JMc - 24 things at 24 months

24 Things about John McRae at 24 Months

1.) He's officially a Benefield.

2.) He's officially a U.S. citizen.

3.) He knows his colors.

4.) He shared his birthday week with his friend from Korea, Judah.

5.) He's still in LOVE with Elmo and is obsessed with Elmo being on the tv all. of. the. time.  Yes, we have a problem and are attempting to correct it.

6.) The cutest thing he says is Oscar, from Sesame Street.  It's kind of like "Ok-ah."

7.) He had a great birthday party and got to see all of his grandparents besides one there.  There were about 54 people who came to celebrate John McRae. :)

8.) He loves to play outside, especially in the sand box. 

9.) He is like his mom, he's allergic to pollen. He has to limit his outside time right now because of it.

10.) He loves to entertain and be the center of attention.

11.) He wasn't fond of becoming two, and would hit you if you asked him how old he was or told him that he was two.  He's past that now, but is still having a hard time telling you he is two.  When he shows you with his hands, he holds up all 5 fingers and kinda wiggles them because he can't make the peace sign to show he is two.

12.) He went through a growth spurt at 23 months, but has now leveled off with his eating.  He's so unpredictable.  If you think he is going to eat spaghetti, he'll eat nothing but green beans...or vise versa.  Sometimes, he only wants bread.  There is no time when he refuses junk food, though.

13.) He's still not sleeping in his crib and he is still afraid of the dark.

14.) He's communicating with us really well in the past few weeks.  He is talking more and more and getting his point across even better. 

15.) He still wants to eat rocks.

16.) He's very nosey.

17.) He's a mama's boy :), but loves his daddy, too.

18.) He thinks all meals should be dumped on the floor first and then eaten.

19.) He's changing his looks and if you can even imagine, getting cuter and cuter!

20.) Makes his mama and daddy so proud!

21.) He is lining things up in order.  He puts his biggest crayons in one line and his smaller crayons in another line.  He is OCD about organization.

22.) He learned something new this weekend, and it is great!  He now takes a toy back to his room when he is going to get a new one.  (The OCD kicks in here, too.  He puts it exactly where it belongs.)  Wow, this really cuts down the clutter in our living room! :) 
23.) He is showing us just how smart he is more and more each day.  We joke and say that if he were in Korea, without language delays, he'd already be in med school. ;)

24.) He's been home 7 months with his forever family!

Time is flying and our boy is amazing us more and more every day!

XOXO,

Stacy

Our hearts whispered your name, and God answered.

Laying in bed last night, I started thinking.

This is nothing new because my mind has constantly been racing, contemplating, worrying, trying to make sense of it all, processing so many changes, etc. for several years now.  It seems there is always something to worry about to take away from other joys in our life.  I can't let this happen anymore.  I never got overly happy during our adoption process during the exciting moments, because I was always worried about the next set back.  I know that isn't how God wants us to live, but it is so hard for me to just give it all to him to worry about.  I pray it, but the worry is still there.  Bro. Tilghman had his status this morning as "When we feel that the Lord has let us down, we need to realize that in His great wisdom, He is doing something even greater than we asked."  I needed that today and I think many of my Facebook friends and family need to hear it, too.  Another Facebook friend had her status yesterday as "Feeling anxiety-ridden, like the last years of stressors make me feel gun-shy about life...flinching at everything. Ever feel that way?!"  Would you believe that there were 35 comments under her status stating that they felt the same way?  That is verification to me, that I'm not alone and YOU aren't either.

JMc's birthday is fastly approaching and so is his finalization.

Last night I was thinking back to where we were a year ago.

Here is a recap from www.jmbenefield.com, our Baby Jelly Beans website.

November 2009

2nd - Filled Out Waiting Child Application

3rd - Dr. Allen Reviewed Medical File

4th - Accepted Referral!!!

5th - Filled out Questionnaires

16th - Conference Call With Holt

17th - WE WERE ACCEPTED!!!

December 2009

14th - Daniel's Physical

16th - Stacy's Physical

16th - Mailed I-600A Application

16th - Korea Program Called to Welcome us

January

7th - New Medical Report

11th - Received Photo

13th - FBI Fingerprinting

20th - Homeland Security (I-600A) Fingerprinting

20th - Meeting with Catholic Charities

20th - Septic Tank Approved

23rd - Pre-Adopt Class

27th - New Medical Report

February

3rd - New Medical Report

11th - Chose God Parents

15th - Daniel's Birthday!

15th - Daniel's FBI Fingerprints Approved

Stacy's had to be redone

16th - Redone Stacy's FBI Fingerprints

23rd - New Medical Report

 

The only thing on our March timeline was this:
March

21st - Happy 1st Birthday Bak Ha-su

 

Then in April, we began to see more movement in our process.  March 21st was a big day for our boy.  I wondered if he had a party, how his foster family celebrated his 1st birthday, what it would have been like had he spent that first birthday with us?  As time passes, I'm more and more thankful that he was able to have his Dol and first birthday with his foster family in his birth country.  We have wonderful photos showing us the huge celebrations and so many smiling faces.  It's bittersweet, indeed.

I'm honored that he was able to spend these important days with the family that cared for him the first 17 months of his life.  I am forever grateful to them, and I look forward to spending the rest of JMc's important days with him.  I can't wait to send photos back to Korea of his second birthday to let his foster family know that we, too, are taking care of their sweet Bak Ha-su and that he still has that beautiful smile planted on his face.

 

With all of this said, the thought that I could not shake last night was that this sweet little perfect baby boy laying beside me was on an online photo listing.  How could someone so perfect, so precious, so special ever be placed on an online photo listing?  That breaks my heart to ever have to tell him that his picture was posted.  What if he has the feeling that for 7.5 months of his life, he was not wanted by anyone?  I know this isn't true.  He was placed there so that I could find him.  So he could make it to his forever home.  As his birthday nears, I can't help but think of his foster family and of his birth family.  We are so happy and party planning, but they are in Korea wondering where their boy is.  How he is doing?  What are the characteristics that make him Bak Ha-su?  His birth mother is probably wondering if she was right in naming him.  Is he living happy with a happy smile?  Yes mam, he is.  I wish so badly that I could tell her that and put her mind to rest.

 

I'm so honored that so many of our family and friends have told me that they are coming to John McRae's party.  This is so much more than a birthday party under a pavilion, with an Elmo cake and balloons, ice cream, a 4ft inflatable Elmo, chips, dip and sandwiches...

This is John McRae's first birthday with his forever family.  This is the weekend before he is officially John McRae Ha-su Benefield.  In a week, he will no longer be Bak Ha-su.  He will officially be our son forever.

It's a special, special couple of weeks for our family and we are so very blessed to have all of you to share it with.  I can't wait to send these birthday and finalization pics to Korea to show just how happy and loved our boy is. :)

XOXO,

Stacy

Toothless Tuesday

We are yet to make our first trip to the E.R.,

but...

we did make a surprise visit to our dentist this morning.

John McRae hit his lip/teeth/mouth on the bathtub last night

and chipped his two front teeth.

He didn't cry a whole lot, but we all kinda freaked out a little right as it happened.

There was blood and shattered teeth.

Fun stuff.

So, the dentist told me that he wasn't concerned.  If they begin to swell, we will worry then.

They are definitely chipped, but not to the point to need caps or to give him any trouble.
I did ask, "Well, aren't they sharper?"  His reply, "Yes, they are definitely sharper."

Hmm, I hope they don't cut his tongue or lip.

Needless to say, I told Daniel I'm never giving the kid his bath again.

Slightly losing my mind,
Stacy

Pre-Trial

We have our pre-trial set for Friday, March 11th.

Maybe we will get a courtdate to finalize before the end of the month.

I really wanted to be finalized before John McRae's birthday on the 21st.

I could be really bummed out and stop fighting this urge to cry,

but it is what it is...and I have the one thing that truly matters.

My son is home with us.  He's wonderful and healthy.

So, as I fight the urge of a full blown pitty party,

I'm thankful for our son.

I believe in God's timing.

The waits of the adoption process never get any easier, and then you find new adoption related issues to worry about.  With that said, it is worth it.  I'm thankful that this is the path that God chose for our first child.  I'm thankful for the friends I've met along the way, and the lessons learned.

I feel guilty for getting worked up today, because there are so many of you that do not have your children home, and some who are still waiting for a referral.

I remember the heartache of my son growing into a toddler, missing his "firsts," daydreaming of how he smelt and how it would feel the first time I held his sweet little warm body close to mine.

I know that is what you are all feeling.  Please know I pray for you all every day.  Also, the ones of you that went through the wait with me, I continue to think of you and pray for your families as well.

You can trust that when I say that, I'm not saying it out of habit.  I'm really doing it.

So, happy thoughts as we approach our pre-trial, John McRae's first birthday party with his forever family, finalization, and so many other things that we have going on in our little world right now.

Thank you to my friends and family who are always there cheerleading for Team Benefield.

It's that everyday contact that keeps me going.

You all know who you are and I love you!

XOXO,

Stacy

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

It's getting to be a busy time of year.  So, I thought I'd share a yummy recipe that goes a long way.

Thank you, Mrs. Paula Deen.

TWICE-BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE

8 medium baking potatoes, about 4 pounds

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

2 cups (1/2 pound) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided use

1 pint sour cream

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup chopped chives (for garnish)

6 slices bacon, cooked crisp, drained and crumbled (for garnish)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.

Pierce the potatoes and place on a baking pan. Bake the potatoes for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until very soft. (I cook them in the microwave.)

Peel and mash the potatoes in a large bowl with a potato masher or the back of a fork. Add the cream cheese, butter, 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese and the sour cream. Stir well. Add the garlic, salt and pepper and stir again. Place the potatoes into the prepared dish.

The casserole may now be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated until ready to bake.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the potatoes for 30 to 35 minutes until hot. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole and return to the oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Garnish with the chopped chives and crumbled bacon before serving.

Makes 10 to 12 servings

I hope you enjoy!
XOXO,

Stacy

A gift From Holt

I got this necklace in the mail last week and it was a very special surprise!

We were not expecting this at all, but love it!

On the front, there is a Korean flag.

On the back, is John McRae's Korean name

and his date of birth.

We love Holt!

XOXO,

Stacy

Got an extra $20?

If so, please donate to one or both of the great causes below.

Formula for Haiti

http://www.orphanepidemic.com/

We are working to deliver 1000 bottles to the Maison des Enfants de Dieu orphanage in Haiti where they care for over 70 children and help other orphanages in the region.

Every bottle makes a difference!

https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsecure.piryx.com%2Fdonate%2FOsGTxlFo%2Forphanepidemic%2Fformulaforhaiti&h=a3104z4BETLy-aE6cDIJifYmDiw

or you can help Holt by clicking on the link below and ordering rice cereal to be shipped to me, or to my friend Mary Leigh who is planning to take the donated rice cereal with her when she travels to Korea to bring her son home.  If you need to know where to send the donations to, please email or Facebook me.  stacyjbenefield@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsecure.piryx.com%2Fdonate%2FOsGTxlFo%2Forphanepidemic%2Fformulaforhaiti&h=a3104z4BETLy-aE6cDIJifYmDiw

Just think of how we all blow $20 every week, or even daily.  Help make a difference!

You will be blessed =)!

XOXO,

Stacy

Updates :)

As of yesterday at 5:00pm, all of our finalization paperwork has been signed and in our attorney's hands.  He's wonderful, by the way.  We met with him Monday morning at 9am.  I took with me all but a copy of our legals from Holt, but Daniel dropped them off late Monday evening.  Before lunch on Tuesday morning, our attorney called and said everything was ready to be signed.  I had to wait on a JMc's doctor appt. yesterday to have our medical form signed, though.  I think it is truly amazing that this part has been done so quickly.  Our attorney told us that it would move as quickly as we were cooperative.  Needless to say, he's very impressed with our promptness. :)  And we are of his, too.  We are hoping to get a court date very soon.  I really think we will be finalized by JMc's birthday! Whoo Hoo! Praise GOD!!!

{By the way, I was always taught in school that you shouldn't start a sentence with And, but authors do it.  So, it must not be too bad of a no-no. ;) }

JMc's birthday has been really stressing me.  You'd think sleepless nights and poopy diapers would be bad, but these birthday decisions have been a nightmare!  I didn't know where we should have it.  I wanted it to be outside, but I don't trust this crazy MS weather.  I wanted Barney, but we are doing Elmo.  Fortunately, JMc has fallen head over heals in love with Elmo, and I think he prefers him over Barney this week.  Wonder what his obsession will be by his party on the 19th? LOL  I'm mailing out invites today, but I've settled on a location, time, date, etc.  We have also made plans to rent a cabin at a local state park that weekend, too.  Just a little celebrating is in order, wouldn't you think? We hope to do a little fishing, sitting by a fire, walking in the woods, playing at the playground, eating some junk and just soaking in and reminiscing all of the blessings we've been given over the past 17 months.  I'm so relieved now that the planning part is over.  Now, to just figure out what to put in the goody bags, how much food, how big of a cake, if I should do cupcakes in addition to the cake, do the kid's cups need lids, etc.  You know, all of that stuff that if it isn't done just right, the world might actually stop turning. ;)

The 2 Yr well baby check @ 23 months old (we had to reschedule and go early because we needed the paper signed for finalization) went well.  JMc got a good report.  He got two shots that should keep him up to date until age 4, but as our dr said, "It changes by the day, we'll let you know if he needs more before then."  JMc also got two hunks of ear wax removed.  They say that is a Korean thing, but it is something that he and Daniel have in common.  Daniel went with me to the visit, but had to leave before the shots.  He told JMc, "dang, that's grown man ear wax." Haha Our dr said he doesn't have an excuse not to hear the word no anymore.  If he doesn't listen, it is because he's being a 2 Yr old. Haha I wish he'd offered to clean D's out too so he wouldn't have an excuse either. Joking, of course. The shots didn't give JMc any trouble, but we weren't expecting these two to.  He's actually done really good with all of his shots through out the past 6 months.  He's so tough!  Our first visit with the pediatrician was 10 days after JMc came home.  He was 17 months old. 

Here is how much our boy has grown:
9/7/10 - Length 31 1/4  Weight 23 1/4 

(He was like 21.9 when he came home on 8/26/10)

11/17/10 - Length 34  Weight 25.11

3/2/11 - Length 34 1/4  Weight 28.8

The boy likes to eat, can't you tell.  If he hadn't grown 3 inches, he'd be as round as he is tall. :)  He is right on target for his weight.  He was a bit underweight when he came home.  He is on target with everything, but on the tail end regarding his speech.  I'm happy with "tail end" being as though he has only been around English for 6 months.  He really does understand most everything we say, and is really trying to talk.  It's so fun to watch him grow, but so sad that my baby is growing up SO fast!  The doctor was pleased with his progress as well.

Well, that's about it.  Lots of folks to pray for today.  Amy and Leah have their sweet babies in their arms.  Brandi and Abby are so close to having their babies snuggled up tight to them.  Heather is going to be mama to a precious baby girl, Scarlett, today.  WD & Mik are on their way home with James.  Tonsils are being removed, people are having other surgeries, some folks are just having a bad day and there are other unspoken.

Have a great day!
XOXO,

Stacy