Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Levi say "Cheeezzz"















Levi is our first child, and as you know, first children are no stranger to the camera. It's so bad that even if a complete stranger pulls out her cell phone, Levi poses and says, "Cheeezzz"!


.


I, on the other hand, was a second child, and my baby book consists of a picture of my birth followed by my college graduation! LOL!


.







I signed up for a promotion at a local photo studio that allows me FREE photo shoots for one year with one FREE 8X10 picture each time. But of course, I love all the pictures of my little sweetheart so I end up with a lot more than one 8X10. Adam laughs and jokes that every "FREE" 8X10 costs us a fortune! But, someday we will be thankful that we've documented our first year home with our son, even if he is a camera hog! :)











Sunday, July 24, 2011

Let your light shine!

Today was Levi's baby dedication at church. It's really more of a parent and grandparent dedication as we commit to God to raise our child according to His word and His ways. Unfortunately, Levi cried through the entire ceremony because he wanted his Grandpa Tom (whom he loves!) to hold him. The congregation got a good laugh, and now we have a funny story to tell Levi when he is older. :)
.
We named Levi after the Levites in the Old Testament who were set apart for the Lord's work. I know I'm just a proud mama, but I already feel that our son is living up to his namesake. It seems everywhere we go, Levi lights up the room! He has an infectious smile and sweet spirit that attracts people, and I believe it is the presence of the Holy Spirit living in him. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world....Let your light shine before men so they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14, 16
.
Yes, my son, you have been set apart for something great in the Kingdom of God, and I can't wait to see your life unfold. Go and let that light shine!





On a side note: There is nothing worse than showing up to your baby dedication wearing the same outfit as another child. How embarrassing! :)

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Say "Aahhh"



Levi and I make a great pair... I had oral surgery last week, and he is cutting two huge molars so we are both in PAIN! I sit on the couch with an ice pack on my cheek while he gums his teething ring or popsicle. Aren't we a sight to see? LOL! Perhaps this is the Lord's way of teaching us both a little empathy. :)

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Korea's Got Talent



My friend sent this You Tube link to me, and it really inspired me! Maybe because I've always enjoyed rooting for the underdog or maybe because our adoption of Levi has created a special place in my heart for the country of South Korea and its people. Either way, this young man has a beautiful voice, a true gift from God. Enjoy!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Happy Father's Day: Part 2



Levi loves all things about his daddy...including Adam's tennis shoes!
.
.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Happy Father's Day

Isn't this the cutest picture of father and son? The Bible says,

"Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not turn from it." Psalm 22:6

The first part of this verse is harder than it seems sometimes. How do you "train a child" who is determined (as we all are) to mark out his own path and to have it his own way? With baby steps, I suppose. That's what I love about this picture...Adam isn't dragging Levi down the path but rather gently guiding him in the way he should go.


To my husband,
I always knew you would make an amazing father, but you have still managed to exceed my expectations. I love that you can't wait to pull in the driveway to greet your son. I love that you read the Bible to him and teach him to pray. And I love that you get down on the floor to wrestle Levi even though I worry sometimes you might break him. :) Our son will strive to be just like you and that gives me peace because you are a kind, gentle, and godly man who practices what he preaches. Thank you for guiding our family in the way we should go. Happy Father's Day! I love you!
.
.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

We've come a long way, baby!










In Korea, parents often mark the 100th day of a child's life with a huge party including gifts and feasting. This began in ancient Korea when the infant death rate was very high, and a newborn surviving the first 100 days was cause for celebration. Now, the ceremony continues as a way of remembering the blessing of the child and the joy he brings.


.


We marked Levi's 100th day home on June 8th. But, instead of the traditional Korean rice cakes, we celebrated with chocolate cake topped with cream cheese icing. Levi went to town on the sweet indulgence. He kept looking at us puzzled as if to say, "You are really letting me do this?!!"




We've come a long way from the first night in the hotel room in Seoul where Levi cried continuously and could not be comforted. God is so good!


.


Levi, you are our precious son and the apple of our eye. Thank you for enriching our lives and bringing us such happiness! Happy 100th day!