Chase's Day And Foulke Visit

Today while trying to get Chase to take his morning nap, he fell asleep on Jay. Amy had to snap a photo of her two handsome men sleeping on the couch.
Once Chase woke up from his nap, we went to Griff and Barb’s house to hang out. Chase’s cousins, Braydon and Addison were also there. We think that Chase and Addison are going to be best friends.

The Day's Events Including Men-O-Land Harvest Fest

Today we played most of the morning continuing to bond with Chase. When the mail arrived, there was a special present to Chase from Jay’s sister and brother-in-law who live in Georgia.
We also found two pictures that his nieces (Madalyn and Baleigh) drew for Chase. They are now hanging on our refrigerator.

We have only had Chase for 4 days, but already he loves playing with Baby. At one point, Baby was looking out the back door and Chase went over and sat next to him…TOO CUTE!
Since we have been hanging in our house for the past several days, we decided that we needed to get out. We called the Davis’ and they said that they were going to Camp Men-O-Lan’s Harvest Fest. Since it was only 5 minutes from our house we decided to go.

It got a bit colder so we wrapped Chase up nice and tight and cozy in his Moby Wrap. He likes the wrap so much better than the stroller.

Before we left, we went on a horse carriage ride around the camp.
After dinner, Chase finished up his day playing with Baby.

He is now asleep getting his energy ready for another busy day.

Coin From Greeter

We wanted to add this post to thank the greeter who met us at the airport the night that Chase arrived. Barbara was very friendly and she helped make the night go so smooth. She also gave us this coin that has been stored away in Chase’s adoption files.

Ron's Poem

A tradition at Amy’s work is for one of her co-workers, Ron Lacher to write a poem for new parents. When Amy received the company card from her work, on the back was the poem from Ron.

Chop Appointment And Playtime

Today was Chase’s first doctor’s appointment. As per our agreement with our adoption agency, Pearl S. Buck, we took Chase to CHOP at the King of Prussia location. He was not that excited to be poked and prodded, but he did very well for his first visit.
When we got home, we played some more with Chase. He loves his new vibrating toy…we think that it helps sooth his teething pain.


Chase also had some laughing time with Jay.

The bonding is coming along nicely and we love every minute we spend with our son.

First Full Day With Chase

The first day with Chase was very exciting. When Jay woke up, he had to check several emails on the computer. Chase wanted to help.
Chase got his first bath around 9:00am. He really enjoyed tubby time.
Around 3:00pm, it seemed like the jet lag and all of the excitement from yesterday finally caught up with Chase.

He was so exhausted that unlike last night, he did not seem to mind sleeping in his crib.

It was only 5:00pm but we all were tuckered out…even Baby.

Thank goodness he slept the entire night and woke up the next day around 6:00am.

A Letter To Chase

On Wednesday morning, Jay received the below email from Amy’s coworker, Elise Lechner.

Amy/Jay-
I was so happy to be there last night. I was thinking about it this morning and so I wrote the attached letter to Chase. I hope all is going well.
Love,
Elise

A Letter to Chase Il Wu Gardocki
I have known your mom and dad for 6 years. I have worked closely with your mom and have seen her ups and downs as she tried for the family that she wanted so badly. Your mom and dad were so excited when they found that they were to adopt from Korea and we all shared in every milestone including your first picture and your birth date, the updated letters and the date that you would finally arrive in America. Your mom and dad prepared and by the time you arrived they had everything ready including all the toys you could ever want, all the clothes you would need for the first couple years, books, food- your room was ready, the diaper bag packed and anticipation and excitement filled the office. The excitement that your mom and dad had was contagious and we were all so excited for your arrival. I always told your mom, and I was not kidding, that you were the most wanted child I had ever seen as you were the only thing your mom and dad could think about and I know that your mom would trade anything in the world to be a family with you and your dad.

The day you were to arrive 10/26/10, your mom came to work and actually worked very hard that day - I think to make the time go faster as you were not to arrive until 10:30 pm. .At the end of the day, your mom strangely decorated the office for Christmas, even though it was October. Personally, I think that was a subliminal message as your mom had looked forward to your first Christmas for a very long time.

Your mom invited her close family and friends to the airport to wait for your arrival, some of us at work decided to tag along as we too were so excited and had anticipated this day for so long. We all gathered at the airport, which was strangely quiet to await your flight. There were signs, friends, and family as everyone waited nervously. As the plane landed I heard your dad say “I think I am going to lose it” as tears rolled down his face. Your mom and dad stood embraced as they watched as passengers walked off the plane. As you were being walked down the tunnel, your mom and dad saw you and your mom gave a shudder of joy and both started to cry. You were finally here and their wait for you was over. Your mom took you into her arms and she was the most natural mom. There was no awkwardness that usually appears when one holds a baby for the first time. Your mom gave you to your dad while she went to talk to the woman who escorted you and you immediately went into your dads arms, laid your head on his shoulder and fell asleep in a way that only one who knows he is home and safe could do. I will always remember the look on your dads face as he held you.

Your dad called everyone over to gather in prayer and as your dad held you and you slept on his front shoulder and your mom laid her head on his back shoulder and held your hand, you could tell that you were at once family and were all together as you were meant to be. I wish there was someway to box that moment and the feeling in the room. As I looked up I saw an airport worker standing in the circle, drawn in I suppose by the love that was filling the area. Chase it was a very special moment and I know that everyone there will always remember the moment. I wish you a safe, happy and healthy life filled with all the love that I know you will have.

-------Elise Lechner 10/27/10

Chase's Arrival At The Airport

This evening we got our Son (Chase Il-Wu Gardocki). Originally Amy only wanted a small gathering to go with us to the airport when we picked up Chase. However, since we Gardocki’s do things big, we ultimately decided to allow anyone who wanted to make the trip to Newark International airport to attend. We were overwhelmed with the outcome as over 20 of our friends and family made the 2 hour drive to meet Chase at 10:00 pm.

When we arrived at the airport, we waited at gates A10-A18 where we met the greeter, Barbara Hurte. After signing paperwork, she explained the procedure and the only thing left to do was to wait for Chase’s flight to arrive.
Once Chase’s flight landed, Jay and Amy positioned themselves to view down the corridor where the escort would be seen with Chase.

Finally Chase was seen and we got to hold our son for the first time.

Passerby’s must have thought that the paparazzi were following a superstar as the flashes from all of the cameras were going off everywhere. Once the initial excitement dwindled, we made sure to get some photos with the escort and also the greeter before they left the airport.

At one point, our friend Shann got a hold of the video camera.

Since we want to bring Chase up in a Christian home, we knew that is was important to thank God for Chase's arrival in our life. Before we left, we gathered everyone together and lifted Chase up in prayer.

Numerous friends and family were with us at the airport. We also know that many others wanted to come, but could not. We want to thank everyone for being such loving friends and family and we cannot wait to have you meet Chase and be a part of his life.

Chase's Flight

This morning around 4:30am our time, Chase left South Korea’s Incheon International Airport on United Air Lines flight #892 to San Francisco International Airport. After arriving in the United States and getting through customs, he then took United Airlines #088 from San Francisco to Newark International Airport. In this technological age, we were able to track his flight in real time. Jay checked it several times throughout the day.

2 hours 43 minutes in flight to San Francisco.

6 hours 11 minutes in flight to San Francisco.

Arrived at the gate in San Francisco.

Start of flight to Newark International Airport.

2 hours 8 minutes in flight to Newark.

Landed and taxiing to the gate in Newark.

Hours Before Chase's Arrival

Today Amy worked a full day at Lacher and Associates Insurance Agency. She will take a vacation day on Wednesday so that she can start her maternity leave next week. She will not have to go back to work until the last week in December.

While Amy was at work, Jay cut out letters and made several signs on the front windows of the house to announce Chase’s arrival.
Of course balloons were bought and added to the mailbox.

Amy arrived home at 5:30 pm, cried at the sight of the signs and then we headed off to the Newark International Airport. Only a few more hours and Chase will finally be home!

Adult Only Pocono Vacation

For some time now, we had had a weekend vacation in the Poconos planed with the Derstein and Davis family. We planned it to be an adult only vacation as it will be the last time that we will go on a vacation without a child as Chase is arriving on Tuesday.

On Saturday morning, the guys went to a local disk gold course and played several rounds as the girls went into town to check out some of the shops.
Later that evening, we took a 3 mile bike ride.

The guys ended the bike ride with a “first gear only race” in front of our house. It was funny watching them pedal so fast with little to show for their efforts.

On Sunday, we went into the town of Jim Thorpe and walked down to the river where we skipped some rocks and took a few photos.

We then hiked to an abandoned train tunnel and took several more photos.

We cannot wait to take many more vacations as parents with our son, Chase.  BRING ON PARENTHOOD!