The Choi family (AKA the best foster family EVER) came to pick us up at the hotel. Appa was driving (this man could be a NYC taxi driver -- he is THAT good), and Omma (Kyung Sook) came into the hotel to meet us. She was holding the beautiful 10 month old son that they had adopted (they were fostering him with Joseph Sung Min). After brief hugs and bows we gathered our gift bags and headed to the car where we were welcomed warmly by Appa. And to my surprise, little (and when I say "little", I mean "big") Joe was lying down in the back seat. So, one of my first duties (I mean joys) was to be able to hold him in the car on the way to their apartment. For the most part, he was VERY good, knocking on the door and window, pulling at the tissue paper in the gift bags. We made some small talk, and Appa explained that he puts his hand in his mouth when he is nervous or anxious. Yep, getting held by someone, the likes of whom he'd never seen, definitely fits that bill. He got fussy and I handed him off to Omma and she was able to make all things right.
Soon we were at the Choi's house and after a quick introduction to their daughters and Halmoni -- that's Grandma, to you and me, it was time to start getting the man of the hour ready for his doljabee. Omma and Appa got him dressed in a beautiful hanbok, he had a quick bottle to help him power through the festivities and watched a little PoRoRo to get relaxed. I picked up a teddy bear in a hanbok for him and he really enjoyed having it give him kisses or whispering in his years. In the Doljabee ceremony, different objects are placed in front of the children and that they choose is supposed to let you know what their future will be like -- if they will be rich, hard working, have a long life, study, etc -- much like what we do in our family, from Brian's Polish roots. Little man choose the money, "BIG MONEY", Kyung Sook explained to us. Sung Min will have much money.
Big Money!!
After the party, we had a delicious, traditional Korean dinner. It was the best bulgogi ever and the side dishes were just as good. Omma can cook!! We opened presents and watched the kids play while Omma cleaned up the kitchen. It was a heartwarming experience. And the daughters or Halmoni would bring Joseph Sung Min over to me so I could play with him and learn about his daily activities. He really is a sweet, sweet boy. But big. And strong. And I can't wait to bring him home to join our family.
We visited some more and then said our goodbyes -- it was time for the boys to start getting ready for bed. So Appa piled us in the car, and I had the pleasure of Joseph Sung Min falling asleep in my arms -- so sweet. Appa was kind enough to drop us off at an all night market (or so we thought) so we could explore some more. It wasn't what we thought - we obviously weren't looking in the right place, but we had a fun night in all.
Stay tuned...
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