Our Thailand Adoption Journey

2011-01-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

I have started a new blog about our adventures as a family of five. You can find it here.

We Finalized Today

2008-12-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

We are blessed to receive such a wonderful gift this Christmas. Seth is forever ours!! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Whew!

2008-07-28T08:07:00.001-07:00

I am recuperating today. Joel and I have been selling flip flops since Thursday. Today's Monday. Our city hosts the Dizzy Dean World Series baseball tournament every year. This year 140 boy teams and 74 girl team graced our fair city. We were fortunate enough to be able to sell at both girls and boys venues. When you are not used to being outside in the heat spending a weekend outside in the high 90's is daunting. I love being part of such an exciting event. The teams are excited to be here as most of them don't travel out of town. They have worked hard and playing here $a privilege. We had teams from all over. New Orleans, St. Pete, FL,(13 hrs away), GA, AL. Joel and I both love talking to people from different areas. We call our little operation "Flip Flop to Adopt." People were so generous and sweet. One mom started crying yesterday when I told her our story. I even had men buying shoes for their wives. We even met a family adopting from Thailand. We love sharing our adoption story.

Our weekend was successful and even after being gone 13 hours each day it was definatly worth it. Hope to do it again next year.

Lexi's Work

2008-06-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Lexi has started a photography business. She is a genious at her craft. She loves to capture the emotions of people. Truthfully, I thought they were going to terrible and was disappointed when I left the shoot. Boy was I surprised when I got these awesome pictures!! I just love her and am thankful to have her as a friend. Look at what a great job she did..

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It's Me!

2008-06-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Please don't fall out! I am still alive and kickin'! We have had some internet issues and I have been super swamped learning to be a mommy of 3 and all that it entails. Not to mention that our flip flops and t-shirts fundraiser is doing awesome! Folks are so so gracious and God has blessed it. Super crazy things have happened that has helped us sell lots of shoes and t-shirts.

Seth finally got his shots yesterday. They gave him 4 total. One in each arm and one in each leg. He has not walked much today. I have been giving him Tylenol to help with the pain. I would rather get it done and over with with one visit. I think it makes it less traumatizing to them. He didn't cry until his second shot. He has a high tolerance for pain.

Will has had strep throat this week. It cut his swimming lessons off early. We will begin on Monday. We have attended 2 VBS's in the area. The kids loved them! So much fun. Plus, they learn about Jesus and it gives me a break. I have had Megan and Ruthie come and baby sit once a week. Megan filled in when Ruthie was out of town. Having her come gives me a day to get out and run errands, make Dr. appointments, and handle flip flop business.

We have an open house tomorrow and will be doing all of the world series ball tournaments in July. We also plan on being at the fall festivals. I think my shirts have made a great addition.

Kara is going to kid's camp in Oklahoma in July. She is also doing a theatre camp that she is excited about.

My mom bought the kids a water slide that has been so much fun! They love to get on it and will play for hours! Kara's birthday is next week so we are in full swing preparing for it. This will be her first big sleep over. Pray for me!!

Seth is just a joy and he loves to do whatever we are doing. We have gone to the pool a few times and he is happy the entire stay. You can tell that he is getting close to being 2. He wants to hold things for himself and if you don't let him he falls out in the floor. He is demanding and more and more independent.

Did I mention that Seth is in his crib? Yes, the day Kara got out of school we put him in his crib in his room. Went cold turkey. I would not recommend it for the faint of heart. He didn't sleep for 3 days! He did great during the day and didn't show any signs of regression. I am proud of him. It has made me a better mom! Now he goes into his crib fine. He usually fusses less than a minute before he is out. We are trying to reserve the bottle for crib time only.

Seth was dedicated on Sunday. It was so sweet and made me remember that God has a destiny for Seth. Dedication in our church is more for the parents than for the children. We are dedicating him to the Lord and promising God that we will raise him in a Christian home.

Kara is being baptized Sunday. Or, "babitized" as she says.

Creative Folks

2008-05-06T15:05:00.001-07:00

I wanted to say thank you to both Lisa and Mrs. Jeanne for the creative gifts that you gave Seth. They look so good in his room and tie things together perfectly.

May Flowers

2008-05-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy this month. I told someone yesterday that I feel like I am being pulled in 5 different directions. When I have a minute to post something on here I am usually too tired to do it.

Seth is just doing super! He is your typical 15 month old. He loves to babble, babble, babble. He also loves to SCREAM! Not for any particular reason except to hear himself. He especially lets out a wail when Will is aggravating him. I asked Will yesterday "Do you like hearing him scream?". Will said "yes!". That came as somewhat of a surprise to me as it makes me feel the same as when fingernails go down a chalk board. Boys, I just don't understand them sometimes (OK, most of the time).

I have questioned myself lately about Seth's progress. I have followed another family that recently traveled to Thailand. They have really had it rough. We just did not experience a tremendous amount of difficulty. I guess it is because Seth was younger. I also attribute Seth's transition success to Mrs. Ting. He had already bonded with a great family that he just adjusted fairly easy to ours. We have had some bumpy spots and sleepless nights. The first four weeks were really rough. It was like having a newborn. He was getting used to us and us to him. I think that everyone has done better than me. It has been hard getting used to 3 kids and all of the responsibilities that go with it. I think it is true about having "post adoption blues." Each days is better and Seth is just a little ball of sunshine.

I'm Gonna Miss This

2008-04-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to post this song for a while now. I saw Trace Adkins sing it on the last episode of "The Celebrity Apprentice". One big reason that I didn't post it immediately is because, truthfully, I don't like country music. Yes, I know I live in Mississippi. Each stage of this song rang true for me. I couldn't wait to grow up and move out. I couldn't wait to start my family. And now there are some days that I wish my kids were a little older. I admit it. I look back at pictures of Kara and Will as babies and I think "where has the time gone"? Today I will enjoy my new crew of 3 and thank the Lord for all that he has blessed me with.

She was starin out the window of their SUV
Complainin sayin I can't wait to turn 18
She said I'll make my own money
And I'll make my own rules
Momma put the car in park out there in front of the school
And she kissed her head, and said
'I was just like you'
You're gonna' miss this
You're gonna' want this back
You're gonna' wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna' miss this
Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In her one bedroom apartment
And her daddy stops by
He tells her it's a nice place
She says, 'It'll do for now'
Starts talkin' about babies, and buyin a house
Daddy shakes his head
And says baby just slow down
Cuz' you're gonna' miss this
You're gonna' want this back
You're gonna' wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna' miss this
Five years later there's a plumber
Workin' on the water heater
Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'
One kid's cryin' one kid's screamin'
And she keeps apologizin'
He says they don't bother me
I've got two babies of my own
One's thirty- six, one's twenty- three
Huh, it's hard to believe
But you're gonna' miss this
You're gonna' want this back
You're gonna' wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna' miss this
You're gonna' miss this
Yeaahhhh... you're gonna' miss this...

Start of a New Week

2008-04-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well, as many of you can probably guess, I have been super busy lately. Adding a fifth wonderful member to our family has been a big adjustment. Seth is doing great and gets better every day. He had a cold last week that turned into a double ear infection. I took him to the doctor on Friday and started antibiotics. He felt better by Saturday afternoon.

It is exciting to finally see his little personality. Seth is curious, sweet, and GENTLE. Can you imagine a gentle child in our family? Kara and Will are still doing great with him and he loves them too. Will didn't want Seth playing with his new toy this morning so instead of snatching it from him he went and got another toy to distract Seth. I just thought that was so big of Will. Kara is an enormous help.

Seth can say a few words. He says:
Momma
Dadda
Dog
Kara (which actually sounds like "rarra")
no,no,no (he says it three times in a row)
Uhh ohh
He has started trying to say "Genghis"
He calls Will something that is hard to understand

Seth also plays "peek-a-boo", gives kisses, waves bye-bye, and obeys some commands. He does these things by voice commands. He also obeys when told "no-no". We think he's a genius!

He will be home 6 weeks tomorrow. In some ways it seems like yesterday but in other ways it seems like forever ago.

Seth weighs 20 lbs 13 oz. He wears a size 12 months in clothes and a size 5 to 6 in shoes. He has the longest feet and toes! We were told Friday that we can start weaning him from formula to whole milk. I am so happy as a can of formula costs $20.18 and doesn't quite last a week.

He is curious and has learned how to unroll toilet paper from the roll. He also broke a glass candle holder. Even with this he is so much better than Kara and Will about getting into things.

We are so glad that he is here and love him to pieces.

Still Proud of My Tigers

2008-04-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

Even though we didn't receive our furniture for free it was certainly an exciting weekend watching the Tigers play. The city of Memphis was PUMPED. It was nice to see the city come together. Everywhere you went you saw lots of blue and gray. Even the past couple of days most chit chat being discussed in stores is about the big game. Dad and Mom didn't make it to the games but maybe next year.

Go Tigers Go

2008-04-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

My alma mater, The University of Memphis, is going to the final four basketball playoffs Saturday night. I am so so so proud of the Tigers! This has been a fun season watching them win. My entire family are big fans. My dad went out yesterday morning first thing and bought a "final four" t-shirt. Dad, Joel, and my brother, Greg, have season tickets to both basketball and football. Dad is trying his best to find a way to San Antonio this weekend. I hope he and mom can go. He said that it has been 25years since we last played in the final four and at that rate this might be his last chance to see them play. I was 10 years old in the spring of 1983, Dad and I drove to Baton Rouge, LA to watch the game. It is a great memory of mine.

We bought Will's bedroom suite during a promotional that Ashley Furniture had in February. If the Tigers win the NCAA tournament then our furniture is FREE!!! Let me say it again "Go Tigers Go"!!!!

Tiger Fight Song

Go Tigers Go, Go On To Victory,
Be A Winner Thru And Thru;
Fight Tigers, Fight Cause We're Going All The Way...
Fight, Fight For The Blue And Gray And Say...
Let's Go Tigers Go,
Go On To Victory.
See Our Colors Bright And True;
It's Fight Now Without A Fear,
Fight Now Let's Shout A Cheer,
Shout For Dear Old Memphis U.
(Yell)
Go Tigers Go!
Go Tigers Go!
Yeeeaaa...Tigers......GO!!!

A Video from Seth's Last Day

2008-03-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

This is a little video of Mrs. Ting saying goodbye to Seth. Her two great gradchildren who lived in the home are with her. It is the saddest thing. You can also put "tracymcgal" in the YouTube search and get all 19 little parts of the 20 minute video. We sent a one time use video camera to Thailand for Seth's first birthday. We received these priceless videos. We bought our camera from someone on the Holt board but it is from CVS pharmacy. You turn it in like a camera and they give you a disk. The price is very reasonable. I think I only paid like $25. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Seth was loved. We can't put into words our appreciation...

Moving Right Along

2008-03-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

Seth's schedule is getting a little more set. If he falls asleep in the car then he will not sleep in the house. I am going to try to avoid that at all costs. He is eating better and sleeping better. Last night he went to bed at 8:30 and woke up at 6:30. He still whimpers in his sleep and needs a little patting.

One really exciting thing that happened yesterday was when Joel came home from work. Seth started dancing and screaming when he saw Joel walk through the door. That was big in my book.

We went to the Aquatic Center with some moms from my MOPS group. Kara and Will love to swim and Seth did fine. It was nice being around my friends. I have never been so appreciative for my life.

Kara is in our church Easter production. She loves it and told me this week that it is the best part about church. The "crippled boy" was sick this week so Kara took his role for the past 2 performances. She did so so so awesome!! She limps out on stage leaning on a stick. Jesus sees her and she walks towards him. He opens his arms and she puts down her stick and runs into his arms. He picks her up and twirls her around. She is healed. I am crying just typing it. Isn't it wonderful to know that we can run into His arms?

Kara took care of Seth yesterday while I took a bath. She fed him a bottle and did a great job taking care of him. She is a little momma.

Will is doing so much better than we expected. He loves Seth and is actually GENTLE with him. He is protective too. I hope that this trend continues.

The kids are very impatient with his crying. He does OK in his car seat for a little while. Yesterday he started crying after about 20 minutes of riding. Kara and Will came unglued!! There was really nothing that I could do so we just had to endure it. Kara said "I can't take it".

We are all getting adjusted to being a family of 3. I am so glad that the kids were out for spring break. It worked out perfectly.

A Week Already

2008-03-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that we have been home a week. Truthfully, it has been a blur. Jet lag really threw me for a loop. Plus, Seth adjusting to our sleep schedule has been a struggle. Until last night he was up off and on all night. He usually woke up at midnight and 3:30. It is a little like having a newborn. We try to meet his needs immediately to help him trust us. He is sleeping in the bed with us at night. Last night he woke up at 5:30 and I gave him a bottle and he went right back to sleep until 7. I feel so much better today.

I have started putting him in his crib for naps. There is a twin size bed in there so I lay on the bed until he is asleep. That's where he is now.

I am so proud of Kara and Will. They have done wonderful. They love Seth and have accepted him whole heartedly. So far so good. I did take each child out this week by themselves. I think that we will do that for a while. I love having Seth here but it is an adjustment getting used to the time required for a baby. I feel a little guilty about Kara and Will not getting as much time. I know this will pass.

We Are Home

2008-03-05T20:12:00.000-08:00

We had a long trip home but we are here. Jet lag got the best of me today. Seth and the kids are great. We all stayed home today from school and work. I have never been so happy to see my kids, family, the mid south, and America itself. We are so blessed to be born here. I know this sounds corny but we are truly the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

I will post later with pics and stories.

Day Three - Part Two - We have turned a corner

2008-03-02T08:11:00.001-08:00

Chiang Rai International Community Church

Seth was all over the place!

Connie and Richard's Great Pastor

Dinner

A little girl dancing at the Sunday night walking market

Seth woke up happy from his nap. He actually sat on the bed by himself (us sitting there too). He also played with toys by himself for the first time. We were so excited. I gave him a bath before church and bath time was still stressful.

Richard, Connie, and family picked us up for church. The church was somewhat like home but different too. Seth was babbling loudly so I took him outside. He actually got down and started walking around. It is the first time that he has walked for us. It took him 5 days. When church was over he babbled and talked and cut up. He acted like a typical 1 year old. Connie introduced us to several families. We met the pastor and he prayed for us. He was from the UK and had a really gentle spirit. He and his wife foster 5 kids. I saw several Thai kids that are waiting for families. One family at the church fled from Pakistan. Their life had been threatened for being Christians.

After church we went to a farang (English) restaurant. I got the calzone and it was delish. We said good bye to our new friends. They have been terrific hosts. We then went to the Sunday walking market which was just across the street. We hit pay day. It was a huge market with hundreds of booths and thousands of people. We bought almost everything on our list. We took a tuk tuk home. It was my first ride in one and the driver took it easy on me.

Seth went right down tonight with no tears. He babbled to himself and then fell asleep. Joel and I rejoiced!!!

We leave early in the morning for our 8:30 flight back to Bangkok. Only one more night in Thailand after tonight. Hallelujah, I'm close to seeing my kids!

Day Three in Chiang Mai - Sunday

2008-03-01T23:11:00.000-08:00

It is only 2 in the afternoon here but thought I would write about the day thus far. We woke up early and got ready to leave at 8:30. We ate breakfast outside as the weather is beautiful. Seth refused to eat a bite. We even have things that we were told he liked. He was very happy and playful. He loves to play "chay ah" which is "peek a boo". He also wei's and makes a cheesy grin.

Our driver was right on time so we headed out to the elephant center. It was one of the nicest things we did. It was very well laid out with several things to see. The elephants are amazing. We have lots of video of them. I will post pictures later tonight. We watched a great show and the elephants were able to do lots of things like play the harmonica, play soccer, and even paint. We fed them baby bananas and sugar cane. You could also take an hour elephant ride which we didn't. Seth was great all day. It was worth every bit of the 200 baht (less than $7) to get in. Our driver then took us to the snake farm. Uck! You know that was for Joel. It was gross and the snakes were kept in sad cages. We didn't stay long. Seth fell asleep on the way back to the hotel and he is napping now while I blog.

We leave around 4:15 to go to Richard and Connie's church. I can't wait!!! I will blog later.

The most wonderful part about today is that we are so so close to coming home. We fly back to Bangkok tomorrow, pack our bags, and fly out at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday. I cannot wait. Please play for us as we travel home.

Day Two in chiang Mai - Saturday

2008-03-01T22:41:00.000-08:00

Richard and Connie's son who was dressed up like Captain Hook. Seth didn't really know what to think.

Here's a picture of Tip. Hope that she and Kara will be pen pals. She is in second grade also.

Here's the elementary school. It was very very nice.

Here's the mat that Seth loves so much.

This is the view of Chiang Mai from the temple on the mountain.

Kara, I hope you can read this before you leave for church. We came home early this afternoon so that I could blog.

Yesterday, we slept in. It was actually the first night that we had to give Seth a bottle in the night. I think that he is not getting enough calories during the day. He is having a hard time adjusting to our food. We don't eat rice soup every meal!! He also still hates the room. Cries when we get to the door and usually only stops when he is asleep. We stay in there as little as possible. TV here is the pits. There are only a couple of English speaking stations and they are not from the US. The world is obsessed with the US Economy and the presidential election.

We are staying at the Imperial Mae Ping and it is right beside the night market. We like the hotel and it has all of the ammenities we need plus more. Breakfast is included and it is a feast!! We have fallen in love with these coconut and rice flour treats. They are small like appetizers so you feel like you can eat a dozen.

After breakfast we wandered around town. I despise the Tuk Tuk and taxi drivers. They are too pushy. From our experience they get you in the car and then start raising the price or trying to sell you other things. The driving is better in CM but still crazy. Lines in the street mean nothing.

At 4:00 Richard came and picked us up. We first went to the tope of a mountain and saw a Buddhist Temple. Since I live in the Bible belt it is hard to get used to how other religions operate. The view from this temple was breath taking. It over looked Chiang Mai. We left and picked up Connie and their two daughters and a friend. We went to their children's school to watch an outdoor movie. They were playing "Peter Pan". The International School is wonderful. I felt like I was back at home. There were probably around 500 Engish speaking people there. It was set up like a carnival and all of the seniors at the school were dressed up like characters from Peter Pan. They sold real hamburgers and hot dogs. Seth loved it. Connie brought plastic mats like Mrs. Ting's so he felt right at home.

When we got back to the hotel we hit the Night Market. It was great and we found some good deals. Seth slept in the Ergo. We got home around 11:30.

A Good Day

2008-02-29T07:31:00.000-08:00

We woke up around 6 this morning and packed up for Chiang Mai. We left some of our luggage at the hotel as we will be back on Monday. Seth woke up crying and cried until we left the room.

Seth's first plane ride went smoothly. He played for a little bit and then fell asleep for the rest of the flight.

A couple from West Memphis Arkansas live here in Chiang Mai. They are a relative of some friends at church. We emailed them before we came and they have been gracious hosts already. Connie picked us up from the airport and had flowers for us. We went to pick up her husband, Richard, and then went to lunch. We had ACTUAL AUTHENTIC Mexican food. I was in heaven. They took us to our hotel room which they arranged. This evening they picked us up and we went to their house to visit their children. They foster 7 kids from ages 2 to 4. Most of the kids will be adopted out to other countries. They have a well oiled routine. The kids are on a schedule and even have learning time. It blessed my heart to see the kids. They are bi-lingual. We brought some things from home and they kids loved it. Connie also teaches Thai girls to be nanny's in the US. I will share pics later. They have a 7 year old adopted daughter. The same age as Kara. I hope they become pen pals. After our visit they took us to dinner. We were at a mall and shopped a little afterwards. I bought Seth and Kara some shoes. Seth did wonderful tonight and opened up a ton. Today was definatly a better day for him.

Tomorrow we are going to the night safari (during the day). We are also going to Connie and Richard's kids school to watch a movie. I have felt more at home today than I have the whole trip. Chiang Mai is super nice. We have only explored a little bit. Can't wait to see more tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for praying for us.

Love to all!!!!
Tracy

He's Officially An American

2008-02-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it will be official when he steps on American soil. We met up with the other families this morning at breakfast and walked to the US Embassy. We met Mo there. There was a line of probably 200 Thai's waiting to get in. We went to the front of the line and were escorted right inside. Needless to say the Thai's were probably not saying kind things. Something about we are American citizens and have preference. The whole process probably took less than an hour. We were even able to get Seth's visa. Joel told the lady helping us that he would kiss her if she wasn't behind the glass. We said an emotional good-bye to Mo. She got a little teary eyed kissing the babies for the last time. All of the staff at the Sahathai are really special.

We went back to the hotel and dropped our paper work off. Leah and Brian headed to Hua Hin and we went with Chad and Hirally to the Grand Palace. Oh my, what an experience. Bangkok is so huge that it just overwhelms me with the size. The social class is so different too. We took the sky train to the water way and rode a boat to the palace. The palace is beautiful. I thought that we would get some history and see some neat things about Thailand. Well, everything and I mean everything is completely in twined w/ Buddhism. I used my second Asian toilet today. It is not pretty.
We were not able to go into the palace itself b/c the Thai people are mourning The King's oldest sister who died earlier this year. Only Thai's can go in. Joel told the guard that Seth was Thai. He laughed and played with Seth. All Thai offical people must wear black for 100 days. The princess is lying in state for 100 days. As we passed by part of the palace we could hear people chanting. Maybe the monks? Oh, by the way, Joel rented pants at the Palace. Luckily, they weren't that bad. They kind of remind me of scrubs.

Afterwards we went to Siam Paragon and ate at at great Portugese place. Seth has done so much better this afternoon. It was rough again this morning as he woke up crying. It wasn't until we put him on a plastic mat thingie that they had at the palace to rest on. It was kind of like the one he had at Mrs. Ting's house. He actually got down and played a little. He ate a great dinner and really played with us. He smiled and cooed. He let us love on him. Of course, he still hates the room and cried when we went in. Bath time was still rough tonight. I laid down with him and he cried big crocodile tears crying out for his "mae" or momma. It really broke my heart b/c I know that he was grieving her. Hopefully, tomorrow will be even better than today.

Kara and Will, I miss you so so much. I have heard good reports about you two. Kara, please be good at school and make me proud. Will, I hope you have a good "green light" day at school today. We love you very, very, much. It won't be long now until Mommy and Daddy are home with Seth. You are both very brave.

Tomorrow we fly out for Chiang Mai for the weekend. I think they said there is an internet cafe across from our hotel. I will try to blog tomorrow night. I love doing this b/c it makes me feel in touch with home. Home is sweet iced tea and a turkey sandwich. Nothing here tastes like home.

The outside of the King's palace. He doesn't live there anymore.

This is the boat we rode on. Let's just say it wouldn't stand up to US safety standards.

Another section of the King's Palace.

Seth has started imitating us. This was on the sky train.

On of our first and seldom smiles.

At the entrance of the Palace. Notice Joel's rented pants. :)

Thai Board Day

2008-02-27T07:55:00.000-08:00

Seth went right to sleep last night. We try to wear him out!! :-)

Here we are with the Thai adoption board.

Mo is our social worker. She is absolutely the best. We have enjoyed her sweet spirit.

Nap time with Daddy.

Seth slept all night. He sat up some time in the night and I drew him close to me. After that he fell right back to sleep. We actually had to wake him. All 3 families met Mo and Pat in the lobby at 8:30. We headed over to the building where we me with the Thai adoption board. There were many families waiting also. They were from all over the world. It was so neat to see all of the families that were adopting like us. The board was very friendly. There were 4 ladies on the board and they were all professionals. The one that talked the most was a doctor. She had lived in Kansas City for a few years. They loved Seth and said that he was a very handsome "Thai Boy". They asked why we wanted to adopt. Joel told about his mission trip and how he fell in love with the Thai people. She asked what he liked about them. She also asked about his job and if he owned his own company. Seth had his little elephant lovie and covered his eye so he wouldn't have to look at them. They thought that was funny. In the end they said that we were a "PERFECT FAMILY FOR HIM". I couldn't agree more.

Afterwards we came back to the hotel and changed clothes. Seth took a nap with Joel and I went and got a foot massage. There is a great one across the street. After he woke up he and Joel went swimming. Pics were on Joel's camera so I will try to post those later.

We went to MBK tonight to eat dinner. It is like a huge mall. I gave Seth some juice and forgot that you should water it down for babies. He puked all over the furniture section at MBK. I felt terrible for him. It has been so long since we have had a baby that I am a little rusty. Seth really grieved today. He cried most of the day. Pat said that sometimes it is b/c it is reality for them that they are not going back home. It breaks my heart for him b/c we can't always comfort him. He still loves the Ergo most of the time and quiets down when I put him in it. Seth has not stepped on toe on the floor. Either Joel or I have to hold him all of time. He cries if you set him down for even a minute. The bath is torture for him. His foster mom washed him in a little plastic tub with cold water. He is pitiful. He won't play or act interested in anything. He also only eats soupy foods with rice and chicken. I am having an adjustment trying to feed him. I hope that he has a better day tomorrow. I forgot to mention, he started getting sick on Sunday and they took him to the doctor. He is on medication. It has been extremely difficult trying to learn him and figure out if he is hungary, tired, sick, or just grieving. I hope that we figure it out somewhat before we fly home on Tuesday.

Tomorrow we go to the US Embassy to get our baby's visas. After that we are going to try and see the palace. Friday morning we fly to Chiang Mai for the weekend.

I am missing Kara and Will terribly. This is so bitter sweet for me. I love being with Seth but I miss my kids so so much. I can't wait to be at home as a family of 5.

Prayers Answered!

2008-02-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

"Gotcha Day" with Brian, Leah, and Olivia and Hirally, Chad, Diego, and Khirrissa.
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This is the social worker that was assigned to Seth's foster family. She was great help and even bought Seth lunch today. She is so wonderful.

We received word today that the US Embassy here has our cable. Thank you, thank you everyone for praying!!! We go tomorrow (Wed.) to our board meeting.

Seth did great today. He did cry a lot but was easily soothed and has started reaching for Joel and I. He doesn't seem to be particular about which one of us holds him. We were out a lot today and he loved the Ergo. We wore him out tonight and he went right to sleep. Let's just hope he cuts out the night feedings by himself! :-)

A Night at Siam Niramit

2008-02-25T19:23:00.000-08:00

Last night at 5:30

Day Two

2008-02-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

All 3 families met in the lobby at 10:30 and waited for the babies to arrive. Seth came in and I just can't get over how cute he is. He had on a little Christmas shirt and shorts and green camo shoes and socks. Gotta love it. He only cried a little bit when we first met him. He does OK for a little bit and it's like he thinks about it and cries. Today was a lot better and we could easily soothe him. We got into the van and headed to Central Shopping. It is the biggest department store that I have ever been in. It smelled like home. Nothing here smells like home. Kara, they even had a Build-A-Bear in this store. We ate at their restaurant first. You know that there will always be rice on the menu. I am adjusting to the food. After lunch we headed over to the home products. We bought Mrs. Ting and her family an oscolating fan. That is what they asked for. We also bought them a water boiler. It is like an instant water heater. They boil their water before they drink it. Thinking back, they didn't have a kitchen. It still blows my mind. After shopping the van dropped Mo (our social worker) off to the Homeland Security. As you see from the previous post things didn't go well. We walked back and then took the sky train to our hotel. I only had a minute to say good-bye to Seth. Joel had taken him up to the room. Seth is still not comfortable yet to be let down. Hopefully, today will be better. We meet him in the lobby at 11:00 - FOREVER OURS!!!

This is the fan and water boiler we bought Mrs. Ting.

Joel holding Seth right before he left to go home for the last time.

We were cheek to cheek!!

Joel and Seth at lunch

Mommy and Seth at the department store. His first time in the Ergo. I think he likes it.

Here we are at lunch

VISA Prayers

2008-02-25T18:33:00.000-08:00

Before I blog about our meeting with Seth yesterday and I am writing to ask for your prayers. Yesterday I called the US Embassy as well as visiting the Homeland Security office here in Bangkok. Neither place has received Seth's cable from Maryland's Visa Processing Center. They "cabled" it on Feb 11th. I called our local congressman's office last night and she said that is not very long and that the approval might still be in transit. I am about to lose my mind!!!!!!! We are going to call again this afternoon and hopefully they will have it. Please, please, please pray for us and that the approval will arrive here. I am afraid that if it doesn't then we will be delayed. My kids and family are having a hard time with us being gone. Not to mention that I am struggling too. I know that I serve a God that answers prayers. He has been with us every step of this journey and will not forget us now. Thank you for your prayers. I a in tears in the lobby after reading everyone's sweet comments. It is so encouraging.

2008-02-24T05:17:00.000-08:00

We met this morning in the lobby of the hotel. We went into a meeting room and watched a movie and went over our schedule for the week. The social workers and staff are wonderful. I truly cannot say enough nice things about them. At 10:45 the babies came. There are 2 other couples here with us. When Seth was carried in I recognized the outfit he had on. I sent it for his 1st birthday. He is so much smaller than I had envisioned. He cried a lot. His paperwork said that he is not good with strangers. He has serious stranger anxiety. He cried off and on while we were in hte meeting room. After an hour we went to the hotel restaurant for lunch. Seth stopped crying and even ate a good amount of soup. His soup was ordered for him and the other two babies. It was a rice, cabbage , tofu and chicken mixture. He does drink from a cup. Let me just tell you that the boy LOVES his bottle. We will not be taking him off of it any time soon. He had it with him almost all day. After lunch we went up to our room with our social worker. Seth was supposed to be introduced to our room and its surroundings. He was either crying or sleeping in our room. At this point he wanted me to hold him . Basically just for survival. At 2:00 we went downstairs and met the other families. Leah and Brian rode in the Sahathai van with us to Bang Sai. It took a little over an hour to get there. Time passed by fast as we were taking in all of the sights. Our van pulled off onto a dirt road. It stopped at a house and I thought that was the foster families house. Oh no, we had to walk around a little dirt path to get to Seth's house. I say that very loosely. They told us that in the monsoon season you have to take a boat to get there. His house was , well, nothing that I have ever seen. I will tell you that he has been loved immeasurably. The family is rich in love. We got to see Seth in his comfortable surroundings. He is happy and playful. Mrs. Ting takes excellent care of him and has to keep a constant eye on him. She even gave him a bath while we were there. He gets between 2 to 3 baths a day. They say he loves it. After about 2 hours the Sahathai van came and picked us up. We left Seth with them. It was sad leaving him but we know that we will have him full time in 2 days. Mrs. Ting said that she is so sad about him leaving and has had a bad appetite thinking about it.

Kara and Will, they asked lots of questions about you and said that Seth will have a great time living with you. We can't wait for you to meet him! We love you!

Gotta go, Joel is ready to leave the lobby!

Finally in Bangkok

2008-02-23T01:34:00.000-08:00

Funny how God has a way of letting you know He is in control. We arrived at the airport Thursday morning to find out that our flight had been canceled. After about an hour at the ticket counter we learned that our fastest route would be via Los Angeles. We flew to Chicago then on to LAX. We arrived at 11:00 and our flight out to BKK did not leave until 9:30 p.m. We spent most of the day touring Hollywood. The Oscars were Sat. night and we got to actually walk on the red carpet (covered in plastic).
The best part of this crazy change in plans was that we were able to fly Thai Air. It was scrumptious. Although we flew 18 hours total we could not have asked for anything nicer. There were only 50 passengers on the flight. Everyone was able to stretch out in a middle section.
The flight attendants were beautiful and changed clothes 3 times! We ate 3 wonderful meals on china and glass wear. I loved it. Thanks for all of the prayers everyone. Dawn, I received your message right before I was going to get our the last flight. God did hear my prayer, knew my heart, and blessed me with a wonderful flight.
It is Sat. afternoon now and we meet Seth in the morning at 10:30! Yipee! I will post pictures.

Kara and Will, Mommy and Daddy love you and are so proud of you. We miss you very much.

Our Travel Plans

2008-02-20T06:27:00.000-08:00

Well, our flight leaves in the morning at 6:00 a.m. That means we have to get to the airport at around 4:15. I am so not a morning person. I don't know if there is air outside before 7:00. I also have to have my sleep. I am telling myself over and over this morning not to be grumpy with Joel during our trip. Here's our itenary. And yes, we will be taking our laptop and posting during our travels. Hopefully, Kara and her class will be able to see too.

Memphis to Chicago - 6:00 a.m. to 7:45 (1hr 46min)
Chicago to Japan - 12:00 noon to 4:20 p.m (that's Japan time) (13hrs 19min)
Japan to Bangkok - 6:45P to 11:55P (7hrs 10min)

For you math challenged folks like myself that is over 27 hours travel time. That includes waiting in airports.

We arrive in Bangkok at midnight but it will be 11:00 Friday morning here. We sleep in Saturday and try to get adjusted.

Here's some dates to remember: (Memphis is 13 hours behind)
Sunday - Meet Seth in lobby and play, or meet his foster family
Monday - Meet Seth in lobby and shop/lunch or meet his foster family
Tuesday - Forever ours
Wednesday - Formal board meeting with Thai Adoption board
Thursday - Apply for Seth's visa at US Embassy
Friday - US Embassy closed on last Friday of month so we have to stay the weekend. We fly to Chiang Mai to sight see.
Sunday - Go to church with missionary relatives of friends at church
Monday - Fly back to Bangkok and pick up Seth's visa
Tuesday - Flight leaves at 6:30 a.m. for Mempho Town
Arrive Memphis - 5:17 p.m. on Tuesday March 4th to KISS my babies!!

A Tour of Seth's Room

2008-02-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

This is a close up of the elephant mobile that we have hanging from Seth's ceiling fan. Debbie C. brought it back to him from her mission trip to Thailand in Nov. I am so happy with his room and love all of the Thai elephant touches. Thank you to everyone for your contribution. Jamie, thanks for helping me tie it all together.

Our Shower

2008-02-17T06:37:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time last Saturday night. My mom and dad wanted to do something extra special for us. Around 85 of our friends and family joined us to celebrate Seth's arrival to our family. The mayor of our city graciously let us use a local house turned into a beautiful place for parties. He let us us his once a year spot. Our food was catered by a local man that is also a family friend. Everyone raved about the food. Our friend Tina designed and printed our invitations as our gift. God has truly had his hand in every aspect of Seth joining our family. We have had favor in so many areas.
Our dear friends Ben and Lisa MC'd the shower. They are so funny and everyone said they made the shower so much fun. Joel and I played the "Newlywed Game." I did better than Joel at guessing answers. Of course, Joel is easy to read as everything is football, football, and football. They also read famous people who were adopted. That was interesting. They finished by having people say the names of nursery rhymes.
It certainly was not your traditional shower. We loved it. Thanks Bebe and Roro.

MOPS is Tops!

2008-02-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

At our MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) meeting Friday the girls surprised me with a diaper and wipes shower. I was so surprised. It really meant a lot to me. I have been the coordinator for my church's group for almost 5 years. I don't know where the time has gone. I love these ladies. They have become wonderful friends and sisters in Christ to me.
THANK YOU, GIRLS!!

Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

What a great day!

Both Kara and Will sent Valentine's to school today. In turn they brought home lots of sweet cards and goodies. As room mother I sent snacks to Kara's class. It always makes Kara proud and I love doing it for her.

Jamie came over this morning and we got Seth's room all set. It looks really cute. I will post pictures later. Jamie has been a life send!

Will's furniture was delivered today. It looks great. He loved coming home today from school and seeing his new bed. His dresser has 9 drawers so we had lots of room for his things. He also has a night stand that we can use for storage too. This will grow with him and I can see him as a teenager using this furniture. We bought it at Ashley's Furniture. They will give us the furniture for free if The University of Memphis wins the NCAA basketball tournament. Go Tigers!!

Tonight we had steaks for dinner and went swimming at our local gym. Before bed the kids ate cookies and milk. An end to a perfect day.

The Aftermath

2008-02-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

Following are pictures taken during the tornado the other night. The first five pictures are of a warehouse about 8 miles from my house. Our dear friends, Alan and Carrie, parent's (Carrie's mom and dad) live across the street from this warehouse. They were fine just shook up. Trees were down in their yard. A large tree was across their driveway so they were not able to leave. Alan and Carrie's daughter, Evie, who is Kara's age, was staying with them at the time. Joel and Alan went to get Evie and the police would not let them down that part of the street. The police went to the M's house and picked up Evie and drove her to Joel and Alan. She thought it was pretty cool riding in the back of a police car. She also told her grandparents that God was in the house with them and that's why they were saved. Out of the mouth of babes.

This is our local hospital. We live about 6 miles from the hospital. The area around here suffered a lot of damage. No injuries though.

This is the Walgreens that is close to the warehouse that was damaged.

Tornado

2008-02-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

A tornado came through our city tonight. As far as we have heard no one has been injured. There has been a lot of damage though. We are all blessed. A mall in Memphis was damaged and a entire wall came down in the Sears store. I will say that tornados are an insurance man's nightmare! Although, that's what insurance is for.

An Update!

2008-01-30T19:54:00.000-08:00

We were so surprised to get our update today! After it dragging out an eternity during Thanksgiving I was not getting my hopes up. Well, all three of us traveling together got our updates today. I will post details later about what his report says. Basically, he is extremely healthy and cared for. Holt has been wonderful and I cannot say enough about them. These pictures were taken on Jan.15 which was only about 2 weeks ago. Ahhh, my baby will not get any bigger without me. No more updates!! I will not miss waiting and wondering. Well, I'm headed off to the grind. We have made large strides with Will's room. We should move him in tomorrow night. Two rooms down, one to go. I want my last week to be relaxed and centered on spending time as a family. The last time as a family of 4. Yippee!!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, SETH!!!!

2008-01-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

Our thoughts have been with Seth all day. I wonder if his foster family is celebrating. I wonder if they are doing anything special. We had planned on grilling out and eating cake but are putting it off until tomorrow night. I know that with my own kids we rarely celebrated their birthday on the actual date. We have finished Kara's room and moved her upstairs. We are exhausted after a busy weekend getting ready for our new addition. Only 4 weeks and 3 days! I just can't believe it!!

This is a picture of the birthday package that we sent Seth a couple of weeks ago. We included a one time use video camera that records up to 20 minutes. Several toys including a truck and ball. Our favorite gift was a bear we made at Build-A-Bear. We put a sound chip it that had our voices on it. Each of us (including the kids) said "Happy Birthday Pat, love Daddy", so on and so forth with Will talking last. It is so cute and I hope we can take it home with us when we get Seth. The bear is also wearing a University of Memphis t-shirt. Go Tigers. Not shown was a yellow "King" shirt and a couple of outfits.

Happy Birthday, Seth, we love you so much even though we are a world away. Not long now.

Craft Night

2008-01-27T13:00:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday Kara wanted the family to have "craft night." Before we left for church that night she set everything out on the table. She cut out paper for us and set out all of the supplies we needed to make "popcicles". She was very serious about being the art teacher and "instructed" us on exactly how to make our project. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad she did it. Kara loves to do crafts and I hope she continues this as she gets older.

Think We Have Enough?

2008-01-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

Aunt Jamie was so so sweet to bring over "some" clothes yesterday. They are a combination of Will's and Hudson's. There were over 60 pieces on hangers that she washed and ironed for me. Just in size 12 months! How do I decide what to take to Thailand? She also had a tub of p.j.'s (tons and tons), swim trunks, and shoes. Before we leave she will also have a coat for Seth. It was so much fun going through the things and seeing how cute everything is. I can't wait to see Seth in them. Jamie also loaned us some traveling things - sleep masks, neck rests, noise reducing earphones.

Aunt Jamie also helped me clean out a large closet upstairs that had a lot of miscellaneous things that I needed to get rid of. She also helped paint Kara's room. She is a hard worker and I appreciate her so much. I am blessed to have such a wonderful sister in law. My brother, Greg, has also been a help. He is in Colorado skiing this weekend but last weekend he took Will swimming to give us some time to work. We love you Greg, Jamie, and Hudson.

Kara's Getting Ready

2008-01-27T06:53:00.000-08:00

Girls Night Out

2008-01-27T06:27:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday night Bebe treated us to a girl's night out at the Orpheum. We also went with Debbie's girls and Pastor and Nancy's daughter, "A". "A" is a High School Musical groupie. That child wears HSM clothing almost everyday. She sat next to me at the performance and would tell me when the lines were not the same as the movie. The show was actually more enjoyable than I had envisioned. There were a lot of season ticket holders at the performance. Some you could tell had no idea what they had gotten themselves into.

Bebe enjoyed herself too. She bought Kara a HSM purse and a "I Love Troy" t-shirt. Kara is not really into all of it but she loved the purse. In December we had Hannah Montana tickets and Kara didn't want to go. We ended up selling them. They were a hot ticket in town. Kara went to her soccer party instead. She is such a tom boy. I'm glad though.

Mrs. Debbie bought all of the girls matching HSM shirts and hats. We ate downtown at Hunan's. "A" loved her dinner of shrimp lo mein. Kara said "that's because your Chinese." "A" agreed. Gotta love it.

GUESS WHAT!

2008-01-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

We are traveling to Thailand! I am so so excited. Marissa at Holt called me today to let us know that we have received our travel call. We have to travel by Friday, February 22nd. We will attend the February 27th meeting. I am in total shock. We were thinking April or May. All of the paperwork says 7 to 9 months for travel call. We waited 4. Can you believe that! Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.

Bless little Seth's heart. I don't have anything ready for him. I had to go out tonight and buy diapers to make me think at least I have something for him. Let's just say this family will be very busy the next few weeks. I laugh a little thinking about how different it is from when I was pregnant with Kara. I think we had everything together by my 7 month. Everything had to be perfect. Well, after being a parent I now know that there is no perfect. You do your best and that's all you can do.

Please pray for our family as we travel. Kara and Will are staying here and I have never left them for more than a few days. This will be trying for us.

Thanks to everyone who have followed our story and been so supportive. We truly appreciate it!

Problem Solved

2008-01-08T07:38:00.001-08:00

When I used a different computer I was able to put up the lastest picture of Seth. For some reason my laptop at home couldn't/wouldn't do it. Thanks Robin for your help. I wish Blogger was as easy as Myspace.

I Need Blogger Help!

2008-01-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

As you can see, the picture of Seth to the right is blurry. I have worked HOURS on this. If I use a pic from my pictures then it just has the triangle that goes on and on. If I try to use a picture from Photobucket is says that I need to chose an image. UGHHHHHH! I am about to pull my hair out. If any of you experience bloggers can help, please leave a comment.

By the way, I can add pictures to my posts just fine. Go figure.

Thanks!

Will Loved Santa

2008-01-01T12:57:00.000-08:00

My New Favorite Movie

2007-12-30T20:50:00.000-08:00

I have had two wonderful days. Yesterday, my mom, her cousin, Jackie, and I went out all day. We shopped at the Collierville mall, at lunch at P.J. Changs, and saw "P.S. I Love You." It was such a wonderful story. I love Hillary Swank, Kathy Bates (who is from Memphis), and Harry Connick, Jr. There were also a couple of actors that are a "tall drinks of water." Evidently they are famous but I did not know them. Molly Smith was a producer on this movie and her father is Fred Smith (the founder of FedEx which is headquartered in Memphis). She was on a local news show talking about the movie. Fred Smith owns the production company.

Tonight the kids are spending the night with my parents. Joel and I went to eat at a new Thai reastaurant in town. It was very very nice. The owner spoke with us for a while and brought out some curries for me to taste. I loved the red curry. Afterwards I drug Joel to "P.S. I Love You." He wasn't wild about the idea but I think he was glad he went. I cried for the second time.

P.S. I Love You made me appreciate Joel. I have been with him since I was 21 and sometimes (OK, a lot) take him for granted. He is a good man. Loves me. Loves our kids. He loves the Lord and wants to please Him. He is honest, caring, sincere, tender hearted, compassionate. He is laid back and has no worries. Life is bright for Joel and he loves every minute of his day. He is strong and athletic. He tries to take care of himself. He puts me and the kids first. He gives of his time to church. He works a camp in the summer for foster kids. He is a hard worker, self starter. Successful in his busines. My list can go on and on. I love him so much. I cannot imagine a life without him. I need him. He is apart of me like a limb or vital organ. Yes, we have our issues and problems but I don't want anyone else to share my life with. Joel, you are perfect for me and I am so glad that God put us together. What a WONDERFUL 2008 we are going to have. I can't wait!!!

Chrismas Programs

2007-12-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

Will was in 3 this year! One at church (preschoolers rang bells) and two from the preschools that he attends. His Tues. and Thurs. school had their program early in Dec. The kids had matching sweatshirts that they painted their hand prints into trees. It was very organized and practiced.

Now, his MWF morning school was another story. Not sure if any of you have heard of "Irish Travelers" (sometimes called gypsies) but they live in Memphis near us. The Baptist school that William goes to has a slew of them. You have not lived until you attend a program with them in attendance. They doll up and I mean DOLL UP their kids. They are generally loud and unruly. The director was chasing around kids in the choir loft during the program. I didn't realize that there were that many in his school. We might not send him back. When he started school they were not registered yet. They travel until Oct/Nov. I think they are in Texas but not sure. Will's school will hold spots for them and I guess their Catholic school won't. They drop out of school early and their marriages are arranged. The girls are usually very young and the men are older. It is definitely a different world. They drip in diamonds, jewels, furs, etc. They drive spanking brand new vehicles - usually Lexus, Cadillac, Acura, Infiniti, etc. They live in house trailers and I have heard that they are decked out with even chandeliers. They pay for everything in cash and I have been told that they don't have social security cards. How can that be after 9/11?

How did I get off on this tangent? Anyway, I am proud of my kids and love seeing them on stage.

Kara was also in the one at church. The name of the program was "In the Country."

Merry Christmas

2007-12-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

As it always is for everyone, Christmas was busy this year. We try very hard to keep the reason for the season evident. We read and do a little activity called "What God Wants For Christmas". The children open a different box every night to reveal the story of Christmas. On the last night the final box has a mirror in it, this is because God wants YOU for Christmas. We also read a Golden Book about Christ's birth.

This year we did something extra fun for Christmas. Joel and I want Kara and Will (and soon Seth) to understand that it is better to give then to receive. I read someone's blog and they gave me the idea. We bought plastic wise men from Walmart and attached a note to them. The note said:

"The wise men have begun their journey to Bethlehem: They are a little lost and are stopping at your house for the night.

Please enjoy their company. They will move on tomorrow.
OR
For a $10.00 donation we will tell them there is no room in the inn and remove them.
For another $15.00 donation we will drop them off at your friend's or family's house.
And for $5.00 more we will drop them off never to return.

All proceeds will go to help Kara and Will give a gift that GROWS INTO HOPE. Thank you for participating in the fun."

We attached a flyer that we printed off of the Holt Website. The money will go to help families in Southeast Asia stay together by buying thing things like livestock, sewing machines, and fruit stands.

Our friends and community were very generous. The wise men visited several homes that we did not even know. That was extra fun as we "snuck" the men into yards and plugged them up. After visiting around 14 homes we raised a total of $300. The kids loved it and I think they "got it". We plan on making our fundraiser a yearly tradition.

2007-12-09T21:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday night my parents treated the entire family to the Broadway musical "White Christmas" at the Orpheum. We had a great time. My kids were on the verge of boredom with all of the dialogue but they loved the dancing and costumes. Will kept asking loudly "when's Frosty coming out"?

We almost didn't see it as Mom had the date wrong. Our tickets were actually for Friday night. The Orpheum was kind enough to find us good seats anyway. Nothing hurt, nothing lost. We just have more ammunition now to tease mom!!
Downtown is beautiful this time of year. Nothing like Christmas in Memphis with temperatures in the 70's.

At Last

2007-11-27T14:03:00.000-08:00

Finally, we received an update on Seth. Sorry for the boring details but I want to have an easy reference point to look at. The outfit and book that he has in his hands are from us. That means a lot. Yes, we realize that this update is 3 months old. We just try to do the best with what we are given. Our sweet boy is exactly 10 months today.

7 months
Weight - 17. 63 lbs or 8 kg
Height - 26.77 inches or 68 cm.
Head circ. - 16.92 inches or 43 cm.
Patsakorn is healthy. He has gained 2 kg. and 7 cm. from his last report. He takes 4 bottles of 4 oz. milk in a daytime and takes 2 bottles at night. He takes additional food twice a day. He eats everything and likes to eat solid food. He goes to bed at 8:00 p.m. and wakes up in the morning at 5:30 a.m. He takes a nap 2-3 times a day about 1/2 - 1 hour at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. He has good hygiene and takes a tablet of fluorine 0.25 mg daily.

The boy got 3rd dose of DPT-OPV and Heptavax B on August 8, 2007.

Patsakorn or "Pat" develops well for age. He can get himself into a sitting position. He can crawl well. He crawls upstairs but not downstairs. He can pull himself to standing position while holding on to a solid object. He is an active and cheerful child. He recognizes face of foster mother and is not fearful of strangers. He allows strangers to cuddle. He like to be held and cuddles (an answer to prayer!) he recognizes is own name is "Pat". He can pick up two blocks and hold one in each hand. He bangs 2 objects together held in hands. He can pick up a raisin using ends of thumb and index finger. He can transfer an object from hand to hand. He reaches and grasps for objects.

Everyone in this family is doing well. Their grandson who is the major breadwinner of the family is very caring and responsible. The home is quite quiet during the daytime as their grandson and his wife go to work and their children go to school Mon. - Fri. However, the family becomes very lively in the evening and at weekend when everybody is home. Pat is well loved by all family members. The social worker has informed the foster family of the news on Pat having a family who applied to adopt him. The foster family is very happy knowing that Pat will be in a permanent family soon, but a little sad that he will be leaving them.

Psalm 100

2007-11-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

Psalm 100:1 A Psalm of thanksgiving. Shout for joy to the LORD, all you lands!

Psa 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness. Come before his presence with singing.

Psa 100:3 Know that the LORD, he is God. It is he who has made us, and we are his. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psa 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, Into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name.

Psa 100:5 For the LORD is good. His lovingkindness endures forever, His faithfulness to all generations.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

I have not posted in a while. I love to blog but have been so busy lately.

*I would like to thank Joel's college friend, Shona, for the adorable present. It came on a great day. The longer we wait for updates the more it seems like it is not real. The blanket is beautiful and will match his room perfectly. I will take it to Thailand with us. It is our first gift not from family.

* We leave for Branson tomorrow and I am SO excited. The kids are beside themselves. We spend Thanksgiving with my family on vacation every year. We will eat Thanksgiving dinner at Big Cedar Lodge and go to Silver Dollar City that night. It is supposed to be VERY cold! We are packing hats, gloves, thermal underwear, etc. We are going to eat dinner tomorrow night with the missionary that takes our church group to Thailand each year. Joel and Greg love them dearly. They are bringing their grown adopted Thai daughter, Na, with them. We will have lots to talk about!! This year we are taking a dinner cruise on the Branson Belle. I think the kids will really like it. We won't even talk about the shopping that we do. The condos that we stay at have an indoor pool so the kids can swim. There is also an indoor water park that we might go to.

*Will's class had a Thanksgiving feast today at school. They all dressed up as either pilgrims or Indians. They all chose Indians. Will wore his costume from Halloween and the kids gathered around him. He was the man this morning!

*Kara took humongous chocolate chip cookies for her class. They get to have a special snack but no party.

* We got our Christmas decorations down this week and my house looks like a bomb went off. I am going coo coo. We will have to get it together before we leave. Joel has been a lot of help and has done all of the laundry.

* Joel went deer hunting yesterday for the first time since we have been married. 14 years. He and Alan went to Grenada. No deer to show for it. Seems like a lot of money and time for no meat.

* We sang "Away in a Manger" the other night at home and I started crying. All that I could think of was Seth. It is going to be hard on me this Christmas. We went to a dinner at church Sunday night and a young girl at the table next to me had a baby. He was 2 months younger than Seth. Joel played with him and I loved on him. I couldn't help but get tears in my eyes. I guess I grieve for missing Seth's first year. Babies are the sweetest.

* Mom, Jamie, and I went to Mistletoe Market in Jackson, MS a couple of weekends ago. It was a blast!! I have never been to anything like it before. It is put on by their Junior League and it was really wonderfully done. Every boutique in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas were there (I think). We bought some awesome one of a kind things. There were authors selling their books, artists selling paintings, pottery. Lots of food for sale. There were even 2 cowboys selling honey butter. Believe it or not they were going like hot cakes. I bought some honey jelly that I am going to take to Seth's foster mother. It was made in Indianola, MS. Living at the top of the state I never hear about the neat things Mississippi has to offer. I guess it is because all of our TV, newspaper, etc. comes out of Memphis.

* I have started a new Beth Moore study. It's called "Stepping Up." We are learning about the Psalms of Ascent. Just what I need right now. Psalm 121:1&2 - "I lift my eyes unto the Mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth."

I have much more to catch up on but will have to do it later.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope you enjoy your holiday. I know we will. There is so much to give thanks for this year. We are truly blessed.

Pumpkin Dip

2007-11-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

Serve on bagels, graham crackers, toast, etc. I am making it for the MOPS meeting tomorrow.

Pumpkin Dip
1 - 8 oz. cream cheese
1 - can pumpkin
1 - cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon or orange zest

The Bee Movie

2007-11-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

We went to see the Bee movie Sunday evening. It was cute and had a good message. God created us to work. Don't mean to get on my soap box but there seems to be a lot of 18 and older folks who don't seem to want to work or go to school. They just want to live off of the parents. I worry about their future and I wonder - where are these kids hopes, dreams, and futures? I will get off of the soap box now.

This family gives "The Bee Movie" two thumbs up!

Our Goodies from Thailand

2007-11-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

Joel had a suit made last year and the store keeps your size for up to 5 years. Greg got him 3 more shirts and the sleeves are monogrammed. Joel also wanted a Thai Coca-Cola shirt. I love these wood carvings. I am going to hang them in either the gathering room or living room.

These are pencil drawings that I am going to frame in Seth's Room

Jamie picked out the perfect colors. I am going to use this blue and lime green for Seth's room

Here's one of two Thai outfits that Aunt Jamie and Uncle Greg brought back. Seth has one too.

The black dress is Kara's it is so cute on her. Seth also has a new king shirt. I love it!

A big thank you to Greg and Jamie for your thoughtfulness!

1 little 2 little (soon to be) 3 little Indians

2007-11-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

Before they got into their costumes

First picture of the night at my grandmother's house

Kara, KC, Will, and the Bebe - fun was had by all...

Jessica the Hippo

2007-11-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Please don't tell my family that you have seen this video. They will be wanting their own "Hippopotamus for Christmas"!

Room Mother Joys

2007-10-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

I love being Kara's room mother. My mom was for me and now I get to carry on the tradition. So far I have done it every year. I was paid a great compliment this summer. A second grade teacher came up to me and said that the other teachers told her that she should want Kara in her class b/c I am such a good parent to the class. It really made me feel good. Tomorrow at school we can bring a snack and drink to the kids. It is not actually considered a party so we can't stay. I found a cute magazine with all kinds of Halloween ideas.

These little spiders looked cute to me and somewhat simple. Well, after about 3 hours I now know that is not true. But, I feel like they are well worth the time and effort. I started out by adding Snickers pieces to the cake batter. It is all melted and gooey inside. Then I iced the cupcake with chocolate icing. Next came the sprinkles. I had to half marshmallows for the eyes. I put icing on M&M's to make the eyes and nose. The hardest part was cutting the Twizzlers in small pieces and using a toothpick to to make the spider legs.

Strep and no Pep

2007-10-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Joel is sick again. I guess the 4 year old antibiotics he used for two days didn't do the trick. I wonder why. :-) He is going this afternoon to get a penicillin shot from a doctor that Joel has insured.

My brother called today and Seth's package is safely on its way to Holt Sahathai. They even called the agency before they mailed it. The first package I mailed from here (which was lighter than this one) cost $22. Greg used the hotel mail service and still only paid $7. Woo hoo, that is a ton cheaper than shipping it from here and no customs to worry about. I sent a small list of things that I would like from Thailand and Jamie has gotten almost all of the items on my list. They bought the newly released DVD "Meet the Robinson's" in Burma for $2. Seth has a new King shirt. I will send it in December. Kara really wanted a dress from Thailand and they got her one.

I am blue this week about our investment predicament. I will blog about it later. We are being affected by the national real estate crisis. I know that God is in control - we will see this through - He is my Jehovah Jireh, my provider.

We are waiting, waiting, waiting for an update. I can't wait to see a new picture of Patsakorn. I hope he doesn't look too old. I want him to stay little until we get there.

Girls

2007-10-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

First, let me say that we are all well. KC is spending the weekend with us. We are so glad to have her. Her parents are in Thailand on the mission trip with our church. I went to get her today after school and she will stay until Sunday night. She and Kara get along so well. They have been playing together since they were babies. I don't have to referee and they play independently. Tonight they have had the tent in the living room, played cheetah and Indian and have had a tea party. We went to dinner with my parents and they sang to the top of their lungs in the car. What a treat for Kara to have a playmate for two nights!

Sick House - Why I'm a Germ A Phob

2007-10-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

It all started about 3 weeks ago. When we were camping William came down with 5th disease. He had a low grade fever, stuffy head, and later broke out into a rash. This only lasted about 3 or 4 days. He has never really recovered, he has goose egg lymph nodes, snores, and more ornery than normal. :-) After two kids I have learned to not go to the doctor unless absolutely necessary. They won't give you anything unless its bacterial and you usually bring home a different illness then what you brought in. I caved and finally took him in Monday. It was just a sinus infection and she gave us an antibiotic and Nasonex.

My mother in law came in to visit this past weekend and came down with strep throat. She stayed upstairs in the game room and tried to keep away. Joel came home early yesterday with symptoms of strep throat. He is still in the bed tonight. We borrowed antibiotics from my parents. The expiration date is 2003 so I hoping they still work. Don't laugh, I know how ridiculous this sounds.

My girlfriend's in Thailand so I took 2 of her 4 kids to the doctor Tuesday for strep throat. I told the pediatrician that I liked her so much that I had to bring more kids in just so that I can see her.

This morning at 5 a.m. I woke up with severe pain. I thought it was a urinary tract infection. After looking online and talking to friends I knew that I had to get an antibiotic. Heavens!! When it rains it pours. I went to the doctor and I told him my symptoms. I also told him about Joel so he checked my throat. Guess what. Yep, it was red. So he gave me 2 medicines by mouth and a penicillin shot just in case for the strep. That was nice. I told him that the Momma can't get sick. He agreed. He have me a script for a $4 prescription from Walmart. Evidently there's a whole list of generics at Walmart that are only $4. I paid $62 for Will's antibiotic at Walgreen's. Don't get me started on insurance. I'm married to an insurance agent but I'm telling you health insurance in America is immoral.

The only one in the house not on antibiotics is Kara. I keep asking how she feels and I'm watching for symptoms.

Enough of my belly aching. We have a pumpkin painting party Saturday night. I have to get busy DISINFECTING!

Seth's Christms Gifts

2007-10-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Greg and Jamie

Greg and Jamie (my brother and sister in law) left this morning for Thailand. They are traveling with a group of 13 from our church to an orphanage in Chiang Rai. This is where our adoption journey unofficially started. Joel went with the mission team last year. He came home so fired up and in love with the Thai people that it was contagious. Their journey is long, well over 24 hours. Hudson is being split between the grandmothers. Joel and I plan on going to the orphange when the adoption is over. My MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group had 90 soccer balls donated from Nike. We also raised $100 for an ice cream and fruit party for the kids. Joel and I donated the ball pumps. I can't wait to see pictures.

They will travel to Bangkok first and then travel to Chiang Rai, and then come back to Bangkok on the way home. We sent Seth's Christmas gifts with them with hopes that they will have time to drop it off at the adoption agency's office. If not, maybe when they leave. Worst case they can mail it in country for us.

Here's what we sent:
1. Play mat with little alligator puppet attached (imagine that!)
2. Phone with rotary dial that can be pulled. My kids had never seen a phone like that before. Man, I'm old!
3. Elephant toy that rolls and makes noises. Peanuts swirl around in the middle.
4. Classic ring toy
5. Lavender baby wash and lotion. I love, love, love this scent. Hope foster mom does too.
6. Bag of mini Hersey chocolate bars for foster family
7. Here's the coolest one: teether keys (3) that had places on them to insert your pictures. One key was Joel and I, one was Kara, and one key had Will's picture in it. FYI - we found it at Marshall's and the name brand is Infantino. I hope he enjoys the toys.

Something really great happened Sunday afternoon. A relative of a relative came over to buy some flip flops. She brought her dil and grandson with her. The grandson has the exact birth date of Seth - January 27, 2007. So, so cool. I held him and loved on him. So sweet and cuddly. I told them that he can come over and play anytime! As wonderful it was it was also a little sad. I am missing this innocent time in Seth's life. I enjoyed my babies so much.

Well, now I have to sit on my hands to not send any more packages for a while. I might send a "happy" in December. I am thinking about laminated pictures from Kara and Will and a Build a Bear animal with our voices on it.

Zoo Boo

2007-10-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

We went to Zoo Boo Saturday night. Greg (brother) and Jamie (sil) came with Hudson (nephew). The kids loved it and there were lots of cute costumes. We rode on a hay ride, saw a magic show, watched a ballet of "Peter and the Wolf", got a cool flashlight, ate free ice cream (well, it did cost $48 to get in even though we are members), enjoyed cool pumpkin carvings, and not to mention the animals that were available. I did see an owl that was just beautiful. They really are amazing creatures. Glad the kids loved it because it will our only year unless the price goes WAY down. Kara and Will are Indians this year. Will now has a headdress that looks way cool that he will wear on Halloween. He is actually riding a horse. It's kind of hard to see from the pictures.

Will's Words of Wisdom

2007-10-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

Last night's prayer:
"Dear Jesus, thank you for monkeys, our hotel (mind you, we haven't stayed in one since May), and Seth... amen".

Tonight at the dinner table:
Will was turned around looking at the back of his chair and moved his index finger all around the wood bars and said "you go dis way and dis way and dis way to get to our Thai baby". It made Joel and I smile. He does get it. Kind of.

Land of Cotton

2007-10-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

It's cotton picking time here in the south. As we were coming home from camping the tractors were humming as they were harvesting the cotton fields. We stopped and picked a few bolls to save for our trip to Thailand. I thought that we would bring it to the foster family to show them what we grow in our area. They are farmers too. Like I said before, I am not a country girl but I do like to watch the cotton crop. I like to see the huge bales of cotton in the fields that show the fruits of the farmer's labor. From what I understand this was a good year for cotton. Nice and dry. We live near the delta which has some of the richest soil in the world. The landscape is changing down in the delta (around 20 miles from here) as some farmers are switching their crops to corn. They are growing it for the ethanol - a corn based fuel. Here's a place to learn more about cotton. The National Cotton Council is in Memphis. When I was little my parents took me to the Cotton Carnival that was held downtown. The king and queen of cotton would arrive on a river boat. They had rides, food, etc. on the banks of the Mississippi River. It was exciting and something that I loved. Maybe that's why I love to watch the cotton fields.

The sun was bright and I couldn't get the kids to look at the camera

Look at What We Made!!

2007-10-14T19:12:00.000-07:00

Genghis Khan

2007-10-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

I am so upset and mad at my 13 1/2 year Pekignese, Genghis. This is not his first rodeo. He has done this one other time before I had Kara. I was doing the same as today when it happened. We have 2 houses still for sale in a subdivision and I went by tonight to lock up. Kara and I took both dogs. Joel and Will went to a football game with my dad. Locking up the first house was uneventful. At the second house Kara wanted to get out and go inside. She enjoys exploring the upstairs. Once we went inside we noticed that Jocy had gotten out. We just let her go inside with us. As we went back to the car Kara said "Momma, the car is locked." Genghis' paw is obviously the same size of the lock button on the door. He locked himself in the car with it running, lights on and Kara's movie playing. We worked for several minutes to try and get Genghis to push the button again. It was to no avail. Thank the Lord I had my phone in my pocket and not in the car. The extra set was in the car as well as the other spare that I keep in my wallet. Mom came and got us, took us to my house first to try and dig up another key. After calling Joel (which I hated to do) we went back to her house to get Joel's keys which he left in his car. Absolute ciaos. It all worked out but my nerve's are shot. And Genghis was glad to see us...

Visa Application

2007-10-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Joel and I had an appointment today at our local USCIS (immigration) office in Memphis. We submitted Seth's visa application. We received his legal documents Friday from Holt. They were really neat and special to me b/c they had his mother's signature on there. I think about her and how she must have felt signing the papers. The USCIS is very formal and official. We had to make an appointment to get in the door. They run your things through a scanning machine and you also walk through a metal detector. We could not bring in our phones. The good part was that there was no waiting. I brought my adoption folder which is about 5 inches thick. She asked for our 1-600A approval and our birth certificates & marriage license. Thank goodness I came prepared. It takes about 8 weeks to get an approval. I never thought about this before but the US doesn't let just anyone in the country. You can't just go to another country and bring a child back. They first want to make sure that you are financially able to provide for a child and that you are not a criminal. Secondly, the US wants to make sure that your child is actually an orphan. The US says that our idea of poverty is not the same definition in other parts of the world. When we get approval they will send his approval letter the the visa processing center and then have them cable it to the US Embassy in Thailand. We will pick it up when we travel to get Seth.

Camping

2007-10-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

We went camping Friday at Blanchard Springs, Arkansas. It is a beautiful place with lots of moutains, trees, streams, and waterfalls. I have a lot of wonderful memories there as my parents have been taking me since I was a little girl. I loved being able to tell Kara what "mommy did when she was her age." It's a great place to get away and do nothing. We took the kid's bikes and they loved catching "critters" in the stream. It was hot, hot and very humid. The clothes we hung to dry never did dry from Friday to Sunday. It was in the 90's during the day. The funny part is that you can't go camping without a fire. So, on top of the hot weather we had the fire to add to the temperature. We went with my parents, my brother, his wife, and their son. My kids love it and we overall had a good time.

Seth's First Package

2007-10-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

His first package was mailed off Thursday. I had been so overwhelmed about trying to decide what to pack my child half way around the world in a third world country. I just tried to tell myself that this is not going to be his only package and that I just needed to mail it. Here's what we sent:
1. Will's blue "lovie" that he never really used.
2. 2 books that make noise and have different fabrics.
3. A rattle that Kara picked out.
4. Sweet baby boy outfit in blue.
5. 3 t-shirts that Uncle Greg and Aunt Jamie bought at Old Navy
6. Lightweight pullover t- shirts including one yellow one that I labeled "Patsakorn's King Shirt."
7. Will's smocked gator outfit. I love it b/c it is smocked and Joel likes it b/c it's orange and has gator's on it. Oh how I hope and pray they take a picture of him in this outfit. He doesn't even have to wear it except for the pictures.

The reason we are sending so many shirts is that our information from Holt said that kid's in Thailand don't wear bottoms or diapers. Can you imagine? His foster home looks like they probably don't have electricity. Being from Mississippi I can understand country folks living simply. I myself am a suburban girl who likes big cities.

I will be sending toys with Greg and Jamie in the next couple of weeks when they leave for Thailand. My Holt friend, Sharon, said that toys are very expensive in Thailand. I think this is a great way for him to have some toys and we won't have to worry about customs.

Over the next few months as the waiting gets harder I think I will abide by the old saying "when the going gets tough the tough go shopping."

:-)

2007-10-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

My Pet Peeve

2007-09-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

This is my neighbor's house (which actually faces a different street), their fence, and their pile of junk. This is also the view from my front yard. Please click on the picture to get the full effect.

The location of my neighbor's garbage is really on my nerves. They are the developers of our subdivision and my street is named after them. They put their trash piles across the street from my driveway for the city to pick up every week. Mind you, they don't put the junk next to their driveway, ohhhh noooo, they put it smack dab across from ours. This week has been the worst. Not to mention people stop by at all hours of the day and night to go through their piles. There was a FSBO sign in their yard, I wonder if they are moving? Not that I want them to move - just move the junk.

May I have a drum roll please??

2007-09-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

We have decided a name for our sweet boy. It is Seth Patsakorn Sae-an G. Seth was Joel's parents second choice for his name. He really likes it and so do I. Seth means "appointed". Which he is. Now his name means "appointed powerful man." Seth was also Adam and Eve's 3rd son. I felt funny at first saying Seth but I am getting use to it. Seth, Seth, Seth. It is also 4 letters long which was one of my requirements as well as being biblical. Perfect. I wonder what his nickname is? So here we are: Joel, Tracy, Kara, Will and Seth.

Patsakorn's 1st Outfit

2007-09-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well, the shopping has begun!! We are working (OK, I am working) on getting Patsakorn's care package together. Here's the list of things that I would like to include:

1. Will's blue "lovie"

2. Blue blanket

3. Board books and rattle (from Kara)

4. 2 outfits

5. A "King" yellow shirt

6. Picture album with pics of us, the kids, the dogs, house, etc.

7. Disposable camera

8. Pictures drawn by the kids and laminated

9. An introduction letter

Jen on the Holt board sent her baby a small tape recorder with a recording of them reading books and them telling her they loved her. How awesome! I am planning on doing that for my second package.

The great thing is that my church including my brother and sister-in-law will be leaving for Thailand in Oct. I plan on sending some things with them to mail once they get there. There is another couple at my church that will be leaving in Feb. I will send more things with them to mail.

I know that every step of the way was planned by God and He has taken care of the smallest of details.

What's in a Name?

2007-09-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

We have been talking about our little "Popcorn" all day. We had a wonderful day watching Florida beat Ole Miss. We sat right smack in the middle of Ole Miss fans. There was the nicest couple sitting behind us and they helped restore some of my image of Ole Miss fans. Joel got some dirty looks but no direct comments as he cheered his beloved Gators on. It's a treat for him to see them play. He eats, drinks, and sleeps football.

OK, back to Patsakorn. When we received the meaning of his name it made me fall more in love with him. I knew that his American name must be as special. It is the hardest thing for me. Joel is OK with a couple of names. I like them too but am torn. Please comment and give me your opinion. Now, don't get your feelings hurt if we chose the opposite way. One name is very common and is 4 letters long. It is Hebrew for "appointed." I LOVE it. Patsakorn's name will mean "appointed powerful man". You can't get better than that. On the other hand the other name that we like is a family name. It means "warlike". It is Joel's middle name and it used to be common. It is also biblical. I am just not crazy about it. Besides, no child under the name of 10 has this name. What should I do? Joel doesn't care either way. I have that mommy guilt thinking that our adopted child doesn't have a family name. Will he read something into it? Will he feel left out? Kara's middle name is a family name and Will's first and middle is a family name. On the other hand, what if he hates it b/c it might be perceived as an old name by the time he's older? Decisions, decisions.

For those of you who can't get enough....

2007-09-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is his first picture that was made when he was 10 days old. He weighed 5.69 lbs and was 20.08 inches long at birth. Now for you people that know the metric system he weighed 2,580 g. and was 51 cm. long. His birthdate is January 27, 2007

This begins his four week old pictures

This is one of my favorite pics of Patsakorn. Joel said it looks like he is doing a Thai dance. I just wish I was there to kiss him all over.

Mrs. Ting. Look at how neat and clean she is. In the picture below she has a bow in her hair. It's the little things that make me think how she tends to details.

Mrs. Ting is Patsakorn's foster mom. She's 72 and lives with her extended family of 7. She reminds me of my grandmother M. Patsakorn is their second foster child since 2005. They live in a small farming community on a waterway. They farm and live off the land and have lots of fruit trees near their house. It makes me smile to look at them together. Reassured that he is well taken care of.

I can send packages and among the first things will be some blue clothes!!!

Announcing...

2007-09-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

Our baby boy. His name is Patsakorn. It means "powerful man". Joel says powerful man of God. I got the call today driving down the road. I was so excited that I had to pull over. Marissa at Holt said that might be a good idea. He was born January 27, 2007. He will be 8 months old this month. We are in love with him already. He lives with a foster family in a farming community outside of Bangkok. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone that has supported us in our adoption adventure. We have been overwhelmed by the show of love and support our community has given us. How Great Is Our God!!!! I will go into detail later but let me just say that receiving information from Pataskorn's referral proves that the Lord's hand has been on him from day one. I just can't describe to you our elation...

Tagged

2007-09-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by a couple of blog friends and have found a minute to play.

G - Gwin is my middle name. My dad is Roy Gwin, my daughter is Kara Gwin, and I am Tracy Gwin. My grandmother gave my poor dad a girl's name. He has been ridiculed through life. She said that she saw it somewhere and liked it. Kara feels very special to be named after her Mommy and Roro.

W - Whippet. As you can read from the previous post it has been a hard week on my poor whippet. We just love Jocy. Kara's likes to dress her up.

I - International Adoption - I thought I knew a lot before but WOW have my eyes been opened the last few months. I'm crazy about international adoption.

N - New baby boy! (I started this post this morning and now I am finishing it up a mother of 3) I can't belive it. I am just elated.

Baby's First Toy

2007-09-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

Look what I found! Will and I went to Sam's tonight to pick up my contacts. As we were going down the toy isle we saw this adorable stuffed animal. Now, I am not a fan of stuffed animals but this one is special. It's about two feet tall and it is sturdy enough for small children to climb on. Plus, it's an elephant. That's Thailand's national animal. We plan on decorating the baby's room in elephants.

This week has been so tough. I really feel like we are so close to getting the call. Each day gets harder and harder. By buying this toy it makes adopting more real. I remember going through the same feelings with Kara and Will. It was agony month after month waiting to see if I was pregnant. Hopefully, in a few short days...

Jocy Hit a Car

2007-09-18T17:28:00.001-07:00

Yep, Jocy hit a car today. Will was playing outside and he saw it. He ran in and said "Jocy got in the street". They next thing I know this shook up young guy drove up in our driveway in a really nice Acura. He said that Jocy was running from our yard and ran right into him. He lives in Florida. I felt bad for him b/c he drove his parents Acura up here for a job interview. Jocy hit it pretty good. She scratched it all down the side and made a huge dent in the back door. There was even a pink collar mark on the door. Thankfully, Jocy is fine. She has a couple of scrapes but that's all. I love her dearly and would be so upset if something happened to her. We are going to be more diligent about keeping her in the backyard. Jocy is my baby. She loves me and has to know where I am at all times. She sleeps in our bed under the covers at my feet. She's a whippet and is fast as lightning. Now, how much is going to cost to fix the door?

Look Who Caught a Fish!

2007-09-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

Busy

2007-09-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy for the last month. I don't know if I am coming or going. I had a melt down last night with lots of tears. It was almost cleansing and now I feel better. I am going to have to give up some things. It's too much on my family.

I am starting a new Bible study tomorrow. It's "Believing God" by Beth Moore. I took it last year at another church in town but I believe I need a refresher course. With my business I have put my fellowship w/ Christ on the back burner. I am dry and weary. Lord, send your rain!

I will post some things as I have time. It's September and every day I hope to get the phone call from Holt. If the caller ID has an area code from out of town I get goose bumps. Good grief. WAITING IS THE WORST!!!!

Tick Tock

2007-08-22T00:30:00.000-07:00

Not much to tell on the adoption front. We did get an email from Holt this week with updates to the Thailand program. Seems as though things are running smoothly. There is still a 6 to 8 month wait from the time you submit your dossier. Their next batch of referrals (babies) will be coming in Sept./Oct. We will be at month 6/7 since we mailed them our dossier. That is very exciting as I believe that we really will be matched then. Their travel dates are still running around 7 months. This means that we will more than likely travel in April/May if we are matched in Sept./Oct. We will stay around 10 days. We are praying now for our baby, the mother, and the foster family. Thank you Lord for this wonderful opportunity.

My Frappr Map

2007-08-22T00:24:00.000-07:00

When you live in one place all of your life you tend to become sheltered. I have only traveled to a few states and have only been out of the country to the Bahamas. That was when I was a senior in high school so it's been a while. After Joel traveled to Thailand it has been like a whole new world has opened up for me. I would love to travel to other countries. I have installed a Frappr Map on my blog that tells me where someone lives when they look at my blog. It is just AMAZING to see all of the countries with yellow dots. It is like I am now part of the world community. If you have a minute, would you mind introducing yourself by leaving a comment?

1st Day of 2nd Grade

2007-08-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking about the Veggie Tales song in the movie "Jonah and the Whale". Here's part of the song:

Oh Billy Joe McGuffrey
Was a really clumsy kid
On the 2nd day of 2nd grade
I'll tell you what he did

He slipped on a banana peel
Flew up in the sky
Landed on a chimpanzee
Who poked him in the eye

He needed
1st aid (clap) in the 2nd grade (2claps)
1st aid (clap) in the 2nd grade (2claps)
1st aid (clap) in the 2nd grade (2claps)
You could a buy a zoo
With all the doctor bills he paid!

OK, now back to the blog. Kara started school on Monday. She was the cutest little thing. We of course planned out her wardrobe, bought a new back pack w/matching lunch box. Friday night was open house and we met her teacher. Mrs. Smith. Isn't that a great teacher name? She is probably in her 40's. This is her first year to teach. I love it because she has the enthusiasm of a new teacher yet she is wise and mature. Plus, she is friends with Kara's first grade teacher whom we adore. I am going to be the home room mother again. I really liked it last year and it is a way to feel like I am a part of Kara's education. I am also chairing the PTO desk. The ladies on the board this year are so nice and approachable. We only have had a couple bumps in the road. There is a child in Kara's class that I wish wasn't in there. Kara is just going to have to over come this situation. The other bump in the road is that they are re-drawing the district lines and we might be in another school district next year. Hopefully not. We will find out in September.

Kara has really grown this summer. Literally. She can hardly wear any of her clothes from this summer. We are having to go out and buy pants that she can wear. I just can't believe how big my baby is getting.

Frog Jumpin Champ

2007-08-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

Announcing the Frog Jumping Champ!!

Froggy goes for the championship

Getting Ready for the finals

The Winner of the qualifying round

Kara and Will getting ready to let 'em jump!
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As soon as we started planning our vacation I told Kara and Will about all of the things I did as a kid on my Branson trips in the summertime. One of the highlights was winning the frog jumping contest at The Shepard of the Hills. It is part of their pre-show activities. I remember it being a big deal for me. They gather all of the children in the audience and give them a frog. The kids get in a circle with their frogs and race them across the finish line. The winners of each race face off for the championship. Now, it was just purely coincidence that Kara got a frog with legs that were two feet long! That sucker could jump like you have never seen. Will was distraught not because his frog didn't win but because he had to give it back. Most people that talked to Kara after her win were surprised that she would even touch a frog. Oh no, she quickly told them that she caught frogs at home every night. One person told her that she looked like a city girl. Well, you can dress the tom boy cute but inside she's still a tom boy. I am proud of my girl and that we now share the same memory.

Chez Ami Show

2007-08-12T17:59:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law, Jamie, and I are having a Chez Ami childrens clothing show at my house Tuesday night. It is from 4 to 7. Click on Chez Ami above to see their online catalog. If you are interested in purchasing anything or need directions to my house, please let me know. Tracymcgal@yahoo.com. Chez Ami has a really cute colorful line of clothing. I like them because they carry bigger sizes and have brother/sister matchy matchy stuff. They also have holiday clothes and matching pajamas. I only had children so that I could dress them and have them match. :)

New! Our flip flop blog

2007-08-12T17:57:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone, take a look at our new flip flop blog. Click on the link at the top right corner of this blog page. What do you think of the new styles coming out this fall?

Vacation in Branson, Missouri

2007-08-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the lowest point of Marvel cave - 500 feet!

Entrance to Kara and Will's favorite ride - The Flooded Mine

Entrance to "Grandpa's Mansion". This would be favorite attraction #2 for the kids. Mommy cannot go into the mansion as it makes her motion sick.

The kids were scared at first to get their picture made here. You can see Joel in the back ground holding Will. There is a dummy prisoner in the bed snoring.

Our train got robbed!!

Frogger - Kara felt like such a big girl.

The poor man had to take like 5 picture to get Will to cooperate. Mental note - take family photos early in the day.

The theme at Silver Dollar City was "Kid's Fest". They had these adorable clowns throughout the park as well as carnival tents w/ kid's crafts.
Kara was able to participate in the opening ceremonies. She wanted to make sure that I was taking pictures!! The man on the left was a veteran that carried the flag into the park and helped raise the flag. The entire park stood and said the pledge to allegiance.

We took a little trip to Branson last weekend. We left on Sat. and returned on Tuesday night. It was kind of a goodbye to summer trip. When Kara and I went to Spoiled Rotten Kids camp I upgraded our Silver Dollar City tickets to season passes. Will is free so all that we had to pay for is Joel. We rented a very inexpensive room on Table Rock Lake. It was not the condo that my parents usually rent but it was great for just us. The kids loved it. There was a playground right behind our room and the pool was right next to us w/ an old fashioned slide.

It was HOT, HOT, HOT. The food at Silver Dollar City doesn't taste the same when its 100 degrees outside. We arrived on Sat. and went to White Water. We stayed until they closed at 8 and then ate at B.T. Bones. Nice steaks with great atmosphere. Sunday we went to SDC ALL day. Not that crowded. My kids love "The Flooded Mine". It's a simple ride where you are in a prison mine that has flooded and you have guns that you shoot targets with. We rode it over and over and over. Monday we went back to SDC to see the opening ceremony. They honor veterans, it was touching. We went home early so that we would be rested up for Shepard of the Hills. It is an outdoor play about the book that made the Ozarks famous. Again, the kids just loved it. There was gunfire, animals, fighting, fire, etc. Lots to keep their attention. The best part of course was the frog jumping contest held before the show. I will post about it separately. Tuesday we checked out of our room and went to SDC - again. This time we took the Marvel cave tour. Now, I used to be so adventurous but as I am getting older and now that I am a mom I am such a weenie!! I was so scared of this tour that my legs shook like crazy!! We were 500 feet below the earth's surface. There were 600 stairs!! Joel and the kids liked it but I was just glad that it had ended. It was 60 degrees down there which was a welcome relief. The park was crowded so we only rode one ride - you guessed it - "The Flooded Mine".

I was so happy to have my husband and kids to myself for a few days. I treasure these moments because I don't get them that often. Plus, I cannot tell you how happy it made me to take my kids back to where I enjoyed my summers. They loved doing the same things as their mommy did when she was their age. I love being a mom!!

The Snake Brouhaha

2007-08-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and I have finally found a moment to blog. I love blogging and sharing my thoughts and daily living. When we prayed during the holidays we really felt like this adoption was so much bigger than us. This blog and our fundraiser has already proven that. I pray that we can be an encouragement to others. We are just normal people called to travel across the world to bring a baby home. If God can use us then he can use anyone.

Before we left for vacation we had a "Steve Irwin" situation. William had finished eating and went outside to frog hunt. We could see him out the window as we were still at the table. He went by our little pool and lifted a plastic bench that we have to hold chemicals. He has learned that frogs hide under there. He quickly put it back down and ran to the door. He busted in saying that there was a snake under the bench.

Joel hopped up and started out the door. He loves critters as much as the kids do. At first Joel thought it was a water moccasin. Well, we were scared to death. I got a plastic tub and Joel worked on getting him into it. Needless to say the snake didn't want to go. I'm sure that you would be in the floor laughing as you watched us trying to wrangle the snake into the container. I'm hopping all around because I am scared of snakes. We finally got him in the box and took him next door. Steve said that he wasn't a copper head or water moccasin. What could he be? Joel then got the computer out and started researching what type of snake it was. Come to find out it was some sort of non poisonous water snake that is endangered. So, Joel insisted that I take him to the ditch while he cut grass. I have no idea why I agreed to do this but I did. I took him to the end of our street and was about to dump him into the ditch. Just as I was about to open the box our next door neighbor's drove up. Mrs. W rolled down her window to speak and when she saw the snake she hollered out "go, go, go". Mr. W took off. That was a little comical to say the least. I let the snake go in the culvert and then went to apologize to Mrs. W. I certainly didn't mean to scare her.

I am just so proud of Will for letting us know about the snake and not attempting to touch it.

Frappr Map

2007-07-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

Mommy's Secret This Weekend

2007-07-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that we will have a booth starting this Friday morning at Mommy's Secret Consignment Sale. You can find it online and if you have any questions about it you can email me at tracymcgal@yahoo.com. I have ordered more flip flops so we will start out with almost all sizes in all styles. I will also have some $10 shoes too. I have an adorable gator flip flop that is lime green. I thought it would be really cute for those of you that have kids at Greenbrook.

I pray that this sale is as successful as last weekend. I have met two different women from out of town that have called me about my shoes. That was so nice of them to make the effort to find me. Both of them gave a small donation too.

I promise that I will post more things than just flip flops but that is what is taking up most of my time these days. It will end soon. After this weekend I will not reorder until the new styles come out.

Thanks to everyone that has helped make our fundraiser such a success.

Tired, Sunburnt, Frazzled, but Successful

2007-07-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

Joel and I have been working the Dizzy Dean tournament this weekend. We have been selling flip flops and lanyards. I started Thursday and Joel is finishing it all up tonight. We have been there for some 12 hours a day. Our city hosted both softball and baseball. I think there were over 250 teams total. Take 250 multiply 10 to 12 kids per team and then their parents, siblings, and grandparents. That's a lot of people. Every hotel in a 20 mile radius has been booked. There has once again been such an outpouring of support and interest. I will announce our grand total later. We have sold a TON of flip flops and lots of lanyards.

The lanyards came as an inspiration from working a tournament earlier in the month. I nice older gentleman came up to me and said that he wished he had some type of device to hold his week pass in. That way he wouldn't lose it and it would be nice and clean as a memento of his grandson's hard work. So I checked into it and ordered some for this tournament. The boy's field sold a lot more than the girls. They are at two different locations. I have to tell you that there is nothing like watching this tournament. Parents are so so serious about baseball. They travel all summer to ball games. Joel talked to one mom who was interested in adoption about our adoption fees. He told her that when it is all said and done that we will probably pay close to $20,000. She said "oh, well that is what we spend in a season for baseball." That seems wild but I believe it. If you think about the fees to play in tournaments, uniforms, banners, hotels, food, etc. Not to mention that you need a team ball bag, team back pack, heaven knows what else. Mom's have to have a team purse, jersey, chair and shoes. The brothers and sisters of theses teams also have outfits to match. Babies w/ little outfits to match including baseball bows. Then the whole team has to decorate their cars so that we know where they are from and what position and team number little Johnny has. Blows my mind. They are very serious and very competitive. We have professional fields and the staff conducts themselves very seriously.

I worked the softball fields both Fri. and Sat. That is a whole different world. I was set up by the the 6 and under girls. These little girls were just as serious as the big girls. They could play ball. Their coaches pitched the balls to them but they could hit it and play the field too. These girls have worked hard all summer to get to the point that they are at.

I have had so much fun getting to know some great people from around the country. I met a great gal from Holly Pond, AL. Population 700. She was a teacher and had t shirts to match my shoes to a T. There was a booth set up next to me that air brushed helmets. Who knew there was a market for this? They painted about 70 helmets a day. I got to know the girlfriend and she was so sweet. The Post Office set up next to Joel and he of course befriended them. He never meets a stranger which is why he is good in sales. I asked him if he was embarrassed by selling girls flip flops and he said no. This is one more way of getting our baby home.

I have been able to tell our story over and over again. Everyone was gracious. I am sure that some folks thought that we were crazy. Some were surprised that we had biological children.

One last thing. I cannot thank Andrea, Scotty and Lori enough. They are the guys that make this whole crazy ball tournament work. They have been SOOO gracious and helpful. Really, everyone that worked for S was helpful. We have truly been shown favor and anything we needed they got. They certainly had enough on their plate yet they wanted to make sure that we were successful. Can't say for sure but I feel like we will be back next year.

P.S. There is no possible way that we could have made this weekend happen if my parents were not here to help. They fetched, toted, babysat, etc. Mom picked up my responsibilities at church. And of course, she does it the way I like it. I love my parents. Also, my brother helped too which I so appreciate.

Fall Flip Flops

2007-07-22T20:32:00.001-07:00

Just in case you are interested I am posting the fall styles that I will be receiving at the end of August. I will let you know when they come in.

Congratulations April

2007-07-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

Another Holt "cyber" friend is in Thailand picking up her daughter. I just read her blog about meeting Prim for the first time. It brought tears to my eyes as I am so happy for her. I think about Joel and I doing the very same thing. How awesome and life changing will that be? Holt has the whole process down to a science. They have everyone adopting with Holt staying at the same hotel. The schedule is always the same as you spend a few hours each day with your child and their foster family. After a couple of days your baby stays with you. April met Prim's foster family today. Boy, there are a bunch of people living in one house. It just goes to show that happiness is family not places or possessions. I am just thrilled for April, congratulations my friend. The Holt bulletin board has been the most supportive tool that I have had thus far in our journey. So many wonderful families from around the world in the exact same shoes that we are in. We hope to travel with some of them to get our children. How great will that be?

Up To My Eyeballs

2007-07-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

...in flip flops. I've got in all sizes of all colors in the polka dot styles. I have :

Black and white - biggest seller

Lime green and hot pink - also little girl's sizes starting in an 11/12

Chocolate and light pink - also little girl's sizes starting in an 11/12

Two toned blue -

Orange and pink

Lime green and turquoise - also little girl's sizes starting in an 11/12

I also have some striped ones

All for only $15. They are VERY comfortable.

I also have red and white polka dot for only $10 (in sizes 8, 9, and 10).

And striped ones too.

Email me if you would like a pair tracymcgal@yahoo.com

I am working the Dizzy Dean tournament next weekend for the boys and girls . Also have a booth at Mommy's Secret the first weekend in August. Call me and I call save your style and size.

I need to sell 1000 pair to pay for our country fee. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

Success

2007-07-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone that have bought our flip flops. I really think that it has been successful. It is amazing to see the people that we don't know that have come out to support us. Maybe that is God's plan. By us having this fundraiser, we are getting the word out about adoption. I would love to see more people in our community adopt. Sometimes we think God's plan for providing is one way but actually He has something totally different in mind. He IS providing and I give Him all of the praise.

2007-07-08T20:55:00.001-07:00

Flip Flop Fundraiser

We are having an open house this Saturday from 1:00 to 6:00 to sell our Beehive Flip Flops. They look like Yellow Box but we are selling them for $15. They are really cute and we have sold a ton of them already (OK, maybe not a ton). The money we raise goes directly into our adoption account. When we are matched we will have a large fee due and hopefully selling these shoes will take care of that. I have orderd over 400 shoes and they will be in this week. Kara and I are going to camp but we will be back on Thursday. Email me if you would like directions to my house - tracymcgal@yahoo.com . I also have a flyer that I can email you so that you can see what they look like. I probably won't be able to answer until Friday. Thanks for your support.

2007-07-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

Guess What I Did Today?

I painted the kids bathroom. It had little hand prints all over and just needed some fresh paint. I used a really pretty yellow in eggshell. As a builder, our painters hate satin paint. I do see that it is somewhat harder to use but oh it looks so much better. I think it will clean better too. Joel and the kids are at his parent's in Alabama. I stayed due to some commitments here and to pack Kara and I for camp next week. Anyway, I am proud of myself!!!

2007-07-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July - for some reason Blogger will not allow me to post a title.

We had a great time. We spent much of our day with friends that we consider family. They have 3 beautiful girls a sweet baby boy. We swam at their future community pool (they are building a house in that subdivision) and ate at their house. At dusk we went to our community park and watched fireworks. Our church's praise and worship team sang beforehand. Everyone had a nice, relaxing day.

My Secret Pal

2007-07-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

I am a member of a yahoo group called Christian Asian Adoption. We are a group of Christians online that are in the process of adopting an Asian child or have already completed it. I love this group. We have had secret pals for the last 3 months. My secret pal has sent me e-cards faithfully at least once a week w/ encouraging words. She has also kept up with this blog and wrote me encouraging notes when I was down. It has really meant so much to me. Our term ended in July. I received my last package from her today. I had tears in my eyes when I saw the sweet and thoughtful gifts that she sent. She has carefully listened to me and given things that my family would like. She sent the kids frog stickers and sidewalk chalk. She gave me an encouraging book and a wonderful adoption baby book. The kind that you fill in w/ our info. as well as the baby's. I have never seen this before. Most importantly my secret pal has lifted me up in prayer for these last 3 months. I have been so encouraged by her. Thank you, secret pal. May God reward and bless you with your kindness and love to me and my family. I have enjoyed it and needed it immensely.