Visits with SJ

Today we had 2 visits with SJ. The first meeting didn't go well because I was too aggressive. I picked her up before she was ready against Hubbys' advice. She cried and resisted until the nannies put on a movie, she quickly forgot about her overeager mama.Between visits, we met with SJ's care team. She's healthier than we thought and is doing very well. We were able to get a preview of the birth family meeting and see a DVD about SJ's life before us. It was another weepfest for us, as we are so aware of the tragedy that takes place before the joy of an adoption. We will be keeping this info private for SJ, it's hers to share as she grows.The second visit went much better because I let Super Daddy set the tone. She eventually let Chris pick her up, and then fell asleep in his arms. When we had to go, he passed her to a nanny and she didn't wake up.The cutest thing, we have been asking about the potty situation here. How, where, little potty/big potty?....without getting much info. When we were getting in the van, we looked over and they had a row of 8 toddlers sitting on a row of little pottys in the driveway. Just adorable, and the kids just sit there, they know the drill! SJ definitely knows who we are and what is going on. She watches us suspiciously. Her buddy, T, is also quite aware. Please pray that Tuesday's transition into our full custody goes well. I am concerned about T and her parents, Brad and Beth. It's been difficult for them with T still having big fits, as it would for anyone, let alone being first time parents!In the afternoon, we got to go shopping. It was great! Beautiful goods, great prices, we went crazy! Hubby even bought an antique sword, wait til he tells you about it! We found most of what we wanted, I haven't been able to find an Ethiopian Bible, but maybe one will turn up. For dinner we got to go to a traditional Ethiopian meal and dance. We were crying it was so beautiful, these people are amazing. The food was super, they did the full coffee ceremony, incense, washing hands, popcorn dessert, and Ethiopian food buffet . The traditional dancers did about 6 different dances, each with costume changes. The ladies did a dance that left us awestruck, swinging their beautiful hair around. By the way, we bought 2 bottles of wine, a bottle of water, 2 full buffets. The cost in US dollars- $33. Tomorrow we are off to SJ's home village. Once there, we will find out if any of her birth family was able to come. If not, we will still have the privilege of seeing our daughter's birthplace. More later. Lots of love to all, especially a certain little blond boy. We miss you so much little guinea pig!!

Meeting SJ

We met our daughter today. The first visit was ok. She sat on my lap, quiet as a mouse, then fell asleep while looking at us. It was very sweet, and short. A nanny woke her up for some reason, and she cried then refused to eat or come to us.
Our second visit today was much better. We just held her, it seems that what she wanted. We also went outside and played bubbles, she also enjoyed looking out over the neighboring compounds. SJ is VERY quiet and shy. She is content just sitting on our lap and cuddling-which I LOVE. SJ is sensitive to the other kids who are sad. Her little best friend, T, had a pretty bad fit and SJ was bothered by it. When T settled down, so did SJ. And SJ is absolutely stunning. Big brown eyes, long eyelashes, caramel skin and full lips.
Please pray for our friends, Beth and Brad, T's parents. They are first time parents and this little one is tough. They were so brave and just held T until she settled down.
Tomorrow, we spend the morning with SJ and meet with her care team. We'll boost the Ethiopian economy at the market in the afternoon, then off to a traditional dinner and dance at the Crown Hotel in the evening.
The people here are so kind and welcoming, the food is amazing, and it's true that Ethiopians love children.

We're Here

We made it to Ethiopia. It is beautiful, calm and such a relief to be here. We just had a pancake breakfast with the other families and are OFF TO MEET OUR DAUGHTER!
More later...

To my precious son:

Yesterday you said, "I think I might cry" when we were talking about Mama and Daddy's trip. We cuddled in bed for a long time and I made sure to savor every detail of you, even the way you kneed me in the ribs. I feel guilty for leaving you yet I know this is the right choice for you. Thank you for being such a trooper on this crazy adventure. What an amazing brother you are, already thinking first of SJ. We're sure she will love you so much, everyone who meets you adores you.

I miss you already.

Packing and Getting to Know SJ

I got to take a much-needed break from packing to read our daughter's Social Report that came via email today. After finally getting it opened (thanks to The Supreme Geek, my Dad), the report confirmed my guess about her personality. According to the report, she's organized, shy, picks up after the other children, patient, obedient, loves to kiss and cuddle, is potty-trained and sleeps through the night. Surely they say this about all the kids, right?!?! But, hearing from a mom who's daughter was described as "spirited" and another who's daughter "likes to be in charge", maybe she really is quiet, shy, and perfect. I already know she's perfect, God matched her to our family. I'll happily be her napping buddy ;) Super Daddy and B don't like naps.
On the packing front, I am almost done. Today was logistics day- cameras, video tapes, memory cards, donations, prescriptions, $$$ and lots of other tiny details. Tomorrow is clothes and laundry and B's stuff. It helps to be hyper-organized and overprepared!
Thanks to all who donated to the Care Center, we've got a huge suitcase full!
To the 4/17 travel group, I am counting the minutes til we meet in Addis.

TRAVEL DATE!!!!!!!

Our wonderful agency was able to remedy the birth certificate mistake and squeeze us into our originally planned travel date of April 16th. We are so excited and grateful that we are able to go so early. After the birth certificate problem, I was sure we would have to wait until May to meet our girl. We asked our church and our friends to pray on our behalf that the problem would be fixed and we could go on as planned. GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS, we are going next Wednesday to get our daughter.

We are happily packing and planning our trip. Everything is falling into place and God's work is evident to us.

Another Snag

Another snag, SJ's birth certificate has the wrong birthdate. We were supposed to have received a travel date by last Wednesday, 3/26. Birth certificates are running 1 week behind in Ethiopia and now ours is wrong. Our social worker said we cannot be given a travel date without the corrected certficate, so add on at least another week.
I am so sad because J, who I had so looked forward to travelling with, is going on 4/17. I doubt we'll make that trip. It's going to be rough until we get a date, I'm just so sad. I am sad that we're delayed in meeting our girl. I am sad because I want to know when we leave. I am sad because I want to travel with J. I am sad that I sit here for at least 2 more weeks over a silly mistake. Be warned, I'm grumpy and will remain so.