I know I am a little behind...sorry.
So on our second day in Korea we ventured out to try Seoul Tower again. This time we decided to take the subway. It actually wasn't too hard to figure out once we got our barrings and was really cheap.
We got off the subway and walked a little ways to the cable car that would take us up to the tower. Now if you know me you know that confined spaces and heights and not necessarily my favorite things. Imagine being crammed in a cable car with 40 some other people heading up a mountain. It was interesting. The view was amazing and I am glad I did it.
At the top we went to the Teddy Bear museum which was cute. We then took the elevator, yup same deal as the cable car, up to the top. Wow. We could look out over the whole city. It was great.
We had this really amazing lunch at an Italian restaurant at the tower and after lunch we went and placed Locks of Love of the wall for our girls. They are padlocks with our names and our girls names on them. It was really a special moment.
It was VERY humid and pretty warm today so we headed back to the hotel to rest. I took a shower and a nap.
We met Brian of Leah and Brian, for dinner in Itaewon. He showed us some real Korean BBQ. It was great and nice to see a different side of Seoul and the food was amazing.
Right now it is 6:40 am on Monday. Family Day with Katie. I can't sleep and am focused on the darn typhoon Bolaven. It does appear the typhoon has lessened and will continue to lessen in severity. It is set to hit the western peninsula of South Korea on Tuesday. For now we are watching its progress and hoping and praying for the best. I think the biggest issue will be for people trying to fly in and out of Seoul. I am thinking we will get heavy rain and winds but should be okay.
4 1/2 hours until I hold my baby girl. I am so over the moon excited!!!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Korea part 1
We made it! It was a long day of travel but we are here in the same country as our daughter. I can hardly believe it.
Let's start with the flight. 13.5 hours on a plane is just not fun. It is boring, uncomfortable and borderline gross. Luckily, Korean Air is fabulous. The food was decent not great but edible. The staff was very friendly and the served free wine with lunch. I was able to sleep some and watched 2 movies. I got a good glimpse as to what the flight home might be like since I had a 15 month old sitting next to me the whole time. She was actually very good which couldn't be said for some other kids on the plane.
Once we landed in Seoul we went through immigration. Super easy, super high tech and really very fast. We gathered our bags and went through customs which again was super easy as we had nothing to declare. We exchanged money and set out to find a way to hotel.
We wound up taking a bus. I was a little nervous at first that we weren't going to the right place but it dropped us off right in front of our hotel. Again super easy and very cheap.
Once at our hotel I took a shower. We then hit up a local cafe for some sandwiches and I was in bed by 9:30pm Korean time. The bed is definitely on the firm side but we both slept well and all night.
Saturday morning we Skyped with Kiya. It was so nice to see her face and talk to her. She is doing great but kept saying "Mommy come home." That was hard to hear but I know she is in great hands. She is enjoying her gift a day and she found out that she will get to join her friend Lily's class in the coming weeks.
After our chat, we met up with another adoptive family staying at our hotel. We attempted to go to Seoul Tower with the intention of riding the cable car up to the top but got there and it was closed. We all hopped back in a cab and headed to the Korean War Museum/memorial.
It was a very moving and powerful experience. There was so much to see and do and lots of it was in English. Oh and did I mention it was free. I couldn't believe it. A museum like that in the US would easily cost $15-20 a person.
At one point a Korean man came up and asked Dave if we were from the States. He then bowed and thanked us. It was really touching and very sweet.
So that is what we have been up to so far. This whole experience is so different from Ethiopia. We are two days away from meeting Katie and a possible typhoon. Things are going to be interesting for sure. Tomorrow we may hit up a palace and do some shopping.
Let's start with the flight. 13.5 hours on a plane is just not fun. It is boring, uncomfortable and borderline gross. Luckily, Korean Air is fabulous. The food was decent not great but edible. The staff was very friendly and the served free wine with lunch. I was able to sleep some and watched 2 movies. I got a good glimpse as to what the flight home might be like since I had a 15 month old sitting next to me the whole time. She was actually very good which couldn't be said for some other kids on the plane.
Once we landed in Seoul we went through immigration. Super easy, super high tech and really very fast. We gathered our bags and went through customs which again was super easy as we had nothing to declare. We exchanged money and set out to find a way to hotel.
We wound up taking a bus. I was a little nervous at first that we weren't going to the right place but it dropped us off right in front of our hotel. Again super easy and very cheap.
Once at our hotel I took a shower. We then hit up a local cafe for some sandwiches and I was in bed by 9:30pm Korean time. The bed is definitely on the firm side but we both slept well and all night.
Saturday morning we Skyped with Kiya. It was so nice to see her face and talk to her. She is doing great but kept saying "Mommy come home." That was hard to hear but I know she is in great hands. She is enjoying her gift a day and she found out that she will get to join her friend Lily's class in the coming weeks.
After our chat, we met up with another adoptive family staying at our hotel. We attempted to go to Seoul Tower with the intention of riding the cable car up to the top but got there and it was closed. We all hopped back in a cab and headed to the Korean War Museum/memorial.
It was a very moving and powerful experience. There was so much to see and do and lots of it was in English. Oh and did I mention it was free. I couldn't believe it. A museum like that in the US would easily cost $15-20 a person.
At one point a Korean man came up and asked Dave if we were from the States. He then bowed and thanked us. It was really touching and very sweet.
So that is what we have been up to so far. This whole experience is so different from Ethiopia. We are two days away from meeting Katie and a possible typhoon. Things are going to be interesting for sure. Tomorrow we may hit up a palace and do some shopping.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
In the world of Kiya
I thought it necessary to pause from packing, cleaning, packing, organizing and baby/toddler proofing to post an update about all that is going on with Miss Kiya.
First off, she is over the moon excited to be a big sister as long as Katie doesn't get her pink sheets. She can have the purple ones but not the pink ones. And she also can't have the blue bath turtle that Kiya only gets to play with for one week every 12-13 weeks.
I heard back from our care coordinator about the questions we had after our last cast day. She is going to raise our concerns with the doctor and push for the one month brace break next summer. I am a little nervous about the break but we need to try and fix some other things. As a family, we decided and I told Linda, that we are willing to continue casting for 2 more years. At that point if we are still stuck we will choose one of two things depending on the xray. We will either try to brace and delay surgery or we will move forward with surgery. I cannot be in denial about this anymore and while I hate the idea of my 6 year old having major surgery if the end result is a straighter back and the change to just be a kid then that is what I need to do. It won't be easy if that is the route we go but who said life was every easy.
Kiya is getting her hair actually braided next week. She is so ready for her "Charlotte" hair. I showed her a picture of a little girl that was in Ethiopia the same time she was and told her we travelled with her parents to bring them home. She LOVED her braids and has been asking for "Charlotte" hair. Going to be a long day at the salon but it mean a few weeks of no combing so it will be worth it.
Kiya will be starting private school in September. We have enrolled her in the Pre-3 program at the same school that Dave went to. She is excited about her new school and so are we.
Lastly, Miss Kiya has decided that she wants Sleeping Beauty flip flops. We have told Kiya that if she wants flip flops she needs to learn how to walk up and down the stairs by herself, alternating legs and holding on the rail with one hand. Sounds mean...well her cast and her scoliosis have affected her muscle development. If not focusing, she will walk up the stairs only using her right leg to push off of. She is almost 4. We are doing her a disservice if we don't challenge her to use other muscles.
Let me tell you she is so determined. When we first presented this challenge she said "I can't do it. It's too hard." Now a few weeks later we have seen great improvement. She is alternating legs most of the time. She is putting her hands down for balance a lot less and she is doing it by herself holding only the rail. She still has some work to do but she is trying so hard. We are so proud of her.
So there you have it. Kiya's world is a busy place and about to get even busier with the addition of Katie.
I can't believe that this time next week I am flying to Korea....back to cleaning and packing and putting together our new stroller.
First off, she is over the moon excited to be a big sister as long as Katie doesn't get her pink sheets. She can have the purple ones but not the pink ones. And she also can't have the blue bath turtle that Kiya only gets to play with for one week every 12-13 weeks.
I heard back from our care coordinator about the questions we had after our last cast day. She is going to raise our concerns with the doctor and push for the one month brace break next summer. I am a little nervous about the break but we need to try and fix some other things. As a family, we decided and I told Linda, that we are willing to continue casting for 2 more years. At that point if we are still stuck we will choose one of two things depending on the xray. We will either try to brace and delay surgery or we will move forward with surgery. I cannot be in denial about this anymore and while I hate the idea of my 6 year old having major surgery if the end result is a straighter back and the change to just be a kid then that is what I need to do. It won't be easy if that is the route we go but who said life was every easy.
Kiya is getting her hair actually braided next week. She is so ready for her "Charlotte" hair. I showed her a picture of a little girl that was in Ethiopia the same time she was and told her we travelled with her parents to bring them home. She LOVED her braids and has been asking for "Charlotte" hair. Going to be a long day at the salon but it mean a few weeks of no combing so it will be worth it.
Kiya will be starting private school in September. We have enrolled her in the Pre-3 program at the same school that Dave went to. She is excited about her new school and so are we.
Lastly, Miss Kiya has decided that she wants Sleeping Beauty flip flops. We have told Kiya that if she wants flip flops she needs to learn how to walk up and down the stairs by herself, alternating legs and holding on the rail with one hand. Sounds mean...well her cast and her scoliosis have affected her muscle development. If not focusing, she will walk up the stairs only using her right leg to push off of. She is almost 4. We are doing her a disservice if we don't challenge her to use other muscles.
Let me tell you she is so determined. When we first presented this challenge she said "I can't do it. It's too hard." Now a few weeks later we have seen great improvement. She is alternating legs most of the time. She is putting her hands down for balance a lot less and she is doing it by herself holding only the rail. She still has some work to do but she is trying so hard. We are so proud of her.
So there you have it. Kiya's world is a busy place and about to get even busier with the addition of Katie.
I can't believe that this time next week I am flying to Korea....back to cleaning and packing and putting together our new stroller.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
KOREA OR BUST!!!
It is true. I just booked the tickets. We leave in 9 days. 9. I am still in total shock. We got the call this morning about 9am saying get on that plane.
I was floored. I even asked her if she was kidding. You see I had started to become the crazy adoptive parent who is calling Washington DC to see if I could find out when her Visa Interview was. I called yesterday morning. Well once I lept through the hoops and answered 20 questions a nice woman named Jeanette told me that her visa interview hadn't been scheduled and that I should try calling tomorrow.
So knowing that it was a national holiday in Korea on Wednesday, I had kind of figured we weren't going to hear anything this week or if anything late in the week.
When I saw that 651 area code, I started jumping up and down. Kiya started screaming "Katie, Katie".
Airfare and hotel are booked. Dogs are being boarded. Kiya is staying with Nana and Papa. I am attempting to get Katie added to our health insurance and oh yeah I need to pack.
Hang on baby girl we are going to see you soon!!!
I was floored. I even asked her if she was kidding. You see I had started to become the crazy adoptive parent who is calling Washington DC to see if I could find out when her Visa Interview was. I called yesterday morning. Well once I lept through the hoops and answered 20 questions a nice woman named Jeanette told me that her visa interview hadn't been scheduled and that I should try calling tomorrow.
So knowing that it was a national holiday in Korea on Wednesday, I had kind of figured we weren't going to hear anything this week or if anything late in the week.
When I saw that 651 area code, I started jumping up and down. Kiya started screaming "Katie, Katie".
Airfare and hotel are booked. Dogs are being boarded. Kiya is staying with Nana and Papa. I am attempting to get Katie added to our health insurance and oh yeah I need to pack.
Hang on baby girl we are going to see you soon!!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
13
13 years ago today, I walked down the aisle of Mission Santa Clara and married my best friend. This has been a wild and crazy ride so far and I am looking forward to seeing what lies ahead. In honor of this day, here are 13 of the many things (in no particular order) I love about my husband.
1. He can always make me laugh
2. He works so hard so I can stay home
3. That he is always willing to kill a spider even if he is laughing at me
4. That he is truly a wonderful father
5. That he has stood by my side for all the good times and not so good times
6. That 2007 didn't scare him off forever
7. How he is willing to wear beads and sparkly stickers just because our daughter asked him too
8. That he is the calm to my frantic
9. How he can think big picture when I get stuck on the details
10. That he gives really good hugs
11. That if I ask really nicely he will get up and get me another glass of wine
12. That he is still willing to put up with all my shades of crazy after 16 years together
13. That I know that no matter what he will be there for me and our daughters.
I love him more today mostly because I love how great a father he is. It is truly his best quality. I see the way Kiya looks at him and hopefully Katie will too and it melts my heart.
I am a lucky gal for sure!
1. He can always make me laugh
2. He works so hard so I can stay home
3. That he is always willing to kill a spider even if he is laughing at me
4. That he is truly a wonderful father
5. That he has stood by my side for all the good times and not so good times
6. That 2007 didn't scare him off forever
7. How he is willing to wear beads and sparkly stickers just because our daughter asked him too
8. That he is the calm to my frantic
9. How he can think big picture when I get stuck on the details
10. That he gives really good hugs
11. That if I ask really nicely he will get up and get me another glass of wine
12. That he is still willing to put up with all my shades of crazy after 16 years together
13. That I know that no matter what he will be there for me and our daughters.
I love him more today mostly because I love how great a father he is. It is truly his best quality. I see the way Kiya looks at him and hopefully Katie will too and it melts my heart.
I am a lucky gal for sure!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Keeping the faith
Yesterday was not the best of days. We were at Shriner's hospital for cast number 8. We were hoping and praying to hear some good news and instead this momma heard the one word she never really wanted to hear or face. Surgery.
Yup. The doc said it. I am over processing it and really really need to talk to our care coordinator Linda who is on vacation until Monday. He isn't talking surgery right away but down the line. How long is that line, I have no idea.
Kiya was about the same 45 degrees out of cast and 15-20 in cast. He would prefer much better for a child approaching 4. He thinks that a brace will not be a good option for her at anytime and that when the time for casting to end comes, it will mean growth rod surgery.
I prayed and prayed we would never have to cross that bridge. Back surgery is seriously intense and recovery is tough especially for an active child. Then there is the timing. She won't have surgery for hopefully another couple of years but then there is school. Do you schedule surgery over winter break and hope she can tolerate going to school after that? Do you schedule it in the summer in essence meaning you have no summer so as to not interfere with school?
All these things are running through my head. That and the notion that she has gotten better. Her numbers went down the two casts prior to this last one. Is the doc just being doom and gloom? She is still flexible and still young with lots of growing to do. Another reason to talk to Linda. I need her to be my sounding board on this one.
We can do cast so the doc said let's keep on going so that is what we are going to do. Kiya does well in cast and there have been no adverse reactions to the anesthesia. The doctor doesn't want to limit her overall gross motor development with the cast so he is thinking long term about how a cast will affect her in school etc and that she was such a late walker.
Then I think, well if she isn't getting any worse and we are still praying she will get better, can I take a one month brace break next summer? Can I let her be a kid and take the swim lessons she so desperately wants? Can I let her have the best month of water play with her little sister? Will her doctor say it is okay? Yet another reason I need Linda. Next summer would be the third summer in cast and it just plain stinks to have to say no to your child who just wants to go swimming or run in the sprinklers when it is 95 degrees out.
Swimming can help her build those muscles that she is so desperately lacking but am I being selfish? I don't want to do anything to take away from the ground we have gained but if she is ultimately going to have surgery then can't she for one month just be a kid?
The saving grace of the day was Kiya. She was truly on her best behavior and a total rock star. In true Kiya fashion she dictated the entire taping and padding process. She insisted on where and what tape we used and who should put tape where. She was just plain awesome. Taping, trimming and padding last time was a DISASTER. This time it was a piece of cake. So grateful to Sandi and Kathy and Gwen for doing such a great job yesterday.
Lastly, I couldn't and wouldn't have survived the day without Catie and Sarah. We just can't do cast day alone and I am so glad they were there. We are in this with them for the long haul. We can't wait to see William EmBrace his new journey and we will be there when sweet Giana has surgery as I know they will both be there for us whether we get to brace or whether we have surgery. I have amazing friends on this journey and I thank God every day for them. Not sure where I would be without out my Lucky Cast Club family. Once I talked to the doc, the first people I texted were Catie, Sarah, Kelli and Chrissy. They were and are my rock.
So for now we are trying to keep the faith. It is hard. I have cried a lot thinking about what the future of multiple back surgeries may look like for sweet Kiya and how it is just plain unfair. But I refuse to throw in the towel. I refuse to give up. She is doing great and I will keep on casting and praying and casting and praying until we hit the fork in the road.
Yup. The doc said it. I am over processing it and really really need to talk to our care coordinator Linda who is on vacation until Monday. He isn't talking surgery right away but down the line. How long is that line, I have no idea.
Kiya was about the same 45 degrees out of cast and 15-20 in cast. He would prefer much better for a child approaching 4. He thinks that a brace will not be a good option for her at anytime and that when the time for casting to end comes, it will mean growth rod surgery.
I prayed and prayed we would never have to cross that bridge. Back surgery is seriously intense and recovery is tough especially for an active child. Then there is the timing. She won't have surgery for hopefully another couple of years but then there is school. Do you schedule surgery over winter break and hope she can tolerate going to school after that? Do you schedule it in the summer in essence meaning you have no summer so as to not interfere with school?
All these things are running through my head. That and the notion that she has gotten better. Her numbers went down the two casts prior to this last one. Is the doc just being doom and gloom? She is still flexible and still young with lots of growing to do. Another reason to talk to Linda. I need her to be my sounding board on this one.
We can do cast so the doc said let's keep on going so that is what we are going to do. Kiya does well in cast and there have been no adverse reactions to the anesthesia. The doctor doesn't want to limit her overall gross motor development with the cast so he is thinking long term about how a cast will affect her in school etc and that she was such a late walker.
Then I think, well if she isn't getting any worse and we are still praying she will get better, can I take a one month brace break next summer? Can I let her be a kid and take the swim lessons she so desperately wants? Can I let her have the best month of water play with her little sister? Will her doctor say it is okay? Yet another reason I need Linda. Next summer would be the third summer in cast and it just plain stinks to have to say no to your child who just wants to go swimming or run in the sprinklers when it is 95 degrees out.
Swimming can help her build those muscles that she is so desperately lacking but am I being selfish? I don't want to do anything to take away from the ground we have gained but if she is ultimately going to have surgery then can't she for one month just be a kid?
The saving grace of the day was Kiya. She was truly on her best behavior and a total rock star. In true Kiya fashion she dictated the entire taping and padding process. She insisted on where and what tape we used and who should put tape where. She was just plain awesome. Taping, trimming and padding last time was a DISASTER. This time it was a piece of cake. So grateful to Sandi and Kathy and Gwen for doing such a great job yesterday.
Lastly, I couldn't and wouldn't have survived the day without Catie and Sarah. We just can't do cast day alone and I am so glad they were there. We are in this with them for the long haul. We can't wait to see William EmBrace his new journey and we will be there when sweet Giana has surgery as I know they will both be there for us whether we get to brace or whether we have surgery. I have amazing friends on this journey and I thank God every day for them. Not sure where I would be without out my Lucky Cast Club family. Once I talked to the doc, the first people I texted were Catie, Sarah, Kelli and Chrissy. They were and are my rock.
So for now we are trying to keep the faith. It is hard. I have cried a lot thinking about what the future of multiple back surgeries may look like for sweet Kiya and how it is just plain unfair. But I refuse to throw in the towel. I refuse to give up. She is doing great and I will keep on casting and praying and casting and praying until we hit the fork in the road.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
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