Loving him like crazy

What a difference 24 hours makes! Trent had an awesome day yesterday, fell asleep at 7:30 last night and is still sleeping as I type this at 7:30 in the morning. Of course he did wear himself completely out the day before and I am sure it is exhausting with all the change he has endured. But, we really think he is starting to feel comfortable with us and we are loving him like crazy. Our love for Trent is unbelievable given we have only known the boy for three days now...and our love and heartache to get home to see our girl is beyond words. We are ready to bring this family all together!

We have had an amazing time, although it was much too short to really get a flavor of Korea. We were fortunate to try to spend every minute pre-Trent seeing Seoul, but for those of you have traveled here know, it is an enormous place. We laughed as we took subway rides that would literally take 45 minutes to get from one part of the city to another; and when we thought is might be quicker to take a taxi home, it ended up taking 1 1/2 hours. Expensive cab ride to say the least. Seoul is such a progressive city, but still has elements that are quite traditional and historic. We loved seeing and walking through Insadong and Nambaemun Markets (pictured here), eating Korean food (still couldn't quite get the taste for traditional kimchi, but did love bulgogi and some of the soups) and walking for miles along the streets of Korea taking it all in.

We wish we had more time to explore cities and places outside Seoul, particularly the area where Trent was born. More for another trip when it is not 30 degrees outside! We can't wait to come back and to tell Trent all about the wonderful, beautiful country where he was born. We have experienced generosity and kindness.

We leave in 7 hours to go to the airport...we pray this part of the journey goes well! See everyone soon!

Baby Look-Alike

So, Rawley and I have been perusing old pics as we watch Trent sleep the day away and found this pic of Izzy at around 10 months old. Brother and sister for sure, spkey hair and all!

The Trent and Daddy Show

Today has been such a better day! Trent has done great and has especially taken to his daddy. Mommy has gotten some love too, but Daddy seems to have the touch and the silliness that has kept Trent laughing throughout the day. Except when he has been asleep...which has been a lot! All that crying yesterday certainly took its toll on him, but we are no worse for the wear today. We keep hoping to get out and about, but this sleeping thing has kept us in the room a lot and therefore tied to our computer. Can't wait to see everyone soon! Love to everyone!

Trent Evans Junghoon Fuller

Well, we won't say that it hasn't been a bit of a rough day; as you can see from these pics, he is just about the cutest thing in the world (along with his big sis), but I wouldn't describe this as his jolliest day. BUT, as Rawley has said throughout the day, "small victories"! After the first hour of non-stop crying, he took a really long nap, had a great poop and now we just have had sporadic tears (from all of us). He is loving his toys and is very focused on them. He seems to have equally taken to both of us (in very sweet ways; he is quite snuggly, which is awesome), but no doubt he is still getting used to us to say the least! Sending prayers to Mer Mer, Chris and Mustard Seed. We can't wait to see everyone SOON!!

Izzy's Baby Brother

Here is the newest addition of our family! Well, not officially yet, but we did get to spend some time with Trent and his foster mother. It was truly amazing and as you can see, he is absolutely adorable! He was, however, quite wary of us and really was less than pleased to be with anyone other than his foster mom. They are quite close of course as she has been his caretaker for most of his life and is so, so sweet!

So. when we actually get him later today, it is going to be extremeley tough on us all, particularly Trent. So, keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Rawley and I are prepared to do some camping out in this hotel room depending on how he settles in these next few days. More to come of course, but we are so excited and a bit nervous for how these next few days will play out. Thanks for the comments and emails!

We had a great day today despite a few 'minor' mistakes trying to navigate the subway system (it sure is nice when locals help you out by telling you that you have to get off the subway because it is the last stop for that particular car) and the menu of a korean restaurant (is bulgogi something we really want to eat...oh, yes, it is just beef). It reminded me of the 'spatchcock' incident of Australia, Wes and Betsy!

I must say Rawley was way better than me at trying to read the map and figure out where we were and where we wanted to go. I felt totally turned around all day long...even with most streets written in Korean AND English; it just really is tougher than you think!

These pics are from Changdeokgung Palace and Insadong, a great shopping area.

We go to the Social Welfare Society office in the morning and from there will go to meet Trent! So excited!

Christmas 2008

Well, this post is technically prior to my earlier one, but we did want to post a pic of our girl on Christmas day. She was so excited to get a piano (seen here) and an assortment of 72 plastic bugs that she had had her eye on from a catalog for months! She had a blast with all the fun of opening presents and would whisper in my ear, "more presents" if ever there was a pause in the action. It was great fun!

Okay, now Rawley and I are off to try out the Seoul subway system and sites of the city. More later.

We are Here!

We are in Seoul! We got in at night, so haven't been able to see much of the city yet...after our 14 hour flight we checked in, ate dinner and promptly went to bed and thanks to a little ambien both slept almost 10 hours (unheard of with a 2 1/2 year old these days), so that was NICE! So, we are ready to get out and check out the city today. We can't meet Trent till tomorrow so we will enjoy some time exploring and eating some good food. Will post more later when there is more to report.

Oh, and we had the BEST Christmas with Izzy and all of our families before heading out on this journey! Thanks to all of our families for all the wonderful times and gifts! And thanks for taking care of our girl while we are gone! Love to all!

Helen and Ra

Izzy is ready for baby brother...well, sort of

We finally got our travel call to go to Korea on Friday, December 19! As those of you who know me well know, waiting and patience are not my strongest personality traits. I have been on the edge for the last three weeks now, wondering when we would get this last critical piece of acceptance that said we were allowed to go get our baby boy. So, back to the beginning...we received our referral for the boy back in September, September 10th to be exact. So we have had the pictures of our son for over three months. With Iz, we had a referral for six weeks and we were gone! Jetting off to Vietnam, hardly ready and hardly understanding how life was getting ready to change! All in the most wonderful and exhausting ways of course, but dramatic change nonetheless.

Anyway, back to this eternal wait since September...it has been a huge challenge for me. And thus, for Ra too. He has had to endure my worry, stress, and frustration. Thankfully after 11 1/2 years of marriage, he understands me pretty well! But, now the wait is close to over! We get to celebrate a wonderful Christmas with our girl, Iz and then head to the other side of the world to meet our son and bring him home on New Year's Day! How fun! So, we will be posting here daily throughout our journey if you want to see pics, etc. Thanks for all your love and support throughout this wonderful next step of our lives.