Balancing Dissertations and Peekaboo

After lunch today, we needed to split shifts between dissertation work and hanging out with Ethan so that we can mail them tomorrow afternoon. At the time I went to my computer to get started on my work, Ethan thought it was a good time to play peekaboo. So we did. Life can be a … Read more

Got Milk?

Sometime ago, a local dairy farmer/parishioner was in our home and noticed the gallon of milk in our refrigerator–something that is the norm in our house, so I didn’t think a thing about its presence, and was surprised that she had noticed! (Probably it’s like me, a pastor, going into someone’s home and noticing their … Read more

Ethan’s 7-Week Report

Seven weeks ago yesterday, we received Ethan from the foster family and the adoption agency in Seoul, Korea. It’s been quite a ride so far. We thought we’d share an update on how Ethan is doing. Today, Ethan made his second trip to the pediatrician since we’ve been home. It was a good doctor visit, … Read more

Preparing Ethan for the Next Transition

As we move closer to the end of our parental leave (our first Sunday back will be April 20), we are becoming more intentional about preparing Ethan for our transition back to work. At the top of the list is the Sunday morning routine (the weekday routine will probably get worked out as we go … Read more

Happy Easter!

Christ is risen! This is our first Easter together as a family. We began the weekend (Saturday) experiencing a little snow from a late season Alberta Clipper that passed through on Friday night. Ethan didn’t seem to be too overly excited about it, though. Also on Saturday, Ethan climbed the 16 steps from the first … Read more

Some of Our Favorite Things

During our first few weeks with Ethan, we’ve written a good bit about the challenges we’re facing with Ethan’s transition into our home. In the process, we’re also getting to know Ethan better and we’re discovering more of his personality. Joleen and I have been discussing some of our favorite things … Ethan’s smile as … Read more

Family Immersion

Our busy weekend, which started with getting our tax returns completed at H&R Block Friday, continued Saturday with our annual Easter dinner with the Flaughs (Joleen’s step-dad’s family). This is always a big family gathering — Joleen’s mom and step-dad (Paul), Paul’s five sons and their families, plus Joleen and I, and new to the … Read more

Breakthroughs

Today marks one month since our return from Korea. How time is flying by. And Ethan continues to make great strides! Yesterday, Ethan met my Uncle Dan and Aunt Judy. At their home, we noticed that he was slobbering more than usual. After we left, we discovered that a top front tooth broke through (in … Read more

Smile

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 … Read more