Happy Father's Day: Part 2

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

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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!

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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!

First Haircut

I hated to do it, but it was time. Levi has beautiful hair. It's soft and shiny, and unlike his mother, he wakes up every morning with a good hair day! Levi did great in the barber chair! Of course, the chair was really a purple jeep, had a flat screen TV playing Sesame Street, and he got to chomp on a sucker while getting his hair cut....but I say whatever works, right?

Here are a few more "first" for Mr. Levi. First ride on a train at the Ft Worth Zoo, trip to the splash park, visit to a petting zoo, and experience with face painting. Fun!

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New pictures!

A few new pictures our our precious boy!

A Tribute to Two Mothers

Mother's Day is quickly approaching....a day to celebrate motherhood and all the women who have impacted our lives in a special way. My own mother, grandmothers, and mother-in-law have taught me a lifetime of valuable lessons, and for that, I am grateful.

This holiday, I find myself especially thankful to the women who significantly impacted my son's life before he ever came home to his forever family.

The first is Levi's birth mom. I will be eternally indebted to this young woman who chose life for her unborn baby, even if it meant hardship and embarrassment for her and her family. Someday, I hope we can meet this courageous woman and share our gratitude personally.

The second is Levi's foster mom who cared for him the first 14 months of his life. It takes an angel, in my opinion, to take in a precious newborn baby and shower him with love and attention for over one year knowing full and well he would leave you someday. Wow! That is the epitome of selfless love. Our son came to us as a smiling, giggly, healthy, well adjusted, and smart individual. This was no accident. Instead, it was the result of a lot of prayer and the work of an angel thousands of miles away who poured her heart into him for many months. God bless you Ms. Kwon!

Happy Mother's Day from one grateful mama to another!

Slept like a baby

I read the greatest quote today as I was desperately pouring over Internet sites that deal with toddlers and sleeping. Leo J Burke quotes,

"Anyone who says they slept like a baby usually doesn't have one."

How true is that?! I thought I was sleep deprived during finals week in college, but come to find out, that was just a warm up for raising a child. :) We continue to have major sleep problems with Levi, but we are not giving up. This, too, shall pass. Someday, I know, we will look back at these sleepness nights and laugh...however uncomical they seem now. But until then, when you see me with bags under my eyes or I seem to be processing the conversation a bit slower, do me a favor and just pretend you don't notice!