Reflections on the last 2 months

We have know Peanut now for 2 months and I don't think I accurately have reflected on Ethiopia and how much my life has changed since I became a Mom but first I had to start with pictures :)

She just figured out today how to feed herself.

She also likes to grab on to her bottle, one time she even got it in her mouth. Other times she pokes herself in the nose or eye.

Well this is just sweet potatoes on her face but she is so cute :)

Two months ago today, I walked up the stairs and met my daughter. I knew my life would never be the same and I was filled with excitement and fear. Excited that my dreams were coming true and scared that I would do something wrong. What I have learned in 2 months is that the excitement doesn't wear off and all moms make mistakes and that is okay.

As for Ethiopia, it has taken me a long time to really process what I saw and what I experienced and I am not sure I can put it in to words. The hope. The despair. The smiles. The extreme poverty. A very obvious haves and have nots. It was a lot to take in. I have lived a pretty sheltered life. This was my first time on another continent. I had really only been to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. I needed this. I needed Ethiopia. I finally saw what goes on outside of my little world and I will never be the same. Call it obligation to my daughter or my family or to a greater sense of awareness but I can't and won't turn my back on Ethiopia and the wonderful people that live there.

I have joined a cooperative sponsorship with a group of other families to sponsor a child at AHOPE. My goal is next year to sponsor a child independently. It isn't much but it is a start. I want to do more, so much more.

I can't wait to share Ethiopia with Peanut and let her know how committed we are to do what we can. I can't wait to go back to Ethiopia. I can't wait to take Peanut and our son to Ethiopia. Hopefully, if all goes well, Dave and I will be back in Ethiopia in a few years to be united with our son. Our trip will look very different the second time around. Will we go to the museum again, probably not. Will we look for ways to spend more time at AHOPE or other places, yes. We would love to travel to Lalibela and Gondar and Bahir Dar.

For Christmas, Dave bought me this beautiful wood box that says "My heart belongs in Ethiopia" and I didn't realize then how true that statement really is.