Update, Lunar New Year Event & 20 Months

So, I feel like a broken record as I’m typing that it's been WAY too long since I've posted. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by. We went from having quite a few months of sickness to deciding to put our house on the market and then back to sickness. Combine it with work craziness and a toddler that is hitting his "Terrible 2's" a wee-bit early and WHAMMY! It's February 16th. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, it's just overwhelming at times and it's kicked my butt. I'm a control freak and I'm not used to anything really kicking my butt. THIS has. However, I've learned a lot. I've learned to let a lot go. I've learned to accept help. I've learned to get my priorities in check - especially when it comes to work - family comes first. So, in all of this - my beloved blog has suffered as well as my blogger friends' blogs. So, once again I apologize. I know that there are friends and family that check in to get updates on our little peanut and to see photos. I will do my best to make more time to keep it current. When I set out to do this initially I also wanted it to be something that Wesley could look at/read when he was older - and that is equally important to me.

Now, on to the updates. Two weekends ago (February 5), Wesley and I attended a Lunar New Year event put on by a group called "Friends of Korea." The group is comprised of local families with children adopted from Korea and Korean adoptees. I was invited to join the group from a fellow adoptive mom friend (Candace) who worked with the same adoption agency as us. Wesley and I arrived at the event to find a room buzzing with positive energy and joy. The smell of Tteokguk soup cooking filled the air. I introduced myself to the first smiling face I saw and immediately Candace came over and introduced herself. It was a very friendly, welcoming group. The children in attendance were all older than Wesley by quite a few years, but he didn't seem to mind.

The first order of business was to get Wesley into his hanbok (traditional Korean outfit warn on birthdays and other Korean holidays). His hanbok from his first birthday actually still fit – it was a bit big the first time he wore it in Seoul. The top portion was a little snug, but it would do the trick. Then, we made our way over to a special area they had set up for the children to pay their respects to the visiting elders. We took a few minutes to learn how to bow or saebae to the elders and to say “Happy New Year” in Korean.
Getting instructions on how to bow or saebae and say "Happy New Year"

The elders arrived and it was time for the children to show what they have learned. Each family went one by one until it was our turn. I had to help Wesley since he was so young, and it was a challenge but adorable. Once the child successfully performs the bow; the elders reward them with an envelope that is filled with money as a New Year's gift (parents were told ahead of time to provide envelopes for their children).
The visiting elders anxiously await the next group of children.

The beginning of the bow.

And we're still doing the bow. Oops! Wesley's hanbok hat is in his face.

With Wesley being the youngest child by at least 3 years, he was a sight - but a big hit. We did our best to get the bow done without offending anyone. Thank goodness he’s cute is all I have to say! After we “performed” the bow, Wesley accepted the envelopes from the elders and then as if on cue, Wesley knelt down on the pillows in front of us and did his own version of a bow. Priceless. . .



Showing Wesley that the elders have something special for him.




The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting with the other adoptive families, enjoying the Tteokguk soup (which was really good by the way) and watching the kids play outside; it was a beautiful day. I look forward to the next FOK event. Thank you Candace for including us.

Wesley turned 20 months January 28th and we celebrated 6 months being home on February 4th. We are still waiting our adoption finalization. California does things a bit different than other states in that they require 6 months post placement. All of our forms and our court report were sent in to the court in a timely manner, however in true Fuller fashion, we had a "delay" of sorts (not our fault), so we most likely won't be able to have Wesley's adoption finalized until the end of March or beginning of April.

We can't believe that our little peanut is growing into the "big" little boy that he has. He's literally "in" to everything in the house. We don't know whether to call him a whirling dervish or a bull in a china shop, but he's non-stop, constant motion, energy-driven little man on a mission. It's like someone wound him up and let him go. But on the flip side, he's so cuddly and sweet and gives the BEST hugs! His personality is really shining through. He loves to imitate. He is so smart and observes everything. Although he's still taking his time with some of his speech, he comprehends all of what we're saying. And then comes the disobedience. And, the temper tantrums. We think that we're hitting the "terrible 2's" a little early. And, let me tell you that when these "tantrums" hit LOOK OUT! They're awful. Like, hand me a HUGE glass of wine awful. NEWS FLASH!!! Wesley said "Mama" tonight (and it was for me, not "food" as it is in Korea) for the first time EVER since we've been home. My heart melted. With that, I'll leave you with some photos from our "20 Month" photo shoot in our backyard. Cheers!

새해 복 많이 받으세요 - Happy Lunar New Year!

Today marks the first day of the Korean Lunar New Year or the Seolnal, which lasts for three days. Like many aspects of Korean life, the holiday centers around family. Many pay their respect to their elders, travel great lengths to see family and honor those that have left this life. Food always seems to be a big part of any holiday or celebration and Seolnal is no exception. The traditional meal is a soup called tteokguk -a beef broth with thinly sliced rice cakes.

Children typically wear traditional hanboks and adults purchase new clothes to signify the start of a new year. The children bow (saebae) to their elders to show their respect and then are rewarded by an envelope with money as a New Year's gift. There are also traditional Korean games played to add to the festivities of the day.

Wesley and I will be going to a New Year's event put on by a group called "Friends of Korea" (or FOK) on Saturday to celebrate. The group is comprised of families around the Sacramento area (and surrounding areas) that have adopted or are adoptees from Korea. They get together throughout the year to share their adoption experiences, celebrate Korean culture and to simply be social. This will be our first FOK event so we're really looking forward to it!

I'll post afterward with photos and tidbits on the event. In the meantime. . .
새해 복 많이 받으세요(saehae bok man-hi ba-deu saeyo) - Happy New Year!

Wesley's Walking!

I am finally getting around to posting a video of our latest milestone. Better late than never. One thing we've learned about our Little Peanut is that he does things on his own terms and that's totally cool with us. Yay Wesley - we're so proud of you. ;)

Holiday Wrap Up & Blog Name Change

I can't believe it's January and I find myself apologizing yet again for lagging in the blogging department. So NOT me! But, between getting ready for Christmas, being busy at work and battling yet another round of sickness (yes, it came back) the past few weeks are honestly a blur and the blogging had to be one of the balls to drop.

So, first things first - I figured that since we're almost approaching the five month mark of being home from Seoul, I should probably change the name of the blog from "Waiting for Wesley" to something that makes a little more sense. So, I'm testing out. . . "Life According to Wesley." I thought that this title was appropriate since our life pretty much revolves around him - in a good way of course :) And, I often times find myself wondering, "What does he think about all of this?" or "Does he think we're totally insane?" or "I wonder what is going on in that brain of his." So, we'll test it out for a bit and see how it does. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think.

Now on to the "Holiday Wrap Up." Be forewarned - this is going to be a long post, so if you're not up for it - stop now, I won't be offended.

Christmas Eve was spent at our house with our dear friends Jose and Shannon coming over to join in on some holiday cheer with Brian, myself, Wesley and my parents. After they left, the rest of us enjoyed a casual dinner and then enjoyed watching what we'll call "Phase 1" of Wesley's Christmas present opening extravaganza.

And so it starts. . .



Wow!!! Fake food! Wait, what do I do with this?

And, a sandwich-making set? COOL!!! Still, a bit random don't you think???

So, with all of this "fake food" that Wesley got from my parents, one might be wondering if there is something else in store. Well my friends and family -

THIS is what Santa left behind for our little peanut. . .

Here is our little guy in the morning after he "discovered" the kitchen.


Taking a break from the kitchen to chomp on his new favorite hammer (did I mention that he has a hammer fetish?)

Serving up some X-Mas breakfast for Mom & Dad (note the mustard on the top shelf)

Once we got done with "Santa" time, we actually opened some more gifts. We tried to split up the amount of gifts that Wesley opened on Christmas Eve as well as Christmas so that he wouldn't get too overwhelmed. Well, he still seemed to be somewhat overstimulated from Christmas Eve (sleep issues). But, we had a good amount of gifts from close family friends and family members that we wanted him to open on Christmas so we did that after Santa. He had a blast!

Wesley's cool new frog lunchbox from "Santa Santoro" :)

Wesley's first train set (Thomas the Tank) from his Aunt Beth & family

Dad and Wesley putting the train set together.

Christmas Day we went to my parents' house to celebrate. My brother and his family joined us. It was fun to have a house full of kids. My brother's son Brooks is 8 months old and his stepson, Jaden is 6 years old. Throw in a 19 month old and as you can imagine, it was an active house! All boys! My mom made an awesome prime rib dinner and we all had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, it was all too much for Wesley and the evening ended a bit early for us due a meltdown. Over stimulation #2. Two days of presents, people and excitement was just too much for the little guy. We felt awful but kind of anticipated it. Back-to-back events like that are still a bit much - and throw in the presents, etc. double whammy!

I did manage to get a picture with my adorable nephew before I left.

Here's a photo of my brother, Wesley and me right before we took off (we put Wesley in his jammies because it's about a 30 minute drive home).

Although Wesley had some tough moments during the holidays, and we felt awful about those times, it was a wonderful Christmas. By far, the BEST Christmas for me to date. When we were putting together our shopping list this year, Brian and I decided not to get one another anything. We felt so incredibly blessed to have Wesley home with us FINALLY and truly felt that HE was our gift. We had more fun spending money on the children in our lives (i.e. Wesley, our nephews and niece).

We've had two of the hardest months that we've had since we've been home. Wesley's been sick, I've been sick and Brian's been sick. We've had sleepless nights. We've been poo-ed on, pee-ed on. There's been multiple moments of barf. We've had moments of frustration, helplessness, confusion, anger, hopelessness and then with one little smile from our precious little boy it all goes away. That is the BEST gift ever. . .

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like X-Mas

I'm almost afraid to say it out of fear of jinxing myself (and the entire family) but I "think" that the sickness has FINALLY left our home. Wesley still has a runny nose, but hey I'll take it! Last weekend was the "official" kick-off to Christmas for our family. Brian hung the lights on the outside of the house on Saturday before the rain started in again. Then, on Sunday we headed over to the club house in the community where my parents live for a Santa Brunch. My brother, his family and his mother-in-law were meeting up with Brian, Wesley, me and my parents. Unfortunately, his wife Kelli and my nephew had to stay home because my nephew was sick. The rest of us stuffed ourselves silly with yummy food, mimosas and had a good time catching up. Then, it was time to meet Santa! Jaden (Kelli's son) was a pro at this so he went first to show Wesley "the ropes." When it came time for Wesley to step up, I pretty much knew what was coming. I told Brian to get the camera ready and then placed Wesley on Santa's lap.

He looked up at the strange man with the red suit and white fluffy beard and got this panicked expression on his face. And then, the tears came. We took a few pictures and then I had to go and get him before he was too traumatized.

Here's the group at the brunch. Note the candy cane antlers (courtesy of myself).

Mom, Dad & Wesley - poor kid had no idea his parents were such geeks.

Dad & Wesley "working" the antlers.

Jaden giving Santa an ear-full.

Wesley's first impression of Old St. Nick

And, here come the tears. . .

Umm, Mom are you going to come and get me off this guy's lap or what?

The last couple of years when it came to our Christmas tree, we would head to the Sierra Foothills with my parents to one of the local tree farms to cut down our tree. It had become a tradition that we really looked forward to each year. Well, this year with Wesley being so young and all of us not being in the best of health, we decided against it. As I've come to realize these past few months, there are just some things that we're going to have to let go. This was one of them. In fact we didn't even go pick out a tree together as a family. After Wesley woke up from his nap Sunday, he was coughing quite a bit and the nose was runny. He was cranky and the weather was starting to turn and it would soon rain. I just couldn't justify taking him out in the cold for a memory that would only serve us. So, I told Brian to just go down to Home Depot and pick out a tree.

Now, obviously most of you haven't gone tree hunting with me before, but let's just say I'm not easy to please. So for me to let him go without me and to the Home Depot versus a local tree farmer was HUGE. Can I just say that this year we have one of the prettiest trees we've ever had? It goes to show. . . Anyway, letting things go. Work in progress. We didn't get to decorate the tree until last night and we quickly realized that we had to adjust with an 18 month old in the room that is incredibly active and very curious. So, I made a suggestion. Brian said, "Are you serious?" And I said, "Absolutely. Do you have any better ideas?" And, here's how the first part of our decorating went. . .



Wesley eventually had enough and started getting crabby. So, we got him out and he and I went in the other room for some calm time before bed. Brian kept putting ornaments on the tree (without me). Again, me letting go. Once Wesley was asleep, I picked up where Brian left off and we had a lovely tree. I couldn't wait to show Wesley in the morning. And, I can't wait to get some presents underneath for our little peanut. It's going to be a great holiday.

18 Months Old, 4 Months Home & More. . .

We're still playing catch up at our house on EVERYTHING. Just when I thought we were on the upswing, the "house of sickness" went into week 5 with Brian on antibiotics and Wesley on the tail end of a double ear infection. By the end of the week, we all were feeling better and I thought to myself, "Ok, this is it." Then today, both Wesley and I have bad coughs and he's got a runny nose. NOOOOOOOOOOOO! We will NOT succumb to another sickness. We just can't!

Well, in the midst of playing catch up, Wesley turned 18 months last Sunday and this Saturday we've been home from South Korea 4 months. I can't believe how fast time is flying by and how much he is growing up. We are really seeing some changes in him. Physically, he's really grown. We've been to the doctor's office quite a bit lately and the nurses have even commented on how he's really stretched out these past few months.

The two big things we've been waiting for and that most people ask about - walking and talking. We make a little progress and then, not so much. We pretty much have figured out that both of these are things that are going to be on Wesley's terms. It's going to be just like when he went off his bottle. He just decided one day that he was done. And, that was that. One day in November when Wesley was home sick, he decided to take a few steps on his own. Since then he hasn't done it again. He practices with us and at daycare, but he's definitely on his own schedule. Same goes with talking. He babbles and babbles and babbles, but hasn't said any solid "words" since September.

Sleeping has gotten much better. We still have struggles everyone once in awhile, but for the most part we've got a routine down and it works for us. Feeding is a work in progress. Food is not an issue - the kid eats anything. He's been on a sippy cup since October, but we're working on him feeding himself with the spoon. I fear the mess. I know it's stupid. We even have a splat mat. We just need to do it and let him have at it. Daycare puts the entire meal in front of the kids and it's a free-for-all. You should see him when he comes home - OMG!

He is so smart and understands everything we are telling him. And, he is in full-blown toddler mode. He's testing us at every chance he gets. He has what we call "mini-meltdowns" on occasion when things don't go his way. And, he is into EVERYTHING and ANYTHING. So very curious. It's funny and scary all at the same time. And then he's unbelievably lovable and his personality is really coming out now. He has a funny sense of humor and loves to laugh. He's all boy in that EVERYTHING must be thrown, banged, pounded when he's playing (similar to "Bam Bam" from the Flintstone's). It's just amazing to watch him sometimes. He really fits in well to our little family.
Here is our little "ham."

He doesn't go anywhere without his hammer.

Hanging out in his rocking chair

He LOVES books!

One of his favorites - Dr. Seuss's "The Foot Book"

Cracking up at "The Foot Book"

I haven't posted about daycare since I went back to work full-time at the end of October. The first few weeks, I honestly couldn't post or even talk about it. It was very difficult. Difficult on Wesley and difficult on me. The first week was the worst. Lots of tears. Both Wesley and myself. Despite the fact that we "eased into it" with 1/2 days for part of the week, he was confused and understandably so. Naps were either non-existent or very short for awhile. But, once we got through week 2, we started to get into a grove and he realized that he wasn't being left. We still have tough days here and there - especially when he's missed days like he has these past few weeks with being sick. However, I think in the end, he really enjoys himself and the interaction with the other children and teachers.

It makes us surely appreciate the time we have with him even more. Weekends are precious and the time we have during the week with him is very special. And to be honest, I think I'm a better parent with the balance of work and personal life and he's probably happier. He is the light of my life and I couldn't imagine my world without him. I look forward to coming home to him each day and seeing his smiling face each and every morning. He is my sunshine.

Thankful. . .

Ok, so I've been away from the blog WAY too long and I've neglected my blog longer than I ever intended to. The reason. Sickness. Germs. And more sickness. We're going on four (4) weeks of this. No joke. And I've got to tell you, I'm sick of being sick. Collectively, we've had ear infections, sinus infections, more ear infections, borderline upper respiratory infections, etc. Enough!!! Don't even get me started on the sleepless nights. Anyway, that is the reason for the neglect on the blog. Let's move on and post something positive on this Thanksgiving night.

We host Thanksgiving at our home every year and on occasion we are blessed to have my mother-in-law Bonnie visiting from the east coast. This was one of those years! She arrived last Friday so we've been enjoying her company all week. This was her first time meeting Wesley, so it was a very special visit. In addition to my family and my mother-in-law, we had our dear friends Jose and Shannon over who we consider family. Jose and Shannon graciously provided yummy appetizers including champagne while my mom made some awesome soup, and my lovely hubs did the rest of the cooking.

Here he is in all his glory. The bird looks burnt but it's not, it's the dry rub - mmmm!

Here is my mom enjoying a pina colada from a fresh coconut courtesy of Jose. OMG!

My brother J and his son Brooks

Wesley and his cousin Brooks hanging out. Two of the cutest boys in the world!!!

Mom, Dad, Nanie (a.k.a. Brian's mom) and Brian pose for the camera.

Me and Nanie

Jose and Wesley having fun

Me and "The Chef" Brian

These two look like they're going to get into some trouble!

Hey, how did this guy get to be at the head of the Thanksgiving table?

Me and my little peanut

It's times like this that we reflect on the past year and think about what we are thankful for. Well, this year I didn't have to even think about it. He's here. He's FINALLY here. After seven (7) years of trying to become a family of three (3) versus a family of two (2) we've finally made it! I'm reminded of the day that we told my parents that we weren't going to "try" for a biological child any longer. It was extremely difficult. Possibly the most difficult thing I've ever had to say to my parents. And my dad said to me, "Sometimes God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers." God does have a plan for us.

So, on this Thanksgiving night here is my top 10 (not in order) list of things I am thankful for:

1. Wesley - I know that this child was meant to be with our family. In the short amount of time he's been with us, he's touched so many people and he's filled my heart with so much joy. I couldn't see my life without him. I love you Peanut. :)
2. Brian - I couldn't imagine going on this journey with anyone else. You are my traveling companion, my love, my life. You are an amazing father and I love you.
3. My parents - I feel so blessed to have two wonderful people that I look up to and enjoy spending time with. You are inspirational, crazy at times and awesome grandparents to Wesley.
4. Family - my mother-in-law, my brother, my aunts and uncles, I love you all and appreciate the love and support you have given me, Brian and now Wesley.
4. Friends - I wouldn't pick any other people to surround me with the love, support, laughs and friendship that you have. You are like family to me. :)
5. Lesley @ Across the World Adoption Agency - I'm so thankful for her listening to me vent about our China adoption one evening in May, 2009; the conversation turned to her referring us to our agency and the Korea program. If it weren't for her, I don't know if things would have turned out the way they did and I credit her with putting us on the path to find our son.
6. Adoptive mom friends - it's been said before by myself and many others but unless you have been through the adoption process (or are in it) you can't really understand it all. It is a roller coaster ride. There are good times. There are difficult times. There are times that words can't even describe. Having other moms that have "been there, done that" has been incredible and invaluable.
7. Reality TV - although we watch less TV now that our little peanut is home, we still make time for reality TV. I love it. The Real Housewives (Atlanta, Orange County, New York), Project Runway, Millionaire Matchmaker, American Idol and so many more. The trashy ones are the best. They take me to another place and help me to forget about my work day, stresses, etc. The trashier the better.
8. Naps - although they are few and far between these days (only weekends and only if we don't have plans) I am thankful for naps to catch up on lost sleep which seems to be the case these days. Just when you think you're having a good month sleep-wise with Wesley, things take a turn.
9. Spanx - If you've ever worn these you know why I'm thankful. Enough said.
10. Music - I've written about my affinity for music before so this shouldn't be a surprise. I'm happy to report that Wesley loves music. We have it on in the house all the time. He bounces to it and is starting to clap as well. He falls asleep to Beatles Bedtime (Beatles songs in lullaby format). A world without music is a sad, sad world in my book.

Happy Thanksgiving!