Reflections on our first week with Hailey

As I type this post, it is already Friday morning in Korea.   One week ago today Hailey Jane was placed in our arms and our lives were forever changed.  While our adoption journey has crossed four different countries and five years of waiting, those painful years seem to have disappeared.  She is finally ours and she was worth the wait!

We were very concerned about Hailey's attachment and transition to our family after our initial meetings with Hailey and her foster mom.  Hailey was very shy, she resisted being near us and shed many tears during our time together.  We watched her cling tightly to her foster mom, and wondered how she would feel in our arms.  To our surprise, Hailey has attached very quickly.  Mike carried her in the Ergo carrier in Korea and she absolutely loved it.  During the first few days, Hailey clung to our chests while quickly revealing smiles, giggles and laughter.  She was most comfortable being held, and is just now sitting, playing and standing on her own.  Haley also loves being with the boys and has wondrously bonded to each of us.

While the flight home was long, Hailey surprised us again as she smiled at the flight attendants and waved her little hands at fellow passengers.  She seemed to be content and at home in our family.  When people asked us on the plane about Hailey, they were surprised to learn that she had only been part of our family for two days.

There have definitely been some adjustments at home.  Hailey screamed in horror when she first saw our dog and cat.  However, after a few days, she has begun to smile when they approach her and the tears have subsided.  She absolutely detests the dreaded car seat.  She never used a car seat in Korea, so I'm sure she feels trapped and detached.  However, she has become more comfortable with her new surroundings every day.  She is sleeping and eating well (with a few adjustments).  She smiles when she meets new people and has shocked us with how comfortable she has become so quickly.

We have all had our moments of exhaustion.  Our backs are sore (imagine bringing home a 27 pound baby from the hospital) and we are all adjusting to various life changes in different capacities.  The boys started school the day after we arrived home.  They have been tired, but their teachers have been wonderful.   Unfortunately we have been battling the stomach flu for the past two days.  Yuck! Thankfully Hailey's little Korean system seems to be immune to it!  We are so thankful for all of the gifts, cards and meals that we have received this week.  My mom has been a tremendous help and Hailey has attached quickly to her as well.

Our precious Hailey is worth it all.  She is a treasured gift from God and we are so thankful to be part of the miracle of adoption.  In the next few months we will schedule four "post-placement meetings" with our social worker in our home.  In approximately six months, after completing all of the required paperwork, we will file for an adoption finalization in the Orange County Court.    We look forward to celebrating the day when Hailey Jane Ramsey will become a US citizen and an official member of the Ramsey family (although she's already ours in our hearts and souls).