Please Watch!

We take safe water for granted, but it takes so little to give the same to the people in Ethiopia and other countries like it. It hits us close to home; I hope you feel compelled to give in your or someone else's name.

Montage of our journey

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Girls At Home

We see changes every day in the girls. Kistet's becoming very comfortable expressing all of her frustrations and jealousies as well as her charm, and Grace is stronger and more lively and giggly as ever. They couldn't be more opposites. Because of her strong personality, I think Kistet received all the attention and was allowed free rein for anything in the orphanage; whereas Grace never received much attention because she was so quiet. So Grace is thriving with all this attention in the family, but Kistet is finding out about rules, boundaries, nap times, schedule, sharing, all those fun things that makes a kid want to scream--and boy, does she ever!

Home

We are home. The trip to Ethiopia was the most emotional, exhausting journey I've ever been on. Our little Grace was very ill when I arrived and it was a good thing I went when I did because I seriously doubt she would have survived another two months in the orphanage. We went through several days of worry with her after our arrival, but it's been amazing how quickly she has improved since I took physical custody of her. Every day she amazes me with her new strength. She never complains except when she's hungry, which is a lot. She's trying to catch up for lost time. Kistet is definitely a survivor for a reason--she demands to be noticed and fed on her terms. She's adjusted much better than I expected, but she can be very moody and does not like all these new rules of being in our family. She loves her little sister, though, and spontaneously gives Grace kisses and never shows any jealousy towards her. She's also latched on to her brothers and likes to tag along wherever they go if she can. She seems to wonder why she can't do everything they do. Here are some pictures!

Journey to Ethiopia

Well, the final lag of our journey to our daughters in Ethiopia will begin very early tomorrow morning when my friend (also Mary) and I board the first plane. The bags are packed and almost overflowing with stuff. The final errands are finished and just the last minute things are left to toss into the last carry-on bag. I'm very excited now and even my nervousness about flying isn't overshadowing my anticipation of seeing the girls for the first time. Our oldest will start kindergarten before I return, and missing that is my only sadness. Good thing my husband will be here to meet with the teacher and take him to school. Hopefully he will take pictures for me. So proud of my son. I have lots of things to do on the plane to help pass the time in case I can't sleep. Although I haven't slept a lot the last several nights, I've slept well so I don't feel too exhausted. I'm sure the trip will take a toll, though, but to hug our girls at the end will make it all worth it. Can't wait!

More Pictures

These are from my friend, Nancy, who spent 7 weeks in Ethiopia!

Five Days and Counting!

Including today, I leave in five days. I only have five days to get everything ready to go. So much to do! My baby shower is tomorrow; I'm looking forward to seeing some of my very dear friends. I leave first thing Thursday morning and return the following Saturday night, very late. At least I won't have as much luggage coming back--it'll be hard enough carrying and juggling the girls! But what precious bundles they will be. Can't wait! The boys both want to go with me--they keep saying that. I wish we could all go--if only it wasn't such a long trip!

Thinking Of You

Kistet is 15 months old today so she's been in my thoughts. I will be able to hold her in one week--well, if she lets me. It may take a few days before she'll warm up to me. I'm trying to fit everything into every bag I'm allowed to take, but it's a lot of organizing, re-organizing, unpacking, packing, taking things out, adding things, etc., etc. One of my friends is giving me a baby shower on Sunday--so nice. I received a ton of great clothes from another friend so I've been going through bags and bags of clothes from 12 months all the way up to 5 years. These girls are going to be in style. It's amazing what choices girls have in style, colors, combinations that boys absolutely lack. My head is spinning after five years of looking at only boys' things. Such a new world! Their room is starting to fill up nicely. The boys are getting ready, too. I heard James tell someone at the doctor's office the other day all about their sisters who were coming from Ethiopia soon. He'll be starting kindergarten right around the time I return so his mind is more occupied with that excitement. They both finished their two weeks of summer swim lessons and did amazingly well.