Birthday Package for Levi

Our birthday package for Levi is on its way to Seoul, South Korea. I'm hoping it gets there just in time for Levi's first birthday celebration! The US post office has a shipping program that uses the motto, "If it fits, it ships" and it's amazing just how much you can cram into one box. Here's a run down of what we sent.

Three outfits. Isn't the Puma running suit the cutest?


Lots of fun things: A singing birthday card, pull along puppy, birthday hats and whistles, and a recorder cell phone with a special birthday message from Mommy and Daddy. The message is in English, of course, and will make no sense to Levi, but at least he will get to hear our voices.

And of course a few things for Ms. Kwon, his foster mom: cookies, scarf, manicure set, and a Texas Rangers cap. Even though the Rangers didn't win the world series, we are still proud of them!

Happy Birthday to one special and loved little boy!

Disappointing News :(

Recently, we received disappointing news from South Korea. The yearly quota has been met so no more babies will be leaving Korea for the rest of 2010. What is the yearly quota, you ask? In a nutshell, the Korean government is trying to phase out international adoption in hopes of keeping their babies in Korean families. Every year, they allow fewer and fewer babies to be adopted to countries overseas so once the quota is met, all paperwork and emigration permissions are halted until the next calendar year. Things begin rolling again around the end of January.

What does this mean for our son? Levi is still ours. The adoption will still move forward. We are thankful for this. However, our estimated time for travel is now in March. So....more waiting. We are, obviously, disappointed because we hoped to celebrate his first birthday and Christmas with Levi. But, we know God is faithful, and we are choosing daily (and sometimes hourly) to trust Him in this matter. And we know, Levi will be well worth the wait!

Our first baby shower

Shawn and Stacey gave us a baby shower for my mom's side of the family. How fun! The cake was inspired by Levi's nursery and had panda bears and bamboo on it. Very cute!

The shower gave us a good start on all the necessities for our little one. Strollers, bath toys, clothing, etc. One of my favorite gifts was a silver dollar that my grandmother had given my mom the day I was born. My mom is passing it along to me, and I will later pass it along to Levi's wife when they start a family. I love stuff like that!

21 pair and counting!

Knowing that we have a baby coming, I've been trying to downsize. You know....less shoes, fewer trips to the mall, saving our pennies. Fortunately, my mother-in-law Kay is gladly and whole heartily picking up the slack! She has bought her grandson Levi a total of 21 pair of shoes! All sizes, colors, and styles. Among my favorites are the orange and grey Sketchers and the Halloween cat shoes that "meow" when you take a step.

Levi's closet is also full of play outfits, church clothes, and golfing attire (for when Adam takes him to play 18 holes!). He's spoiled and he is not even here yet!

Nursery Pictures

Levi's nursery is finally complete! We chose an Asian theme complete with bamboo, panda bears, and cherry blossoms. The scripture above his bed reads, "For this child, I have prayed" from the book of 1st Samuel, and this is definitely the truth! We have our family, friends, and entire church congregation praying for our special little boy across the world.

The bedding has cherry blossoms and black/white checker print.

My mom, Kay, and I found this shelving at IKEA, and it's perfect for holding toys and books. And every nursery needs a panda table (isn't it adorable?) and beautiful lanterns.

Our happy boy!!!

We received a video of our son Levi. I've never been one to watch the same movie more than once, but this is definitely the exception. Adam and I can't get enough of him! I know what you're thinking....you want to see it too. So, if I can ever figure out how to post it here, I will. But until then, here are a few still pictures I captured from the video.

His smile melts our hearts!

Extreme Shed Makeover!

This last March, the cement truck rolled in and construction began on our Extreme Shed Makeover. We had planned to move into our new master suite in May, maybe June. Progress, however, can be very SLOW at times. But, like they say, "Rome was not built in one day."

Now I am proud to say we are now ready for the Big Reveal! So...without further adieu, may I have a drum roll please?

Our beautiful new bedroom (featured above)

complete with walk-in closet (It will never look this organized again!)

A second bathroom with a jacuzzi bathtub (you know, for Levi but mostly for Levi's mama!)

And, our very own laundry room! (You don't know what a luxury this is until you are without)