Where did April go ?!?!

Where did April go ?!?!?


When your in process for an international adoption your constantly counting the number of days.... The number of days it has been since you started the journey, the number of days you have been officially in process, the number of days since your home study was sent to Korea, the number of days before your agency puts out the first Friday of the month update, the number of days you have been waiting for immigrations to process your paperwork, and the number of days you have been waiting for a referral...... and then if your like me you stalk the number of days your fellow online adoption friends have waited to make sure your right on track. So, when the counting becomes to much and your in-laws want to take you away for a last minute trip you drop everything and go.

So we went!!!! We boarded a plane and headed to bright and sunny Florida. We took in the warm sunshine and created some lifelong memories.

We started off in Orlando and visited Sea World, the Magic Kingdom, and Epcot because even though we went last year you never can have to many magical Disney experiences. And yes, this mama was teary eyed again watching her little one take it all in. My greatest happiness comes from her happy moments.

We visited Sea World for the first time and Zoey took in so much from just one day. She has always loved princesses and castles like at Disney but this really left a mark on her childhood wonder. At the shows she stared out as whales and dolphins flipped in the air and even I sat amazed. I had a hard time watching the show because I was so enthralled with watching my little girl.

My little girl who enjoyed every moment of her day. My little one who stared at her map and wondered where we would go next and just what we would see.

We left Sea World with a stuffed Shamu that she has slept with every night since. She tosses it in the air and puts on a show for us just like she saw.

And now when she swims she tells tales of how she is like a dolphin and her face lights up with passion and excitement.

And I wonder, what are the moments that make a difference in our childrens lives?!? Maybe one day she will come to her father and I and tell us her dream is to be an animal trainer at SeaWorld ....... I believe that it is important to fill her life with experiences... Shamu will more then likely be desserted in the coming months but you never know when your creating a defining moment in somesones life.

After having a magical vacation in Orlando..... after dining with princesses and watching my princess enjoy her days packed with rides, shows, and sticky treats it was time to say goodbye to Mickey and venture south for part two of the vacation.

We left and went to my sisters where she had a great big grand gathering of family to welcome us. The day was filled with good food, conversation and laughter. Zoey was able to spend time with all of her cousins and was so tired by the end of the day she immiadiately fell asleep as we ventured to our hotel.

And then for two more days we spent countless hours with family having a wondeerful time.

Zoey got to do lots of swimming and playing with her cousins.

And I got to spend some time with my family.

..... But there just is never enough time ...

and before long

we had to say goodbye ....

and board the plane back to reality.

And back to counting the days ......and waiting......and waiting some more. We know we are getting close because the numbers all point that way :) but we also know that it is "in Gods time not mine".

How cute are they? Happy Friday!!!!!

Taking It ALL in ....

A Wong Kind of Fairy Tale

The wonderful thing about life is that we all have the ability to write our own story as it unfolds. Every decision we make, every encounter that we have, every moment is part of something bigger. We have the ability to create our very own happy ending because the rest of the story is still very much unwritten.

I was talking with friends yesterday, and we were discussing how the small events in our children's lives that make us teary eyed. How such small little beings could make us so happy that the tears stream from our faces as we watch a Spring concert or see the look on our little girls face as she sees Cinderella's Castle as she strolls down main street.

I cry all the time. Great big happy tears. The best part of my day is picking Zoey up from preschool and watching her face light up as she makes her way down the hallway. Always shouting "Mommy" with her arms outstretched - it melts my heart each and every time. I love snuggling in bed with her in the morning, and I love that the very last thing she says to me as she dozes off is "love you Mama". I love that she is growing into this amazing little person, and that as she grows each new stage is my favorite.

I would play a million games of Candy Land and I would have princess tea parties all day if I could keep her small forever. I cry so many happy tears, but often times they just may be bittersweet - she is growing up, fast, and I see this invisible clock ticking. She will be four soon - where did four years go?

So, here we are living the Wong Fairytale....and we have had more than our share of twists and turns and bumps along the way. But, those have just been chapters of the story. And the most wonderful thing is that at any time I can turn the page and start another chapter....A chapter in this great big story we call our life.

I am so thankful for all the family and friends that have supported us along the way. Those who celebrated with us as Anthony & I made the huge commitment of marriage and those who supported us as we began to create a family. I am thankful for those who comforted me during the difficult times and those who prayed for Zoey in her early Nicu days. I am thankful for my old friends who I have known for almost my entire life and for the new ones that I have met because we share one common bond - the love for our kiddies. It is all of you that make the difficult pages easier and the happy pages that much more special.

Every now and then someone will ask why we are choosing to adopt, and the short of it is , that in the big story of life this is what the next chapter is. All of the pages have led up to this moment. Every joy and every pain has prepared us for this journey. Yes, we could have become pregnant again....Yes, every single second of bedrest has been rewarded with sticky kisses and little girl laughter...... Yes, Zoey's stay in the Nicu was a long time ago and overall she is doing well. But, I have to believe that everything happens for a reason and sometimes you have to take a second to reflect on the message.

One thing I know is that Zoey has brought me more joy then I could have ever imagined. From the early days of watching her sleeping to the little person she is becoming she has made me happier then I could ever imagined. My heart has grown so much just from becoming her MaMa. It is this love that makes me want to have another child, and it is her spirit that makes me want her to have a sibling to share her childhood wonders with.

Pretty soon we will be matched with our son or daughter, and Zoey will see a picture of the baby brother or sister that she tells me about a few times a week as we get ready for bed. She is ready to be a big sister, and my heart melts when she wants to buy a toy or outfit for baby brother. We think about our baby who has already been born on the other side of the world and know that pretty soon we will receive miarculous news and we will make preperations and pray for his or her well being.

I feel every bit the same as I did when I was pregnant with Zoey. Someone once asked if we could love the new baby as much as Zoey and I was shocked because I know that biology is the least of what makes a family. Some of the most influential people in my life were not blood related but I consider them very much a part of my family. My heart is growing, and I am thankful that I will be a mother again. I pray the same prayers, and I have the same hopes and dreams. I am carrying this child just as I carried Zoey....in my heart....and I hope that both of my children will have great big beautiful lives.

Divine Intervention

As I was updating my adoption timeline today I began to think about the similarities in dates and my pregnancy with Zoey.

During the month of October we began trying to conceive with Zoey, just as during the month of October we started the adoption process.

On February 10th I got my first positive pregnancy test - and this time on February 10th I became pregnant on paper. My paperwork was completed - and sent to Korea. It was official !!!!

Tonight was the first time I noticed the similarities.

I just can't help but think that the similarities are a sign of divine intervention. A way for God to reassure me that this incredible journey is indeed the path that we are destined for, that we are exactly where we should be. Waiting for His hand to bless us with the referral of the newest member of the family.

So, I know that it is in your time not mine God, but we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the newest Wong. :) Can you help a girl out?

We're Back

Future Big Sister

So, I started this blog almost a year ago - and that was pretty much when I stopped updating it. Wow, time sure does fly. Now that we are on this incredible new journey I thought it was time to bring the blog back again :)

We started the process to adopt a baby from Seoul, South Korea six months ago. It has been a busy six months filled with paperwork, appointments, home visits, and more paperwork all while keeping up with everyday life. We are super excited to have been accepted into the program and officially have been ready & waiting for a match since our homestudy went to Korea on 2/10/11.

Zoey is so excited to become a big sister. When we first began the process if we asked her if she wanted a baby brother or sister she would answer that she only wanted a baby sister. After much emphasis on the baby brother part she is now waiting for the arrival of her baby brother. (which might be a bit confusing if we are matched with a girl) She has been keeping a tight watch on her old microphone rattle she had come across and when I ask about it she tells me that she is going to give it to her baby brother ♥

So, please feel free to check back ( but not too often since I am the world's worst blogger) and join us in our journey.

♥♥♥ Spring Weekend ♥♥♥

Spring has Sprung!!!!!! Anthony, Zoey and I are loving the warm weather. This weekend we spent countless hours engaged in pure family time. From early Saturday morning until this evening I let everything go. I didn't worry about the laundry or cleaning.... about errands or packing for our upcoming trip. I simply enjoyed the warm weather..... and enjoyed MY FAMILY ♥

Saturday morning we left the house early and took Zoey to her first show - Sesame Street Live : When Elmo Grows Up

It brought tears to my eyes to see the excitement Zoey had for the show. I couldn't help but think about how fast time goes .... how one day Zoey will be to big to sit in my lap ...... and she will outgrow Elmo. I am not ready for that day..... so instead I smiled as Zoey enjoyed her popcorn......

.....and I smiled again each time Zoey extended her arm to point to "EMMO" ......

...... and as the show went on I couldn't think of anywhere else I would rather be .

...Or anyone else I would rather be there with..... Mommy, Daddy, & Zoey

Oh, and Bert and Ernie too.

After the show we were able to enjoy the rest of the day at the beach. I have a deep love for the beach. The smell of the salt air, the smooth sand between my toes, the sound of the roaring ocean and the waves crashing on the sand, and the way the sun beats down as the cool ocean breeze tousles your hair.

Each time I bring Zoey to the "BEESH" I am reminded of the beautiful gift of motherhood. I love the way she loves the beach too. I love to think to myself -she gets that from me- because after all she is my daughter and I am her Mama.

I love to watch her take it all in .....

....... to plant her bottom down in the ground as she digs in the sand ........

...... and she takes time to feel the sand between her toes.....

...... and she examines each shell like it was a long lost treasure.....
and through her I learn so much

As I scour the beach in search of the perfect whole shell - she collects the bits and pieces of broken and cracked shells.

When I hand her my whole perfect beautiful shell - she is left unphased.

She makes me stop and think - and realize that in her two year old world everything is beautiful.

I want to bottle that up forever. I want to keep her world safe and shelter her from harm. I want to keep her small forever. Small and Innocent.

I love that the beach gives us a time to reflect and a time to see the beauty in the world.

But,eventually the sunset and it was time to go home.


Sunday ...... Another beautiful day.... we headed to Aunt Debbie's for the first BBQ of the season. Zoey spent the entire day running around with her cousins.....

..... acting like the "Free Spirit" that she is.....

...... Sometimes Serious........

........ Sometimes Innocent........

........ but most often running .... with the wind blowing her hair ............

and always loved by her Mommy and Daddy ♥

Beauty

I once read that everything looks more beautiful when you are looking through the lense of a camera. I didn't believe it until I started on this photography venture. Now, I simply can't believe the beauty that I am able to capture with the click of a button. I am addicted to the sound of the shutter - I can't put my camera down.

I always toyed with the idea of a DSLR camera, but never made the leap. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to work it. They always looked so overwhelming. Last month I finally took the leap. I purchased my camera along with the book "DSLR Camera for Dummies" and a great love story was written.

I can now appreciate the little things so much more.....

the beauty of the water, the trees, the birds.....

Now I see more beauty in sandy feet.....

chalk drawings...


finger paintings...



then I ever have before. I put my eye to the view finder and search for the beauty that I would have never taken the time to stop and see before.

I look back on my photos and see Zoey's hair blowing in the breeze.... her long eye lashes..... the love of life that she has and shows me every single day. Someday, I know, she will be all grown up and these picture will remind me of all the happy times that we have made together.

I still have so much to learn when it comes to photography ..... but I am a work in progress. One day, I hope to look back at this blog and see how far my photos have come. Because I know that now that I have seen the beauty of what this camera can capture I will never be able to go back.