A Family of Five

Continued...
We walked into the baggage claim to see our boys with the two biggest smiles in the world for their parents and new little sister.  Cameron and Kyle ran to us just like in the movies.  Grandma Judy, Grandpa Al, and Uncle Dan joined them and graciously took photos and video (we are waiting on these photos but will add them at a later date).  The boys couldn't stop staring at their new little sister and hugging us.  It truly was one of the best moments in my life...my family of five was together for the first time.  The boys made a huge sign, brought balloons, and a huge pink teddy bear for Lauren.  Since it had been a long day we didn't linger too long at the airport.  We luckily were able to claim our luggage almost immediately and headed out to the minivan.  Now one more seat was full!  Of course, it was rush hour traffic so the drive was miserable, but Lauren did a fantastic job riding in a car seat (for the very first time).  All she needed was a little plastic bowl to play with and chew on. She loved to watch her big brother Kyle who was sitting next to her and to listen to Cameron's stories. 

Back at the house we quickly said goodbye to Uncle Dan, Grandma, and Grandpa then began to show Lauren around her new home.  Let's just say she loved it!  Her eyes just lit up when she saw the family room and she immediately began to play and interact with all of us.  Her true personality was coming out.  One thing she really loved was the carpeting.  I don't believe there is much of that in Korea, so she would just rub her hands over it and then lean over and "taste" it.  She clearly wanted to experience everything fully.  Another thing we learned about her is she loves to spin around in circles, and that even though she has been walking since 10 months old, she is very wobbly.  She tends to take a few steps forward and 5 backwards...it's very amusing.  She also loves to give and receive hugs.  When she sees the boys, her eyes sparkle, she smiles so big, giggles and then reaches out with both arms to show her love for them.  Brings tears to my eyes every time.  Cameron adores the hugs and playtime with his new little sister.  Kyle on the other hand, is a typical three year old.  Sometimes he likes it, and other times he doesn't want his sister anywhere near him or his toys.  Before bedtime we got outside for a little bit to let her explore.  Again, there isn't a whole lot of grassy areas in Seoul, so this was another new experience for her.  At first she loved and was "running" around the yard and giggling, but then a few minor topples in the prickly grass led to tears.  We scooped her up and introduced her to a few of the neighbors who had wandered over. By this time it was pretty late, and way past the boys' bedtime, so we headed back inside. 

The boys drifted off to sleep around 8:45 PM and then we began the process of trying to get Lauren adjusted to our time zone and to using a crib.  In Korea she co-slept with her foster mother on the floor, but we thought, "lets at least try the crib and we can always co-sleep if need be".  Also, keep in mind that Korea is 14 hours ahead of us so for her, it was daytime.  We think she did amazingly well.  We got her changed, gave her a bottle and she drifted off to sleep around 9 PM.  She slept until 11 PM and was a bit fussy throughout the night but nothing unmanageable.  She took another bottle in the middle of the night and also slept with Mike in the chair for awhile.  I took over around 5 AM and got her to sleep on the couch for another 2 hours.  I would say she actually slept most of the night - just on and off. 

Today was another good day.  We saw more and more of her personality emerge.  She adores her brothers and wants to be doing everything they are doing.  She LOVES to take a bath.  If you wash her hands in the sink she think her feet also need to be washed.  She still doesn't like the grass, even if wearing shoes.  And she will eat almost anything you give her.  Lauren felt comfortable enough to explore the house on her own today too.  When I would go into a another room she would follow a few minutes later - just checking on me and helping by "folding" laundry.  We got her to take two long naps in her crib today...SUCCESS.  And right now she is off to bed for the night.  Keep your fingers crossed that this sleep schedule continues and improves everyday.

We are so blessed to have this little girl in our lives!!! 

Mike writes:
I just want to add that I am super tired, my back and legs are killing me, and my brain pretty much melts when all three kids talk to me at the same time while throwing food...but I wouldn't trade it for the world. This has been an amazing journey, and really it's just getting started. When I was feeding Lauren her bottle on the plane, I started to tear up, particularly thinking about a long lost friend who will never get to meet her. But I know she is watching and enjoying these three special kids just as much as Robin and I are. I want to thank everyone who has been following along and writing supportive comments here and elsewhere - your thoughts and prayers have clearly laid the tracks for this lucky train we're all on. Now, if you'll excuse us, it's off to the sleeping car...