Heart and Seoul: February 2013

Thursday, February 14, 2013

17 Month Update

Another great month for a Benjamin spotting, and he's even wearing an outfit we sent him back in October as part of the orange and blue care package. Love it! And look at that face!!! He's just hoping and thinking and praying his mommy and daddy come get him soon : )

February 12, 2013
Weight: 24.3 lbs
Height: 31.65 inches
Teeth: 8 top & 6 bottom

Care Package #13

Some more great stuff headed over to Benjamin and his foster family!! Actually I've been holding on to this crab sweatshirt for some time now, it's so darn cute!!! I hate to send it and not see him in it : ( But we did get another similar crab sweatshirt to keep at home in a larger size : )

2 shirts
Pair pants
2 pair socks
Plate
Sippy cup
Musical toy (same one he had in his 8 mo update)
3 water toys
Fish beanie baby
Picture
Going on a Bear Hunt (Korean edition)
Snack mix and nuts for foster family
Water bottle for foster brother

Monday, February 11, 2013

Happy Year of the Snake

February 10 marks the start of the Lunar New Year (Seollal) for many Asian countries including Korea. I can only image that our little guy is joining in the celebration with his foster family and maybe even sporting his hanbok again. Typically families celebrate the day before, the day of, and the day after with various traditions, games, and foods. What wonderful memories Benjamin will bring home with him about this major holiday. If nothing else during this long wait, I am so glad he has been able to experience Seollal twice in country...though he was only 5 months old last year.

This year Fred and I enjoyed some traditional rice cake soup which I made for the first time and was great. As well I had the opportunity to attend a children's Lunar New Year celebration at the Urbana Library last weekend with my friend Amy and her little guy. Looking forward to taking Benjamin next year to enjoy the Korean drummers, Tae Kwon Do demonstration, Chinese lion dance and more!

Read more about Seollal
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=941952

Watch how to make rice cake soup
http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/ddukguk

2013 is the year of the snake, which rotates with 11 other zodiac signs/animals. Therefore, each one comes around every 12 years. People born in this year are said to be ambitious and hard working, often times to perfectionism. So this got me thinking...what are our signs??

Benjamin & Sarah - Rabbit

Calm people who do not exhibit aggressive behavior and will avoid confrontation at all costs.

Quite keen and pays close attention to the situations developing around him.

He is intelligent and quick and can talk himself in or out of most situations with no problem.

One of the most stylish creatures of the Chinese Animal Signs and finds interest in different cultures.

Fred - Rooster

Flamboyant personality, feisty and obstinate.
Quite the extrovert who loves to strut his stuff and is proud of who he is.
Outwardly confident, is also a trustworthy, hardworking individual.
He'll tell it like it is who no qualms or reservations.

So true in many aspects for both Fred and I. Yet to be seen for Benjamin, but looking forward to exploring his personality and watching him grow into his own : )

Sunday, February 10, 2013

If You'll Be My Valentine

Since it's February only thought it fitting to purchase If You'll Be My Valentine as this months this months book buy. It's about a little boy's valentines to his friends, family and pets sharing all the things he'd love to do with them if they'd be his valentine...very sweet : )

Really hoping this month brings great news to all of us waiting families and our little valentine's get to start traveling home!!!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Care Package #12

Realized I had forgotten to share our last care package which made its way over to Korea in early January...hopefully for a February pick up! With this one, we've hit a a solid dozen packages that have made the long journey over to our little guy. Hopefully only about a half dozen more to go before we can go get our little package and bring him home!