Happy Birthday to our son. The weather was great and James had a blast. Here are some photos of his big day.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Everything is great...
Hi everyone,
James is real cool. He still hasn't turned down anything we have given him to eat and sleeps in his crib every night. He ends up in our bed by morning but sleeps in his crib for the most part. He is warming up to more people, especially if they food in their hands. James also talks a lot just like those first video's we saw.
We went to Ichiro last night for some Hibachi to celebrate our 4th anniversary. James was a little bent at us for waking him up but then he realized we were about to feed him and all was good. He even clapped for the chef.
He will be one year old next Saturday.
James is real cool. He still hasn't turned down anything we have given him to eat and sleeps in his crib every night. He ends up in our bed by morning but sleeps in his crib for the most part. He is warming up to more people, especially if they food in their hands. James also talks a lot just like those first video's we saw.
We went to Ichiro last night for some Hibachi to celebrate our 4th anniversary. James was a little bent at us for waking him up but then he realized we were about to feed him and all was good. He even clapped for the chef.
He will be one year old next Saturday.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday Macaroni
James has not turned down any food we put in front of him and he loves grandma's macaroni. He's not to fond of baths or being put in his crib. (He never slept in a crib) He has started letting us change his diaper without freaking out and has been in the pool once and loves it.
Here is a few more photos from his first days home.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Two days home
Hi everyone,
He is so awesome. I woke up today with a gentle slap to the face and a great big smile. He is adjusting real quick and doing well. I finally downloaded some photes from my camera so here thay are.... I get to home photos next time. :)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
He's ours!
Wow.
It was amazing. It was the most scary moment of our lives as well as the happiest. I'm lost for words right now and don't know what to say.
We were all emotional when it was time to say goodbye and James was great until he realized he couldn't see his foster family anymore. It was a 45 minute taxi ride that we never want to repeat. It took about ten minutes when we got him back to the room to calm him. He was so scared. He's sleeping now.
So peaceful.
It's gonna be a long ride home. We are very nervous about the flight but we will manage. Say an extra prayer for us Mom. I think we're gonna need it. :)
We hope you enjoy the video. I will put the link here when the video has been uploaded.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nU6pqQ9tcCQ
It was amazing. It was the most scary moment of our lives as well as the happiest. I'm lost for words right now and don't know what to say.
We were all emotional when it was time to say goodbye and James was great until he realized he couldn't see his foster family anymore. It was a 45 minute taxi ride that we never want to repeat. It took about ten minutes when we got him back to the room to calm him. He was so scared. He's sleeping now.
So peaceful.
It's gonna be a long ride home. We are very nervous about the flight but we will manage. Say an extra prayer for us Mom. I think we're gonna need it. :)
We hope you enjoy the video. I will put the link here when the video has been uploaded.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nU6pqQ9tcCQ
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
5 more hours
While you guys are all sleeping at home (except for you mom), one of our dreams will be coming true. We've tossed and turned all night but the day has arrived and we are ready. I will do my best to get a video downloaded on You Tube to share with everyone.
We thank God most of all for this moment in our life and this special gift we are about to receive. Things don't always happen as quickly as we hope or the way we think they're supposed to. You try to do the best you can and play the cards your dealt. I believe we have done this and we will continue to do this. We have faith, family, and friends. What more can you ask for?
Now go get your tissues! :)
We thank God most of all for this moment in our life and this special gift we are about to receive. Things don't always happen as quickly as we hope or the way we think they're supposed to. You try to do the best you can and play the cards your dealt. I believe we have done this and we will continue to do this. We have faith, family, and friends. What more can you ask for?
Now go get your tissues! :)
20 hours to go
It has been a long day. It's 6:00 pm here and 5:00 am at home. We went to Holt at 9:00 am to meet our tour guides. Their names were Bryan and Sarah. They were young and very nice. We had a good time. We went on a tour of the Changdeokgung Palace. This is where kings and queens resided along with their servants. I can't tell you much else because we took the Korean tour because we were an hour early for the English tour. Sarah and Bryan who is fluent in both English and Korean were our personal translators for any questions we had.
Then we went to another part of the city (not sure of the name) and did more shopping and had some Korean food. The only way I can explain it is it looked like Ziti, but wasn't hollow, it was doughy like Gnocci's, and spicy.
It was pretty good.
We parted ways with our tour guides and went on a squeaky shoes mission.(don't ask)
It almost feels like Little Italy during the San Genaro festival (very narrow streets), but a lot bigger, more food, and more shops, a lot more. You also have to keep an eye out for motorcycles on the sidewalks.
Well, its time to get some rest now. In about 20 hours we will be getting full custody of our son. We get him at 2:00 pm at Holt. (1:00 am for you guys) Then we'll be locking ourselves in the hotel and get to know each other a little better.
Please keep us and James foster family in your prayers. I'm sure this is going to be the most emotional time of the trip.
I'm looking forward to posting another video of us with James before we head home and I'm sure you guys can't wait too. :)
Then we went to another part of the city (not sure of the name) and did more shopping and had some Korean food. The only way I can explain it is it looked like Ziti, but wasn't hollow, it was doughy like Gnocci's, and spicy.
It was pretty good.
We parted ways with our tour guides and went on a squeaky shoes mission.(don't ask)
It almost feels like Little Italy during the San Genaro festival (very narrow streets), but a lot bigger, more food, and more shops, a lot more. You also have to keep an eye out for motorcycles on the sidewalks.
Well, its time to get some rest now. In about 20 hours we will be getting full custody of our son. We get him at 2:00 pm at Holt. (1:00 am for you guys) Then we'll be locking ourselves in the hotel and get to know each other a little better.
Please keep us and James foster family in your prayers. I'm sure this is going to be the most emotional time of the trip.
I'm looking forward to posting another video of us with James before we head home and I'm sure you guys can't wait too. :)
Monday, June 23, 2008
A little more about the meeting
James
likes Italian bread
no pacifier
doesn't suck his thumb
loves picture videos with music
he has sensitive skin
he takes 2 short naps a day about 20 - 30 minutes
he's a light sleeper during the day but sleeps through the night
doesn't stop crying when he is sleepy
drinks 8 oz of warm milk every 3 - 4 hours
likes steamed rice
is a very active baby
picks things up with two fingers
walks holding on to things
he sleeps on the floor or in between his foster parents
likes Italian bread
no pacifier
doesn't suck his thumb
loves picture videos with music
he has sensitive skin
he takes 2 short naps a day about 20 - 30 minutes
he's a light sleeper during the day but sleeps through the night
doesn't stop crying when he is sleepy
drinks 8 oz of warm milk every 3 - 4 hours
likes steamed rice
is a very active baby
picks things up with two fingers
walks holding on to things
he sleeps on the floor or in between his foster parents
What a moment
It happened. All of our fears have been wiped away.
We were an hour early so we decided to walk around and we basically stayed right in front of the place. A few minutes later all of the foster mothers were showing up with their children. Now we were wondering if we were going to see them walk right by us. That didn't happen but a local came up to us and decided to have a conversation that neither one of us understood. He was very nice and it was funny. The Korean people have been pleasent. I busted out my Korean language book and pointed to the words that said "goodbye", shook his hand and walked toward Holt. We walked through the front door and right into James and his foster mother, foster father, foster brother, and the fathers sister. We all recognized each other instantly and there were tears immediately.
WOW.
His little foster brother (4th grade) handed me a half a heart necklace with his name engraved and showed me the other half around his neck with James name engraved. Another WOW moment.
We proceeded upstairs for our meeting and sat in a room with everyone together, they asked Rachael if she would like to hold him, and WOW another moment that will be stuck in my heart forever.
We each gave each other gifts. The foster family gave us framed photos of James ( he is very photogenic). You'll see them soon.
After the meeting, which was about an hour, we saw the Dr. for his final exam. James is just getting over a cold and congestion, so the trip home may be tough.
We took some photos together and video (I'll be posting soon).
The foster family is Catholic and was very happy to know that we will be christening James.
I'll write some more later. I'm going to work on the video now.
Link to the video :)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KeODquBx8hs
We were an hour early so we decided to walk around and we basically stayed right in front of the place. A few minutes later all of the foster mothers were showing up with their children. Now we were wondering if we were going to see them walk right by us. That didn't happen but a local came up to us and decided to have a conversation that neither one of us understood. He was very nice and it was funny. The Korean people have been pleasent. I busted out my Korean language book and pointed to the words that said "goodbye", shook his hand and walked toward Holt. We walked through the front door and right into James and his foster mother, foster father, foster brother, and the fathers sister. We all recognized each other instantly and there were tears immediately.
WOW.
His little foster brother (4th grade) handed me a half a heart necklace with his name engraved and showed me the other half around his neck with James name engraved. Another WOW moment.
We proceeded upstairs for our meeting and sat in a room with everyone together, they asked Rachael if she would like to hold him, and WOW another moment that will be stuck in my heart forever.
We each gave each other gifts. The foster family gave us framed photos of James ( he is very photogenic). You'll see them soon.
After the meeting, which was about an hour, we saw the Dr. for his final exam. James is just getting over a cold and congestion, so the trip home may be tough.
We took some photos together and video (I'll be posting soon).
The foster family is Catholic and was very happy to know that we will be christening James.
I'll write some more later. I'm going to work on the video now.
Link to the video :)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KeODquBx8hs
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Subway System & The Korean War Memorial
Good morning everyone. It's 9:30pm here and 8:30 am at home.
We traveled by the Seoul subway system today. It was very easy once we got our bearings straight. All of the little kids were smiling at Rachael as well as quite a few adults (The men that is). The entire city reminds us of Manhattan, without the skyscrapers.
We started the morning by finding Holt International Adoption Services. This is where we'll be meeting James in about 13 hours. It's a good 25 minutes on the subway. We're both very happy we found it. It's gonna make tomorrow morning a lot easier.
After that we went to the Korean War memorial. It was huge. It had every kind of plane, helicopter, boat, tank, and artillery used in the war. It was nice to visit knowing that dad served during that time. 21 different countries helped South Korea defend themselves against the North.
The Itaewon shopping area was full of street vendors, shops, and restaurants. We ate at the Hard Rock and got back to the hotel around 4:00pm. There is another shopping area around the hotel with narrow street and it seemed about a million bars and restaurants.
Well that's it for now. I haven't been able to download my pictures from my camera or email the video but I'll keep trying.
We traveled by the Seoul subway system today. It was very easy once we got our bearings straight. All of the little kids were smiling at Rachael as well as quite a few adults (The men that is). The entire city reminds us of Manhattan, without the skyscrapers.
We started the morning by finding Holt International Adoption Services. This is where we'll be meeting James in about 13 hours. It's a good 25 minutes on the subway. We're both very happy we found it. It's gonna make tomorrow morning a lot easier.
After that we went to the Korean War memorial. It was huge. It had every kind of plane, helicopter, boat, tank, and artillery used in the war. It was nice to visit knowing that dad served during that time. 21 different countries helped South Korea defend themselves against the North.
The Itaewon shopping area was full of street vendors, shops, and restaurants. We ate at the Hard Rock and got back to the hotel around 4:00pm. There is another shopping area around the hotel with narrow street and it seemed about a million bars and restaurants.
Well that's it for now. I haven't been able to download my pictures from my camera or email the video but I'll keep trying.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Good Morning
Rachael has been pacing back and forth, she can't sit still. We just came back from breakfast and around 11:00am we'll be catching a shuttle bus from the hotel to Itaewon shopping which is next to the Korean War memorial.
It's raining so I'm not sure how much walking we'll do. I think we're going to attempt the subway system.
I'm also having trouble with posting the video on the blog. I think the file is to big. I tried to email it to some of you. Were you able to open it?
It's raining so I'm not sure how much walking we'll do. I think we're going to attempt the subway system.
I'm also having trouble with posting the video on the blog. I think the file is to big. I tried to email it to some of you. Were you able to open it?
Seoul
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_vcTX7zclbI
We have arrived in Seoul. We are 13 hours ahead of you guys back home. The flight was long but not bad at all. We each watched about 3 movies each and the food was good (along with my PB & J sandwiches). It's 8:00 pm Saturday night, June 21st and it's 7:00 am back home.
A big HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you Mom & Dad. 56 glorious years.
Good Night!!!!
We have arrived in Seoul. We are 13 hours ahead of you guys back home. The flight was long but not bad at all. We each watched about 3 movies each and the food was good (along with my PB & J sandwiches). It's 8:00 pm Saturday night, June 21st and it's 7:00 am back home.
A big HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you Mom & Dad. 56 glorious years.
Good Night!!!!
Monday, June 16, 2008
2008 North End Champs
Andrew and his teammates won their second straight North End Little League championship. Andrew went 2 for 3 with 1 RBI and two runs scored in the final game. Andrew also made the all star team and will be practicing for the upcoming tournament. Congratulations Andrew. We are so proud of you.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Travel approved
We will be leaving to meet our son James on Friday. We land in South Korea on Saturday night and have Sunday to explore Seoul. Our first meeting with James and his foster mother will be on Monday morning (Korea time), which will be Sunday night here, at Holt International (adoption agency in Korea). The meeting will be about 2 hours. After the meeting James will be going home with his foster family.
Depending on how James reacts to us we may have an additional meeting on Tuesday. We will also be touring Seoul on Tuesday.
We will be back at Holt on Wednesday. This is "THE DAY". We have a Thursday am flight so he will be coming back to spend the night and forever with us. This is going to be the one part of the trip that we have both been scared of. Taking James from his foster family who have raised him since October. They have gone back and forth to the doctors, changed many diapers, fed him, put him to sleep, seen him wake up, played with him, and loved him. We are eternally grateful to them for their commitment to be a foster family.
We plan to lock ourselves in our hotel room after that, get acquainted with our son, and get ready for our flight home.
Depending on how James reacts to us we may have an additional meeting on Tuesday. We will also be touring Seoul on Tuesday.
We will be back at Holt on Wednesday. This is "THE DAY". We have a Thursday am flight so he will be coming back to spend the night and forever with us. This is going to be the one part of the trip that we have both been scared of. Taking James from his foster family who have raised him since October. They have gone back and forth to the doctors, changed many diapers, fed him, put him to sleep, seen him wake up, played with him, and loved him. We are eternally grateful to them for their commitment to be a foster family.
We plan to lock ourselves in our hotel room after that, get acquainted with our son, and get ready for our flight home.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
We got the call!
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Wow. We can't begin to explain the excitement, butterflies, and nervousness that we feel right now. I'm sure many of you who are reading this and have children are smiling and know exactly what we feel. It has been exactly 2 years, 7 months, and 28 days since we decided to adopt and today we got the call. Our son James is ready to come home to the good old USA.
James Ji-Hun will be one on July 26.
Thank you to all our friends and family for your prayers and support over this long journey and remember to keep checking this blog for updates as we go through this exciting time. You are all going to be able to share this time with us as it happens.
Above is the latest picture of James.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Next step done.
James received his emigration permission from the Korean government on 5/22/08.
The EP is the Korean counterpart to the I-600 approval here in the U.S. These documents represent the Korean and US governments' approval for James to emigrate from Korea to the US for the purposes of adoption. The approval is great news because it indicates that our child's adoption process is moving forward.
Typically, children are ready to travel between 1 and 3 months after they have received this approval. Next, three key steps will occur in
Korea: Holt (the adoption agency) will obtain a passport for our child; then he will receive a visa medical exam by a U.S. Embassy-approved doctor, and lastly an entrance visa to the U.S. will be issued.
Then we can go get him!
His birthday is July 26, so keep your fingers crossed.
The EP is the Korean counterpart to the I-600 approval here in the U.S. These documents represent the Korean and US governments' approval for James to emigrate from Korea to the US for the purposes of adoption. The approval is great news because it indicates that our child's adoption process is moving forward.
Typically, children are ready to travel between 1 and 3 months after they have received this approval. Next, three key steps will occur in
Korea: Holt (the adoption agency) will obtain a passport for our child; then he will receive a visa medical exam by a U.S. Embassy-approved doctor, and lastly an entrance visa to the U.S. will be issued.
Then we can go get him!
His birthday is July 26, so keep your fingers crossed.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Update
Hi everyone,
We've received word that our approval Form I600 has been received by The State Department's National Visa Center and forwarded to the U.S. Embassy in South Korea where the adoption interview will take place. This is needed for one of the last steps in the process of James Ji-Hun to get his Visa, but still doesn't give us a time frame on when we will be leaving to get him. We did receive an updated photo today (shown above) in the mail with his foster mother and some things that we sent them last month.
In other news, Andrew hit his first home run in little league tonight. Way to go Andrew.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
April Medical Update
We received a medical update for James on Friday. He weighs 17.2 lbs and is 27 inches long. He also has four teeth coming in, two on top and two on the bottom. It has been 2 months and 9 days since we found out he was ours and we are hoping to hear something soon.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
James medical update
We received a medical update for our son dated 3/10/2008. They send us one every month. He weighs 16.5 lbs. and is 26 inchs long and has no more cross eyes. The photo above was taken 1/26/08 when he was 6 months old. He is now 8 months old. We have no new news other than his medical update.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Anthony Alexander Gallo
Rachael and Kevin's brother Anthony passed away on Saturday, March 15 in North Carolina. He was 34 years old. Anthony was survived by his daughters Savannah and Maia, mother Anna Gallo and Perry Perno, paternal grandmother Ramona Gallo, sister Rachael Grabowski and her husband James, brother Kevin Gallo and his wife Andrea, and three nephews, Giovanni, Luciano, & James Ji-Hun, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
We ask everyone to pray for Anthony and his family during this tough time.
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