There once was one little boy named Kaeul, living in South Korea, awaiting a forever family.
Little did he know there were two people from Canada waiting to be his mommy and daddy.
On February 3, 2009, the three of them joined together – forever.
Today we celebrate four years with our little boy. He is our sunshine, our joy, our everything.
We love you Alexander!
It’s hard to believe there was ever a time that Alex was not with us – but it really has just been three years. Three years ago we walked as a family of two into the SWS and after a very emotional goodbye, left as a family of three. We were very blessed that Alex was so easy going and really just rolled with the changes. He has always been a pretty happy little boy – something I love to see. He still sucks on his two fingers – something that warms my heart and drives me crazy at the same time. He still has the same infectious laugh.
Yesterday I went to an AMAZING Asian grocery in London, United Supermarket to get supplies for our dinner. As soon as I walked in I smiled. The smells were so much like Seoul. The produce department was just amazing – next time I will take pictures. And just like Seoul – it was crowded! I wish I could have stayed longer to check out all the different departments – but I had a friend waiting in the car – just gives me an excuse to go back!
I made Tangsuyuk (pork) for dinner. That was our favourite dish while in Seoul from a restaurant in the Yeoksam subway station – I think it was called Pateo (sp?) – it was an Asian fusion style restaurant that had a lot of Chinese offerings so that’s why the Tangsuyuk. It was pretty darn good for my first attempt! Matt had made it 2 years ago for us too. We had kimchi and “Hite” beer. We also had some of those jelly cups and a rice cake filled with red bean paste… yum!
And this was a small carrot at the Asian market.
Our "Hite" - they don't sell it locally 😦
Dinner is served.
After dinner Alex was gracious enough to wash all the dishes for us. (I will be rewashing them this morning)
Little man in training.
Our little boy is so amazing! I can not imagine a life without him.
As of today, Alex, Matt and I have been together for a full year! Thinking back, I get overwhelmed at what an emotional day it was. It truly was heartbreaking leaving the SWS after seeing how much Alex’s foster mom loved him – and we knew how much she was going to miss him. Some of you commented about the hug Alex, his foster mom and I shared in our flashback show – it was a real special moment. I had to cut that very short, because those of you who have been there know how personal that can be. I wanted to share it with all of you since you have been with us on our journey – but at the same time, I wanted to keep it private (so you got a glimpse before the tears started flowing).
We didn’t do much tonight to celebrate, just some extra special cuddles at bedtime. This weekend we will be having a homemade Korean meal (wish us luck), and perhaps a treat or two for Alex. I wish we had tacken a new family shot tonight – but Alex is coming down with a cold, and I’m getting over one, so tonight wasn’t the best for photos – this weekend for sure.
Since I’ve been doing photo flashback, here are a couple from one year ago today.
After!
Love this pic - even though it is blurry. (silly flash)
At 10:50am, we went over to the Social Welfare Society hospital to finally get Alex forever. When we got there, the foster mom and Alex were in the sitting room, we joined them. The foster mom gave us a number of bottles, cloths, clothes, and a few toys. The SWS gave us a necklace with a Korean flag on it – engraved on the back is Alex’s Korean name and birth date. They showed us how to prepare one of his bottles, I tried to feed him, but wasn’t doing it right obviously because the FM came and took over… I took notes 😉 One other beautiful keepsake was an album full of pictures since Alex was in her care (July).
It was really tough when we had to leave. The goodbyes occured at the elevator. Let me just say it was very emotional.
Back at the guest room we played and got to know each other a bit. We changed our first wet diaper, and now he is starting to get cranky. He needs a nap and Matt is trying to get him to sleep.
What a beautiful and special day.
When you wish upon a star... 