Wanting to See You.....

My youngest cuties

2009-06-04T07:59:00.002-05:00

We like everyone have been so busy. Cayden just started Summer school, he is still 4 yrs old,but turns 5 this month. It was so hard watching him get on the bus today. He was bouncing along with his book bag on his back. It was so cute. I can't believe my baby boy is old enough to go to school. Jaelynn is doing great! She is growing so fast. She is such a girly girl she loves to have her nails painted and toes and will sit still for me to mess with her hair. When you finish her hair she prances around the house showing everyone how pretty she is. I can't imagine life with out any of our kids. They make life so wonderful.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-29T17:16:00.003-06:00

Here are a few pictures from Christmas, taken at different places. The one with Chelsea was taken Christmas morning. Jaelynn was a little tired still. She never really got to excited about the toys. I think I was more excited than she was. Things have been going great. Jaelynn is growing so fast. Time just keeps passing by. She isn't talking a whole lot, but she understands everything we tell her. She shakes her head no when I ask her to say the word. She has a check up with her Dr. tomorrow. She seems right on track to me.

More Pictures

2008-11-02T16:01:00.003-06:00

I had to post these pictures too. Halloween was a lot of fun this year. We loved meeting all the people and kids at the trunk or treat and look forward to future events the agency has. These pictures are just some cute ones of Jaelynn and Jaelynn and Daddy.

Halloween trunk or treat

2008-11-02T15:49:00.002-06:00

We had a great time at one of our agencies trunk or treats.

We have been so busy!

2008-09-12T07:05:00.002-05:00

With school starting and new sports starting,things have been really crazy. Jaelynn is doing really well. She is getting so big. At her one year check up, she was in the 87th percentile for height. Wow, we never imagined one of our kids could be in the 87th percentile. She was only in the 15th on her weight, so we need to work on fattening her up.

Jaelynn's fostermom sent her a package the other day. It had a little outfit made in Korea and some rubber bands with pretty balls. She also sent a letter, which I still need to have translated. It was so sweet. I haven't sent her anything. I have a small album I've been working on so hopefully this weekend I'll get it sent.

Jaelynn is so smart ( can you tell I'm her mommy) She isn't talking a lot but she understands almost everything we say to her. She is already Mommy's little helper. She goes and gets her diapers and wet wipes. She tries so hard to put clothes on. She loves putting on my socks and Caydens shirts. It is so nice to have a baby in the house again.

Our baby girl is one!!

2008-07-22T20:04:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it but Jaelynn is one! We haven't had the official party yet but here are a few pictures. She is a big girl walker now. She loves food as she has since she came home. Tomorrow she gets her one year shot! Ouch! We feel so lucky to have her in our family and lives.

Cayden's 4th birthday party

2008-07-05T20:40:00.003-05:00

My Little Cayden is 4 years old. Wow how time passes. Cayden wanted a power ranger suit. I couldn't find one so a police outfit will have to do. He seemed happy when he opened it. It was a fun day with family and food.

More Pictures

2008-07-05T20:25:00.003-05:00

Here are a few more pictures. The little red head is Ryan's baby. My nephew. He was born the day after Jaelynn. He has bright red hair with curls. What a little cutie. Some of the other pictures are at Logans soccer tournament last weekend.

Bathing beauties

2008-07-05T20:13:00.003-05:00

Sorry it's been so long

2008-06-26T20:05:00.002-05:00

Jaelynn is trying to walk! She has taken 5 steps all by herself. She gets a little scared and sits down, but its a matter of time before she will be off and running. We are having Caydens 4th birthday this weekend. It won't be long and then it will be Jaelynn's first birthday. WOW my babies are growing. Jaelynn is at such a fun age. She loves the water, which is a little scary with the pool. I will be watching both kids very closely this summer. I will update with pictures soon. Oh I finally got my Jogging double stroller. We used it at a soccer tournament this weekend it is the best stroller I've every had. Love it. Its a Schwinn.

Transfer of Custody!!

2008-06-13T16:14:00.003-05:00

Today was a great day!! We had the transfer of custody today. Our county requires us to go to court two times. Today was the first one and in December we will have our 2nd one. Then Jaelynn will be an American citizen and legally adopted by our family. One more step completed!! woo hoo Here are a few pictures mine all turned out blurry. Cayden was waiting for judge Judy to come out and sit in the chair. It was so funny, here we were laughing in a court room. We looked like tourist on vacation taking pictures.

2008-06-02T17:12:00.001-05:00

Oh how we love this little girl.

2008-05-24T07:30:00.003-05:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books//
Sorry the video quality is so bad. I took these with my digital camera. I will try our video camera to see if they come out better

Just a few pictures

2008-05-24T07:18:00.001-05:00

We tried to put a clip in her hair. I think she might need a little more hair first.

2008-05-24T07:13:00.000-05:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

I've been so busy

2008-05-23T06:18:00.002-05:00

I had to go back to work last Thursday. It's definitely been some adjustment. We started a new babysitter. The second day Cayden threw up all over the floor, right after we walked through the door. What a way to start out. He feels much better now. Jaelynn has done really well. After the second day I was afraid she was going to forget I'm her mommy. She just reached out to the babysitter and didn't act like it bothered her at all. The 3rd day she did cry a little, I wasn't happy she was crying, but a part of me was like yessss I'm her momma.
She is cutting more teeth. She has 2 on the bottom and 1 1/2 on the top. They are so stink in cute, but her little gums look so sore. She is also getting more hair, however it continues to get taller on top of her head. I'm not sure it will ever lay down. I can't wait for her to get a little more so I can whip it into a fountain on top of her head. She is such a cutie pie.
This weekend we are going to attempt a new family photo. Wish us luck. Last week we had it scheduled, but Cayden was sick and Jaelynn had puffy eyes and runny nose. She still has a runny nose, but I think it will be fine. I plan to post some video of Jaelynn really soon. I thought Oh I will keep up with the blogging, but its harder than I thought with 4 kids. For all the people waiting for their babies hang in there, the wait is so worth it.

My oldest baby girl!!! They start out crawling then they Drive!!

2008-05-10T17:52:00.004-05:00

All you Mommy's and Mommy's to be, love your babies, while they are babies. My big girl just got her liscense. OHHH NOOO!! It's a scary time for us now. I never thought about the day she would drive until it happened. Can't we go back? It's so much easier when they are young and protected by us. She has left on her 2nd adventure alone. She isn't back yet but I'm watching the clock. We bought her a Dodge neon. It's a little 4-door car. If it was my choice alone, she would have gotten the biggest car we could find, but she felt more comfortable in a smaller car. Wow I just thought of something we have to go through this 3 more times. The next two will be boys. I think that might even be worse. They are little dare devils. My 11 year old already thinks he can drive and he tells me he will drive a fast truck. Maybe we can go back to horse and buggies. With the gas as high as it is, maybe this will be an option?

Two more steps completed!

2008-05-09T15:29:00.003-05:00

We had our first post placement visit last night. Everything was going great. Jaelynn was laughing and playing, like usual and then it happened. Randy was sitting on the floor next to the coffee table. Jaelynn went to put her hand on his leg, slipped and hit her mouth right on the table. She screamed and her lip bumped up and it even bled. Her first bad boo boo right in front of the lady doing the post placement visit. It was so sad. She got in my lap and went to sleep. Poor baby. She is fine and things are moving along with the finalization process.

Today we took her to get her blood work done. Thank goodness it's over. I couldn't watch, it took 3 people to hold her down Daddy, the man taking the blood and the nurse. I knew she was strong and I warned the man. He said wow that little girl is strong after it was all over. She only cried for a second. She really did pretty good, probably better than I did. I always hate getting those things done, even the shots are hard for me to watch. It just feels good to get it behind us. We should get all the results soon. She has been home for 4 weeks and 1 day now. Wow I can't believe it. God does hand pick the families and babies. It's the only way to explain how perfectly she fits into our family. We love her so much and are so happy she is in our lives.

Her hair won't lay down!

2008-05-08T07:31:00.003-05:00

Jaelynn's hair sticks straight up in the air. Which I think is too cute. Chelsea's hair was like that when she was little, and my Aunt told me mine was also that way too. In some of the pictures I wet her hair right before the picture was taken. By the time I was finished it was flying in the air.

Front Page?

2008-05-05T21:14:00.003-05:00

Wow, I was surprised to see our picture on the front page of our news paper. The paper asked if I would like to be interviewed for Mother's day. At first I wasn't going to do it,but I decided it would be good for her life book. They put a picture of Jaelynn, Cayden and I on the front page in color. I feel like a celebrity lol. On the inside they put a family shot of all of us. I'm glad I did it.

Pictures

2008-05-01T07:03:00.005-05:00

Things are still going really good. She is getting a cold poor baby. Something I read a million times when I was waiting was: Once you have your baby in your arms the pain from the waiting just melts away. It is so true. Just like labor, you know it was hard but it doesn't matter anymore. I am still in shock that she is here and it's not just a dream. I hope everyone that dreams of having a baby, but can't have one themselves considers adoption. For me there isn't any difference between biological children and adopted. I always wondered if I would feel differently. I can now say there isn't one ounce of difference. The day she came home was just as wonderful as the day when each one of the other kids were born.

I have to say I even felt the same physically, I was tired, and happy, just like when I came home from the hospital. She is such a joy!

My little fisherman

2008-04-25T18:50:00.005-05:00

Cayden loves to fish. Today Daddy and Cayden caught enough fish for dinner from our pond. While Jaelynn and I met a friend for lunch and shopping. Cayden is a little ham in the photos. Such a cutie pie.

Life is GOOD!!

2008-04-21T08:15:00.003-05:00

Jaelynn is doing great. We went to a her baby shower this weekend. We had a really great time. She continues to open up more and more each day, letting her personality shine. She definitely knows what she wants and how to get it. She is a happy little girl. Last night she slept through the night. I woke up 2 or 3 times making sure she was alright, but she did great. I hope this is something that will continue. She is also doing really good in the car. She usually falls asleep. I was hoping she was a good traveler so we could at least make it to the mall lol. I am really enjoying my time off with her and Cayden. I don't want it to end. Cayden is doing pretty good too. He loves to kiss and hug her, sometimes a little too much. I've been trying to give him extra attention. He does love his little sister. Jaelynn thinks her name is baby, because he calls her Hey Baby all the time. It will probably be her nickname. When you say baby she turns like it is her name. I'm in the process of looking for a double jogging stroller if anyone has any suggestions. My grandpa gave me the money to get one. It was really nice of him.

2008-04-14T19:25:00.000-05:00

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

We are doing Great

2008-04-13T07:49:00.003-05:00

Jaelynn is adjusting really well. She is really attached to me. This morning she let me put her in the walker and played with toys. She is such a joy. She is eating baby food and drinking her bottles really good. She is on a newborn schedule every 3-4 hours for a bottle. It will get better and someday I will get to sleep. lol I thought I would post a few more pictures. The food picture shows her little tooth on the bottom. So cute!!!

Pictures!!

2008-04-11T15:09:00.001-05:00

pictures!!!

2008-04-11T14:57:00.002-05:00

Gotcha Day April 10, 2008

2008-04-11T10:28:00.003-05:00

It was an amazing day. Jaelynn's flight was the only flight out to St.Louis that was on time. There were I think 6 flights and only 2 made it out, one was Jaelynn's. God made sure that she got home safely in our arms. I will post pictures later. I am downloading them now. She had a rough flight home. Apparently she was grieving a lot. Thank you Marilyn for escorting are precious Jaelynn, we are forever Thankful. Jaelynn was so worn out, that by the time she got to us she was sound asleep. She woke up in the car after I put her in her seat, but thankfully she fell right back asleep. Last night was wonderful she went to bed at 9:15 and slept until 12:00 took a bottle and sleep again until 2:00. I gave her her pacifier and she slept again until 4:00. We fed her another bottle and then about an hour later she ate a lot of banana rice cereal. She loved it. We gave her a bath which didn't go over to well and another bottle and she is now sound asleep. She has been great however not if you set her down. She wants to be held all the time and that's ok by me. We are in love.

Today is Gotcha Day!!!

2008-04-10T04:00:00.003-05:00

It's finally here. I can't believe it. I've been up since around 3:45 a.m. Who can sleep when the most exciting thing is going to happen to our family today. We have waited for this day for a long time now, and its finally here. WOOOO HOOOO! There is one tiny problem Jaelynn is on American airlines which is having thousands of cancellations over the last 3 days. We are praying that it won't happen to her flight. The last leg of her flight to us is on American airlines. I am not going to worry to much right now, (yea right) we won't know until this morning sometime if it will effect her flight. This is a wonderful day!!!

We Have it... TC!!

2008-04-08T08:59:00.002-05:00

Jan just called and it is officially, official. We got our Travel Call. Jaelynn will be home on Thursday. I knew we would get it, but I am relieved to have the official call. We have been working hard trying to get everything ready for when she arrives. I packed the diaper bag, wow you would think we were going on a small vacation. I probably won't use any of it but its there just in case. I'm pretty sure everything else is done, but for some reason I just can't relax. ( Imagine that) I hope I can manage to work today. I guarantee my mind is somewhere else. Please say a prayer for our wonderful escort that Jaelynn gives her an easy time and for the Foster mom who will be morning the loss of our child. And for Jaelynn who's world is going to be changed forever. Also for Jaelynn's birth mom who we are forever grateful for.

Logan's Birthday!!

2008-04-08T08:36:00.002-05:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books Finally figured out how to get the sound to work

Logan's Birthday!

2008-04-06T19:34:00.002-05:00

Logan had a birthday party this weekend. He had 4 boys over and they had alot of fun playing outside. It was a beautiful weekend. Happy Birthday Sweet Logan!

Tentatively We have dates

2008-04-03T18:06:00.002-05:00

Jan from Dillon called this afternoon with the most amazing news! I was taking a quick nap after cleaning house all day. I caught the phone call on the last ring it was buried in my purse. She said this isn't the travel call but we have tentative travel plans pending on her travel clearance. I think I was in shock. She said it will be next Thursday the 10th WOW did I hear her correctly. I almost didn't post this until it was fore sure, but I'm going to pray so hard that everything works. She also said that the escorts will be calling as soon as they get the ok. We are so happy and feel so blessed to have this beautiful little girl in our lives.

Happy mommy to 4 beautiful kids

YEAAA!!! VIsa Interview!!!!

2008-04-03T07:43:00.002-05:00

Jaelynn is having her visa interview April 4th at 1:00p.m. It usually takes 24 hrs to finish the interview and then we are ready for TC Woo hoo!!

Missing one

2008-03-30T20:17:00.002-05:00

Jaelynn, we need you home so we can update the family photo.

Spending more money

2008-03-29T07:20:00.000-05:00

I found the cutest diaper bag. I hope I get it before our Travel Call, but if not that's ok too. I don't want to wait any longer. I am as paper pregnant as I want to be. As with any pregnancy there comes a time you just want your baby and I mean Now! Oh I also ordered a Ergo carrier.

Jill trying to stay sane

Our agency emailed today

2008-03-28T17:09:00.000-05:00

We just got an email update, and Eastern received the visa cable. Woo Hoo one more step closer. The next step is Visa Interview, and then TC travel call. I'm hoping it happens quickly, but they tell us it will be in the next 2-4 weeks. I feel like everything happens in 2-4 weeks. Please let it be sooner.

P3

2008-03-25T08:20:00.000-05:00

We got P3 today. I called D.C. and the not so helpful lady said we have P3 and that the Embassy will send the info to our agency in Korea. (Eastern) The next step I believe is Visa Interview and then Travel Call. Please pray that they get the Visa Interview quickly. I have seen it take a while for some people and others it happens fast. Who knows but I'm not sure I can wait much longer. She will be home soon. I can't wait to kiss her sweet face. I've heard others say this is the worst part of the wait, and I always thought how could that be when they at least have a baby they are waiting on, but as always with this process now I know. This is the hardest part for me.

NVC Logged out March 18, 08

2008-03-19T07:39:00.000-05:00

Yea I had to call again just to make sure it left for Seoul. I must have picked a good time to call because again I got right through. The lady said it left the building by DHL and they also wire transfer it YEA!

Just called the NVC

2008-03-18T08:19:00.000-05:00

That's the National Visa Center, this is the next step that needs to happen. The lady I talked with said that it arrived on March 14 and is being processed as we speak. Yes! I will call in a few days to see if it left for the Seoul Embassy. We are getting closer! I'm still hoping for the first or 2nd week of April. We are getting closer baby girl.

Just trying to pass the time

2008-03-16T07:46:00.000-05:00

I thought I would change my blog a little. Time normally moves really fast for me, but waiting on TC ( travel call) isn't easy. I think we have a least 4 more weeks to wait on Jaelynn. I hope it isn't longer, I'm not sure I will make it if it goes longer. Randy thinks it will be the first week of April. I think it will be the 2nd week and maybe even the third. I hope for once Randy's right on this one.LOL

One more step completed!!!

2008-03-12T18:22:00.000-05:00

I'm am soooo Happy today, after work I found out that our I-600 was approved!! This is one more step needed before Jaelynn can come home.
I can't wait to call our agency to let them know. We are hoping to get a call soon letting us know her passport has been issued.

Couldn't Help myself

2008-03-08T19:56:00.000-06:00

We went to Costco today and Target. I had to get a few more things for Jaelynn. I sure hope size 3 diapers will work. Especially since I already open the box to look at the cute little diapers. Who would think that diapers would be cute. I'm thinking that now, but after a couple of dozen dirties I'm sure I won't think so anymore, but anyhoo they are so cute now.

Yesss! We have EP

2008-03-06T10:27:00.000-06:00

I just found out we have emigration permission!!We are so excited! Just one more step closer, come on passport. That will be the next step. Jan said it should be in a week or two. We couldn't be happier!

Cayden's ABC song

2008-03-03T19:46:00.000-06:00

2008-02-29T19:33:00.000-06:00

This is Chelsea our oldest and Cayden our youngest boy. We all can't wait to see Jaelynn.

Yea!! The Legals are coming!!

2008-02-28T06:12:00.000-06:00

I got a call from Jan at our agency, that our legals will arrive today. I'm not really sure how much paperwork is involved, but after that I will need to send them to the USCIS office. I couldn't be happier one more step closer. Jan called while I was at work, she said sorry to bother you. Are you kidding I love these calls JUST KEEP THEM COMING. My favorite call will be when they say She will be home on______ . Everyday brings us closer.

Legals! Come on Legals!

2008-02-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Legals, I really don't even know what they are, but I know we need them before our baby girl gets to come home. Its one of the many steps that have to happen before Jaelynn gets to join her forever family. I have a feeling they aren't to far away. I will be praying hard that we get the call, that they have arrived.

2008-02-14T17:32:00.000-06:00

Well, tomorrow we are getting re fingerprinted. We have to go all the way downtown. Now they already have our fingerprints from the last time. Why couldn't they just use the ones they have? Oh well it seems like more progress, toward Jaelynn so We are happy to do it. We are still waiting on what they call legals, so I'm hoping and praying they come really soon. Time always seems to go really fast, unless you are waiting for something or someone.

2008-02-07T21:02:00.000-06:00

We have so many things to do before Jaelynn comes home. We started tearing off wall paper in Chelsea's room. What a mess! WHY WHY did we ever put wall paper up! We bought a new truck today for Randy which will hold the whole family. Its huge, F250 crew cab. Randy's pretty happy about it. I'm happy now, but ask me again when the payments start. I wish I had news about Jaelynn but unfortunately there isn't anything new. We are going for fingerprints next Friday! Yea progress!

2008-01-30T20:56:00.000-06:00

Today we got our DVD of Jaelynn. I would love to figure out how to put it on my blog. I'm so scared I could accidentally erase it. She smiles in the short time they taped her, and you could tell the Foster mom really loves her by the way she holds on to her ( or maybe thats what I want to see). She looks very well taken care of. They have her so bundled up, looks like double of everything two shirts, pants and a coat. I can't even keep a coat on Cayden in freezing weather. He wants it off as soon as we get in the car. Everyday that passes gets us one day closer to seeing her.

2008-01-27T20:58:00.000-06:00

These are the first purchases, for Jaelynn. I really don't know what sizes to buy. I bought 12 months, so hopefully these will work. I have to be careful especially with all the Easter and Spring stuff that is out. I could cause us to be in financial trouble ( ha ha)

2008-01-24T20:22:00.000-06:00

These are updated pictures we got today from our agency, with a video to follow! Yea! Her acceptance papers are on their way to our agency. They send them to Korea on Fridays!

2008-01-24T08:58:00.000-06:00

Jaelynn born July 12, 2007

2008-01-24T08:15:00.000-06:00

We think her name is going to be Jaelynn. She was born July 12, 2007

2008-01-24T08:12:00.000-06:00

I love looking at her!!

2008-01-24T08:02:00.000-06:00

This is the earliest picture of Jaelynn that we have. I'm not very good a blogging yet so I'll have to put each picture up separate.

Our Precious Daughter we finally have seen your sweet face!

2008-01-24T07:16:00.000-06:00

It was the most wonderful day! I was at work with a patient when Patty my friend and co worker told me that I had a phone call. My body started shaking at the possibility of this really could be it!! The voice on the other end said Jill we have a referral for you!! Its a girl, after that it was kind a blur literally because I was now crying the most happiest tears. I got some of the details. She was born July 12, 2007 (6 months 12 days). I then had to go back to work. I had a patient waiting for me. I am a Dental hygienist. The lady was so excited for my family, I had to stop few times to wipe my eyes because of my happy tears. I think she understood.

I called my husband and Dr's office to have the medicals looked at. My husband and I sat there looking at the health history, already in love with a baby we haven't seen or touched yet. We decided to tell the kids all at one time. So that night we sat them down and Randy told them they have a new baby sister! They were all very excited and wanted to go get her now! We then all went to the computer room and pulled her sweet face up on the screen. It was the first time we all saw her. Cayden 3 wanted to kiss the screen, he also decided her name was going to be Cinderella. He cried when we told him that we probably wouldn't us that name. After I told him that was a story book name he decided we are right but after some thought he came up with Angel. Although fitting I don't think we will use that one either. I am going to try to post her picture

Also for everyone who doesn't know we have switched to Korea to find our little girl.

It's been a long time

2007-10-04T20:29:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would post today. Wasn't even sure I could remember the pass word. Still trying to be patient, very few referrals this month. What the hecks going on?

2007-07-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would post today, again waiting for referrals. I'm not sure why I even follow whats going on. It doesn't do me any good. We are years away from getting our little China girl. I'm not even sure at this point its even going to happen.

2007-06-16T21:09:00.000-05:00

This is my Logan, isn't he sooo cute!!!!!

Fathers Day!!!

2007-06-16T20:32:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrated Fathers Day at my sisters house. We had a fish fry and lots of other food. It was a good day.

2007-06-10T09:39:00.000-05:00

These are my "Hunter's"!!

2007-06-08T19:50:00.000-05:00

2007-06-08T19:44:00.000-05:00

Still trying to figure this all out, I better hurry only 2-3 years left.

2007-06-07T21:04:00.002-05:00

This is Trystan, He is 2 weeks old today. He is my nieces newest little boy. She had to stay in the hospital a little longer and we got to keep him overnight. I got to keep him three nights and possible this Friday. Mom Nichole is doing good.

2007-06-07T20:08:00.000-05:00

The referrals are in, and it is good to see all of their little faces. I do have to admit that it really doesn't seem like it will ever happen for us. The wait just keeps getting farther and farther out.

2007-06-07T19:27:00.000-05:00

I'm just trying to see how this all works hoping someday it will have our daughters picture in it!!!