Today, Ethan enjoyed posing for some pictures in one of his neat outfits that he got at the baby shower at Faith.

The first time we met Ethan at the foster family’s home we noticed how he liked to pose for the camera. And we took a lot of shots that day! But following The Takeaway he seemed a little camera shy (e.g. see the photo we posted earlier today, which was taken a couple weeks ago).

In some cases, Ethan would see the camera and start to cry. In fact, we wanted to take photos during our long trip home, but we didn’t want to do anything to push him over the edge.

Today, it seems the camera-ready little guy is back! We sat him down on the chair and he was ready to be on the move and crawl off, until he saw the camera. Then he sat still and posed. We didn’t even have to coax him to smile!

We are grateful for every stride that Ethan is making!

Yesterday, we had our first of three post-adoption home visits with Cindy, our case worker from Adoption Horizons. Today’s visit consisted of two topics: (1) the process that remains and, (2) Ethan’s progress.

The remaining process
Last month, Randy wrote a little about the rest of the adoption process, but today, we learned there is a bit more work (in terms of paperwork) remaining than we anticipated. There are basically three steps:

1. File the intent to adopt.
2. File the petition for adoption.
3. Finalize the adoption in court session.

We talked more about the court hearing today, which we expect to take place sometime this fall. At the court session, three things will happen:

1. The adoption will become legal and we will receive a certificate of adoption.
2. Ethan’s name will be officially changed from his Korean name to Ethan Quinn.
3. Ethan will become a US citizen.

Following the court hearing we will be able to get Ethan a Social Security number.

The odd thing in all of this is that we won’t receive any formal document stating that Ethan is a US citizen. So, his Social Security card will identify him as a resident alien.

However, after the court hearing, Cindy will help us complete more paperwork to get an actual Certificate of Citizenship for Ethan (which can take up to a year to receive). Once we obtain this document, we take it to the Social Security Office and they will change Ethan’s status to US citizen (with the same Social Security number). What a process!

For now, all we have to do is contact the lawyer’s office to file an intent to adopt. We will work with the lawyer that handles most of the adoption cases through Adoption Horizons (they have the process down pat and and will lead us through the process).

Adoption Horizons uses the Cumberland County Court and knows all the judges. Cindy described the court appearance as a photo op. The judges are happy to pose with adoptive families (it’s the only time there’s no opposing party and everyone walks out happy!). Family may attend with us. It’s like a celebration of sorts.

Ethan’s progress report
We went over any medical updates (immunizations, weight, length, etc.) and what formula Ethan’s on, what he’s eating, how much he’s eating, etc. A groggy Ethan finally appeared on the scene after a rare two-hour nap. He soon transformed into a well-rested, smiling, pleasant little guy!

Ethan charmed Cindy with his cute smile and demeanor. She made developmental notes as he cruised and babbled. Ethan warmed up to Cindy by the end and went over to her.

One interesting question that Cindy asked us was, “What has been the biggest adjustment?” I was upstairs for a diaper change when Randy answered. So I got hit with the question when I returned. I paused — it was hard to think of anything immediately, because life is just so full of wonderful moments with Ethan! Finally I responded, “The 24-hours of it all.” Cindy looked at Randy and smiled. Randy had answered with a similar answer.

A closing thanks
We are grateful for Cindy, our case worker. We always enjoy our conversations with her. She responds promptly to our questions and her return phone calls are never rushed. Her demeanor puts us at ease. She is on top of all the paperwork and requirements and walks us through what we need to do, step-by-step.

Cindy repeatedly expressed reassurance regarding the purpose of these post-placement visits, saying, there is no reason a child would be removed at this point in the process, except for the same reasons that one’s birth child would be removed from his or her home. So, even though there is more to the process, Ethan is our son. We are a “forever family.”

It’s been one month since The Takeaway. Wow. We’ve come a long way in the last month!

The word that came to mind that night a month ago was brutal, but the word that comes to mind now is resilient.

We can’t imagine being taken from our home — our culture, our language — and being thrust into a completely foreign environment, and having any shot at doing well. But, all in all, Ethan has done extremely well. He is very resilient!

If you’ve followed our journey, especially while we were in Korea, you’ve seen a few photos we posted along the way (e.g. 1,000 Words, The Meeting, First Hours with Ethan, Our Amazing Korean Church Family, and Ethan is Home!).

One month after “the takeaway,” we thought we’d post some never-before-posted photos from that night that may give you some sense of what it was like for Ethan (and us). It’s also an opportunity for us to remember where we’ve come from. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

During the first hour and a half, Ethan cried and screamed non-stop. This photo was taken at our host family’s apartment. Here, Joleen and Gloria try to console Ethan, but nothing seems to work. Notice the look of terror on Ethan’s face. It was heart-wrenching (and very loud)!

Here, David tries to console (and/or entertain) Ethan. Both he and his sister, Gloria, were real troopers. They tried everything to help, and they maintained a wonderful attitude throughout the ordeal.

After we left the our host family’s apartment, we went to a neighboring apartment where we had dinner. There, Ethan calmed down for the rest of the evening. A couple things seemed to get his attention — a clock with some kind of spinning mechanism, and a golf ball, which he really enjoyed. We quickly learned that everything goes in Ethan’s mouth. Everything. We also learned that Ethan is very curious (e.g. the spinning mechanism on the clock).

At dinnertime, Ethan gave us a smile (something he does a lot, normally), even on what was a difficult night for him. We also quickly learned that Ethan loves to eat. Seeing Ethan smile was a very welcome site!

Yoonsuk, the wife/mother from our host family, fed and held Ethan during much of the small group gathering we attended that first night with Ethan. In her arms, Ethan went to sleep.

Ethan slept throughout the drive back to the guest house (in Joleen’s arms). We put him in the crib (asleep). It had to have been quite strange for him to wake up in an unfamiliar place in the middle of the night (when two strangers got up to feed him) as well as the next morning.

February 12, 2008, Gotcha Day, was a day we’ll never forget — the tears, the pain, the agony, the joy, the anticipation, and the community we experienced with Christ-following strangers.

We thank God for bringing us together and for all he has done in the days since. And we thank God in advance for all he will do in the days to come!