No words just pictures.........

One month as a family.

Us as a family in Ethiopia.



Us as a family yesterday.



A month ago Almaz and Abdeta joined our family. That day was a day I will never forget. I was very worried how they would react to coming home with us and if they would cry or be afraid of us. They where both ready and waiting when we got there. We met some other kids that we had taken packages for and took pictures of the kids with their caregivers and then headed back to our guesthouse to get familiar with each other. We had our first baths and just hung out and had fun. Later that night we went out to a traditional Ethiopian restaurant for supper. Almaz even got on stage and danced. It was a nice night but made for a very long day.

1 month ago today we met A & A for the first time.

It is hard to believe that a month has passed already yet so much has changed and happened in that month that it is hard to imagine it has only been a month!

Here they are the first day we met them. They where so shy and unsure, especially Abdeta.



and here are a couple pictures from today...




They have both changed so much. They have both gained weight and their faces have filled in nicely. Their skin and hair both look healthier and they are both adjusting quite well. Don't get me wrong, there are some very big challenges but we think they are doing quite well. The kids are starting to learn how to play with toys and Abdeta can be put down for a few moments at a time now without getting upset. Almaz is very slowing starting school and her and I went 2 morning last week. This week she will try 2 mornings again but without me. Cohen is back going to kindergarten and loving it. I think it has been really good for him to have something of his own. Now to try to find time to have one on one time with each of them. I will have to get creative.

I will try to get posting more regularly but it may not be so easy as Dale starts back to work tomorrow so we will see how well I can juggle 3 needy kids..lol.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Home and settling in.

We are home and settling in as a family of 5. It is taking time, but everyone is trying to find their place and figure out where they fit in. Ethiopia was amazing and emotional. Part of me never wanted to leave and another part of me couldn't wait to get home. I can't wait to find the time to write more about our trip. We did and saw lots while we where there but I think the best family thing we did was to go to swimming at the Sharaton Hotel. We had so much time the first time that we had to go back again. The only thing that would have made it better was if it was a weee bitt warmer out.

A couple pictures of the kids at the Sharaton.