Kyle's "Lost" Tooth

On January 31, 2011 Kyle lost his very first tooth (his middle one on the bottom).  Seriously, I mean he lost it.  It had been loose for a very long time when it finally just disappeared from his mouth.  We aren't sure if he swallowed it by accident, if he brushed it out and down the drain it went, or if it just fell out while he played in the snow.  We pretty much eliminated that it fell out while in he was inside, as we turned the house upside down looking for it.   Poor little guy was so upset to have lost his first tooth.  But luckily, the tooth fairy still came to visit and left him a $1 bill.  I still can't believe he lost his first tooth already since he is only 4.5 years old.  But I have to remind myself that he got his first teeth when he was just 3 months old. 

 A few weeks later on February 19th, his second tooth fell out and this time we had the proof for the tooth fairy.  Just have to explain the hair...he has been to get his hair cut earlier that day and the stylist did some fun things with his hair, which he loved and is so much his personality.  This time he was having a hard time eating because the tooth was very loose.  So with a little help from daddy and some chewing gum the tooth exited his mouth.  He loves the gap the missing teeth have provided in his mouth - he says its perfect for a lollipop.

Some silly hair pictures for your enjoyment:

Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit!

To welcome the year of the rabbit and celebrate the lunar New Year (otherwise know as Seollal or Seolnal in South Korea, which occurred on February 3rd this year) we held several celebrations with friends.  Our first celebration was held at our home for a group of our friends and their children.  We introduced them to the wonders of Korean food with a huge feast.  I spent all day cooking, and if I do say so myself, everything turned out wonderfully.  The menu included the traditional rice cake soup, bulgogi, rice, japchae, seaweed, black beans, mushrooms with green peppers, spinach, bean sprouts, kimchi, cucumbers, and fresh fruit. 

The following weekend we gathered with a very large group of Korean adoptive families at a nearby Korean restaurant.  Most of the children are close in age to Lauren.  It was great to see all those adorable children gathered together with their loving families.    Following lunch, most of us went to the Korean market that is next door and stocked up on some yummy treats and cooking supplies. 

We often think of Lauren's birth family and foster family in South Korea but on holidays and other special days they are forefront in our minds.  We hope they know how much we love this little girl and that we are giving her the best life possible. 

Best wishes for a Happy New Year!  새해 복 많이 받으세요

Starting to Like the Snow

Lauren is finally getting used to and enjoying the huge amount of snow we are experiencing in Minnesota this year.  I think the biggest influence to her change of heart is wanting to be just like her big brothers.  She now asks to go outside by finding her winter gear and running towards the door.  When outside she still prefers to sit in her sled, wave, and sing while watching her big brothers build tunnels, shovel, and sled.  Maybe by next year we might have a true winter fan on our hands. 

 Hanging Out

 Loving the Snow

   Kyle and Lauren

HATS!

For a little girl who hated her winter hat just a few months ago, Lauren now has an extreme love of hats.  Everything can be a hat including buckets, cooking pans, bibs, blankets, and towels.  We have only managed to capture a few of her fashion choices on camera. 

Yes, that is a bucket on her head. 

Ready for a drive in her favorite hat. 

Dancing Queen 

A big smile after stealing her brother's hat.

Our little fashionista also loves necklaces and scarves.  Might have a future fashion accessory designer on our hands!