Monday, October 25, 2010

Nesting

I think they call it "nesting."  When mothers-to-be suddenly have the urge to clean, organize, fix, wash, etc. I am there.  Very randomly this evening I decided Jae's room is a mess and needs to be cleaned.  Never mind the fact that their is only one piece of furniture in the room (Jae's crib still hasn't arrived) and my sweet little baby boy probably isn't going to be home for months.  Anyway this is the result:

And don't judge - but I am having a hard time giving up my shoe closet.  But at least I have given up a small corner!?!?!  Sharing the shoe closet is the first step.


Sunday, October 24, 2010

More background checks

For those of you that aren't too familiar with the adoption process, a lot of it is proving you have a clean record.  We completed 2 extensive background checks about a year ago - one being the Adam Walsh background study.  On Friday we learned our Adam Walsh study is about to expire so that means another $140 to have it renewed.  At least this one is online only.  No trips to the county jail to get fingerprinted.

Which reminds me of a good story.  It was a little over a year ago that Paul and I went to get fingerprinted for the first time.  Regardless if you need fingerprints for adoption, a security designation or a criminal offense, the place to get this done is at the Steele County Jail.  I am proud to announce neither Paul nor myself had any idea of what to expect inside the facility.  And FYI - for anyone that needs to get fingerprinted, when you first walk into the jail and see no one, please don't assume you aren't being watched!  It took us a little while to realize why the room was full of mirrors.  Oops.  Oh well.
Another helpful "fingerprint" tip - don't ask the on duty officer a lot of questions.  Don't ask things like, "How many beds ya got here?" or "How long can people stay here?" or "What happens when you run out of beds?" or "How much free time to the inmates get each day?"  And if you do, expect a short answer (with a hint of annoyance accompanying the response).
Third, don't touch the large red button labeled, "LOCK DOWN."  I refrained this time, but sure was tempted!  :)

Here's to only going back the Steele Country Jail when we start adoption #2.

Love,
Jae's Mom

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Jae Miles

Jae Miles Herzog

Miles was Paul's idea.  And yes, the name came to him while he was out on a long run a few weeks ago.  But it had more to do with how many miles we have to travel to get Jae...and how every one of them is worth it.  The more and more I think about it, the more it fits.  The adoption process is not a short one and the name Miles just works.

Today was a rough day for missing Jae.  Rather than retreating straight to my hotel this evening, I ventured to the near-by mall and spent close to 2 hours looking at baby things.  It is hard to pick up clothes that are for 12 month olds and wonder if Jae is going to be too big for them by the time he comes home.  I miss him.

Love,
Jae's Mom

Monday, October 18, 2010

Korean, English...and French?!?

I spent the entire day talking insurance to clients and prospects...and then kissing my new locket when no one was looking.  I love knowing Jae is in there.  It is unbelievably comforting to have him with me at all times.

I also did something that could very well confuse my son.  After I got done for the day, I wandered into a discount book store and automatically made my way to the children's section.  It was there that I picked up and purchased something I probably shouldn't use: A board book.  In French.  I was all proud of myself until I called Paul and he laughed and said (I'm paraphrasing here):  "Ummm, Honey?!?  Don't you think it is going to be hard enough for Jae to go from hearing exclusivley Korean to exclusivley English?  I don't think throwing a 3rd language into the mix is a good idea."  :)  I don't know what I was thinking!  I speak a little French and I guess I just had a "pregancy moment" where I thought my child should learn basic French as well.  Poor Jae.  He was no idea what he is getting himself into.

Love,
Jae's Mom

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Disappointments and Surprises

Hello from a hotel in Pittsburgh, PA.  I am out on another field trip, my last one of the year and hopefully my last one before Jae comes home.

Yesterday was disappointing and surprising.  Disappointing because the crib didn't make it.  The delivery men showed up with a dresser and a crib converter.  Yeah, but in order to ever convert a crib to a bed, we would actually need a crib first.  Bummer.  I was really hoping to get the nursery in order.

Yesterday was surprising because of my sweet, loving husband.  I received a beautiful silver locket with the word, "Mom" engraved on it.  Paul then helped me place two pictures of Jae inside.  That way, I get to carry Jae around with me this week.  I love it.  I write mostly about Jae (the blog's name is Bringing Home Jae after all), but I hope everyone knows how wonderful my husband is.  I can't imagine doing any of this without him.  Jae is lucky to have such a great Daddy.

Love,
Jae's Mom

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Waiting

First we waited for our 3 year wedding anniversary (Korea requires couples to be married for 3 years before they are put on the adoption wait list).  Then we waited for a referral.  Now we are waiting for a crib and dresser!  The delivery man said he would be here between 3 and 7 pm today.
Last night was my first baby shower!  Thanks so much to Anne Hemann and Leah Fritz for hosting such a great shower.  And of course, thanks to all my girlfriends for all the wonderful gifts.  Paul and I just spent the last 30 minutes sitting on the floor in Jae's room reading books and playing with toys.  Between the "Counting" book (thanks Aunt Holly) and "Counting Puppy" (thanks Tammy) I think Paul was finally able to count to ten without using his fingers!  Good job, Paul! 

A picture of Jae's stuff:


Our favorite onsies (thanks Lisa)


Whoa - the delivery truck just pulled up!  Got to go...

Love,
Jae's Mom

Thursday, October 14, 2010

The people that don't know

Paul and I had dinner at the country club last night and got to talking about all the people that don't know we are adopting.  Like, one of the regular waitresses at the country club.  We are on a first name basis with her, but she has no idea we are adopting.  How fun is it going to be to just one day walk in with Jae!  :)  I just can't wait to show him off to everyone.  I picked up our "adoption announcements" this morning, and I have never been so excited to lick 100+ envelopes!  Jae is our world and he isn't even here yet.  We talk about to him to each other, to our family, to our friends, to our pets and basically anyone else that will listen.  My poor dry cleaning lady knows more about Jae that she probably cares to.  This past weekend, I caught myself saying, "Okay, one more thing about Jae/adoption and then I promise I will stop" at least 3 times.

Jae is so loved. 

Love,
Jae's Mom

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Jae's middle name

Paul and I have been debating between two different middle names for the last few weeks.  And as the Riley family can attest to, I gave Paul the final say.  Paul finally made the decision! 

We just ordered birth announcements, so I am not going to announce the middle name here on my blog just yet.  For close family and friends - keep an eye on your mail.  For the rest of you, I am afraid you will just have to wait.

Love,
Jae's Mom

Monday, October 11, 2010

"..and I have a 6 month old!"

This past weekend was really fun, for multiple reasons.  Mostly because it was the first time "Yes, I am a Mom to a 6 month old" came out naturally.  I loved it. 

The flip side is: the more and more I get used to this new role the harder it is not to have Jae here.  On Saturday his room will be basically ready to go and so will his parents.  But that isn't how this game works.  I know birth parents get anxious during the 9 months; but, I would think they also take comfort in the fact that the baby needs to stay in the womb for health reasons.  For us, it is different.  Paul and I try to stay positive and keep moving forward but we are ready to bring our beautiful baby boy home.  Yes, Jae need us.  But on days like today, I think we need Jae much more.

I started my blog for two reason - 1) to inform close family and friends (that I don't get to talk to everyday) how the process is going.  and 2) for Jae.  I want him to read this blog one day when he is older.  This post is for Jae.

Love,
Jae's Mom

Friday, October 8, 2010

Running strollers

Now that the crib and dresser are set to be delivered next Saturday, our next most important purchase is a jogging stroller.  And let's be honest, this can't be any old running stroller.  It needs to be a good one.  Thank goodness for Katie and Straight River Sports - because she told us which one we will be purchasing.  All we have to decide is the color scheme.

So in the first round of the 2010 jogging stroller draft...the Herzogs select The Bob Revolution in chocolate and blue! 



Get ready, Jae.  This soon-to-be-purchased stroller is going to feel like a second home.  And no pressure, Jae, but Mom is hoping that pushing your stroller on training runs will help knock her into the sub 4 hour marathon time.

Love,
Jae's Mom 

PS - We miss you Grandpa O. 

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Tears from a Social Worker

I got a call from "Jen," our social worker, this morning.  She was just checking in to see how we are doing and give us some general info.  I found out it is time to send our care package - which means we are going sleep with Jae's teddy bear and blanket again tonight before mailing them tomorrow.  If Jae is not home by his first birthday we get to send another care package.  Jen also told me we can request 2 updates while we are waiting.  So in a month or two, we ask for pictures and his most recent doctor's visit report.  Is isn't much, but it will have to do.  Hopefully update #1 will come right around Christmas. 

The best part is after Jen and I got through the info session, she asked me how we were personally doing.  I told her good.  We are staying busy and still as excited as we were on Sept 13th when we first heard Jae's name.  I said it is so comforting to know Jae's out there.  He needs us and we need him....and then Jen got quiet...she was getting all misty on me!  :)  I love that she cares so much about us and Jae that she has an emotional tie to our situation.  Paul and I are so blessed to have such a great support network.

On a less emotional front - Randy Moss - Common down!  And let's go Twins!  Paul scored tickets to the game tonight...hence the early post.

Love,
Jae's Mom

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Busy little bees


First of all...Congrats to Lisa Aus on becoming a marathoner over the weekend!  It was the perfect day for a race and it is reflected in our time of 4:42:15.  I will brag up my friend that passed 616 people between miles 20 and 26.2; while, only 25 passed her. 





Other than marathoning, we have been busy cleaning and organizing.  Jae is getting this house in shape!  The garage has been cleaned, another bedroom painted (see Jae's room above) and sadly, the beloved shoe closet is about to be relocated.  A few older pairs will not make the move - -they will see the inside of the Salvation Army instead.  But, my priorities are already changing and that is a good thing.

No other Jae news this week.  We will just continue to try and stay busy until he comes home.

Love,
Jae's Mom

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Marathon weekend!

Today's post is not really about Jae...because it is Twin Cities marathon weekend!  My neighbor, Lisa Aus, and I are running the marathon tomorrow.  It is Lisa's first marathon but she is ready!.  We have spent many mornings up before the 5 o'clock hour for training runs followed by large cups of coffee.  So if you are out along the 26.2 mile course look for us.  I have a very color coordinated outfit:  pink hat, lime green shirt, blue shorts and white and purple shoes.  :)

Next year, those training runs will include a baby jogger with a cute bundled one year old inside. 

Love,
Jae's Mom