Reliving memories

Some of my bloggy friends either just returned from Korea with their new babies, are currently in the country to pick up their children, or are waiting for that magical travel call. I am totally addicted to their blogs soaking in every detail of their preparations and their trip, studying every photo for familiar sights, and reliving those precious memories of our own trip to Korea.

Over two months after returning from Seoul I am struggling to keep my memories vivid. I am losing the details, but when I think of our trip I still have that feeling that is impossible to describe. The excitement of not only seeing a new city, but the city our child lived in. The thrill of seeing new sights, smelling that distinct Seoul smell and hearing new sounds, knowing that this is what our child is used to smelling and maybe seeing. A glimpse into the culture our child was born into. The realization that this place is AMAZING. The nerves before meeting our child and then the sheer wonder of finally seeing and touching him. The sadness of taking him away from a place we just fell in love with. The joy of finally being a family. The knowledge that we are forever tied to South Korea.

I am so blessed to be one of the few people on this earth that have had this experience.

First haircut!

We FINALLY got the boy's hair cut! He looks even cuter now and was in a surprisingly good mood all afternoon.

Where has time gone?

My time at home with Ben is quickly coming to a close. I cannot fathom how quickly this has all gone, even though on some days there are still moments that seem to just drag on.

I am absolutely dreading returning to work. I feel like we're finally making good progress and most days I have a great time spending my day with Ben. He is showing more and more of his true personality and I have learned a little more about how he ticks, therefore I think both of us are enjoying each other more.

It's no secret that being a mom is not something that came easy to me, but it really is getting better every day. Cheesy as it sounds, my love for my son is still growing every day.

We've continued having playdates, are visiting his daycare, and have started baby swimming. We've made it around the neighborhood in the stroller, but still encounter bloodcurdling screams in the car seat.

Ben LOVES to be in the water. Unfortunately his little pool deflated, so for now he has to make do with a little water table at home, but we're planning on getting him in the big pool at the community center more often.

We're getting to know other moms and their babies, but I have to admit that I still feel most comfortable among other adoptive families. Many moms of children Ben's age seem to still be reliving their pregnancies and past milestones, and also seem very hung up on who their baby looks like. All of these are things I just cannot relate to and there are few things more boring than listening to someone go on and on about whose nose, eyelashes, ears, dimples etc their child has.

Why can't they just take their child as who this child is rather than desperatly trying to find pieces of others. But I'm ranting again.

My sweet boy turns one in less than two weeks. Don't get me started. I am supposed to be planning his dol. I did send invites and started on a dol tower, but that's pretty much the extent of my planning. Yikes! I have grand ideas, but the closer the day comes, the less I think they will become reality!

What Ben's been up to

In the past week Ben has had more playdates. He is still no fan of other children, but it is slowly getting better. Very slowly.

He also made it in the car for an 18 minute ride with no tears! On the way back however, he got so hysterical that he threw up. Poor baby!

He can climb the stairs! Quicky!

He can stand unassisted for 18 seconds, but will only do it for daddy.

He also has his first cold since he's been home. Poor little guy is coughing up a storm.