A day at the Zoo and all these Firsts

The one thing I have always enjoyed about reading blogs is when the children come home and they do and say all the firsts. Today was one of those. All day long. And it is especially cute when they are older because you can see it in their expressions. At the zoo they saw so many animals that they had only seen in books before. Also they went on a merry-go-round and feeding little goats which I could tell they had never done. I was a little surprised about Biruk because for the first time he did something before Amira and that was feed the goat. In many of his expressions you can see he is still afraid but surely trying it out and that is what's important. He is hilarious to watch because when he gets nervous he gets this spastic walk like he pooped in his pants. This is usually how I can see he is really nervous and I back off. I am not forcing the issue than.

I am still like so in love with these little guys. Don't get me wrong, we have our temper tantrums and sassyness but 4 year olds are just something to me. I have always been obsessed with 4 year olds. They say the funniest things and if together they really have a way of entertaining each other. They are so mischief too. I often wonder what they talk behind my back because they get that look at me and just start to crack up. But nothing gives me more pleasure to hear their voices all day calling me mommy and I love you at least 100 times. They are just never quiet, ever, unless they sleep. I also love when I came back from a short errand how excited they get to see me. Or when I call the phone when out, it seems like they know its mommy calling and they scream in the background "MOMMMMMMY".

An Absolute Must Read Book

Having just returned from Ethiopia less than a month ago this book was so good for my soul. I haven't been able to find time to read but I made it a point to get the kids all down on time and used the nights while Kevin was at college to read. Its a small book and only has about 178pages. If you are a fast reader you can probably finish it in one night. I did it in 2 nights.

I loved the comments from Melissa Faye Greene and Tom Davis, 2 writers I absolutely adore and loved to read their books There is no me without you and Fields of the Fatherless.

Josh and Amy's book is about infertility/barrenness, the struggles of their marriage the beginning years and in the end adopting their little Silas from Ethiopia. I think every reader can relate to a little/or a lot something in this book. I also loved how they just put it out there. There is no talking around the bush, there is no holding back. Many times I was just cracking up about Josh's sense of humor and Amy with her sassy self (I don't even know Amy but I love her personality). You watch. These people are not stuffy at all and to me the true Christ Followers that people want to come running to if they look for God. God is all in the book and that of course was the icing on the cake for me since I am not at all into fiction books but book that surround God in every way. Also the passion so many of us share about Africa/Ethiopia and orphans/HIV orphans, poverty, missions and so much more. I could also relate because my adoptions were never just adoptions to rescue a child from a third world country but so much more as I just mentioned above. Ha, you know me and my writing, its not all that great so just click below on the links and you can see what it is all about. Just going off in lalaland again.

Here is the link to the book: http://www.fromashestoafrica.com/ and here is Amy's blog

Our first Basketball Game

Yesterday we had a really nice day with the children. We went to Danica's college to see both, boys and girls basketball homecoming games. The girls' team won, the boys lost. The boys are usually pretty good. They went to Nationals last year. I was trying to get a picture of Biruk. He was so funny. Instead of watching the game, he watched Danica's cheer team the whole time trying to do cheer moves. Hm? He screamed out Danica's name over and over, getting her a little embarrassed at last. I finally had to shut him down. The two little ones did really well being out at the games for nearly 4 hours.

My new gang of 5

My gang and Danica's really good friends at college
Couldn't capture better throws. I recorded but don't know how to download videos. I was surprised at how high they were throwing the girls compared to when Danica was in High School.

Danica's cheer team

FIREPROOF

This amazing movie above just came out this Tuesday on DVD. I been meaning to post it on my blog but I forgot. Who do you think was one of the first people to buy it? Me. I usually don't watch TV but I am so looking forward to see this movie again over and over.

Please to all the ladies, if you haven't watched the movie you have to buy it. ACtually you have to watch it with your husband and he will love it too. Trust me. My hubby is quiet the macho guy but really loved this movie.

Kirk Cameron, who is the main actor, and a serious Christ Follower, has six children of his own, actually plays in the movie and has the main role. He takes his role as a godly man so serious that he was not willing to kiss the woman that played his wife in the movie. They actually did some tricks to where he kisses his own wife but you will think its his actress wife.

In case if you haven't seen the movie here is what the movie is about:

At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. At home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules.Growing up, Catherine Holt always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter...just like her daddy. Now, after seven years of marriage, Catherine wonders when she stopped being "good enough" for her husband. Regular arguments over jobs, finances, housework, and outside interests have readied them both to move on to something with more sparks. As the couple prepares to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day experiment: "The Love Dare." Wondering if it's even worth the effort, Caleb agrees-for his father's sake more than for his marriage. When Caleb discovers the book's daily challenges are tied into his parents' newfound faith, his already limited interest is further dampened.While trying to stay true to his promise, Caleb becomes frustrated time and again. He finally asks his father, "How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?"When his father explains that this is the love Christ shows to us, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God. Andówith God's helpóhe begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife. But is it too late to fireproof his marriage? His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever...rescuing his wife's heart.

How are things?

Today I just wanted to get out a few pics with Kevin and the kids. I have written some more below. Really I have to say, in the beginning Kevin was never to fond of adopting 4 year olds. He likes older kids. 10 and up. But I always knew that once they got here, things would change. I just know my husband. The kids got Kevin wrapped around their fingers and I think he is good therapy for them because he is a wild man and all kids need that!!!!!!

Getting the dog food ready. They both love the dog now and absolutely enjoy feeding him.

Below they are all playing crazy in the kids' tent in their room.

Everything is still wonderful. The kids are talking up a storm. They still love all the foods I give them and Biruk LOVES milk. Amira doesn't. But I still give her a cup each day and she will drink it for me anyway. That's my girl. They already know several words and sentences. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly kids learn. Oh and I am told they talk with a German accent. Huh, where do you think that is from. I bet my girlies I met at REACH camp can just imagine what my kids sound like in a mixture of my accent, an ET accent and trying to speak English. Amira just sounds adorable but she is speech impaired. I am still waiting for several appointments to come through, including the developmental peds who suppose to evaluate her.

They love their daddy because he plays crazy with them. They also act really mischief around him. Totally different with me. Biruk got in trouble with Kevin for the first time yesterday because when he picked them up from my dentist appointment, Biruk insisted on sitting in the front seat without a seat belt. Duhhh, would you think that get him in trouble. While Biruk was in ET, his wonderful driver Abraham always let him set in the front seat while driving him to Dr. appointment and I think Biruk thought it was the manly thing to do that he would sit in the front seat with "daddy", who knows. Kevin said he just got hysterical on him for a minimum of 30 min and he was about fed up.

Once I go back to work and Kevin has the kids every afternoon things will change because than he has to be more of a disciplinarian and just doesn't see them a few hours each day like he is now. It will be a good learning experience for him. All the things the kids do to him they never do to me. They even sneak outside without their jackets to jump on the trampoline.

I am still very frustrated about the whole dentist thing. The real figures come in and it will cost me $5,700 out of pocket to get Amira's teeth done. Well, they can kiss me because I am going to have to keep shopping. Hopefully I will run into a dentist who has mercy on me and understands that I am not growing money on trees.

Would you please pray for Melinda!

My dear friend Melinda has her fourth court date tomorrow. She has been an incredible inspiration to me during the times of waiting because her first court date was right before court closure in ET (July 2008) and tomorrow her beautiful daughter A. will have her fourth court date. Instead of being wimpy and a crybaby like I was at times when my son didn't make court, she stuck like glue to our Lord and said "yes, I am your faithful servant, I will wait until its in your timing". I love you Melinda and I so pray that this court date tomorrow will be in God's favor. HIS timing is so perfect!

GREAT NEWS. Today (Thursday) Adanech has officially become Melinda's daughter. HUGE CONGRATS. God is soooo good. Please click on Melinda and you can see her announcement. Its just beautiful.

Dr. Update from last Friday

Last Friday we went to the childrens' Dr. for their first appointment. The doctor has known of the children since July 2008 and was pretty updated on their health because I would update her as I got updated info from the agency. We must have been at the hospital almost all day. She is just so thorough I am amazed. Being that she is a military Dr. is even more amazing being so thorough. I just love her so much and am so blessed to have her as the childrens' Dr.

Anyways, here is what is going on. For a moment I am going to fast forward to today since I know people get tired of reading long posts so I will put the most important info out first. The kids had their TB tests last Friday and today Biruk tested positive for TB. Amira was fine. We went and Biruk had his chest x-rays but I don't know the results yet. Honestly I am not too concerned that he has TB but I will update as soon as I find out. Even if he does, no biggy. There are bigger things in this world. Update: This just came in as of today. The x-rays are fine and the Dr. said that he is okay. They will give him some meds just in case but he is okay. Yeahh.

They are both pretty healthy except a few spots of ringworm on Biruk. Amira got all kinds of medication especially for her snotty nose. I used to have to wipe her nose at least 4-5 times a day and a thick yellow crust would just sit in there that I would have to literally scrape out. I know Joy can attest to that when she saw her. Now since she has had the meds her nose is already clearing up. She also got some cream for her nose.

The fungus on her head was pretty gross and huge and that hasn't changed much. I just got some lotion for that. It's still pretty fat but not as crusty anymore. I hadn't touched it since I got her but the doctor said it would be okay to scrape the crust of. My dear husband did it for me. He usually does the gross stuff (including cleaning up vomit) and I love him dearly for that. I too easily get grossed out.

They also got all their updated shots and the nurse sucked so much blood out of them it wasn't funny. Amira was lying there for 20 min to get all the blood they needed and Biruk only took 5 min but he screamed the whole time. Maybe it was the excitement that the blood was just streaming out. They said it very normal to take so much blood when kids come home from 3rd world countries just to make sure they test for anything and everything.

My poor Biruk is already so sensitive but since last Friday with all the needles poking and stuff he is even more sensitive. He has been crying so much. He has been needing lots of TLC. I am glad I am still home with them. I try to take care of all the running around with the doctors but pretty much ALL of my time is devoted to bonding with the kids.

They also got a bunch of referrals I need to schedule for the developmental peds, dermatology for Amira huge moloscum under her eye, and a hearing test for her speech.

I hope this post was not too gross.

Pictures

Lisa and I at Kidane. Unfortunately we only spent a few hours together. We were supposed to travel together. I miss her much. She is still in ET. Hopefully she will return next week.

Eden and Amira. This is one of my most favorite pics. I had a chance to love on Eden for Lisa quiet a bit while Lisa was waiting to come to ET. Eden is such a sweatheart. I have grown very fond of her.
Biruk meeting his bed for the first time

Biruk's first night at home sleeping

Amira meeting her bed for the first time

Amira first night sleeping at home

Dentist update

First I start off with Biruk. His teeth are perfect. No cavities. Both of them just did incredible at the dentist. They behaved very well and didn't cry.

Now to Amira. As I suspected, she needs oral surgery. Every single one of her teeth is messed up but the dentist said her gums aren't affected for her new teeth coming in one day. He gave me the option of pulling out some teeth (4 in the front) and or he could put crowns on it. Ha, I guess that is not an option as I will not have my baby run around toothless for the next three years until her new teeth come in. He did stress the urgency of getting her dental work done immediately.

Unfortunately my insurance only covers 50% of everything plus I will have to pay full price for the anesthesiologist as these guys are usually not covered. He recommended I get it all done in one day instead of having it done over 6 times. He said it would be easier on Amira also. So basically I am looking at paying at least $4,000.00 because the anesthesiologist is $2,000.00 alone. At least that is what the dentist said. I better wait until I get my estimate.

Poor princess Amira, we will get her fixed up, somehow. That girl has the most charming smile I have ever seen and I just can't wait when her teeth look nice..

Home one Week

Amira, the daredevil. She loves the dog.

Amira loves to have her pics taken. Every time I put a new outfit on her, she says "photo, photo".

Below, leaving for our first outing

I can't believe we have been back already for one week. Where does the time go? The kids are doing just wonderful. We hardly have anymore tamper tantrums, if so mostly from Biruk. He is very sensitive. Their personalities are absolutely to die for. They are funny and happy all the time. I am so glad they have each other to entertain. Oh and Amira is just a loud as Biruk. That girl is not meek or shy at all, she just acts like that with strangers. The only thing I really, really don't like is how they are just walking up to people and want to be picked up and are so friendly with everyone. That is why I have been pretty much keeping them with me and in the house so they can attach to our family and not all these weird strangers and think it is cute how they are acting.

They have from the very beginning adjusted to their sleeping schedule. They sleep from about 7:30 to 6:30 and take 2 hours naps in the afternoon. Even if I wouldn't let them take naps, they still falling asleep by 7:30. We really never had any jetlag or sickness. I think I was just a little tired from not sleeping in ET but am doing pretty well too now.

They love everything I have cooked. I am not much of a ordering out person so everything is from scratch and they just love it. They love fresh vegetables, meat and potatoes. Any kind of potatoes from baked to mashed to whatever potato. I have also made them a warm breakfast every morning. Need to fatten them up a little bit.

Amira has only wetted the bed one time since home. They are not afraid of the bathtub or toilet anymore. Each one was a nightmare for them when I first got them. I think and hope that the horrible lice are completely going, at least I don't see anymore.

Tomorrow they will have their first dentist appointment which I know will be horrible for Amira. Her teeth are so rotten I have never seen anything like that. Poor baby. I know they will probably have to jank out at least her 4 front teeth. But lets see what the dentist says.

Meeting the Moms

This experience was so amazing and I am forever thankful. The first thing I did when I got to the orphanage was insisting on meeting the moms. Amira's mom was much easier to catch up with because she works at an orphanage near by where Amira was. I wished I could have understand Amharic as I was expressing my gratitude and thankfulness to her that she gave me her precious daughter. The sisters at the orphanage told me the last day before I left that Amira's mom came by 2x after I met with her and she was just so happy that her baby left for America and she kept double checking that Amira had really left for America. I had an instant love for her mother. She had the sweetest soul. I really hope that when I return to ET one day that she will still be alive. Unfortunately I didn't get any info on her. Sisters insisted that I meet with her at the orphanage. I was very happy to see that my kids were totally okay with seeing their moms and not fall into a deep depression. It was probably because they are still so young.

This is Biruk's mom. She traveled for almost a day to come and see me. She was very sweet too. I really wished I had more info on the moms but I don't.

The Trip to ET

When I got there, I was told while driving to the guesthouse from the airport that I had an embassy appointment that day, actually a day early because they wanted to close down early the next day for Christmas eve.

After about 30 min of resting at the guesthouse, I got my kids in a drive by. No joke. I expected to go to the orphanage and pick them up but my first meeting with them was jumping in the car on a busy street and here they were screaming mommy all over the place. It was sweet and funny and also overwhelming since I just came in from a long flight.

When we got to the embassy they were acting like wild children splashing the water from the water cooler all over the place and Amira going to the bathroom every 5 minutes. Each time I came back from taking her to the bathroom, Biruk had just spilled more water on him and on the floor. By the time I had my embassy appointment upstairs my kids were stinky and soaking wet. Of course I couldn't rebuke them as I just got them.

The first night at the guesthouse was horrible because as I got there after traveling for over 30 hours there was no running water and Amira kept pooping and peeing in her nighties all night. This was actually going on for a few nights. At that point I was so emotionally exhausted that I just couldn't take much more and needed Kevin so badly to be by my side. It was a blessing to have someone wash their clothes even though there was no running water.

Also they had 14 babies at the guesthouse probably a temporary situation because there are simply too many babies at the moment because of the famine.

The first week I was with a family and the second week I was all by myself. I was really lonely and missed my family so much. Especially when being sleep deprived its not easy. While I was there, the kids slept from 7:30 to 5 something every day with of course the bathroom interruptions.

On the 15th day of being there I got word my kids' visas were ready to go. In the afternoon I went to the Hilton to change my tickets but the computers were down so it took about 2 long hours to sit infront of that person to rebook the tickets. My heart was pacing like crazy and I was praying silently to get out of there that night. God answered and delivered. After my tickets finally got re-booked, I jumped in the taxi, back to the guesthouse, threw all my clothes in the suitcase, got my kids and drove to the airport.

To say the least, the flight home was very, very exhausting because the kids tested me to my very last limits and how could they not after traveling for close to 40 hours.

All in all the trip was really amazing and now looking back the bad memories are already fading away just like giving birth. Just the memories of not having any water or electricity most of the days, 14 new babies screaming at the guesthouse most of the time and forgetting my favorite oatmeal is the stuff I still remember.

I didn't get sick and I think I intentionally didn't because this was not my first time traveling to a third world country so I knew my dos and donts. I was living on oatmeal and bread every single day and bottled water of course.

Now that I am back home I find it so sad that I didn't get really hardly any time to inter mingle with the ET people who are simply amazing people and so caring and loving. They took really good care of me at the guesthouse. I loved the country and its people and hope to return really soon with my children.

Now its close to the time that my kids are getting up and I got to go. I have to say it feels good not to be obsessed with the computer anymore and only use it when the family is sleeping or taking naps instead of wanting to check messages and blogs all day. That is one thing I don't miss and am so happy that the kids are now distracting me from that.

More pics

I still seem to be braindead these days but in the mean time I'll leave you with more pics. I'll post about the trip another day.

Below is Biruk's first night. The racoon he is holding is the one I sobbed in for almost an hour after he didn't make court the first time

A little get away on the fourth day.

I just love this picture below of Amira. BTW, she has taken well to her new name and keeps lighting up when I call her Amira
First night kids unpacking their goodies.
Below is Hiwot's favorite pout. She got the shoulder shake going like no other and will not look up. Its hillarious.

Few Pictures

One trip away from the guesthouse that we were allowed to do in ET with the children. We all needed this trip and it was so peaceful for all of us.

At the Guesthouse in ET
Danica and her new sibs. I was shocked how excited she was. She has fallen hell over heels in love with them. She can't wait to come home from college this weekend to spent time with them.

At the airport last night.. Home at last after 35 hours of traveling.

Home at Last

I know I was scheduled not to return until the 17th but always hoped to leave early. Through the miracle of prayer and our precious God especially, I was able to return on Wednesday, late last night, 3 days early. I have never packed so fast in my life. I had to be packed up within 15 min. Thank you so much for all of you who have prayed so hard.

It's 3am in the morning and I have a horrible headache so I figured I better post something while I can't sleep.

The kids are really something. Typical 4 year olds, loud and active, into everything.... Something I have forgotten. It's been a while since I raised 4 year olds. I am just in awe that they are finally home. Wow, I love them like crazy like I just birthed them.

I promise I will post more soon and especially pics. Most and foremost I want to get out the pics to the waiting moms. I hope to do that today because there is nothing more fulfilling than getting new pics of your kids while you are waiting to pick up your own child.

The kids are doing really, really well. Just hilarious characters. Hoping to not have us all yetlagged and get on a real schedule. When I was in ET the kids slept from 7:30 to 5:20am. Hopefully they will start waking up at 7, that would be great. We will see what time they wake up today.

I love you all so much and thanks for your support and prayers. Just soooooo happy to be home.