Okay, so I posted earlier with the brief overview, so if you aren't into details, check out the previous post!

So we left the hotel for the airport at 4:30 AM. We had checked the status of Toby's flight, and he was in the air!

We got to the airport, and through security, and at our gate with an hour to spare! Everything went smoothly! Our flight to Chicago was a little bumpy, and we had to circle the airport for about 20 minutes because of storms. Once on the ground, we were off! We met up with Katy and got some breakfast at McDonalds. Then we headed off to the international terminal. It was only about 8:30 AM, still several hours until Toby's arrival.

We met with the lady that would be helping the babies and escorts through customs and immigration. She said that they would be landing soon, and it would be another 45 minutes to hour and a half til they came through the "A" arrival gates. We watched the monitors, and found that his plane had landed at around 10:50 and we began to wait by the doors.

Once he was through, he was waiving, and came right to us. After a while of holding him, and cuddling him, we had to get down to business. We spoke with his escort about his medications

We spoke with the director of Family Adoption Consultants for a few moments.

We got a picture with his Escort!

Then we went off to spend some quiet time with him. We ran around, played peek-a-boo, played in the drinking fountain, etc.

We then had to take the train to our terminal. Toby loved the train. It was really exciting!

We got to the terminal, and I got him changed, into his Ohio State clothes and a fresh diaper. He didn't like that much, but was fine once it was over. I tried to give him a bottle, he took a little of it.

Then we waitied for our return flight home. Once on the plane, Toby started SCREAMING!! I thought we were in for a long flight. Turns out, he was ready to crash, and HE WANTED DADDY! Nate took him in his arms, Toby laid his head on his shoulder, and he was out! It was precious. He slept the entire flight. Any time I tried to take him to give Nate a rest, he let out a scream that I'm sure woke the entire flight. It was special for daddy, I think!

Once in Cleveland, Taylor, Drew, my parents, and Nate's parents were waiting for us! It was nice to see the kids.  

We loaded up in the car to ride to our car, which was still at the Hotel in Strongsville. Toby did okay with the car seat, seeing as he hadn't been in one before. We got to the car, went to grab some grub at Wendy's and got home around 9:30. Once we were home, we opened his gifts from his Foster Mother. She sent his Hanbok (Authentic Korean Outfit he wore on his 1st Birthday) some clothes, a letter, a necklace engraved with his name and birthday, lots of pictures, a picture frame, a bag, some socks and squeeky shoes!

Once we were done, I tried another bottle. After about 15 minutes of crying, he settled down, and I carried him to our bed, turned out the lights and he was asleep in no time. He reached over and laid his hand on me, and was fast asleep by 10:30. He was restless a little through the night, but didn't really wake until about 5:30. At around 6:30, we got up and had breakfast. Which for him was yogurt and a bottle!

He attached to the kids pretty quickly. He keeps waving good bye to me. I think he wants to leave. I don't blame him. I can't imagine what is going through his head. All I can do is keep loving on him, and letting him know I'm not going anywhere!

More updates later! I'm working on posting all the pictures on a Photobucket account and will post that link once I'm done!

God is Good! I am in love with my boy! (and I  think he likes me, too) 

What an amazing day! I'll write more later, but wanted to get a photo out and a quick update...

Toby arrived at around 10:50 Central time. We got our first look a little before noon, I believe. This photo is him coming through the customs door (in stroller on left). He came right to us, and just wrapped his arms around us. We went to a quiet part of the airport, and played and let him run around for a while. Then we got on the train to go to our terminal. He liked that! We got on our plane for Cleveland, and he slept in daddy's arms the entire time. He would NOT let mommy hold him.

We got to Cleveland where Taylor and Drew waited, along with the grandparents. We arrived home around 9:30 or so. The kids played, he got his pajamas on, opened his gifts from his Foster Mother, and we went to bed at 10:30. I turned the lights out, and he slept for the most part, until 5:30. We got up, had some breakfast (bottle and yogurt) and have been going strong since.

Taylor and Drew leave for vacation around noon today, so I will post more details later. It was a wonderful day. And our prayers have been answered! God is SOOO GOOD! I will post more pictures later as well!

Well, It's about 4 in the morning, and I think I slept about 3 hours last night. I finally laid down at about 11:30 and felt tired, so I slept, but I was up at 1:30 and couldn't sleep, so I tracked Toby's flight! He was in the air!! Then I didn't fall asleep again until about 2:30 or so, and was back up at around 3:15. So I'm pretty much ready to head to the airport... and Nate's still asleep!!! I know, no big surprise!! We want to leave at 4:30, so I'm guessing he'll get up in about 10 minutes or so.

I'm really not sure why I couldn't sleep last night. I wasn't worried, or afraid, or anything like that. I kept praying over and over, for God to provide me the rest I would need to make it through this wonderful day. I head out, with the assurance, that in some way, He has provided the rest I will need! I know He has provided me with lots of adrenaline, because I feel like I could run a marathon right now (I know, never going to happen, but that's how I feel!)

Well, not sure when I will be on again. If I can, I may post from the airport as we await the arrival! According to the tracking websites (yes, I check them all!) his flight is currently running about a half hour early!!

God is Good! 

We can now start counting the hours. As of now, it's about 11 hours until Toby gets on his plane in Seoul. I figured, with all the time differences, etc. he will be leaving Seoul at 11PM our time (Noon on Thursday in Seoul), and will arrive in Chicago at Noon Eastern Time (that's 1AM Korean time!) on the Thursday. I had to practically draw a map to figure it all out!

As I woke up this morning, I was thinking of his foster mom. I'm not positive if he stayed with her his last night, but if he did, as I was waking, she would have been putting him to bed for the last time. It must be a terribly difficult day for her! I'm sure she hasn't slept much, either!

If you are interested in tracking his flight, he is flying Korean Air and it's flight 37. Here is a website you can track it on  http://www.flightview.com/TravelTools/default.asp . I'm sure I'll be up all night checking the progress!

Our return flight from Chicago is United Flight 1146 leaving at 3:45 and you can track that there as well.

Not sure how quickly I'll get back on to post. If I can get service at the airport, I may post while we are waiting, otherwise, it may be a day or two, depending on how much sleep we all get! But trust me, I will post pictures as soon as I can!!

Please continue to pray for safety, health and a smooth transition for Toby. 

God is Good!

That's TWO!!! Today, not much happening. I babysit a 10 month old on Tuesdays, so I knew I wouldn't be able to get much done today.

I did watch the video again last night. It's amazing how different it was, watching it, knowing I would be seeing him in a few short days! Everything is ready, we just need a little boy home! I still have lots of mental "lists" of things to do, but at this point, the important stuff is done and ready! 

Nate was teasing me, because I was setting out my "meet Toby" clothes, and he was commenting on which T-shirt he would pull out! Guys and Girls are just so different!

I will post flight details and tracking information tomorrow, if anyone is interested!

God is Good! 

Now I can say that, more than 2 but less than 5 right? A Few! THREE DAYS!!

Today, I got everything packed... I have so many piles around our bedroom, it's kinda insane!! Hopefullly, we can enjoy our evening with Taylor and Drew tomorrow. Of course, Taylor has soccer from 6 to 8, but maybe we can hang out and watch a movie after.

I'm going to take time to watch Toby's movie again tonight. I haven't watched it in a while, but I really want to see it right now. My handsome little boy! I can't wait to see his mischievious smile in person! 

Three Days away!!!

God is Good 

Today is Nate's moms birthday, so we spent most of the afternoon over there with family, but I still have a lot of packing to do!

Lots of people at church were asking lots of questions. I think everyone is getting excited about what God is doing! Toby is a blessing to MANY, not just here at the Mills' house! So many people have been praying for him for so long, even before we had a picture or knew a name.

As the time draws near, I think I'm beginning to wonder how this all came about. It seems like we have been waiting forever, and it just can't "really" be just around the corner! Our God, who knows our hearts desires, has been orchestrating this for as long as I've been alive. Even before! What we as a family are about to experience, is what God has always been preparing. It is amazing to think. As in everything, there will be ups and downs, times of heartache and times of joy! But I know it is all part of God's plan, and it has to be awesome!!

God is Good! 

Day two of the yardsale was a huge success! It was nice to get rid of so much. All the baby clothes are gone! All I have now are 18mos boy clothes!

We went to WalMart this evening and bought a new stroller and Car seat! As with everything, it makes it so real! Each thing we do to prepare for Toby's arrival is just amazing. I remember putting together strollers and car seats almost 10 years ago... it's gotten a lot easier. I remember with Taylor, staying up until the wee hours of the morning with my dear friend Cher (as our hubbies watched sports I believe) putting things together. Today, Nate opened up the box, and pulled out the car seat! Amazing!! Then the stroller, we just had to attach the wheels!  We were done with both in under 15 minutes!

Tomorrow is pack day. I have got to get everything packed and ready for the airport, and for the kids vacation. A lot to do, but fun stuff! I also got the kids some things to make posters for Toby when he gets off the plane. That will be fun!

Our church has this saying, "I can't wait 'til Wednesday" referring to our Wednesday night service. While that is usually the case, I do enjoy Wednesdays, this week has a new spin.... I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL WEDNESDAY!! That means we are on our way to our boy!!

God is Good! 

So Nate called this morning when he got to work and says "Do you realize, we get Toby This week!" I said, "of course!". We had our Yard Sale today, and it was a pretty nice success! It feels good to be seeing some things go, that will make room for our Toby!

We took Taylor and Drew to the movies tonight. Before the movie, we went to Wendy's for dinner. I asked the kids "what are you the most worried about regarding Toby coming home?" Taylor said she's worried about what to call Nate and I. Does she call us Umma and Apba, or mom and dad? I said to call us what she always calls us (the nice stuff anyway!) and that Toby will catch on soon. It's so nice to hear them say these things, I believe if they were concerend about anything, they would tell us. As we were leaving the theatre, Drew wanted "Uppied" (carried) so I picked him up and asked if he was worried mommy wouldn't uppy him as much when Toby comes home and he said yes. Then he thought for a moment and said "Daddy can uppy me so you can uppy Toby!" Good solution Drew!! Way to work that one out!

This weekend is going to fly, as will the next six days! Soon, very soon, our son will be HOME!

God is Good! 

We are in the final countdown!! Now, it's like everything we do, we say "next time we do XYZ, Toby will be with us!!"

I am frantically running through the house getting rid of "stuff". I guess you could say I'm "nesting"! We are having a yard sale this weekend, so I'm trying to clear stuff out, to make room for new stuff! Isn't that how life is? We are so blessed in the USA to have SO MUCH STUFF!! Just another reason to be thankful God put me where I am, in such a wonderful country, with so many blessings, and so many wonderful people to protect me! I can thank our service men and women for the blessings I have, and that I have the ability to adopt Toby Joon from a foreign land, and he has the oppoturnity to be a US Citizen and enjoy SO MUCH STUFF! (Thanks Tom, and any others that may be reading this- God Bless You!)

One week to go. My heart races to think of what my life will be like exactly one week from now! Waiting on that plane to land!

God is Good!