One year ago today I was one very nervous mommy. I remember pacing in our little rented apartment room waiting for the time to be close enough for us to walk down to the agency and meet you for the first time. I had arranged to take a friend’s photos during her first meeting with her little one and I think that helped keep me somewhat calm and busy that morning. I never thought 1PM would come though.
I remember my first vision of you, you were sitting outside with Omma, your foster mom, drinking a little drink at the cafe that is attached to the agency. I was inside and nervously looking out the window. You and foster mom made your way inside and I’m not sure if there is an official policy or protocol of how I was suposse to behave but I basically tossed my camera to my friend and headed into the office area shortly after you. You started to play with a little toy and then saw me and Daddy and quickly got up and buried your face into Omma’s shoulder. We had been told that you were shy, and so we totally expected this. However over the next hour you slowly started warming up to us. Before long you were giggling and letting us hold you and tickle you and play with you. You loved going down the little slide in the room and you thought Daddy was the funniest person you had ever meant.
The hour went way too quickly, and while you had fun with us, it was obvious that you were in a hurry to put your shoes on and head back with foster mom. I know you had no idea what was going on and that it would just be a few short weeks before the “nice people you played with” would become mommy and daddy. It’s taken a lot of time and many mistakes on our part, but many vicotries along the way as well. We have seen the scared shy boy we met a year ago become a full happy vibrant little boy who knows his mommy and daddy and loves us as we love you back. The year has been far harder than I ever imagined it would be a year ago standing in the agency looking out at you, but it has been far more rewarding too.
And I stand in awe of you, you left everything you ever knew and came to live with us. And not just live but grow and thrive and love. We will do all we can to keep the Korean culture a part of your life so that you will feel connected to your homeland as you grow older. You have blossomed into such a vibrant little boy without any fears who is full of life and energy. You still love to laugh and play, and you adore your older brothers and keep us all on our toes.
Edric JoonSoo, I am so blessed and thankful that I get the privaledge of being your mommy.
Hiking Mommy 