Here's the Photos!

Okay, so it took me about a day to get this done, but here they are! Evelyn really did well and Mommy is pretty happy with the photos. Of course, the photographer had a hard time keeping up with our active little angel. Eventually, as Mommy tried to keep her in one place, the photographer snapped a couple of impromptu shots of Mommy with Evelyn. They turned out pretty good, but Mommy was not dressed for the occasion! As Evelyn maneuvered around the studio, she did take time to snuggle with a teddy bear on the set--one of my favorites! Enjoy perusing some of the photos from the session!

Memorial Day Weekend

Unlike most other cost-conscience families this weekend, we hit the highway to visit family in Indiana. While we cringed at the cost of gas, we didn't want to pass up the chance to spend a long weekend with our family. So, off we went! Evelyn traveled like a pro. We arrived to Grandma Donna's Friday evening in time for dinner. The next morning, we headed up to Grandma Jill's house to visit with her and the Grandfather. Evelyn LOVED playing with the bubbles and swinging in the swing with Grandma Jill while Daddy helped Uncle Donnie dig some post holes for Grandma's grapevine. Later in the afternoon, we headed out for Evelyn's first official studio pictures (I know, I am a bad Mommy, but timing has not been on my side). She did great! Never once fussed, but wouldn't sit still for very long. They turned out great and I will post them later (once I figure out how to download them onto my computer). On Sunday, we headed back to Grandma Donna's and then on home this morning. Again, Evelyn traveled like a pro. She slept, played and read books, ate some Goldfish, and slept again. Sometimes, we think our job as parents is a little too easy with her--but we are NOT complaining!

Mother's Day

Today was Mommy's first Mother's Day with Evelyn! When I walked into the kitchen to prepare her breakfast, there on the table was a digital frame with pictures of the past several months. Then, as I was getting ready for church, Daddy brought her in to the room holding a card for Mommy. Her face was lit up as she held the card for me. That was really all I needed for Mother's Day. Throughout the day, my mind has wondered about her birthmom. How is she? Does she know how much her sacrifice has brought joy into my life? I have said this to many people before, but I truly mean it. Getting to be Evelyn's Mommy is the greatest thing I could have ever done with my life. Every day is such a joy and honor to be her Mommy.

Korean Children's Day

We celebrated Korean Children's Day at a local Korean Presbyterian Church. Our good friends Scott and Leslie reminded us that it was exactly three years ago today that Rob and I decided to journey through adoption. Isn't life ironic sometimes? Anyways, we instantly met up with our good friends Jared, Owen, and Avery upon arriving. We were welcomed by Sue Pang and Margie Wasielewski. Then, we were treated to a traditional Korean dance, a traditional Korean musical band, and a Tae Kwon Do demonstration. Evelyn watched intently as the young girls danced in their Hanboks and really was entranced by the musical instruments--especially the drum. As much as she loves to bang on things, we think we may have a future drummer on our hands! Unfortunately, we had to leave before lunch was served as Daddy had to go to SLU to study for more finals and Mommy had to be home for the carpet cleaners. Needless to say, Evelyn was asleep in the Pathfinder in no time on the way home. It was a fun-filled morning!

Finally Final!

Exactly one year ago today we received the referral for Evelyn. Today we finalized Evelyn's adoption. It was definitely a full-circle moment for us. The day started hectic as Evelyn awoke with red, puffy eyes. Of course, Mommy called the dr. and took her in to see him. Eventually, Mommy will learn to listen to her first instinct as I was right--it was allergies! The dr. gave us some eye drops and allergy medicine. By the time we headed to the courthouse, Evelyn looked like her normal, sunshiny self. Court began at 1:30 and we were second in line to go. Judge Cunningham presided over the hearing. It was very quick! By 2:30, we were headed for home and Daddy was headed to SLU to take a final. As we look back on the journey, we are so grateful for the sacrifice the birthmom made in giving her up for adoption and the excellent care she received from her foster mom, Mrs. Lee. It has been a long journey to get to this point. Now, we can officially say we are a family of three!