FIVE

Tommy turned 5 last week - it was a great birthday week/weekend! He has turned in to quite a little man, and seems so much older now that he is a big brother.

Happy 5th Birthday Tommy!!

Two Weeks

The baby has been home for a little over two weeks and so far, so good! He is a very happy and social little guy, he has a great belly laugh, and loves to eat! He also sleeps through the night and takes one big nap. We are still working out a schedule/routine for everyone, but each day gets a little easier! Big brother Tommy is doing a great job showing patience with his new little brother. We are beyond happy and thrilled and very, very lucky!

Happy baby having dinner out on his second night in America!

Silly boys

Hanging with Pops!

Big Brother Tommy!

Family Day

Just 24 hours ago, we were still at the airport getting to know our son! It was a wonderful day, as documented by these photos. I will write more when I have time....not sure when that will be!

On our way to O'Hare - Andy's new puppy was sitting in his carseat!









Tommy and Doug with the stroller and Tommy's backpack ready to head inside the airport.











Tara and Tommy














Some of Tommy's "posse" watching Star Wars while we waited at O'Hare.










The moment we met him. Pure joy!













With the escort who brought him from Korea to O'Hare.










He started playing right away - and eating french fries and apple dippers!












Tommy checking him out.














Yum, apple dippers.










So sweet!

Baby Gray #2

After 11 long months of waiting, Baby Gray #2 will arrive in the US this Thursday, June 23! We are all working quickly to prepare the house and ourselves for his arrival! Wish us luck and I will try to post pictures shortly after his homecoming!

FOUR

Tommy turned 4 last week. Can't believe it. Where have the past 3 1/2 years gone? This year's party was a Star Wars theme and instead of trains and cars, my house is filled with light sabers, Tie fighters, and Jedis!

In other news, we received a referral for a baby boy who was born in South Korea on February 14 of this year! We received the referral at the end of July and will hopefully travel to Seoul in the spring. We have not yet decided on a name, but Tommy has been calling him "Baby Andy" and likes to talk about all of the things he will teach him - and also how he'll put him in time out if he's naughty!

Sweetness

I haven't blogged in ages, thanks to the addicting nature of Facebook. I couldn't pass this one up, though. Yesterday Tommy was being his usual 3 1/2 year old-independent-self and did not want to nap, so he had to stay in his room for "quiet time." When I went to check on him this is what I found - a book in the bed next to him and he was zonked out. I just watched him sleep and reminded myself to soak up every moment. He is growing bigger and older everyday, and his three years with us have flown by. Soon he won't nap, soon he won't need us for so many of the little things we've grown accustomed to. So for now I will enjoy it.

Nearly Three

Tommy turns three in a week and we can't believe it! We had a very fun and busy summer...baseball games, playdates, vacation to the beach, visiting with cousins and aunts and uncles, and lots of playing in the backyard!

Showing off his giant sunflowers that we grew from seed. You cannot see clearly the largest one that drooped down like a showerhead - he loved it. Each day we'd check to see how much they had grown.

Painting faces at the zoo

Enjoying an apple cider donut at the orchard

Perfect fall day!