patient and just lovely. I’m thinking we’ll have some cute shots of the kiddos. But until I get my photos, here’s a little sneak peak during our session. I was hoping to get a couple of shots of Charlie so I could send them to his Foster Mom … but alas … I hope she’s okay with getting photos of him looking away, or just giving a ‘blank stare’ to the camera. I know people say that I should just document him this way, as I’ll laugh about it later … but I’m not convinced I’ll think it’s so funny at a later day and time. Guess I’ll just have to wait and see.

I’m Thankful: Day 12

I know I’m a day late, but nevertheless, I’m thankful for all the Veterans who have fought to protect our freedom, and the freedom of others. My Grandfather on my Mom’s side was in the Marines and fought in Iwo Jima. I don’t have any memories of him, as he passed away when I was really young. But while in WWII, he kept a diary – which I’m pretty sure they weren’t supposed to do – and my cousin  transcribed it, so that long after the pages have disintegrated, we still have his words preserved. I have to say … it’s an amazing diary and the stories that it holds gives such insight to what it was like during those horrible days. After reading it, I just felt even more thankful that he made it home alive to his family. There was so much tragedy, but he was spared.

So thank you to everyone who has served. Without you, who knows where we’d be today.

{this is a photo of my Grandpa}

Grace - November 12, 2011 - 8:28 pm

your grandpa was so handsome! and what an amazing keepsake for your family…wow!
p.s. i passed an award on to you on my blog!

I’m Thankful: Day 11

 

Okay, so I am SO thankful that I found this book! I went to Barnes & Noble to get a ‘recordable’ story book that we could put in a care package for Callahan, and they had a SUPER small selection. And then I saw THIS ONE, which turned out to be PERFECT!

I know, it looks totally lame. I thought so too, that’s why I initially passed over it. But after looking through the other books, I picked this one up last. What I discovered is that the ENTIRE book is customizable! The pages are pre-designed to hold a photo and then you can write your description and record it. Well, I think I’m just going to do my OWN thing and ‘scrapbook’ over the stuff I don’t like. I’m thinking of doing a page for each of the members in our family, the grandparents, our house, maybe his bedroom … activities we like to do … probably throw in some Christmas stuff … I’m not entirely sure … but I’m SO excited to get it all planned out!

I apologize for the poor quality photos. It was late, and I’m still trying to figure out my camera. But I think you get the basic idea. Anyway, the book is $19.95 and its in the Children’s section of Barnes & Noble. Or maybe you can find it cheaper online (I haven’t looked). I’m just excited to think that Callahan will be able to hear our voices. I also want to do a short video at some point but I’ll have to tackle that at a later time. This will definitely keep me busy for now.

Anyway – for those of you getting your Christmas care packages together, hopefully this might be a fun addition for you too!

I’m Thankful: Day 10 {this one’s extra special}

 

Well, now that my Acceptance Paperwork has officially been sent in, I am SOOOO happy to say that  I am more than thankful for our new son:

“Callahan Dean Choe”

This sweet boy is is 8 months old and he is HUGE. 97th percentile. Which blows me away because I’m used to LITTLE kiddos. Claire is less than the 5th percentile for height and I thought Charlie was huge at the 26th! Right now Callahan is only a couple of inches shorter than Charlie … and barely a clothing size behind. My guess is that he’ll be bigger than Charlie by the time he comes home. We received his October WBC and he’s crawling and starting to pull himself up to stand. And don’t you just love his cheeks – I can’t wait to smooch them! And his eyes … I think they make him look so kind. (can you tell I’m one proud Momma?!)

Right now we’re just waiting for his ‘Legals’ to arrive so we can apply for our i600 approval. Once that is completed, then there’s nothing left for us to do but wait. Everything else will need to be done on the Korea side.

I’m so looking forward to going back to Korea. I can’t believe over a year has passed already as it seems like it wasn’t that long ago. And when I look at photos that other Adoptive Families take while there, my heart beats faster and I get more and more excited. But I’m trying to keep a little ‘separation’ from everything this time around. The process can make you crazy. Literally. And I don’t want to spend all my time agonizing over when things will happen. So while I’ll definitely celebrate every little step, I also don’t want to be consumed with it. I guess we’ll see how well I do.

So that’s all the updates I have for now. But as soon as I get more, you’ll be sure to know.

Ramsey - November 10, 2011 - 7:39 am

So happy for you all. I agree — his eyes do look kind. What a sweet boy!

Leah Lemmons - November 10, 2011 - 8:19 am

I can’t wait to follow along too! Yes, it’s a crazy process that’ll drive you crazy. But you’ve got enough to keep you busy! 😉 He is so adorably cute!!

Lacey B. - November 10, 2011 - 2:40 pm

He is so adorable! I love his name. All ‘C’ names… How did you manage that? :)

Bridgette Gresham - November 10, 2011 - 6:50 pm

He is so adorable!! I love his name!!! Congratulations!!!

Jen - November 12, 2011 - 2:52 pm

I love him! He is such a handsome boy! Congrats!

Tina - November 23, 2011 - 9:08 am

So happy for you & your family! Congratulations. I’ve been wondering how you were doing. Thanks for all your support while we were waiting to travel last year. Happy Thankgiving.

Renee - December 20, 2011 - 2:42 pm

He is just perfect—how stinkin’ cute!
:) renee

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