Andrew & Sydney Pics

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Matt & Sydney at the Alliance Carnation Queen pageant. Each year Matt escorts the ladies during the evening gown competition since Chase Bank is the title sponsor of the pageant. Sydney loves to watch, and thinks all the women look like princesses.

Andrew, 16 months old

Austin

Boy, it has been a busy week. In passing, our neighbor Sue, mentioned her son was so disappointed that he couldn't race in an upcoming Soap Box Derby race. Her father had been helping her son, Austin build a derby car but, unexpectedly passed away before it was completed. Now when this conversation took place, Sue had no idea we were involved with the derby. Since then my dad, Matt & I have tried to pick up where Austin's grandpa left off and complete his car so he could fulfill his grandpa's wish of having his grandson race in the Soap Box Derby. This past weekend we all gathered at the big hill and watched Austin race in the Akron Fall Rally.
Way to go Austin, your grandpa would be proud!

Click on this page title "Austin" to watch a video tribute Matt created.

Orphanage Fundraiser

Every year I try to give my time to a non profit organization like the All American Soap Box Derby, Ronald McDonald House, American Red Cross. This year I joined a new committee, Friends of Adoptive Families. A non-profit group created to raise money for the orphanages Family Adoption Consultants serves overseas. Essentially, our organization is made up of Northeast Ohio adoptive parents who want to give back to the orphanages who cared for their children. I couldn't think of a better way to say thank you to the men & women who cared for Andrew.

I would like to invite you all to become a part of our 10th annual Evening at the Races. This fundraising event will be held on Friday, October 13, 2006 at the Cleveland Metroplex Sports & Event Center.

Last year we hosted over 400 people and raised $23,500. These funds were used to purchase immunizations, diapers, formula, clothing for Andrew's orphanage and the three others served by FAC. $5,000.00 was put towards the Tomorrow Plan in China, this fund helps pay for surgeries needed by the orphans in that home. In the Philippines a $2000 donation paid for the salary of a child care worker at Concordia Children Services. For the Korea Social Services Home in Korea we purchased an $8,500 industrial gas dryer.

This year, we have a variety of projects that desperately need funds including the purchase of medical equipment, educational materials, playground equipment along with basic supplies like diapers and formula. A detailed list can be supplied upon request.

Tickets are $20 each and include a buffet dinner, and all the beer, wine and pop you can drink. We will be there betting on our favorites, so please join us at our table.

If Warrensville Heights is too far to drive. Maybe you or someone you know would like to donate a raffle prize, purchase an ad in our event program or just make a cash donation. We anticipate over 400 people in attendance at this years event, offering a splendid opportunity for public relations and advertisement. We will acknowledge the contribution in our program book distributed to each guest at the event.

Our program printing deadline is September 22, 2006 so we kindly ask that you respond before then to assure being included in the program.

All of us at Friends of Adoptive Families and Family Adoption Consultants genuinely thank you for your generosity and commitment to all the waiting children.


If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Dinner with Alex

We met the Henne Family at Hong Kong Buffet last night. I felt bad for the waitresses who had to clean up under our table. The kids left quite a mess!



Alex & Andrew riding the dragon outside the restaurant.

Centerfield Sydney

The tball season wrapped up last week. Much to her daddy's relief Sydney was actually a decent player. For a 4 year old of course.

Matt put together a video montage of Sydney's first season. Below is a link, if it doesn't work try to cut and paste it. Like Andrew's movie this also has sound so turn up the volume and enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPza34nnPag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPza34nnPag

Hall of Fame Game

Matt & Sydney at the Football Hall of Fame Game last weekend.

Weekend in Cleveland

With most of our weekend plans taking place in Cleveland we decided to get a hotel room and make a mini vacation out of it. On Saturday, Matt played in the Hoop It Up Challenge. Its a 3 on 3 basketball tournament at the Muni Lot. His team faired well and qualified for the championships in Orlando, FL. Sydney & Grandpa Greg were there to cheer him on while Andrew & I attended a baby shower.

One of Andrew's friends from Korea, Patrick, came home to his forever family last week. Our friends Melissa & Kevin Hensel were pleasantly surprised to receive the travel call a few months early. It was great he could join us for the shower.

Saturday night Matt & I had a greatly needed adult night out, we had a lovely dinner at Morton's and went to see Cirque Du Soleil. Sydney & Andrew spent the evening at Chuck E Cheeses with Angie & David. Both were pretty sugared up by the time we returned. My favorite moment of the night was Sydney telling me all about David's house. "Its a big house with lots of doors & garages, he must have a lot of cars." David lives in a condo! :)

This morning Matt finished up his basketball games while the kids and I hung out at the hotel pool. Andrew loved it but, Sydney is still pretty apprehensive about pools. She still talks about falling in grandma's pool two years ago.

County Fair

We took the kids to the county fair today. I remember my grandpa & mom taking me when I was little. The pig barn was always my favorite. Sydney loves the horses. She has been trying to convince Matt & I that she could keep a horse in her room.

Andrew didn't seem to have a favorite. He rode peacefully in his stroller taking in all the sights.

All American Soap Box Derby

As usual our family volunteer project was the All American Soap Box Derby. This year Matt took the entire week off work to participate. They kept him busy working on a video slideshow to present to the major sponsor, Levi. Sydney helped organize champ gift bags and made a quick appearance on ESPN. Andrew gave all the officials their grandchild fix and made friends with the Japanese Team. I ran the 50/50 raffle but due to the rain we only brought in $1400.00. Boo!

Sydney & Andrew both loved Ducky Downs the derby mascot.

Sydney & Andrew Picture

First Words

How come kids never say mommy for their first word?? I know daddy is easier but still. :) Nevertheless, I am happy to say Andrew said his first English words. He now says daddy, bye and Bob. He also says moo for cows and cockadoodldoo but I'm not so sure those count.

I would say his transition has been a success. He definitely knows who his mom & dad are and has no problem letting us comfort him when he is upset. Which is a crucial step in the attachment process. Although, he is very clingy. I guess I would be too if everyone I knew was now gone. He holds onto us so we wont disappear too.

Along with TBall Sydney is taking art class this summer. She loves to paint & make crafts so this class was perfect for her. Last week they painted and this week they made faces with clay. I'm not sure where her artistic side came from, neither Matt or I are???

Home Opener

Sydney had her first real T-Ball game on last Wednesday. She got to bat two times and hit the ball on her first attempt each time, and she put all 30 pounds of herself into the swing. In the field we are pleased to say that she had the assist on the only out by either team. She fielded a slow groundball by the pitchers mound and threw a three hopper to the first baseman. Next stop the big leagues!!!

Family Reunion

My Grandma Lisic turned 90 years old this past week. Since it has been over 20 years since the entire family gathered in one place we decided this was the perfect time to have a family reunion. Family traveled to Ohio from Georgia, Florida, Missouri, and South Carolina. Grandma was overwhelmed but happy to have all her children with her to celebrate.

Spring Training

Yesterday, Sydney & Matt attended Jackson T-Ball Spring Training Day. She got to meet her fellow teammates and received her team shirt & hat. She looked adorable in her humongous jade green shirt with SYDNEY spelled across the back. After a team picture they completed 3 skill stations: batting, fielding, and baserunning. Apparently Sydney is a good hitter but loses interested in the field. Throughout the evening she asked Matt repeatedly to go play on the playground.

FAC Picnic

This weekend we attended the Family Adoption Consultants Summer Picnic. FAC places children from China, Guatemala, Philippines, and South Korea. It was neat to see all the children in one place. A crowd I could actually lose Andrew in. :) There was a fashion show of children wearing their native dress. Sydney kept busy at the art table & kickball game. While Andrew & I shopped at the international bazaar. I got a Korean Christmas ornament and when I payed for it they gave me Korean change.

Heather's New Job

As many of you know I have been volunteering for the American Red Cross Rape Crisis Center for the past few years. Through my supervisor I learned of a job opening in the emergency services department. I interviewed, completed the training and I am now working full time as the after hours emergency services caseworker. So what is that, you ask!

After the Red Cross office closes I am the on call caseworker who handles the emergency services calls. I direct advocates to local hospitals to handle sexual assault cases, send Red Cross teams to area fire & disasters, arrange transportation for dialysis patients, and process emergency casework for families of US Armed Forces personal.

So far, I am loving it and the best part is, I work from home. I can organize disaster teams in my pajamas!

And yes, I am still a travel agent. The travel business is my first love.

Geauga Lake

For Father's Day the whole family went to Geauga Lake along with Grandma Franny, Grandpa Greg & Grandma Liz. It was a beautiful day and not a lot of people.

Sydney couldn't get enough of the waterslides. But, she needs to grow another couple inches to take on the bigger, better slides. So when that time comes she will be the first in line.

Andrew was happy splashing in the shallows.

Pool Fun

Hong Kong Buffet

A new Chinese restaurant opened in the Belden area called Hong Kong Buffet, so we decided to check it out. My expectations were not real high since most Chinese buffets I have been to were not good. But this time we were pleasantly surprised. It was clean, food was good and the service was excellent. I am not sure if that is their typical service or if Andrew had something to do with it. The waitresses buzzed around our table, tickling, waving and giggling at Andrew. Of course, he just soaks it up. What a flirt!!! I am not sure who was more fascinated; the waitresses with Andrew or Andrew with the waitresses. The chef even came out to greet the kids.

Andrew had a great time sampling all the different foods. We found out he likes zucchini, potsickers, General Tsao chicken, fried rice, cantaloupe, lo mein, pepper steak, and fortune cookies.

Pictures

Summer Begins

Thankfully, summer is near and the weather is warming up. We have been biking the tow path, working in the yard and visited the Akron Zoo with the Henne Family.

Andrews walking is getting better daily. Which is helping his confidence too, he is not demanding us to hold him every moment.

His English comprehension is also growing. He now waves when we say bye bye, he claps when we say yeah. My favorite is no no, his bottom lip sticks out and he pouts.

Sydney has been busy learning the computer. She now logs onto NickJr.com and Disney.com and plays all her favorite games. It's amazing how much she can do at 4 years old.

First Steps

Today while visiting our friends, The Wirick's, Andrew took his first steps. Six to be exact. Hooray!

Our Ballerina

Last night was Sydney's first dance recital. For months we wondered if she would even take the stage but, to our amazement she actually walked on stage and danced. Hallelujah! She was the tiniest ballerina in the entire company but to us she looked like such a big girl up there.

One month

Andrew has been home for one month. Wow, how time flies by! We have all adjusted well and seem to have established a daily routine. Thankgoodness! We are still working on name recognition but we have taught him to clap and wave. Just today Sydney taught him how to blow a kiss. He giggles and smiles with delight when he masters a new trick, and so do we.

Sydney's last day of school is Thursday so if anyone wants to get together for a playdate just let us know!

Social Worker Visit

Kim, our social worker stopped by for a post placement visit yesterday. She is checking on Andrew and making sure he is adjusting well. Thankfully, he is feeling better so we are all getting sleep and getting back into a routine.

Our court date has also been scheduled. On December 11th Andrew's adoption will be finalized and he will officially become a US Citizen. How exciting!

Sick Days

It was a long Mother’s Day weekend. From Thursday to Saturday Andrew battled a fever. I figured his teething caused it but Saturday night his tempeture reached 102 degrees so I paged our doctor. He had me double up his medication and give both Tylenol and ibuprofin. On Sunday the fever broke but a mass of red elevated bumps appeared over his back & chest. I was able to get him an appointment this morning and he was diagnosed with Roseola.

Roseola is a viral illness in young children. It is typically marked by several days of high fever, followed by a distinctive rash that appears just as the fever breaks. Roseola is contagious but there is no known way to prevent it’s spread. Because the infection usually affects young children but rarely adults, it is thought that a bout of roseola in childhood may provide some lasting immunity to the illness. The average incubation period is about 9 to 10 days after exposure to the virus.

He said to continue treating him with the Tylenol and ibuprofin until the rash subsides.

Field of Dreams

Today was a big day for Matthew; Sydney registered for T-Ball!!!! Beginning in June she will be playing on the Jackson 4 and 5 year old t-ball team. I'm sure it will be hilarious. When I asked her what she is looking forward to doing she said hitting the ball real far and drinking water when I sweaty. My guess is she wont get sweaty sitting in the outfield picking grass.

JC Penney Pictures

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Our week

It has been a very busy week. On Monday Sydney & Andrew went to the doctor for their yearly check up's. Andrew was 19 pounds, Sydney was 29, he is quickly gaining on her.

On Tuesday we took the kids for pictures at JC Penney Portraits. I was skeptical since Sydney hasn't cooperated for the camera in months. Surprisingly, she was a ham and Andrew was the ornery one. First off, he is teething big time so we kept a bib on him right up till picture time. The moment we took it off he spit up all over his white shirt. AHHH!! Thankfully, the photographer worked around it but Andrew only let us get a few shots in before he was done posing.

We visited the Henne family on Wednesday. Angel & Brian live about 5 minutes away, their son Alex arrived from Korea the same week as Andrew. Alex & Andrew were born a few days apart and spent time in the KSS orphanage together. The boys played & ate Cheerios together. I am so glad they have each other.

Andrew's Gotcha Day Video

Matthew & I worked a lot of hours to create a photo slideshow of Andrew's journey home. You should be able to use the link below to watch it. Make sure you turn up the volume on your computer first. If for some reason the link does not work please let me know and I will try and email you directly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkwgSH2OBc0

More Pictures

Learning about each other

Fortunately, the sleep schedule seems to be working itself out. Thankgoodness! And, we are slowly figuring out his like & dislikes. Mostly dislikes. He love Cheerios, bathtime, his walker, being held and music. He does not like, his carseat, diaper changes, the dogs, getting dressed,laying on his back or grass. I sat him down in the thick grass to take a picture and he started crying and holding up his feet up in the air so they didn't touch the grass. ??? Odd but hilarious.

First Week Pictures

A long night

Sydney couldn’t wait to get to school this morning and show off her new brother. Mrs. Tawnya had Sydney teach the class the Korean word for big sister. I cannot type out the character but it is pronounced “Noon na”.

Unlike everyone else in the family Sydney was well rested for school today. Andrew kept us up from 2:00 – 5:00 am. We tried the bottle and changing his pants but that didn’t work. It wasn’t that type of cry either; it was an “I’m scared” cry. Andrew does not like to be left alone or put down. I think he fears we will leave him, since everyone else he knows has, first his birth mom, then his foster mom, then his escorts. I tried rocking and back rubs just so he knew I was still there, but after a few minutes the panic cry started up again. I put him in bed with us but it didn’t make much difference. So, it was a long night. But as morning broke the happy, smiling baby returned. I’m sure it’s nothing that time and trust won’t fix.

Another great day

Thanks to everyone who has emailed and called. Well, so far everything is going great!

This morning he ate Cheerios, bananas and most of a jar of squash. I was told he would not eat jarred baby food but he doesn't seem to have a problem with it. But the Cheerios are his favorite. When he runs out he starts banging on the highchair tray. Then I grab the box and he squeals with excitement :)

After breakfast we got dressed and played. I think he had a walker in Korea because the moment I set him in it he took off across the kitchen. Thank goodness he like it because that is the only time you can put him down. He loves being held and cries when you put him down or walk out of sight. Right now I am not complaining but hopefully it gets better over time.

He is okay with the dogs when he is in the high chair but not on the floor. I guess he likes being above them. I'm sure he will get used to them over time.

We opened the gift the foster mom sent home. Inside was his Hanbok which he wore to his first birthday party, a disposable camera, one of the toys we sent to him and a letter.

We had the camera developed and sure enough he was in a walker. That explains his liking to it. There were also pictures of his 1st birthday party (Korean Tol Ceremony).

Our neighbors dropped by for a quick visit. Dr. & Mrs. Chae and Susan are Korean so they were eager to meet him. As soon as Andrew made eye contact with them he smiled and happily went to each of them. He defiantly recognized his fellow countrymen. J Dr. Chae took the foster mom letter home and he will translate it for us.

Gotcha Day Pictures

"Today's The Day" ~Mel Fisher

What a day to start a new chapter in our lives. We awoke to a beautiful spring morning, the birds were singing and Sydney (not a morning person) happily jumped out of bed and said, “are we going to Atroit?” We departed Canton, Ohio around 8:00 am and arrived at Detroit International Airport shortly before noon.

We made our way down the stairs to the international arrivals area; I felt the butterflies in my stomach as the ”frosted doors” came into view. The time flew by and before we knew it was 2:06 pm and the flight arrivals board changed to LANDED. Ahhhh! Andrew was finally in the same country, in the same building, who knew that simple word could bring such relief and at the same time such anxiety.

We were glued to the railing, raising our cameras, and gasping every time the big door opened. Then finally at 3:05 pm it happened! The door slid open and two escorts appeared pushing and carrying three little ones: Lilly, Andrew & Andrew! I had been so worried that I would not recognize him but I was so wrong. As soon as they appeared before us my eyes locked onto the smiling baby in the backpack. I shouted and pointed, “That’s Andrew”. He laughed and smiled and reached right out for me. Wow! What an incredible moment.

For the next hour Andrew happily reached out for every Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt and Sister who was looking to hold him. Our escorts Kim & Mary were awesome, despite traveling for over 24 hours they delivered three clean, happy and well rested babies. They described Andrew as “Party Boy” apparently he was ready to socialize with and entertain anyone on board. Kim also said he was a fussy sleeper and steals toys from the other babies. That might sound negative but I just laughed thinking how much that sounds like Sydney. He will fit right in.

Although he did not enjoy the car seat he eventually fell asleep on the ride home. About half way he woke up and started to fuss and cry but a toy truck and Gerber Biscuit quickly quieted him.

As we pulled in the driveway Sydney instantly transformed into a tour guide. She couldn’t wait to show him his room, toys and most of all the dogs! We put the dogs on the deck and he crawled right over to the door and stared at them. After a few kisses on the hand they were all friends.

During bath time we discovered a few Mongolian Spots (a bruise like birthmark, common in Asian children, most will fade within a few years).

Finally we had Cheerios and an entire jar of Bananas before crashing for the night.

Ready to go

Well, we are as ready as we will ever be. We plan to leave the house early tomorrow morning; Detroit is about a three-hour drive. The airport greeter from the adoption agency will meet us outside the US Customs doors about one hour prior to arrival. Hopefully they will make it through customs quickly but I have heard of babies & escorts being held up for hours. One can imagine all the paperwork they must sort through.

On the other side of the doors, Andrew will have quite a welcoming committee….myself, Matt, Sydney, my parents, Matt’s dad and his wife Liz, Angie and her boyfriend David and Matt’s mom, Pam is flying into Detroit from Tampa just long enough to meet her new grandson.

Below is the flight schedule. If you want to track the flight I posted a few links. Although the most accurate info will not be transmitted until the flight reaches Canadian airspace.



Northwest Airlines

April 22, 2006
Depart Seoul on Northwest # 8 at 11:10 am
Arrive in Tokyo at 1:35 pm

April 22, 2006
Depart Tokyo on Northwest #26 at 3:00 pm
Arrive in Detroit at 1:45 pm


Flight Tracking

http://www.fboweb.com/21/track/trackcommercialmenu.asp

http://flightview.com/

The meeting point

This is the infamous "frosted door" that many adoptive families speak of. It is the United States Customs doorway which separates the international flight concourse from the general public. I have been hearing stories of it for months now and tomorrow I get to see it in person. I'm sure we will be pressed against that railing, gasping for breath every time the door opens.

The journey has begun....

Andrew’s journey home has officially begun. Right now it is 10:30 pm in Seoul, Korea and Andrew’s foster mom has said her goodbyes and he will spend the night at the KSS Orphanage. After caring for him for nine months I can only imagine the loss they must both feel right now. Mrs. Lee must be a very strong woman to take on such a selfless job. I cannot put into words the gratitude I have for her. Even though he is in a strange place and without his “Oma” hopefully, Andrew will get some sleep. In the morning he will wake up early and head to the airport.

We all understand that foster care is not forever and making this journey is whats best for the child. Unfortunately the babies do not.

I'm sorry to be a downer this morning, I really am happy. I guess I am just trying to imagine what Andrew is going through today. Thank goodness children are resilient.

~Heather Lavelle

P.S.Approximately 10:00 pm tonight (our time) Andrew along with two other babies will board the plane in Seoul.

Sydney's Birthday

Big sister Sydney turned 4 years old today.

Finally

8 months and 6 days ago we submitted our adoption application. Then came the paperwork; financial records, reference letters, background checks, social worker visits, we were even fingerprinted by the Dept. of Homeland Security. Then shortly before Thanksgiving we received a picture of our son. A seven month old, baby boy named Lee Min Shik.

We have carried around his picture; purchased gifts and clothes, even celebrated his birthday with a cake. Every day falling more in love with this little boy we have never met.

Until now!!!!! We are thrilled to announce that on April 22, 2006, Lee Min Shik, now named Andrew David Min Lavelle will be coming home. Along with an agency escort, he will take a 16-hour flight from Seoul, South Korea to Detroit, Michigan. Where we will meet him for the very first time.

We are ecstatic! Thanks again for all your support. We cannot wait to show off our new addition! I will try and keep the webpage updated over the next week so you can all enjoy this roller coaster journey with us.


Love,
Heather, Matthew & Sydney Lavelle

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Although it is only April 6th here in the US, in Seoul, Korea it is April 7th, and Andrew’s first birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!!!

In Korea a child’s first birthday is cause for great celebration. In the past, the death rate for children was extremely high due to lack of medical information and childhood diseases. In turn, many children died before their first birthday.

To celebrate this milestone a Tol Ceremony is held for the child. This involves wearing a traditional outfit called HanBok and a variety of objects are placed in front of the child. Whatever object they pick up first predicts their future. For example a pencil means he will become a scholar, thread equals long life, money equals wealth, etc.

We had hoped to keep with tradition and have a Tol Ceremony for Andrew here. But, since he is still in Korea, we can only hope that his foster family celebrates for us. The odds are in our favor, when Jamie (Andrew’s foster brother) came home Mrs. Lee sent along his HanBok and pictures of his Tol. I hope she does the same for Andrew.

Heading South

Only 2 more days till April. Hooray!! The agency said Andrew would arrive in April. So, we are heading down to Atlanta to visit family for the weekend. Hopefully that will make the time fly by.
We ran into our social worker at a restaurant last week. She said we should have more info by the 7th. I am still predicting a travel call on April 13th and a flight scheduled to arrive on April 20th.

Jamie arrived safely

Andrew’s foster brother, Jamie arrived safely in the US last week. Tina emailed and said he is grieving terribly for his foster family. He cries out for his Oma & Appa (Korean for mom & dad) especially at night. I’m sure it must be heart wrenching, but Tina said he is getting better as each day passes.

So I am preparing as much as one can, that Andrew will have a similar reaction. I guess in a strange way it is a good sign that he is grieving. It shows he was loved and well cared for by Mr. & Mrs. Lee. Tina said they send gifts home with Jamie. I will hope they do the same for Andrew, we will treasure them.


~Heather

Jamie

Hello Everyone!
Just wanted to give you an update.... I just got an email from Tina in Indianapolis. Her son Jamie is living with the same foster family that Andrew is. They are "foster brothers"!! The adoption agency called Tina this morning because Korea just issued Jamie's passport and he will be arriving in the US on March 17th, just 7 days from now.
So why am I telling you this???? Because Korea is very regimented in their paperwork. They told us our passport would be issued in April. So, if they keep to their typical time schedule, Andrew should arrive sometime between April 17-21. My prediction is April 20th. Of course we will just have to wait and see.
~Heather
P.S. My thoughts will be with Mrs. Lee & Andrew as Jamie departs. I'm sure they will miss him greatly.

KSS Orphanage

FAC, our adoption agency posted a video tour of the KSS orphanage on their website. You can either visit their website or use the link below to see where Andrew spent the first 4 months of his life.

It’s sad to see so many babies living there but it does look like they are well cared for.


http://facadopt.org/modules/Downloads/tourkssbb.html

Depending on your computer it may take awhile to load this video but it does eventually play.

More Pictures

Andrew Pics

Andrew & his foster mom Mrs. Lee Hae Kyung

Update Report

Hooray! 20+ new pictures of Andrew and an update report arrived in the mail today. I will try and get the pictures scanned tonight so I can post them. The report says Andrew is now 18 lbs and 27.9 inches long. He is holding his own bottle, and eating solid foods. Cheese and biscults are his favorites. He stands and walks with help. Although he is difficult to put to bed he does sleep for a solid 7 hours and takes 2 naps during the day. YEAH!!!!! Under comments they put: sucks his thumb, can be fussy. Oh Goodie! Hopefully, these information will help hold me over until he arrives. He is still scheduled to arrive in late April. We should know by early April what the exact date will be.

New Picture

The agency emailed me a new picture of Andrew yesterday. They said more pictures and an update report are coming by mail. Yeah!! He is now 10 months old and wearing the outfit we sent him.

Bad News

Bad news.... Andrew will not be home in March. The social worker called and Andrew did not make the March list of passport approvals. Darn Korean Goverment! Good news, I guess its good news?? Andrew will be on the April flight. I guess we must be right on the cut off line for them to be so confident that we will see him in April. Moreover, I am disappointed we will not get to celebrate his first birthday together and we will miss another month of milestones.

Baby Shower

As most of you know, probably long before I did. My family totally pulled one over on me today and threw a surprise baby shower. You got me good too, I had no idea. Looking back there were many clues but I was totally oblivious.

Thank you Angie, Mom, Dad & Matt for the great day. I really enjoyed myself and hope everyone else did too.

I am so grateful that Andrew will have so many family & friends to welcome him, and help him through the difficult transition ahead.


Love you all!
Heather

Olympics

US Olympian Toby Dawson just won a bronze medal. He was adopted from Korea when he was 3 years old.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/freestyle/5074586/detail.html

Not in February

Well, the Korean Government issued the February passports and our Andrew was not included. In January, 16 passports were issued and so far it looks like only 3 passports were issued this month. Unfortunately, no one knows the method to their madness.

I guess we will just have to be patient and wait until March to see if we make "the cut".
Sadly,
Heather

KimChi

Last night we tasted KimChi for the first time. KimChi is Korean’s best known food and is served at almost every meal. It consists of fermented cabbage, complemented by salted fish and other seasonings. Needless to say it has a unique fiery taste. One bite satisfied my desire but Matt had seconds.

Care Package

Another day has passed and still no word. I am becoming desperate for information. I am such an organized person and it’s driving me crazy not being able to plan the next 2 months. It’s like being pregnant and not having any idea what day you are due. AHHHH!!!
In an effort to keep my sanity I delivered a care package to the agency today. At least I can send Andrew a gift. Sydney picked out a bunch of little things at Marcs and colored him a picture of Blues Clues. I also included some gourmet coffee and a letter for his foster mom. I put another disposable camera in there too. I sent one back in December too hopefully, his foster mom and used it up by now.

Maybe tomorrow will bring good news….

~Heather

10 Months

Andrew turns 10 months old today! I hope we can get him home before the next one.

Rumors

Rumor has it…..

Our adoption agency has a message board for their families adopting from Korea. It is wonderful group of parents in all stages of adoption; from application to veteran families who have adopted several Korean children.

According to the board chatter, the list of babies arriving in February will be released by the end of next week. HOW EXCITING!! I am trying not to get my hopes up because we are on the bubble. There is a chance we could be included in the February arrivals but more likely the March group.

~Heather "Andrew, please be my valentine!”

Still no news

Still no news on Andrew's arrival. I suspect it won't be long now. His room is all ready but I have held off buying clothes & diapers until I see what size he is.

Last week I was feeling so guilty thinking, "what have I done", Sydney will have to share her space and our attention, etc, etc. That feeling ended quickly after her friends Ben & Nicole came over to play. Sydney spent the entire morning shouting, "mine mine". Maybe she does need a little dose of reality.

We are taking Sydney to Kalahari Waterpark later this week. It's sort of our last mini vacation with just the three of us. Plus I need a distraction from all this waiting.
COME ON PHONE RING!!!!


~Heather

Fun Day

STILL WAITING.......... this wait is beginning to test my patience. Andrew is growing up and hitting milestones without us. I wish Korea would just hurry up and get that passport issued so we can bring Andrew home.

Thankfully, today I had a distraction. I attended my friend Angel's baby shower. She is also adopting a little boy from Korea. His name is Alex and he was born April 3rd just four days before Andrew. They lived in the same orphanedge and there is a good chance they will fly home together too. Isn't that crazy!! These 2 little boys lived together in Korea; then fly around the world and end up only a 5 minute drive from each other. Small world!

To top it off! While I was enjoying the baby shower in walked my neighbor. I was thinking "what is she doing here"? Once she sat down I find out she is also adopting. They will be bringing a beautiful baby girl home from Guatemala.

What a day!

~Heather

"Wishing Andrew, Alex & Brooke a quick journey home"

Getting Ready

Today Mom, Angie and I worked on Andrew's room. After many pin pricks and actually running the sewing machine threw my finger we successfully created curtains & a bedskirt. We are using a vintage baseball theme in the room. I hope for Matt's sake Andrew likes sports! :)

I also got an exciting email today. It was from a Tina Fulkerson in Indianapolis. Apparently our son's have the same foster mother, Mrs. Lee Hae Kyung. Her son James is 15 months old and should be coming home soon. Maybe they will be on the same plane? I would love to have a picture of the boys together, since they will have a unique connection as foster brothers.


~Heather

Hospital

This week we received a letter in the mail from our adoption agency. It said: after suffering from a fever for several days, our little Andrew was admitted to the hospital. He was treated for an ear infection and possible pneumonia. They treated him with antibiotics & nebulization and when his symptoms normalized he was discharged.


~Heather

Holiday Season

Happy New Year Everyone!! We just returned from Mt. Dora, Florida where we spent the holidays with family. Sydney was overwhelmed with all the new toys, clothes, and dolls. She also got a new bike. Grandpa Bud took her for a lesson and by the end of the week she was fearless.

Andrew got a few gifts too! But, still no word on his arrival date. We hope the new year will jump start the passports. As you may know, Korea issues a set number of passports each year. In 2005 they hit that number very quickly so there is a now a back up of babies waiting to travel home. Once Korea begins issuing 2006 passports the flood gates should open and the babies should start coming home quickly.

~Heather

Update Report Picture

Andrew at 8 months old.

I love the mailman

I about broke a hip on the ice running from my mailbox to the house. Our mailman left two gifts in our mailbox today. First, we received our visa approval!!! This is a huge step towards bringing Andrew home. This visa allows him to enter the US as our immediate family member. Now the only item preventing Andrew's arrival is his Korean passport. Unfortunately, Korea implemented a passport quota which means they will only issue a set number of orphan passports per year. So we know Andrew will not be arriving in 2005 but hopefully this quota will not cause too much of a back up in 2006. Nevertheless, it is very exciting to be in the final stage!!!

Icing on the cake was the second item in the mailbox. An update report from Korea! It included new pictures and report of Andrew's progress. Our little one is now 8 months old, 18 pounds, 25 inches long. He is crawling, sitting up unsupported and sleeping from 11 pm - 6 am. He is also noted as easy going & loves fruit.

Andrew was moved from the KSS orphanedge to foster care on Aug 25th. His foster mom is Lee, Hae Kyung who has been a foster mom for 11 years.


~Heather

Happy Birthday

Today our little Andrew turned 8 months old in Korea. He should be in foster care by now so I hope his foster mom made it a special day for him.


~Heather


"Happy Birthday Andrew" Love, Mommy

A New Name

After much deliberation I think we have finally agreed on a name. Andrew David Min Lavelle. We both like Andrew, that was going to be Sydney's name had she been a boy. David is Matthew's grandpa's name. Min is his given name and what they have been calling him in Korea.

We are still waiting for the visa!


~Heather

Birth Certificate

Today we got a Lee, Min Shik's birth certificate in the mail. EXCITING!!! Of course, we couldn't read it but they sent along a translated version also.

Out of curiosity I checked the time & temperature for Seoul, Korea. Today it was sunny and 44 degrees in Seoul while it was 34 degrees in Canton, Ohio. Not much different! But they are 14 hours ahead of us.

Busy Holiday Season

Thankfully the holiday season keeps us busy. Otherwise, we would be dwelling on the fact that the government takes forever to process adoption paperwork!!! So, still no word on our visa, but I doubt we will hear anything before the new year.

In the mean time we have been working on the nursery. We decided to go with a vintage baseball theme and Matt & I hung border for the first time. Its looks straight and hasn't fallen down so I would call it a success. We also registered at Babies R Us and deliberated on baby names.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

What next?

Yesterday, we submitted the paperwork to officially accept the referral of MinShik. Yeah!!! So what's next you ask???? Well, we are now waiting for the USCIS (U.S Citizenship and Immigration Service) to grant our petition to allow an orphan child to enter the US. This step can take 2 months or longer. Uhhh! I guess those government workers don't move quickly. :)


Heather


"I chose you.... because the love of family is meant to be shared."

Minnie Mouse

I just had to post this cute picture of Sydney.

Still Smiling

Well, I am still smiling from yesterday's big news. I love looking at his picture. He looks so cute with that post it note saying who he is stuck to his chest. I also started on the next round of required paperwork. Thank goodness I love doing busywork. Hey! The faster we get it submitted the faster we can bring our little guy home.

Our agency is planning one more trip to Korea this year so we are putting together a care package for them to deliver. I'm going to include a little photo album with pictures of us, our house, and dogs. This way he will be familiar with us before he makes his journey home. A special thanks to my great neighbors Susan Rank & Dr. Chae who helped me label all the photos in Korean.

Picture

"We didn't give you life, life gave us the gift of you"

It's A Boy!

WE JUST GOT THE REFERRAL!!!!! Our social worker called at 7:00 pm tonight with the news and she was standing in our kitchen by 7:20 pm. His name is Lee, Min Shik. Born: April 7, 2005 Weighing: 5.5 pounds He was born at home to a 16-year-old girl. He was turned into the orphanedge the next morning. He does not have any known medical problems and is said to be a happy baby & a good eater. We got a bunch of pictures too but, I don't have a scanner so I will have to work on that tomorrow. I will post pictures as soon as I can.

We hope to have him home by March, just shy of his first birthday.

~Heather


"Min, Mommy loves you. Hurry home! "

Air Mail ????

Today our agency flew 3 babies home from Korea. There is a chance our referral paperwork is on that plane. I have my fingers crossed!

~Heather


"Welcome Home Babies"

Still Waiting...

Well, another week has past and we are still waiting for "The Call" with news of our little boy. I am starting to hate Fridays because its very unlikely we will get baby news over the weekend. Matt keeps telling me to be patient but I want to see his face so badly. Thank goodness we have sweet little Sydney to keep us busy. I really feel for those adoptive parents who do not have other children as a distraction.

This feeling reminds me of the days leading up to my first ultrasound of Sydney. I desperately wanted to see if it was a boy or girl and to make sure she was healthy. Waiting for this referral is very similar. Although we already know its a boy, we still want to see his face and find out his birthdate.

In a strange way I think once I see his face he will become "real". Even though he has been real in my heart for months my brain needs a visual.

~Heather

"I chose you..... to add new joy to my life"