The Stroller as an Attachment Tool

Before traveling to Korea, we read many books and even attended classes on attachment.  We knew that attachment was a major factor in bonding with internationally adopted children, and we were prepared to do whatever Hailey needed to attach as quickly as possible.  We had no idea that the stroller would be such a huge attachment tool for our precious Hailey!

Haily absolutely LOVES to be near me in her stroller (if she's not being held).  Providentially, we moved to a one story home last April with wood and tile floors.  We have never lived in a one story home and have always had carpet.  We know that God led us to this home for many reasons, but one specific purpose was the easy use of strollers for Hailey.  I use the stroller daily when I'm washing dishes, putting on make-up, folding the laundry and can't hold Hailey.  We often joke that we have "stroller parking" in our entry, since we usually keep two strollers "parked" there at all times.

Hailey often experiences anxiety when we go in and out of the house.  If I set her down on the floor upon entering the house (because I usually need to put away my purse, bags, etc.) she immediately panics and cries.  However, if I set her directly into the stroller, she is as happy as can be!  Since Hailey is so heavy, I have been unable to use a carrier, but the strollers have been a wonderful solution.

Hailey loved trying on my shoes while I was getting dressed on Valentine's Day.  This is one of my favorite photos of Hailey (and she's chilling in the stroller, of course!)...

Today we had our final visit with our social worker.  Korea requires four post-placement visits with a social worker before an adoption can be completed.  We have met with our social worker, Joe Ramirez (with Angels Haven Adoptions) for almost six years while living in three different homes!  Today Joe affirmed that Hailey has changed dramatically since arriving home and has transitioned well.  Hailey didn't want to be held, so I put her in the stroller and pushed it near him.  I had to capture the final visit on film! We are so grateful to be nearer to our court date for finalization and to hearing the judge pronounce Hailey as "Hailey Jane Ramsey".   Stay tuned for updates on the court date!

A Month of Celebrations!

This past month has been filled with many memorable moments in our family.  While we continue to watch Hailey progress in her walking, language development and attachment, we also celebrated major accomplishments with our boys.

Jordan officially became a Boy Scout!  The Cub Scouts has been the perfect environment for Jordan to thrive in and he loves it.  He and Mike worked very diligently to earn the awards required for the "Arrow of Light" award, which he received last week along with his other troop members.  Jordan had an unforgettable experience at his first Cub Scouts camp this past fall and recently told me, "I wish that Boy Scouts met every week"!  He has "bridged over" to Boy Scouts Troop 243, which meets at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tustin, and we cant wait to watch him grow and flourish in his new troop.

Aidan recently completed his i9 flag football season and was drafted to the Tustin Western Little League AA Angels team.   His football team won their final championship game and Aidan was awarded the "Sportsmanship Award" for being a strong team player and encourager.  Way to go Aidan!

We also celebrated a huge accomplishment for Mike this month.  After completing a two year, intensive Bible training course and serving full time for many years as the elder over missions, Mike was ordained as the Missions Pastor at The Village Church or Irvine.  It is such a blessing to serve the Lord together as we oversee missions and orphan care/adoption in our church body.

We have so much to celebrate and so much to be grateful for.  "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His love endures forever". - Psalm 136:1