Rock Star

In keeping with Alexander's long, handsome hairdo, we got him a little shirt to wear. So, while we wait, lets just envision how totally cute he will look in this little number! (no word, yet).

Ya Hoo!

We received notice today that Alex has had his Visa physical! What a great way to end the week and a wonderful start to the weekend! We should be able to meet our son within the next 2-3 weeks! There is some paperwork that needs to be sent to Korea (which we sent via Fed Ex today) before they can issue the Visa, so there are still a couple steps to go but it will move very quickly from here on out...

Happy Friday!!!

Nice to Meet You, Alex...

Today we received a progress report from Korea - it was written when Alex was between 5 and 6 months old. It takes time to translate some of these documents, and since it is not a medical report, they probably took their time getting it to us. This is one of the most touching and wonderful items we've received to date. We can really see a glimpse of our little boy's personality. It also appears as if he moved to a different foster home in March, so the information we had on the foster family was outdated. His current foster mother is much older, and has been providing care for Holt babies for 22 years. Amazing. Here are the highlights of a 6 month old Alex:

• He goes where he wants to go by rolling over and over.
• He tries to push forward on tummy but only turns sideways.
• Reaches for, holds a thing, transfers it from hand to hand, bangs it against the floor.
• Opens his arms wide to be hugged.
• Does pat-a-cake and finger plays for entertainment.
• Enjoys peek-a-boo.
• Giggles.
• When happy, cries out.
• Makes similar sounds like “om-ma (mom), a-ppa (dad).”
• Holds a milk bottle and puts hands on it.
• Eats one spoonfuls of rice gruel twice daily and spills a lot.
• Looks at the foster family who eats meals, smacks his lips and mumbles on soft food.
• Sleeps throughout the night from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am. (YES!!!! YA HOO!!!)
• When he wakes up, he falls asleep if the foster family talks to him and pats him.
• Naps for one hour once daily. (Hmmmmm).
• Fusses a bit before going to sleep. Easily falls asleep if he is hugged and patted or the foster mother puts his head on her arms and pats him. Sleeps rolling over.
• During sleep, it needs to be quiet and a bedside lamp turned on.
• Easily wakes up at soft noises (Uh oh).
• Isn’t shy with strangers and smiles at them.
• When he visits a strange place, he hardens his face and looks around.
• Loves the foster father most; he doesn’t take his eyes off him until he gives him a hug.
• Enjoys bath time; he splashes and flounders the water.
• Loves to be carried on the foster mother’s back.
• Likes to ride in a baby carriage.
• He looks charming with long hair and fair complexion.
• He has huge smiles, which makes him receive exceptional care and love from the foster family.

Birthday Time

Yesterday, our little baby Adam Tae turned five. I have no idea where the last 5 years went! Also yesterday, our littlest baby Alexander turned 8 months. I am hoping that he can celebrate the 9 month mark here, in good ole' Omaha, with his family!

Put Away the 12-18 Month Clothing!

Our little guy now weighs in at 24.0 lbs! I'd say he's officially jumped a clothing size and I will need to re-think the clothes that I washed and put away for him! We received his June Well Baby Check today. Its with mixed feelings that I read though these medical updates - he is doing so well and I love getting updates and reading about him. But it makes me sad to be so far away from him and see him growing and learning and not be a part of it.

So, back to the update.... at 7.5 months, he weighs 24 lbs and is 29 inches tall. Like all the other updates, it says that he's drinking 6 ounces of formula every 4 hours. This must be true, but surely they are throwing some rice or cereal in there somewhere? We'll find out soon enough. He has 1 tooth on top, and 2 on the bottom. He can now sit up alone without support. He can pull to a standing position and walk holding on to furniture. He can't stand alone quite yet. Let's hope we get him home before he starts to walk!

He can pick up a raisin with his finger and thumb, responds to his name, and plays ball with the doctor. He says "Abba" and "Abuba". He's developing right on schedule and appears to be very healthy - for which we are extremely grateful.

Today the Visa office told me they are still waiting on paperwork from the Agency, so this means he probably has not had his Visa physical yet. My interpretation of this is that we still have at least 2-3 weeks until we get our travel call, or much longer (total bummer). We are anxious, but we know he'll be worth the wait!