Monday

On Monday morning, we were all able to bring our children back to the Guest House for a 1/2 day visit. SJ willingly went with us on the van, as did the other children with their parents. She was very quiet and still as she checked out the house and the action. We sat on the porch swing with her looking at books, walked with her around the courtyard looking at flowers, and showed her around the house. We then cuddled with her on our bed and she fell asleep for an hour. We woke her up for lunch, which she refused. To refuse something, she puts her elbow up by her mouth, it's so cute! For some reason, she finally gave in and started eating. The kitchen staff, who are terrific cooks, made Ethiopian food for lunch knowing the children would do better with familiar food. SJ eventually gave in and let me feed her Ethiopian style, injera and wot with my fingers. It was a great moment, she ate very well and drank some milk. It was then time to take the kids back to the Care Center, she went willingly and gave us a tiny glimmer of a smile when we kissed her goodbye.
NOTE: Beth and Brad had a great day with their daughter T. God answers prayers, T had no fits and actually cuddled her mom and fell asleep with her. They were so relieved and excited.
Tomorrow morning we go to the Care Center for the Farewell Ceremony, then a quick lunch, then off to the Embassy for SJ's travel papers. After the Farewell Ceremony, she's ours FOREVER!

Village Day

We got to go out to the countryside today, which is completely different than Addis Ababa. Hosannna (and it's surrounding area) is a small town of 60,000 where many of the children CHSFS places are from. Lots of livestock, fields and many people looking for water. While there, we were also able to tour the initial Care Center that our daughter was placed in. I'll have Chris do a Show and Tell of our adventure, it's too much to write now.
We were able to meet SJ's Ethiopian mother today. She is a quiet, beautiful, brave, Christian woman. It was an intensely emotional experience for everyone. We will be keeping the details of the meeting private for SJ, we were blessed to learn so much about our daughter's life before us.
We're wiped out from the trip, and get to lounge around the Guest House tonight. Tomorrow we all bring our new children back with us to the Guest House for a half day visit. We did not get to see SJ today and miss her terribly.
Love to all, especially B, whose sister will be home soon.
C, C and S

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.