Walter Update

On Friday, we finally received a much awaited update on Walter. He turned 1 on May 12, so our Korean agency took some pictures so we could see how much he's grown. Our country specialist also requested a written update for us and this came with the pictures and Walter's first drawing.

He is a little over 20 lbs now and 30 inches! He likes eggs, apples, strawberries, grapes and seaweed soup. He's starting to use a spoon and can drink from a cup with some spilling. Our social worker at ESWS in Seoul reports that Walter loves to go outside, is saying a few words, and isn't just walking, but running! I am having some serious doubts about being able to keep up with 2 runners! She wrote that Walter is an "active and lovely boy. Also bright!!!"

We are so thankful to see how our little sweetie is growing in his foster mom's loving care, and wishing that we could have him with us right now.

The wait to be submitted for an Emigration Permit continues and we have no idea when it might happen. I'm hoping we'll be traveling before October, but you never know. We're praying for patience and God's perfect timing and thankful we have another sweetie to enjoy while we wait.

What I Said, What He Heard

Recently, we've discovered Henry on or IN our piano a number of times! He is quicker than quick and somehow gets up there in just a few seconds.

Two weeks ago, I brought something to the kitchen and came back to find Henry sitting on the piano again. I did the typical, "Henry! You cannot climb on the piano! No more climbing and sitting on the piano...."

He was acting like he wasn't paying attention or listening, so I asked him to tell me what I had said. This was his reply:

"No! Henry, no, no, no, no!"

Guess he got it...

4 Days in the Cities

Henry and I spent a few days at Mama and Bapa L's house last week. We went to our last Bible Study Fellowship class on Wednesday and stayed through Saturday. I attended a travel orientation at our adoption agency on Thursday. Hopefully, we'll be able to use the info I learned sometime this summer. Here are some pictures from our trip to the zoo with Mary and Addie on Friday.


Getting ready to enter the tropical temps.


The one and only picture I got of these two when they were both looking at the camera (kind of) and not moving!


Yes, this is what Henry was most interested in at the zoo. Not all the amazing animals...the food. I think we had been at the zoo for 5 minutes and he had already tried to run into the gift shop 3 times. Mary pointed out the monkeys and Henry pointed in the opposite direction and yelled, "Popcorn!" This picture was taken as we walked outdoors and he spied, not an animal, but ice cream and pop machines!


Having fun at the Zoo's playground.


Can you see why it was difficult to get pictures of them together? Always moving in opposite directions!


Henry waited very patiently for his turn to sit on the tigers.


Walter's first birthday was on Wednesday, so Mama L made ice cream dessert to celebrate. Henry discovered Bapa trying to enjoy some dessert and quickly intercepted a few bites for himself!


What did he do when Bapa's ice cream dessert was gone? He may have borrowed a page from my book...



Oh the mimis! What would we do without them. Henry had fun burying Mimi #1 in pillows and then pretending he was lounging at the beach!

Drumming

After playing with Addie (and a good nap), Henry and I headed to The Heritage House in St. Paul for a little fun with some friends. The Heritage House offers lots of classes for those who are interested in learning about Korean culture, language, food, art, drumming and dancing. Henry enjoyed learning about Korean drumming, the fan dance, and most of all, eating some yummy snacks.


Getting the drums set up.

As you can see from the following pictures, Henry really enjoyed playing the drums:







Getting the fan to open was difficult for me, but Henry snapped it right open!

Playing with Addie

A few weekends ago, Henry and I were able to spend some time with our friends Mary and Addie. Mary and I have lots of conversations that start in one room and continue as we follow/chase Addie and Henry through many rooms!


This is Addie's favorite toy at my parents' house...and the only time Henry is interested in it is when Addie has it!


Too cute!


Both kiddos starting getting a little tired.


Looking for some books and puzzles.


What a sweetie pie.

Eating with Socks

Yes, he's eating with socks on his hands. In a matter of a few seconds, Henry took his socks off his feet, put them on his hands, and tried to eat a cheese stick and pizza. What would we do without him?

Chopsticks

Our friends gave us these great childrens' chopsticks which teach you how to hold chopsticks.


As you can see Henry enjoys using them...but not always for eating! Don't worry, it's not what you think!



Back to eating rice with his fingers.