Happy 1st Birthday!

So the news on the adoption front has been a bit quiet lately, most in part to there not being any new updates or news to share.  We're in our next phase of waiting, while we have completed and sent off more paperwork to the many different agencies and departments (both here in the U.S. and in Korea) that will be processing and handling all the details of finalizing our adoption.  Korea did confirm that they received and have looked over our paperwork, so that's good news!

But, we had cause for a little celebration this past Friday when we had the chance to celebrate YS's 1st birthday!  Even though he isn't officially a part of our family and is still in S. Korea, we still wanted to celebrate his birthday, sing for him, and give him a few presents, and oh yea, eat some cake too.  We also wanted to take lots of pictures and videos so when he gets older, he'll be able to see how much we loved him and celebrated him.....even before he was ours.

If you know Nathan and Brooke at all, you know they LOVE the idea of having a party, and this was no exception.  The party planners started a day ahead of time and hung streamers all throughout the living room.  Then they grabbed balloons and started blowing them up and hanging them everywhere - finishing with a multi-colored balloon bouquet hanging down in the middle of the living room (think disco ball hanging from the ceiling), all while listening to Veggie Tales and happy birthday music on the stereo.  What an afternoon!  If you are ever in need for some party planners, Nathan & Brooke are your go-to people!  Jill also made an incredible (and elaborate) teddy bear birthday cake (see pic), complete with birthday hat and candle.

When Friday came and we were ready to celebrate, we even had the joy of having Grandpa & Grandma Rasmussen join us, as they were coming home from a trip out East.  It was a lot of fun to celebrate with our family!

After dinner, we opened a few gifts that Nathan & Brooke had picked out for YS, which they showed everyone - a few books, some toy blocks, and soft balls.  Nathan and Brooke are anxiously waiting to read and play with you when you come, YS!  We also have one other gift that we left wrapped up until YS arrives, and can't wait for him to open it up and enjoy it.

All in all, it was a fun night to celebrate our little guy's first birthday.  Although we haven't met him yet, he is very much a part of our family and we are excited that he is our own.  Despite the miles that separate us right now, YS, know that we love you and talk about you on a daily basis, and can't wait to have you as part of our family.  We're looking forward to celebrating your NEXT birthday here with us!