First Day

Yowza - what a day! We met at ESWS and filled out some paperwork. We met the director of ESWS who gave us historical information about how ESWS was started about how the elder Dr. Kim back in '72 thought that Korean children should be in loving homes instead of orphanages so he started ESWS.

Then we had a very nice lunch in the cafeteria with Dr. Kim and a homeland tour group of 9 - 19 year old Korean adoptees. Finally off to get Yeowon! She is always happy to see us and very friendly. Here is Otto reading her stats sheet telling us what she eats and drinks, about her sleeping habits, etc. Two interesting details: she is talkative all day (hope she can keep up with her brother!) and she likes strangers so you really have to watch her when you go out.

Then her foster family went through what they brought for her - clothes, loads of photos, the toys and books we had sent her, toys they bought for her, a two photo books they made, her Korean name stamp and a traditional hanbok that looks like it will fit a 9 year old. It was so clear how well loved she is by her foster mother and father and brother (an adult) who were all there and cried when they said goodbye as we all did. We took photos on the other camera that we will have to wait to post. Finally they shoved us into a taxi which we really appreciated. Here we are in the taxi:

She was very fussy about the seat belt - she is all 2 year old - adamant about what she wants but so friendly and playful. When we got home we just played in the room for a few hours. Here are Tim and Otto and YeoWon reading a book:

We drew some pictures, cut and forked some grapes and cherry tomatoes which she took turns eating and offering to me and Otto, played catch, and read books. In all the excitement she skipped her nap so we decided to go to an early dinner to Pizza Hut (the foster mom said she likes pizza) which she took one bite of and then started to cry. I brought her the two blocks home while Tim and Otto finished up at the restaurant. We got home where she had a good screaming cry and Tim and Otto followed - Tim went to buy milk for her bottle while Otto sang to her and played music which helped. When Tim got back he filled up that bottle and she drank about half and zonked out. It was only about 6 pm so we'll see if that's for the whole night or just a nap I guess. Whew!