We woke up relatively early to a normal day (which any good storyteller will tell you that bad incidents always occur after a “normal” or “good” day). Our breakfast was good, hearty, and free (because it was included in our night’s stay). At noon we met with Jadon’s foster family who took us out to eat at a traditional Korean restaurant where you had to take off your shoes and sit on the floor. BTW–I have never seen such a spread of food for restaurant meal, and even though I had no idea what I was eating half of the time–it was fantastic. We also enjoyed visiting with Jadon’s foster family who are kind and generous. Time and time again they said that Jadon was their favorite (they had 10 foster children before deciding to “retire”), and he was their seventh.

Saying goodbye was bittersweet. We are so blessed to have this family in our lives, and we knew that it would be at least two or more years before we’d see them in person. But, we also knew that we’d always remain in contact via email, FB, or snail mail. As we were going to our room, we were thinking of our next communications with them.

When we got to our room, we were all still excited from our visit. B.J. and I were still talking about that yummy lunch, while Jadon was sitting on the chair, trying to remove his shoe. He pulled with such force that he fell from the chair, head first, onto the wood floor. Immediately, he had a golfball-sized knot on his forehead, and he was inconsolable.

And this moment, as they say, was when everything changed.

Normally, we’d know exactly what to do and where to go. But, we’re in South Korea. Where do we go and what do we do? We quickly decided that B.J. would take Jadon down to the lobby to ask for the nearest hospital/clinic. I stayed behind with Chloe, waiting to hear any news. About five minutes later, a hotel worker knocked on our door to say that they had already been taken to the hospital by ambulance. Of course I lost it. Two minutes later, I got a call from B.J. They hadn’t left yet; Jadon was crying for me and baby sister. I grabbed Chloe, his favorite toy, Foxy, and we ran to meet them outside. So the Temples took an ambulance ride in South Korea to Severance Hospital. A staff member from our hotel joined us to intrepret and stayed with us during our entire stay.

Side note: I could write an entire post about universal health care since we experienced it first hand. What you hear, wasn’t true for us. We were immediately taken back, got an x-ray, and could have received a CAT scan quickly, too, if Jadon would have been still (the sleeping medicine didn’t take effect very quickly for some reason). We were there from start to finish about 2 1/2 hours. The hospital staff were even worried about the “high costs” due to not being on the Korean system, but once we got the total, we laughed. What we paid was less than what we would have paid for our co-pay in the States. The ambulance ride was even free–charged to the government.

To make a long story short, Jadon is fine. His knot looks much better, and you’d think that nothing ever happened. Remember the hotel staff person? He paid for our cab ride (he went with us) and sent us snacks, food, and a toy for Jadon. First class care all around.

So, how is that for interesting?

So, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but we don’t have a lot to report as far as touring.  A few hours were spent switching hotels, and tonight we ate at an Italian restaurant (don’t worry–we have eaten Korean while we’ve been here).  We’re thankful for this switch to the new hotel–the other was too nice for our pocketbook.  Example?  Our breakfast this morning was nearly $70.  Yeah.  We’re trying not to think about it too much, and if you know B.J., he’s really struggled with it.

Did I mention that Chloe takes two naps?  One morning nap for two hours and one afternoon nap for three hours.  Her napping schedule has also caused us to stay in a little more, which is okay with us.  We have been here before and we’ve waited long enough for her.  She’s worth it.

Tomorrow’s post should be more interesting since we’re meeting with Jadon’s foster family.  They’re meeting us here, and we’ll see what we do from there.

Me (Jamey): “Jadon, we’ve had such an exciting day getting baby sister haven’t we?”

Jadon: “Yeah, I love her,” and gesturing with his hands, “but she’s a little wild.”

I also can’t express the joy of seeing Jadon’s foster family reunited with him.  We plan to meet again this weekend, and I’ll do a post dedicated soley to them.

I’ll post more pictures, but now it’s nap time.    I still can’t believe what has happened today, and it’s just 2:15 p.m.

So far, the funniest two things about this trip are 1) Jadon asking if we could get baby sister now that we had landed (and he’s asked this multiple times) and 2) During the van drive to our hotel (about an hour), Jadon kept asking “When will we get to Kee-ah?”  I guess S.K. isn’t/wasn’t what he was expecting?? 

Well, obviously we’re exhausted and hungry.  We still can’t believe we’ll get Chloe tomorrow.  Wow.  Stay tuned for pictures and a recap of tomorrow.  We’ll also meet with Jadon’s foster family.

Oh, I also have a running list of “Are You Kidding Me”s.  This list will get its own post at some point in the future.  I’m sure I’ll have more to add before we leave.

Until next time….

I’ve also found it fitting to write my first post on Mother’s Day.  I’ve been reflecting on the day’s meaning, thinking about our children’s first mothers, and what a blessing adoption has been to us.  Though the wait can be unbearable at times (for those of you who have been following us on fb, you have heard my whines and cries), the rewards are so sweet.  All I have to do is look at our precious boy and see how far he has come in these last two years.  He has truly blossomed, and I can’t help but to think that we are the lucky ones.  I am so thankful to be his mom, and I can’t wait to meet our little miss to see who she is, what she’ll get into, and how she’ll make us laugh, too (maybe even when we’re not supposed to).

So, for all those friends out there following this new journey, welcome.  Hang on and enjoy the ride.

http://207.45.176.154/~ou812/album/main.php?cmd=album&var1=Jadon/

Jadon wasn’t the most cooperative during the session and we had trouble with squinting due to the sun, but I think we got some good shots. 

What are your favorites?  Help me choose!!

Side note:  The Giants’ uniform is honor of B.J.’s Dad.  For those of you who don’t know, Pops passed away two weeks before we traveled to bring Jadon Min-su home.  Pops was extremely supportive of our adoption and couldn’t wait to meet Jadon.  We think it’s fitting that the Giants won the Superbowl, and we know Pops must be smiling and proud to see his grandson wearing Giants gear.  Pops must be making some smart comment, too. :)  Like why didn’t he wear that in all of his pictures.  Or smart kid.  Typical Pops.

Fourth of July swim

Yes, there are no fireworks pics in this batch.  Why?  Because we didn’t stay up late enough to watch them.  Jadon had a fever all weekend due to teething (molars and canines…why didn’t anyone tell us it could be this bad?), and his sleep (ours too) was essential.  Maybe when Jadon’s two he’ll catch his first show.