Tractors!

The cider mill by our house has become our new favorite. We've been there several times this fall and it never gets old. It's very small and there isn't much to do but it is very quant. It's simplicity is what I love most. The best part isn't the cider and donuts, nope...it's the table filled with tractors and corn! Well, I love the cider and donuts.

Ryan loves playing with the tractors and could actually care less about the cider and donuts. Ryan and I made a visit there yesterday because we were bored of being trapped inside on a cold rainy fall day. When we pulled up Ry started yelling Tractors Mama! Tractors!!! When it was time to go almost an hour later someone was very unhappy!

Baby Pictures

Newborn photos of Ryan are something we never had until today! I have only dreamed of what his sweet little faced look liked the day he was born or soon after. Here is a time when I can say thank you to facebook! Facebook has given me the opportunity to join a group of other Korean Adoptive families who are either in the process of adopting, have already adopted or both. There are about 80 women in this group from all over the country that I feel like I am really getting to know. It's been an awesome support and way to find out information. It is a wonderful way to feel connected to others that are going through the same thing and know that you aren't alone in this process.

Last week someone had posted in the adoption group that they emailed the SWS Post Adoption Services inquiring early photos of their child. This person then received several photos a few days later. This person was ever so kind to share this information with us. Up until then, I didn't even know we could contact anyone in Korea regarding this informaiton. So glad for this group because I would have otherwise missed out on these very important photos of Ryan. So, this morning when I woke up these photos were waiting for me from this very nice lady in Korea... I wish I could give her a great a big hug.

She has no idea how much these pictures of Ryan mean to us and will someday mean to him. I was and still am overwhelmed with emotions and am so thankful that we have these beautiful pictures. He was and still is so precious.

Family Photo Shoot

We had the opportunity to have some photos taken by a photographer my friend knows. We went last weekend and it was the perfect fall day and better yet, the spot the photographer uses for her outdoor photos was only a quarter mile from our house. As expected, Ryan would not cooperate...which is why we've never bothered to have family photos done. He wouldn't even crack the slightest smile. He just frowned or turned his head. Even though he isn't smiling, some of them actually turned out pretty nice. Luckily for us this photo shoot only cost $60 :)

Here is just a preview of some of the photos....

Fall Weekend Wrap up!

This past weekend was probably one of my favorite weekends of the year so far. We spent Friday night watching Halloween movies (after Ryan went to bed of course). I absolutely love Halloween!!

On Saturday Michigan State won! Go State!!!

Our city's downtown had trick or treating so we met up with some friends to go trick or treating at all the store fronts. It was great! Ryan loved getting candy and he certainly turned heads in his awesome Santa costume! My wonderful husband also made me a nice dinner Saturday night!
Sunday I captured a few fall photos of whats left of the colors. We also enjoyed a wonderful Sunday dinner at my parents house.
Ryan got to run around and play outside.
I got to give lots of love to my new niece Lillian.
We even took a nice long walk down my parents dirt road! It was a great weekend.

My BFF

My sister is one of my favorite people. She is my best friend. She is the person I turn to first. She is the one person in the life that I know will always be there for me. She understands me in a way that no one else does. She always has my back. She never judges me. She is always supportive. She is a loving Auntie to Ryan. She is a wonderful person.

I've been blessed with many wonderful people in my life but there is just something a little extra special about my sister. Maybe it's because we are very similar or maybe it's because she's awesome. Yes, we bicker and argue but what sister's don't?? She's younger than I am but I look up to her in so many ways and am so blessed that God chose her as my sister.

Love....
My....
Sister....

A real smile

Can you believe it...Ryan gave me a real genuine smile for the camera yesterday. I just had to share!!! Maybe it was by accident or maybe this is a sign that the "fake" smile is and will be just a phase!

Smile :)

Whether it's a forced smile....

A fake smile....
A bashful smile...
A turn away from the camera smile...
No smile....
A real smile...
Or a I'm too focused to smile...
This kid always finds a way to make me smile. Although Ryan can be a typical 2 year old and can really drive me bonkers sometimes, I love so many things about him.....Especially his smile...no matter what kind he chooses to give.

Wordless Wednesday...Best Buds

Little Pumpkin

Took a few photos of Ryan to capture this beautiful fall we are having. Surprise! Surprise! The kid will not give a real smile. It's so forced...but kind of cute!

Pre-Pre-School

So, I signed Ryan up for a parent-toddler pre-school class that started 3 weeks ago! Boy am I ever so glad I did...for a few reasons. The first reason is that it is so super cute and Ryan loves it! When we pull up to the building he starts yelling "pee-soo". It's once a week for an hour. It's in the most adorable classroom and Ms. Mary, his teacher is so sweet. The class consists of free play, circle time, craft time, snack and singing. All of these things are done together with the child so it's a great bonding experience too.

The second reason why I love this class is the moms that I've met. There are two moms specifically. On the first day of his class a lady walked in with a little Asian boy who totally looked Korean. I walked right up to her and said "I just have to ask, is your son adopted from Korea?" She said Yes!!! Turns out he was adopted the same month and year Ryan was and they are one month apart in age, only they used a different agency. Better yet, she lives a 1/2 mile from my house!!! The second mom I met is a very nice girl who has the most adorable little girl. Turns out she lives in my subdivision and we have SO much in common and our kids play so nicely together!

I love meeting new people and I love it even more when I feel a connection with the people I meet! Not to mention that it makes me SO happy that Ryan already loves "school". He even runs up to the teacher to give her a hug at the end of class. This melts my heart.