Dear Son: The First Time We Made You Smile

 Dear Son,
 
      Today was a special day. It was a long anticipated, heavily prayed for, exciting, emotional day. We finally got to meet you for the first time!!!! We made you smile and laugh... we shared snacks, tickles, and silly faces. The room was hot and sticky, but we didn't really care. We laid on the floor in our dress clothes and made silly faces just to make you crack another sweet smile.

in front of ESWS

       After breakfast at our hotel, we took a Jumbo Taxi to the agency and arrived over an hour early because we thought "better safe than sorry". We sat in the cafe outside ESWS for awhile to kill time, then filled out our Visa application forms with the staff. As 10:00 approached, the butterflies lingered and our excitement grew! Finally, Mrs. S, your social worker came to get us and said you were waiting.

entryway of ESWS

cafe

      We quickly gathered up our things and followed her upstairs to the clinic on the 3rd floor. You were sitting on a bench in the hallway, kinda hidden behind some large bags. Your Foster Mother, Mrs. K, saw us right away and approached us with tears in her eyes. When she and I locked eyes, mine got a bit misty too and we embraced. All I could think of to say in my limited Korean was "kamsamnida" (Thank you). She shook hands with the rest of the family and hugged Lily, oooohing and aaaahing over her. We looked down the hall as she went to pick you up but were ushered into a playroom and hurried to take off our shoes, pull out the gifts, and set up the cameras.

       Mrs. K carried you into the room and sat down on the floor. We followed suit and started blowing bubbles, but you were very shy and buried your face into her shoulder, not even wanting to play yet. Your sister helped break the ice by sharing snacks, popping bubbles and giving you toys. You started interacting bit by bit, mostly still in Mrs. K's lap. After about 20min, you got up from her lap and started walking around, hopping up & down, playing with us and laughing. You even sat in Daddy's lap and let him tickle you. Fruit snacks and coloring were a big hit. One time, you and Lily were both laying on your bellies coloring on the drawing pad. Daddy asked her to write her name and she started with the "L"; you immediately scribbled right over it!!! Hahaha She wasn't too happy about that and had to retaliate by scribbling over your scribbles! We all laughed & you just grinned.  Aside from a few moments of jealousy, Lily did great honestly. Mrs. K even brought her a traditional Korean Hanbok!!!! We told her she looked like a Korean Princess and that was good enough for her. Lol

        Before we knew it, the hour was over and you were ready to go. We said goodbye for now and hugged Mrs. K, thanking her for all the kind gifts she brought us.

       We are less nervous and more excited to see you again tomorrow morning @ 10:00. Even thought the hour will go so quickly, we eagerly anticipate more smiles and hopefully some familiarity as we play together. We hope that this was just the first of MANY days that we make you smile.

 
                With great love,
                             Omma & Appa (mom & dad)