We're getting closer...

... to getting the website done, and starting the launch for Little Lesiw hair accessories. You didn't know I was doing that? Yeah... it's been a work in progress. One of these days I'll get my 'official' website up and then I then I can REALLY get down to business.

I'll actually be up at Apple Hill this fall selling my wares. If any locals want to stop by I'll give you a deal. ;)

If you visit littlelesiw.blogspot.com you can see some other photos that I just recently posted. I'm working with my friend Bree who I actually met when she took 6 month photos of Claire. Bree is a member of an organization called, 'Celebrating Adoption' that offers really great deals to families who have adopted. We ran into each other again, when I was doing the Baby Expo back in January and one thing led to another and here we are today. You can see her work at www.breehesterphotography.com - so feel free to check it out if you want.


This is one of the photos from the shoot that showcases Kennedy and her friend Becca. I thought this was so cute because it caught them in such a 'natural' pose. I think Kennedy was actually doing something with her foot that was making Becca laugh.

Anyway, that's the update for now. I'll let you know if anything significant gets finished, but at the rate I'm going, it could be around Christmas.


OH YEAH - on a totally random note I thought I'd make a comment on the Kidz Bop series. For those of you who aren't aware, they take 'current' songs, edit out any 'negative' or 'adult' language, and have kids sing the tunes. It's completely freaky, yet strangely addictive as well. So I added a sample song - see if you can tell what words they changed. ;)

I'm in love again...

...this time it's with Space Bags.

I'm sure all of you have seen those famously annoying commercials where the woman is walking in a pure white room (where the acoustics sound off since there is a slight echo) and she's talking about all the things you can 'space bag'. I, too, foolishly thought those were lame products that someone just got suckered into purchasing. But I am proud to admit my folly and now I must share the glorious attributes of this truly remarkable bag!

First, it's easy. Fill the bag with whatever things you need to store, and zip it closed. After pulling off the black cap, you see this clear rubber thing that sticks to the inside of the valve. (at least I think this is the technical jargon) Don't make my mistake, and think it doesn't belong there and pull it out. Because once you do, you've basically ruined the bag. (good thing they come in 'value packs' at Bed Bath & Beyond) Then you just put those hose part of your vacuum onto the valve, and wal-lah! It sucks all the air out into this really condensed version.

So far I've Space Bagged a bunch of blankets and all of Claire's receiving blankets and bibs. And then of course, is my favorite... All of Claire's clothes from Newborn - 6 months!!! Yes, it ALL fit, which I can't believe! I was trying to get everything put away and honestly, I need 3 BIG plastic bins to try and fit it all, and I still had some extra 'floaties'. I used the large cube size, and not only did I get all the clothes in, but I added more burp cloths, bibs, and bag full of socks. I'm totally stoked. I don't think this picture gives an adequate view of how much stuff was in front of the crib, but just know, it was ALOT!

I can't wait to start on the blankets in the spare room...

All clothes ranging from Newborn - to 6 months
The stuff on the left wouldn't even fit into a large bin.

The final result! Nice and neat with plenty
of room to spare!

K76-614

I'm the other half of 'K76-613' (meaning: I'm Sara's sister - see garates.blogspot.com if you have no clue what I'm talking about)

I really enjoyed reading the highlights from Sara's adoption file, so I figure I might as well share some of my infomation as well.

But first I want to clarify what made me 'sad' about our foster parent's home being 'located 50 minutes away by bus from the office'. I'm just hoping that they didn't actually have to ride a bus 50 minutes to get to the office, back in the 70's. I can't imagine that being comfortable, and having to bring 2 small children. And then I can't help hope that they didn't have to BRING us to the office - period. It's not a huge stretch to think that they would have to bring us to the office for their final 'farewell' as we leave for America. And many adoptive parents will tell you that when they went to Korea to escort their children home, the foster mothers would be in tears having to say good-bye, and some might even be considered hysterical. So thinking of the 'attachment' that the foster parents have with the children they care for, can you imagine having to say good-bye to 2 small children, that you love, that you cared for, you have no other children, and now you have to take a freaking 50 minute BUS ride home and dwell on it?!?! Honestly, it sounds horrible to me. Almost cruel.

When Bob and I were considering adopting from Korea (oh yeah, we changed our minds on that in case you didn't know) that was one of the main reasons I did NOT want to go to Korea. I didn't want to have to face a Foster mother at the point where I would take 'custody' of the child. I totally and completely respect Foster Parents. I can't imagine going through the heart ache of saying good-bye to these little babies over and over again. (and a little FYI - Korea doesn't have orphanages, they have an incredible foster care system)

But enough of that... here's a glimpse into my adoption file:

Fusses with displeasure when being bathed (runs in the family apparently). Does not like her diaper being wet. Relatively mild in disposition, fussing little as long as she is fed when she is supposed to. (I think that's still true)

Has normal stools 1-2 times daily. (hahaha. Just had to throw that in, like you care)

Likes to be carried on the back or cuddled in one's arms. Is shy of strangers. (totally grew out of that last one)

Another interesting fact is that Sara and I have 'notes' that pinned to us when we were 'found'. Here is what a social worker had to say about that:

When we offered Sara and Rachel, I referred to the note found with them that was mentioned in the older girl's initial social history. As it turns out, there are two pieces of paper, one for each child. The girls' worker had kept them and has written in English underneath the Korean script. The papers simply give the girls' names and dates of birth. One is signed Chung Hyang Hee and the other has Holt Children's Services written on the back. The children seem to be have been well cared for and the idividual who left them, probably their mother, appears to have some education and to have felt concern, instinctively if not intellectually, about the 'who am I' that adopted children often wonder about as they grow up. How wonderful that these children have something tangible about themselves, which very few of our children have.

Here's the thing, I've never wondered about 'who I am'. I've always known. By the grace of God I was born in Korea to woman I know nothing about. Through God's sovereign plan my sister and I were left at a police box at the Cheongyangri Railroad Station. From there we were immediately put into foster care, and 5 months later we became the daughters to Dean and Bonnie and sister to Amy (and 5 years later to Andy). I don't like tea, hate spicey food, love cheese, obessive compulsive about crafting, and I really like buying shoes. That's who I am. And that's who I WANT to be.

I'm thankful for the notes, that we have our birthdates, birth names, and even this information on our foster parents. I NEVER thought I'd say this, but I hope that Sara and I are able to go to Korea and meet our foster parents - and maybe even track down our birthmom. I've contacted Holt USA, (and they can't contact Holt Korea until mid-September some time due to them temporarily 'shutting down' during the summer months as there are so many adult adoptees that travel to Korea at this time), about tracking down the foster parents. So we'll see what happens.

For those of you reading this that have had the wonderful experience of adopting their kids, I just want to say that when your kids grow up and become adults, and if they decide to 'search' for birthparents, know that they might just be curious, or they might have questions, but regardless of all that, YOU are their parents. YOU are they ones they consider 'mom' and 'dad', and nothing will ever change that. Take it from me. I should know.

My Note

Me and Sara

Sara's Note