Family

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

Today marks 4 weeks since we received Ethan in Korea. In the time since, we’ve talked a lot about his adjustment (including this post last Friday), but we haven’t talked much about how well he is bonding with us. When people meet Ethan (including some of you), particularly when visiting one of our 5 churches … Read more

Overall, Ethan’s adjustment into our home has gone fairly well, so far. The key word here is overall. Ethan continues to smile, laugh, and babble more and more. He loves to make all kinds of different sounds. Occasionally, he’ll even cough (something he’s learned from us since we’ve been home). Speaking of coughing, it’s been … Read more

We have been intentional about getting Ethan to know his Grandma and Pappy Flaugh (Joleen’s mom and step-dad) who live within 30 minutes of us. We have been back and forth for a couple of visits. Yesterday, we spent part of the afternoon at their home and had dinner with them. Ethan is warming up … Read more

As noted in one of our last posts, after mailing our dissertation defense drafts, we experienced some more “firsts” with Ethan. Yesterday (Monday) was a gorgeous day with mild temperatures and we couldn’t wait to break out the new stroller (which you may have seen here)! Since we were in State College already to copy … Read more

In Leonard Sweet’s book, SoulSalsa, one chapter is entitled, “Make a Moment.” Sweet writes … There is one day in your life that will be your best day. There is one day in your life that will be your worst day. It’s important to know when you’re having one of life’s best moments. And worst. … Read more

Upon our return home from Korea with our baby we received a packet of post-adoption information from AIAA (Americans for International Aid and Adoption). Turns out, we’ve got some more paperwork to do — including a request for another blood test, which means Ethan will have to have blood drawn again at his next doctor’s … Read more

One of my favorite musical artists these days is Sara Groves. I discovered her through the movie, The Ultimate Gift, which I wrote about here. I also included one of her recent songs, “When the Saints,” in my collection of Songs for Leaders. Also included on her latest recording is a song called “Song for … Read more