Kyobo Book Store - Click to Zoom
Today was a great day. Not because we got to tour an ancient palace, go on a crazy shopping spree or eat some amazing food we have never tried before, but because we got to be alone with Halle for the first time as a family and it was spectacular.
Our appointment to see Halle was at 3pm today. We started the day with plans to go see the Korean War Memorial, but we were being kind of lazy and decided to just hit the Kyobo book store downtown. We later found out that the Korean War Memorial wasn’t even open today so that would have been just like us…go to somewhere only to find it closed (ie: Wallyworld). We went to the Paris bakery again and had our normal coffee and baked goods…nothing too spectacular there. We were actually all kind of spaced out thinking about what was to come at 3pm. We headed to the subway and after only one transfer we were at the bookstore. We picked up some trinkets and books for Halle that are written in both Korean and English.
I’m really burned out on Korean food right now. We needed lunch on the way back so we just picked up some KFC…I know, how wrong of us! Don’t be a hater…I just can’t try to decipher another Korean menu right now…my brain hurts!
3pm quickly approached after we got back to the guest house. We got our fancy duds on (business dress is expected at all meetings) and headed downstairs. Halle was waiting for us with her signature headband/hair plugs (yes, we get to keep the headband). Halle was VERY happy to see us, or at least that’s what I’m telling myself. We went to the playroom and started to ask some more questions we thought of since the last meeting. Basically more of…what does she like to eat, how does she like to be carried, and Jake asked what her foster brothers do to entertain her. The foster mother was very impressed that Jake asked that question and she said that Jake was going to be a very good Op-ba (brother).
We played a bit more. She loves when I do airplane with her and she loved the new toys Jake gave her…a hippo that has shaped holes in its back and a couple of plastic rattle eggs we bought at a music store here. This girl loves to smile and laugh. I seriously don’t know if I’ve seen a happier baby…but I don’t really hang out with a big number of babies, do I? We were then given the low down on all the things she likes to eat. The foster mom brought a big bag of goodies she likes (yogurt, cheese, crackers, puffed rice, etc). We also got bottles, diapers, wipes, formula and a bunch of other fun stuff I haven’t seen since Jake was an infant.
I was able to carry Halle around, but when her foster mother is in sight, she only wants to be held by her. She dealt with me for a little while, but then pushed me away and wanted to go back to foster mom. She was getting tired. Jen asked if she could carry her around in the hallway (out of foster mom’s sight). Jen is so smart! Jen took her, and the three of us went into the hallway. Halle was immediately soothed by Jen. What an awesome feeling Jen must have had…finally holding her girl after all this time. It was truly amazing to witness in person…of course I took photos like a mad man (see below). Jake sang nursery rhymes to her as we walked through the hallways soothing her. Jake was incredible and she responded to his velvety tones.
I took over walking/bouncing duties and she did great….for a little while…and then the crying started. Oh ya, I remember this…about 8 1/2 years ago…this kid named Jake kept crying in my ear, but this time it is familiar to me which makes it easy. Just part of the process. Jen took duties over again (whew) and soothed her right back down. Jen is like the jedi master of moms! After our hour was up, we brought her back to the room and her foster mom put her in her carrier and they were off. We have 15 1/2 hours until she is ours forever….and then another 15 hours in the sky. One adventure after another!
Once we get back home I will be putting all of the photos from our trip up in the Photos section of our site.
Here are some photos from today’s meeting.
Halle with her hair plugs - Click to Zoom
Show me that block! - Click to Zoom
Check out my 2 chompers! - Click to Zoom
Halle, Jake & Clay - Click to Zoom
Who likes Banana Yogurt? - Click to Zoom
Jake feeds Halle - Click to Zoom
Everyone gets a turn! - Click to Zoom
Halle feeds Jen - everyone eats! - Click to Zoom
Jake gets his first high five - Click to Zoom
We need to get one of these - Click to Zoom
So much fun! - Click to Zoom
So serious - Click to Zoom
Jen gets to hold Halle without anyone around - Click to Zoom
Jen, halle & Jake taking a stroll - Click to Zoom
Getting...sleepy... - Click to Zoom
I'm gonna slobber all over your shoulder Dad - Click to Zoom
Tired of crying - Click to Zoom
More amazing pictures!!! Have a safe flight home only one more day. Good luck on the flight I hope they gave you something to give her for her ears? You might ask if its possible? It will be so good to be home and be alone….
ohmiheart.
FINALLY. Have safe travels!
OMG…simply the most amazing thing I have ever seen! This is so sureal! My heart is singing with joy and love for the 4 of you! What an incredible journey this has been and I feel like the luckiest sister (aunt) in the worlde to be able to follow this with the 3 of you. I love you more than words can say!
I am smiling through my tears of joy = to see the four of you together as a family gives me such joy and such feelings of peace. At last you are four – Jake sweetheart, I am so proud of you and the interest you have in doing things for your little sister. You are an amazing youn man – and Jen – you are one of the best moms I have ever had the pleasure of observing and to see you soothing your daughter fills my heart. Clay, what can I say – I love you, I am proud of you but most of all you have grown into the man that I had always hoped you would be. You are a terrific father and a faithful and caring husband –
Safe journey home to all four of you – you will handle the flight like pros – I have no doubts.
Until we are able to talk – the pictures were amazing – thank you for allowing us into your experience. We love you,
Mom and Dad
Jen, Clay and Jake, WE just read through the entries and saw the photos – Halle is beautiful and it is obvious that she is full of personality. We are very happy for all of you and we can’t wait to meet Halle. WE leave Tucson today. See you i Minnesota.
Wow, what a second meeting! I am sure you are counting the minutes until you are on your way back home! Again, safe travels to your new family. I cannot wait to meet Halle!
It is so touching to see you with Halle. I’m glad she is warming up to everyone! I’m so thankful to get a glimpse into the joy the Johnston family is experiencing in Korea. She is a lucky little girl!
I don’t care if you are getting sick of my comments being all the same but WOW Clay! I couldn’t be more happy for all of you. What a wonderful thing. The joy in your faces is palpable. The fact that you are documenting this all is wonderful too for Halle, Jake and you and Jen.
Sigh. Sometimes, life is really good.
Oh, how fabulous that technology has allowed us to see and hear about your experiences in Korea. It must be almost more than your hearts can hold. Halle is precious! No doubt, Jake, you will be a loving big brother and will be her favorite playmate. We will be thinking of the four of you today on your journey home. Good luck! Wish we could be closer so we could share in your joy in person. Thanks for sharing with us through the wonderful pictures. We will be looking for more. Whew! we finally got a Verizon wireless card and can receive them much faster than before. We love you and are so happy for you.
Love,
Aunt Judy & Uncle James
Great pics! We can’t to meet her! She’s like a little celebrity….
okay I thing I am permanetly obsessed with this blog! I go on every hour thinking that there is something new! lol Although I know you are sleeping I still look. Obsessive compulsive I have become! But if there is anything that I want to be addicted to it would be this journey and that I am! I love you guys from the bottom of my heart! xoxoxox
Hi you 4 Johnstons:
Wow! I’m crying and happy for you all at the same time. While looking at these pictures made your “dream come true” and mine too. Jake, you are going to be the best brother. I’m so proud of you. Jenny and Clay, what can I say? You are the “bestest of the best” and are wonderful parents. Halle looks like she will adjust nicely to a new situation. Get used to some crying but she and all of you will do just fine.
I checked the airline flight for tomorow morning and you will arrive a liitle early (at least today’s flighjt did). It arriv ed at 8:31. We are leaving here about 7:00 a.m. so will get there in plenty of time in c ase you get in earlier.
Happy travels! Can’t wait to see you all tomorrow morning!
Love, Mom and Jack
Wow this has been an unbelieveable experience for all 4 of you, I have enjoyed reading everything and viewing all these beautiful pictures. You are all a natural with her and she is going to be the happiest baby girl in about a day!!! Can’t wait to hear about teh plane ride home and how she does with her new home!!!God luck on the plane ride back!!
okay it is about 6:40 there I just wanted to send all my love to all 4 of you. Have a safe flight home…and u better call me Clay!! lol xoxoxox
I am in love with this story – she is so beautiful…can’t wait to hear more!!!