Getting Settled In

I've been meaning to post for quite sometime now, but it's become a bit harder to do with a toddler running around :)  It's hard to believe that we've only been home with our little one for almost 3 weeks! My how time flies. Although he's only been home for a short time it feels like he's been here much longer. We've come a long way since taking initial custody on March 11.That first week in Korea was rough with a lot of grieving and a lot of testing the waters like any toddler would do. Sleeping was difficult and bath time was a chore (bath time is still a chore). We also went through a lot of hitting and spitting, but that's much better now. He rarely does either.

He has found his way around our household. Once we got over toddler jet lag (which is horrible) he started sleeping in his own crib and sleeps through the night. We've had it pretty easy on the sleeping. He also is the best eater. He will try anything, but outside of the normal toddler food he loves meat (any kind of meat from chicken, pork, and beef) and any kind of potato chips. The food that has most surprised us is onions. He loves sauteed onions. He eats them like french fries.

The dogs are also getting used to him. He loves the dogs and loves to watch them play. Annie is very laid back and lets Bennett pet on her and give her kisses. Frank is a different story. He is very apprehensive and protective of the two of us. He does see B as somewhat of a threat and has not been as tolerant as Annie has been. B is learning to keep his distance, but when he hears Frank bark he thinks it's hysterical. B will immediately start barking with Frank. To think I was more worried about Bennett being afraid of the dogs, not the other way around.

Bennett has slowly been meeting a few people here and there and has stayed in the church nursery for a little while. Right now we are still working on the bonding process and we grow closer with each day that passes. We're fortunate that both of us get to spend sometime at home with him. Bonding with a toddler is very different than an infant. We've had to earn his trust and love and at the same time build structure for him to help him with this transition. In the beginning we didn't get a lot of affection from him and he didn't even want to hold our hands. Now, we do get many hugs and kisses throughout the day and he will let you hold his hand, etc. It's amazing how these little things have made such a difference for us. He calls us omma and appa (mom and dad in Korean), but he still doesn't quite understand what that means. He will let anyone hold him and freely gives hugs to strangers, but we are working on that. I guess it's better than him crying when he meets anyone new.

In other news, I feel the need to update everyone on our coffee fundraiser - it was a bust. We sold so much coffee and had so many orders from all of you, but the company never sent us a check. They told us we would receive a check for $400, but that never came. We did receive a small check (less than $100) and were repeatedly told that the remainder of our money would be sent soon. They've never been received and the company has stopped returning my calls and emails. Apparently, the company went out of business and took all of our fundraising money with them. Needless to say we are devastated as we were counting on this money to help pay for final travel. I also feel bad because many of you helped us by placing an order with this company. This company came to us highly recommended as we have had friends and businesses in the area use them previously for fundraising. To help make up for this money we will be hosting fundraisers through my Thirty-One business. This way the funds are guaranteed. We will be hosting one starting today and running until April 15 and a second fundraiser in May to start the new summer catalog. You can shop online at: http://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/catalog.aspx?eventId=E4413508&from=DIRECTLINK