hoarding

We are definitely in the full blown stage of toddler hoarding.  The proof:

 A few days ago he loaded up this chair with all his living room toys, and when the chair was full he put more stuff on the table next to it. He proceeded to sit in the chair (for probably a total of an hour over the course of the day) and play with the toys/ pretend the chair was his car and he was driving to Grandpa Dave's house. These days he can't go anywhere (even to the next room of the house) without having the arms completely full. It doesn't even seem to matter what he's carrying, just as long as those arms are filled. This morning when I called him to his room for a diaper change, he came bearing Kim Chee (his dog), a toy golf club and a small garbage can. Let's just say...we're never short on entertainment around here!

maybe next time

We're backing off on potty training for now. He's been back in diapers for a few weeks, and our stress level has decreased ten-fold! I did not want to do it, but it became clear to us that he just wasn't emotionally ready. Physically, he totally knows what's happening and what to do, but he's just not quite there yet. I'm sad to see all our hard work reverting, but we will try again in a few months with hopefully better results. The good news is he's still notifying us for #2's, so no poopy diapers...hope he doesn't forget that, too! 

Ocean!!

Last weekend we ventured to the coast for an afternoon. Despite the very warm temperatures inland, of course it was cold and windy at the coast. We found a nice dune park and nestled ourselves a dune away from the ocean, hoping the dune would break some of the wind. We ended up not even seeing the ocean on our adventure, but Kai didn't seem to mind...he thought that lake behind him was the ocean! 

Tunneling under Daddy's legs was a popular activity, 

even though it resulted in sand all over his face each and every

time.

Kai and I tried to run up the dune...it was so huge! We made it about 3/4 of the way up before we exhausted ourselves. Of course, falling down on "accident" was a big hit as we made our way up. We also watched the sand surfers, it looked so fun, something I would definitely like to try in the future!

And what trip to the coast would be complete without the obligatory burying of the feet??

I was the first victim and when only my toes remained, Kai thought it was too much work to cover each one, so he just put his bucket over my exposed foot.

He's one smart cookie!!

Coppin' a 'tude

Today we escaped to the coast for the afternoon. We planned to leave in the late morning so we could get some errands/ chores done before we left. One of these was grocery shopping. While eating breakfast this morning, Joe told Kai about our plans to visit the "ocean" today. When he saw me he said, "Ocean now!". My reply was, "Not yet, we have to go grocery shopping first". To this he rolled his eyes... big time!

Oh, boy!

Foto Finish Friday

Then: K by the maple 6/13/08

Now: K by the maple 5/19/09

Happy Mail

We got a big surprise in the mail a few days ago! A package from K's foster Mom! He was so excited to open it! When it came, the conversation between K and I went something like this:

Me: "K, this package is from Korea. Who else is from Korea?"

K: "ME!!"

Me: "Then who do you think this package is for??"

K: "ME!!"

OK, I'm sure he only got those questions right because the answer was him, but it still made me wonder if some of what we tell him about his story is already sinking in. It was pure torture for us to wait until Joe got home from work to open it, but we did. And it was worth the wait! K's foster Mom is such a sweet and thoughtful lady. I really hope we get to meet her someday. She sent: an adorable outfit for K (see photo), a beautiful coffee set for Joe and I, a stack of baby pictures (including what may possibly be the youngest photo we have of him yet), some tulip bulbs from her garden (the same tulips which were in a handful of pictures with K in photos she had previously sent us...my sentimental sappy side is sooo lovin' those), and a wonderful note. The love they did and do feel for our son is so apparent, and we are all so thankful that we've been able to maintain contact.

K in his Korea threads...

Oh, and I have to mention that somehow she got these pants right on the money, he very well may live in them this summer. They're super lightweight, stretchy waisted "short pants", even though they don't really look like it in this pic. I realized that if you cinch the elastic at the bottom of the legs, they ride up a little and are shorter, I'm sure this is the way they're meant to be worn.

it's good to know...

That I am *officially* 100% free and clear of my military obligation! OK, for most of you this is probably old news, since I have been out for over 6 years. However, I never received my discharge orders so I couldn't "prove" it. You might be wondering why I didn't inquire with them sooner...hmm...let me think; Iraq war, Afghanistan, I can't prove I'm discharged... really, am I going to bring my name up in the midst of all those circumstances?? I think not! But, I decided it was finally time, and requested my military records just over a week ago and got them in the mail on Monday (honestly, the fastest I've ever seen the military move...). And yes, indeed, it says in black and white, "Status at separation: honorable"!! (And yes, they had sent them to me...at an address I hadn't lived at in a very long time)

Journey of a Mother

I am K's third mother. His first mother, of course, his birth mother. His second mother, his foster mother. His third mother, Me, his FOREVER mother. His other two mothers were most definitely in my thoughts and prayers on this Day for Mother's.

Mother's Day was not always a happy day for me. In fact, for many years it was one of the worst days of the year. I dreaded it, and I grieved every year it came around and I still had no child in my arms. The feelings I felt were some of the loneliest in the world; not only did I not have my child in my arms, but few people knew or realized my suffering and I knew only a few other people who were going through the same things. It's such a lonely road, made even more so by the fact that even our husbands don't know what we're really going through, although it pains them just as much.

This weekend I had a great time celebrating my motherhood with our families. As much as I felt it was a celebration of my motherhood, I also felt it was a celebration of my CHILD, who we truly feel is our special gift from God. Today, as everyday, I cherished the hugs and kisses from my little boy. It still amazes me that even after all this time, I still get teary eyed with his whole body hugs and "I love you Mommy".  I hope I never lose that feeling.

Foto Finish Friday

After my last post I feel I owe you all a bit of silliness. Well, our boy is never short on that! This week was kind of a slow in the picture department (who wants to see pictures of crying and screaming, anyways?). Since it's not from this week, I thought I'd spice it up a bit by making it an action shot (ie, video). Enjoy a few moments of our silly boy!

He had been doing this crazy dance on his toy box, which I of course missed most of since I had to run and get the camera. Then he decides to shift to super hero mode (in case any of you need some translation).

Testing...one...two...

Yes, K, we still love you, even though we've about had it....

This week surely has been one for the record books. Can anyone say "testing twos"?? (Gotta give credit for that one to my blogger buddy, Mara) 

Oh...my...goodness, and just when we thought we had the world's sweetest child, too.

Not sure what's been going on in that little head of his, but he sure is trying to make sure we're in this for the long haul. Probably the biggest disappointment of the week has been his regression on his potty training. Honestly, it's like he lost over a month worth of training over the course of a few days. It started the end of last week, and went down hill all weekend until we finally put him in diapers on Sunday afternoon. He would refuse to sit on the potty and actually asked to wear a diaper. I wasn't in the mood for fighting, so that's what we did... put a diaper on him. Monday he was in daycare and it wasn't much better. He went through all 3 pairs of pants I sent with him and he gave his care provider flack when she asked him to go. When we got home in the evening, he had 2 accidents in less than 40 minutes... He was also not a very nice boy on Monday and had several time outs at daycare for hitting other kids. 

Yesterday was slightly better, but he still went through all the clothes I sent with him. His day care provider had the brilliant idea of making him take off his wet clothes, put them in the dirty bag and put on his clean clothes (all by himself) when he had accidents. She said this continued all morning, but after 11am yesterday he stayed dry the rest of the day! And today... so far, so good. :-) And yea, we're adopting that method for home as well. He was also had a much better attitude yesterday and didn't hit anyone. 

OH, and the other news...he can open his bedroom door.  So:

**open door + big boy bed = little boy who doesn't want to stay in his room at bedtime**

Monday he tested this on us as well, and finally stayed in bed after about the 6th time of being taken back to bed. Hopefully this is improving as well, last night he only got up once. Right now he's down for nap and he didn't come out at all. 

It's pretty strange to just see him appear when he's done sleeping. 

K and I have done lots of praying together this week...praying for Mommy to have patience and for K to be able to make good choices and obey his parents. Speaking of prayer, if you're so inclined, please send one up for my Grandma. She's 97 and still lives independently. She's currently in the hospital for pneumonia and will not be able to return home to the level of independence she knows and loves. Please keep her and my parents in your prayers as they make choices on her care needs and living situation. Thanks.

So, there you go, our exciting week. Sorry if it's a bit of a rant, but real life isn't always pretty. Can't be all sunshine and smiles, you know. ;-)

Handwashing 101...

First, turn on the water ...

notice the fine balancing skills this requires.

Next, plenty of soap...

Stop to say "Cheese"!

Then, rinse clean

Finally, quick dry with the towel...

so quick, in fact, I could barely get a picture of it!

And he couldn't be happier that there is now one more thing he can do (almost) entirely on his "own". :-)

Foto Finish Friday

Enjoying his very own bowl of yummy locally made strawberry ice cream! It was the second time ever of getting his "own" treat and boy was he feeling like something special! Oh, and sporting his new favorite T-shirt, his "basketball shirt" from Grandma Nancy. He's insisted on wearing it the past two days, luckily I had to do laundry last night... it was a bad potty day at day care yesterday :-(.

New bed!!

If you asked K the most exciting thing that happened this week, you would likely hear "New bed!!" Yes, we took the plunge into the world of free reign sleeping. He's actually doing very well with it. Joe put it up while we were at work/daycare on Monday and when we came home, K went into his room and noticed right away what was different, "New bed!!". Here's his first romp in it:

He's stayed in it all night, every night since Monday (and of course naps, too). He's started getting out after we put him down, but so far he's only gotten out to get more books or animals to sleep with and gone right back to bed, so I guess we can allow that. I tell you, this little guy is just growing up way too fast!

We knew there would be two big, major milestones this year: potty training and a big boy bed. Well, here we are at 26 months old and he's already conquered both. Wonder what will happen the rest of the year?? I can't wait to see!

A little update on the potty training; he's continuing to do great for his age! He's telling us more and more when he needs to go and is having more dry days at daycare. This week he still went through a pair of clothes each day, but the reasons were excusable in my book. One day he had an accident during his nap (which he no longer wears a diaper for), one day he threw up in the car on his way there (nothing major...no more vomit or other ill symptoms), and yesterday he tried to take himself to the potty and it got a little messy. :-) 

I am one proud Momma!!

Foto Finish Friday

We've been having great weather pretty much all week. Last Saturday we got some yard work done, and K helped me plant some flowers in my pots. He had most fun watering them, though. Or, should I say watering everything??

Easter Weekend Review

We had a wonderful, fun filled Easter weekend. K got to participate in 4 egg hunts, here are pictures from 3 of them. 

Indulging in his second piece of chocolate ever, 

and probably his last for a while...

after a couple tastes last weekend, we're pretty sure he's allergic.

Or at least very senstitive to it.

"I know there's an egg around here somewhere"

The Loot

The C cousin line-up, ready to hunt!

Foto Finish Friday

OK, ya'll get 2 Friday fotos this week. I threw the first one in just 'cause his little face is so adorable. The real point of the photo is how independent he's becoming. The phrase of the week has been "I do it". I was getting him ready to go out for a jog earlier this week, and he started adding layers, insisting to wear his snow pants over his regular pants, his scarf and his "skateboard shirt" (another new development, he's started calling anything with a hood a skateboard shirt...not sure where that's coming from).

And here's the photo where you can see better what he wanted to wear. It was kinda chilly out so I didn't really mind the addition of the snow pants. :-)

Foto Finish Friday

Putting on his cheesiest smile!

it's the little things

Like...

Squeals of delight while playing with Daddy

Total relaxation in my arms

Running up to me and bear hugging my leg

Grabbing my hand and saying "My Mommy"

Random hugs and kisses

Hearing "O-tay Mommy"

Arms and legs wrapped around us when in need of comfort

Climbing into my lap with a book or toy

Calling for me when he needs help

We've worked so hard and come so far, and every second was worth it!

Foto Finish Friday

K wearing his Thomas vest that Grandma Nancy made for him (she also made a matching hat, but of course he wouldn't keep it on for the picture) and Willie trying to get in on the action. What you can't see: he's also wearing a Thomas T-shirt and Thomas underwear. This boy is choo-choo crazy!

New Year's Resolution

Yes, I know it's April 1st.

No, this is not a joke.

The truth is, I'm not big on New Year's resolutions. I guess I figure, if something is that wrong with my life, why wait until Jan 1 to fix it? That being said, I tend to be more of a New Year's goal setter. This year, I made a goal to finish a long-standing project by the end of this year.

For those of you who have been in this for the long haul, you probably can guess what I'm talking about. Way back in December of 2006, we sent/gave letters to all our friends and family, asking them to contribute a quilt square to our Good Wishes Quilt for our future child. Well, the future is here, but the quilt is not. Over the following months we received lots and lots of fabric squares with wishes for our child. I started cutting the squares and sewing them together in the fall of 2007. Then something happened... said child came home and production ground to a halt. More important things took over and the quilt was not worked on for many, many months. Not that I'm making excuses, but part of my dilemma has been that my "sewing" room is across the hall from K's room. Given his age, pretty much the only time I have to work on it is while he's sleeping, but you can see, I don't want to make all the sewing machine racket while he's sleeping. So, working on it entails moving my entire sewing set-up into our bedroom (which is the furthest room from his in our cozy little home), not too conducive to quick set-up sewing sessions. I also spend way too much of his sleeping time on the computer, blogging, social networking, etc. 

And yes... I see the irony of this post.

I just wanted to take a few minutes of my precious sewing time to let you all know my goal for this year, so I have more people to be accountable to for accomplishing my 2009 goal.

Thanks for listening...off to sew!