Happy 16 Month Birthday!

I called DC yesterday. I had to wait on hold for 10-15 minutes just to find out nothing has happened. No Embassy Appearance (they can't see him picture yet), No returned Packet 3, and No Visa Interview schedule yet. I knew it could be too early to call so I wasn't hugely disappointed. I probably won't call DC again until later this week or early next week.

Today, on his 16 month birthday we got an email with a Progress Report attached. This is our first one! A Progress Report is when a social worker (in Korea, not our local ones) goes to the foster families home and observes/interviews the family. Then we get a detailed report of the visit. Here is a copy of some things we learned about Han-gyeol...

Walks holding on to furniture. Walks well without support. Sits down if the foster mother helps him put on shoes. Throws a toy he is playing with. Uses both hands well. Opens a drawer and takes things out. Likes motion or sound-making toys. If his name is called or he hears something, he turns head and looks at you or it. Shakes his body like he dances when he is happy or music comes from TV. Closely watches TV cartoons (titled PORORO) and nursery programs.


Here is a picture from (http://www.pororo.net/en/index.html) of Pororo the Little Penguin and his friends.

Here are a few more things we learned about Han-gyeol...

Plays pat-a-cake. Makes similar sounds of um-ma and a-bba. Understands simple sentences adults say. If not allowed to do, he stops doing and looks at you. Has well-digested bowel movements twice daily. Takes 240cc of milk based formula four times daily and 200ml of fresh milk twice daily. Eats 2 or 3 spoonfuls of rice mixed with bean paste soup or beef stew (not seasoned with much salt). For side dishes, eats tofu, egg, cheese, and fried potato. If fed sliced bananas, apples, strawberries, and tangerines. Enjoys yogurt, soft cookies, and baby food. Sleeps throughout the night from 10:30 pm until 7:00 am. Sleeps rolling over. During sleep, goes to a cool place and kicks his covers off. Sleeps much better if it is quiet and dark. Naps for one hour twice in the afternoon if it is quiet. Doesn’t fuss when sleepy. Sleeps well if the foster mother hugs and pats him. Has four upper and four lower teeth. The foster mother brushes his teeth. Doesn’t enjoy bath time; since he fusses when his clothes are taken off, he needs to be soothed; however, he appears refreshed and quiets down when his clothes are put on. Is a bit shy with strangers but easily warms up to them. Enjoys outdoor activities. Loves to be hugged or carried on the foster mother’s back. When looking into a mirror, smiles and wants to touch it. If the foster family comes home, he welcomes them.

I love my little guy more and more each day! I am praying we get to travel soon.