The last week before we go home!

This week we spent a lot of time playing, laughing and getting to know each other. This included a trip to Tae  Lao Lao’s house (Great Grandma) and a meal out with her.  Pow Pow and Gong Gong (Grandpa and Grandma) even went with us to Edwards Apple Orchard where we encountered apple donuts!   There were several other firsts this week, which included Swedish Pancakes, new friends and a Chiropractor visit. As we were driving by I was nudged by the Holy Spirit to notice a fish symbol on top of a Chiropractor sign.  As we turned around we decided to go in as Becke’s back was suffering.  No sooner than I entered the receptionist said: ‘Dan Haas, is that you?’.  The receptionist then said: ‘no missionary or pastor pays money to come here’!  As I looked up I noticed Brenda speaking, a lady from Creekwood Church!  With an appointment made for Becke I came out to the car and told Becke. We then had a mini praise service, thanking God for the divine appointment.  Part of how we praised was using a Mandarin kids praise CD.  When we have the CD on we can hear a little voice singing along in the back seat!  Another way we try and bring Mandarin into our world is through YouTube videos showing kids singing Praise Music.  A favorite song of all of ours is: Jesus Loves You. 

All in all this week can be summed up with new foods, God moments and fun bonding moments.

 At Rockford Roasters (a roasting coffee house downtown Rockford)

 Lily's face cracks me up the most!

 Four generation picture!

 Gong Gong and Pow Pow with Lily

 Waiting for Apple Donuts

 Sitting in a train with Baba

 Our little family!

 Play time with Kate (first time she went off with her without us)

Yep, newest Chick Fil A fan!

She LOVES Bubbles

Lots going on

We have had a fun couple days as we were visiting with Oma and Opa Haas from California. We had some special times introducing Lily to them and watching their hearts grow toward each other. We went to the Japanese Gardens here and playing at the park. 

We drove to Chicago yesterday to get Lily's passport and they said we had to come back the following day. After that appointment we met Oma and Opa Haas at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. It was fun to see her expressions seeing all the fish and animals. Following that we drove to Woodfield Mall and walked around. This was a special time as we found Lily her first shoes that did not pinch and were comfortable. She raced around running all over with Baba. 

We said goodbye to Dan's parents and went to dinner with a friend before we drove back to my parents house. This was a super long day and Lily was really a trooper. She started to get really squirrelly near the end. She fell asleep on the way home.  She then slept 12 hours last night. 

Today Dan had to go back to Chicago to get her passport with Mom. They went to the Korean Consulate to check on how to get the visa. Well, they got the passport but the visa is a no go until we get the certificate of citizenship. So, we are OK to travel back to Korea, but she has to leave every 90 days until we get that letter. 

Meanwhile Lily, Powpow and Mama went to lunch at steak N Shake and then swimming at Mama's aunts house. The water was frigid but we got in. I think Momma and Auntie were colder. WE did get to spray PowPow with water which was super fun. 

 Momma and Lily in the pool

 Pow Pow playing too.

 Having fun

 Great Aunt Cathy playing with Lily.

 They don't make toys like this anymore. I played with these when I was little! This was so fun!

 Lily's new shoes that light up.

 Saying goodbye to Oma and Opa Haas

 Japanese Gardens

Running down the hills and Great Grandmas. This was seconds before Momma bit the dust on the hill.

LOVE THIS GIRL-

Farmers Market

Today we went to a local farmers market which was another first for Lily.  The vegetables were so fun to look at. The local grown sweet corn, the local grown potatoes, squash and even cheese!
I just wanted to run through the streets singing with a huge smile but alas I contained my excitement and channeled it through the lens. 
Its things like this, (the farmers market) that make me miss the states terribly. We both love the midwest and the ease of life here.  Simple ease.

Lily is continuing to bond well with both of us more and more. We love all the giggles, the hugs, the little personality.  We are amazed that the Lord has chosen us to be her parents. We are getting to know more and more when shes tired, when she upset and mostly when shes peopled out. She is an introvert and needs time away from people often. This looks like painting, playing with playdoh, reading or using an education app on the ipad.  This has been huge for us to get to know since we are staying with our parents. The downstairs is her safe space where she can let loose and relax. We have not had many people here. She has not spent time with my brother and sister in law but only a few of their kids so she gets a little time with kids. Kate had to be carefully introduced to her slowly and then they bonded a bit. Lily still is behind Kate (who is around the same age) but she is super gentle with Lily and shows her things in a kid way that we can't. What a blessing. Lily does not like loud abrupt voices or people. Even at the market today she needed both of us around her. She held on to dad and watched to make sure momma was there too.

We went to the eye doctor to make an appointment to get our eyes checked. We had hoped to get hers done too but as soon as we walked up to the place she started getting upset. So, we will wait for her eye checkup. She loved sitting in a shopping car with a little belt on. In fact momma just put her in the cart and she pointed to the belt and said MAMMA!  Ok, I will put it on you.

She is such a detail in the right place type of gal!  We are watching to see what her dominant hand is. I think its left so far but its still up in the air as she uses both!

She is full of spunk and has a strong will but its all wrapped up in a shy quiet little one. When she is in her safe spot she is so talkative! We love it, but I love most about her is her empathy. Even at the farmers market she came across a little one in a stroller who was crying and I looked at her and her eyes were fixed on that child.  Also today I was changing my insulin infusion site and she was so concerned and handed me everything I needed without me even telling her or asking.  Seriously this kid!

 I have to find this bumper sticker!

 Beloit Farmers Market

 The veggies were amazing and I had some culture shock as we can not get most of these.

 Korea does not have sweet corn on the cob! AH! I love the midwest!

 Baba and Lily

 Fresh mini donuts

Bonding days

We have had some really good needed time to bond with Lily. She has had some really good days and good bonding. She has been feeling much more comfortable here at my parents house and is bubbly more upstairs. She still clings to Baba in new circumstances and thats good. He's her protector. Mama gets lots of snuggles, kisses and hugs to and its such a joy!

We went to the post office to find out infromation about where to go to get her passport. The local post office by my parents house doesn't do them. They gave us the name of the person at the one in Rockford that does it.  We went in and talked with them. The gentleman was super nice and came off his break to talk to us. The office staff in the passport area is no more as there have been cuts. So this gentleman called the Downtown Chicago office and they said we could come in and get a same day passport!!! Yippie! So Wednesday we leave super early and travel into Chicago to get a passport. We are praying we get it that day or they said it would be mailed next day.

We have come to enjoy our little family walks at night here in the country. Its a great time for Dan and I to connect to. We talk through our fears, expectations and anxieties. It has been so nice the past few days and its been a joy to walk around outside.

I was able to get out and enjoy some garage sales and found some really good finds. Wednesday during nap time I went to Meijers and Starbucks with my oldest niece! She is so stellar and I really love spending time with her. She is going into 7th grade this year and is a joy to be around.
She asked to have a sushi date before we left like we did last July when I was here.

There are so many joys and moments that take my breath away while getting to know Lily. She loves order, and loves to smile and laugh. Some of the smiling and laughing is showy in that she wants to please us now. We want her to be herself so we are bracing for  more bumps and bruises along the way. Tonight we had a bruise as we asked her to pick up the applesauce she spilled. She knew what she did, looked at it and Dan and shook her head no. So Dan tried again, (I was busy with changing my insulin pump site) and she again said no.  Screaming and crying commenssed and a battle of the wills. We had our Chinese book with what we were trying to say and she understood.  Eventually she gave in and they cleaned it together.

We wonder sometimes if we start now with some light discipline or wait till we get home to Korea. But, in a situation like above there is a difference in when she just does something because she doesnt know and doing something that you know she knows.

Downstairs in my parents house is her safe spot. We are begining to see and understand her signs and symptoms of when she is tired and peopled out.  Lily and Dans introvert blend well together. My extrovert is going a little crazy so I end up talked to whomever I can.  Did I mention I love our little family!!!!

Nai Nai and Ye Ye come to visit!

Today, Oma and Opa Haas (Nai Nai and Ye Ye) came in to stay for a while. We had a down day of relaxing so Lily can get comfortable around them. We played, did bubbles, ate, and ended the day getting ice cream. They brought many goodies with them that were surrounded with love. One such gift was something Lily has fallen in love with. Its an American Girl doll that looks like Lily. What a joy its been to see her light up with the Doll and care for it.  She received many outfits but tonight before bed she wore matching pajamas with the Doll.

Lily has received so many amazing gifts from so many people. These include church members, parents, Grandparents neighbors on both sides and some from people we do not even know. I am constantly blown away by how gracious the Lord has been during this process. Lily is doing really well. She clings to momma at home and when we leave the house she wants her dad, Her protector. They have such a sweet relationship and its such a joy to watch them bond.

 Lily and her Doll!

 Baba and Lily getting Ice Cream

 Lily and her Doll in matching pajamas