20 Month Update and Referralaversary

Well it's officially been one year since we received our referral of a sweet little 8 month old boy named Cho, Seung Joon....soon to be known as Benjamin Cho Westhoff. There he was in an email from our Social Worker in his bright yellow t-shirt with a profile shot. Oh those cheeks and little nose were adorable. Then more pictures in the actual referral document, one of him as a baby and another of him sitting in the little red chair with the wildest hair ever. Oh my gosh we were in love even before we read a word. He has grown up literally right before our eyes as we've been fortunate enough to receive small updates and pictures every month but one so far. Not only is today the mark of one year, but we were also fortunate enough to receive new pictures....sweet surprise. Seriously can he get any cuter and his personality, boy does that just shine through : ) 

May 9, 2013
Height: 32.76 inches
Weight: 24.69 lbs

Hitting the one year mark following referral, I was sure he'd have his Exit Permit submitted by this time and we'd be well on our way of waiting on a travel call.  However, Korea seems to have a different plan for us (and all waiting families) that's not on the swift side of getting Benjamin home with us. It seems that we've tackled the third in a series of milestones we must hit in order to bring him home (first birthday, new year, and referralaversary). I'm really hoping we only have one more big milestone to hurdle and that's his second birthday. Sadly we hadn't even thought about not having him here with us on his second birthday until recently with all the delays in implementing the new law. But the reality is that we don't think we'll be traveling before then and will be sending yet another birthday care package later this summer. 

I am cautiously optimistic he'll be with us by the end of the year...if Korea would kindly get it's act together and their process in gear already!!!!  On to more waiting, writing letters to his Foster Mother, taping up care packages, and celebrating the first families finally appearing in court at the end of this month. Here's to celebrating our next referralaversary with Benjamin home!!  

Have You Seen My Duckling

I was delinquent last month in posting the monthly book buy but had picked up a little something off Amazon. In a recent care package, we sent over the Korean version of "Have You Seen My Duckling." So now we're happy to add the English version to Benjamin's book racks here at home.