The New Normal

We're settling in to regular life again, with the addition of one beautiful girl. SJ loves baths and her brother decided to hop in too. By the way, those aren't scratches on B, they're "armor" he drew on with pink highlighters. It's typical B, just go with it.

SJ had a good day today. She was fussy after her nap, but again her mood was lifted by going outside to play. She had one accident today... a poop accident, but I needed a stool sample and it actually came in handy! SJ said "wendom" clearly today, "brother" referring to B, & she also ate very well today.

***Thanks to all who are helping out with meals, it's been a huge help!***

SJ-Ethiopia Part 3

SJ in Ethiopia getting to know her new parents. Note the shirt, "Daddy's Little Sweetie".

Hosanna Trip, Ethiopia Part 2

1. Our group walking in Hosanna

2. Coffee ceremony at Hosanna Care Center.

3. Church in Hosanna. It was Palm Sunday.

4. CC with kids at the church. They make headbands from the palm fronds for Palm Sunday.

5. The typical Ethiopian hut we were able to visit. The family makes a little money by allowing visitors each Sunday.

Photos from Ethiopia Part 1: Out and About in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is a beautiful, crowded city. We enjoyed riding around in the van on our excursions to see more of the city. As it was Holy Week, there were lots of sheep and goats that had been herded to the city to be sold for Easter dinners. Donkeys carrying loads were quite common too. We got to go shopping in the tourist district, run errands all over town, drive through the Mercato (huge shopping district), and go out on foot in the neighborhood.

People in Addis are hardworking and so kind. We were always treated kindly and felt safe. It was so neat to be able to go out walking with SJ in the Ergo (again, thank you Dave!), we'd buy some bananas and take some photos. There were many beggars out too, but we found a way to handle it that we were comfortable with. On the way to the store, we would decide who was in the most need and purchase something for them at the store. On the way home, we would discreetly hand them either bread or bananas or money. We tended to give to the very old, mothers with children and the infirmed. It's also easier to give to someone sitting alone as you're less likely to be swarmed and run out of cash. The one that broke my heart was a mother with 4 kids who looked to be all under 4, the youngest were twins she was breastfeeding. We gave her quite a bit.

On the bright side, the weather was wonderful! It was high 70's and dry in the day and got down to the mid 50's at night. We only had one day where we found ourselves hot and sweaty. Also, there are beautiful trees and flowers everywhere.

Joys and Struggles

The first days home with an older adopted child are filled with joys and struggles. The joy of sitting on the grass in the front yard with my (complete) family. The joy of seeing my son swinging while my daughter runs through the grass. The joy (and smug pride, hee hee) of a lady passing by on her afternoon jog who is stopped in her tracks by my kids' beauty and says, "What gorgeous children!". The joy of hearing my daughter sing a song in her native tongue at the top of her lungs.
The struggles have begun. As expected, once the adopted child becomes sure they're staying with you, they may begin to test that love and commitment. Yep, right on schedule we had 2 fits, refused dinner, pooped on the floor and dropped a book in the bathtub. This was all in the 2 hours after naptime and before she collapsed into bed! Super Daddy allowed me to escape to the grocery store, we actually did need some things, but it was nice to peruse the aisles in peace.
This next week, I'm going to try much harder to stay on a tight routine, it seems to be the antidote to the chaos in SJ's heart and mind. It's tempting with an older, potty trained kid to hit the ground running. But it will be best for all of us to remember to slow down, get to know each other and make sure SJ feels fully loved and accepted. Even when she poops on the floor...

Coming Home

We are home! SJ travelled beautifully! She slept for long stretches on the long flights and was quite agreeable when awake. I, however, nearly jumped out of the plane on the Amsterdam to Detroit leg! The plane was full, my legs were sore, and the tiredness caught up with me. I whined and walked and stretched, and somehow made it.
For her homecoming, Super Daddy dressed SJ in her Ethiopian dress. Our superb friend Missy brought B to the airport to meet us and film the return. My son ran to me and I was overcome with joy to have our family complete. Missy even helped him make a sign, so cute. We slowly made our way down to baggage claim to meet the grandparents. SJ wowed the crowd with her beauty. She was a little overwhelmed and stayed with either Mom or Dad the whole time. SJ was a little upset when we were ready to leave, but got in to her car seat and giggled at her brother the whole way home.
Since we've been home, we've showed her the bedroom, given her a bath, watched a little TV and bonded with brother. So far, they find each other very funny!
I'm cuckoo with exhaustion, counting the minutes til the kids are in bed and I can collapse.

Guest House Families

In the Guest House, there were 6 families. It's neat to see each family's journey, interactions, joys and struggles. There were 3 families adopting through CHSFS for a second time, 2 of those families were returning to Ethiopia and one family had adopted from Vietnam. One of those returning families adopted a sibling group. There was a single gal becoming a mom for the first time, a couple becoming first time parents and us.
It was a neat experience to bond with these folks. I look forward to following their lives with their children, and what beautiful children they all are!