I got a few requests for what I was using for a leave in conditioner. I went to this website:
http://motowngirl.com
and made the leave in spritz. I took 6 oz of water, 2 oz of Herbal Essences Hello Hydration conditioner, and an ounce of olive oil and put it all in a spray bottle and shook well. It works great to tame the frizziness in Peanut's hair and was super easy to make and really quite cheap.
It does separate so I need to shake well before each use. The best part is that it isn't at all greasy and doesn't have an overwhelming strong scent.
I was going to just buy something at the store but when I walked down the aisle that had African American hair products I was slightly overwhelmed and slightly disgusted. Overwhelmed as I had no idea what to do with some of the cremes and oils and such and then disgusted because a lot as in a majority of the products on the shelf were for relaxing and straightening hair. They even had a kids version of a mild relaxer. I was shocked.
I LOVE Peanut's curly hair and want to maintain it to the best of my ability. If she chooses at some point to want to straighten it we will talk but while I am doing her hair there will be no straightening and definitely no relaxing.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Peanut pictures!!
How could you not fall in love with that smile?? Isn't she sweet? She is hopefully getting over her ear infection on this new medication. She is sleeping through the night 10-12 hours and then has the morning nap thing down. She will go down between 8:30/9am for a nap and then wake up between 10:30/11am for food. Afternoon naps are a work in progress but she will usually take a short one sometime after 1pm and then is in bed by 8pm after a bath of course.
I made up some leave in conditioner for her hair and that works fabulously. I haven't tackled a hairstyle beyond putting a headband in but I will soon. She has so much hair and it is a little intimidating.
We have also filed our court paperwork and are awaiting word on when our hearing will be so things are moving in the right direction.
As I write this Peanut is alternating between sucking her finger and thumb and squealing/laughing in delight while playing in her swing. So very in love with this little girl.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
CONGRATS!!!
I couldn't be happier for these people. We started this process around the same time and they have waited so long and been through so much. Her blog was/is a lifeline for me. I have learned a ton from her and have no doubts that champagne corks are popping around the world. CONGRATS you two. You deserve it and we couldn't be happier for you.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Birthday, paperwork and Birth to 3
Today is my birthday. I am officially 33 years young and finally realizing my dreams of motherhood. I couldn't ask for a greater gift than my beautiful daughter.
I started the morning meeting with our social worker as we have more paperwork to do. We have to readopt Peanut in Wisconsin so our social worker dropped that off today. After a follow up phone call with her, I have it all filled out and just have to take it to the county court house. We are hoping to get a court date in the next 4-8 weeks. Once we are done with that we can apply for a certificate of citizenship and social security number for Peanut. And we can start the paper chase for her little brother. We would like to be back on the wait list sometime this fall since the wait for referral has gotten a lot longer we want to get a jump on it. Maybe by the time Peanut is 3 we will have her little brother home too.
After our meeting, I called the Birth to 3 program to set up an assessment for Peanut. We are a little concerned about how little weight she bears on her legs but she is getting better every day. We figured it doesn't hurt to call and see what they have to say or even offer in terms of one time or continual support. She may not qualify for additional resources but we won't know unless we have her evaluated. I am waiting for them to call me back to set up the appointment. It is great that they will come out to our house even.
You may wonder how so much has been done today, well PEANUT IS NAPPING!!! I can hardly believe it. She was up at 8am took half a bottle and was asleep again a little after 9am and has stayed asleep on her back in her crib. Could this be a sign of a regular nap time??? I sure hope so. Her naps are so all over the place right now. She is teething which isn't helping but maybe just maybe this is progress.
I started the morning meeting with our social worker as we have more paperwork to do. We have to readopt Peanut in Wisconsin so our social worker dropped that off today. After a follow up phone call with her, I have it all filled out and just have to take it to the county court house. We are hoping to get a court date in the next 4-8 weeks. Once we are done with that we can apply for a certificate of citizenship and social security number for Peanut. And we can start the paper chase for her little brother. We would like to be back on the wait list sometime this fall since the wait for referral has gotten a lot longer we want to get a jump on it. Maybe by the time Peanut is 3 we will have her little brother home too.
After our meeting, I called the Birth to 3 program to set up an assessment for Peanut. We are a little concerned about how little weight she bears on her legs but she is getting better every day. We figured it doesn't hurt to call and see what they have to say or even offer in terms of one time or continual support. She may not qualify for additional resources but we won't know unless we have her evaluated. I am waiting for them to call me back to set up the appointment. It is great that they will come out to our house even.
You may wonder how so much has been done today, well PEANUT IS NAPPING!!! I can hardly believe it. She was up at 8am took half a bottle and was asleep again a little after 9am and has stayed asleep on her back in her crib. Could this be a sign of a regular nap time??? I sure hope so. Her naps are so all over the place right now. She is teething which isn't helping but maybe just maybe this is progress.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Hush little baby...
Well, I think I spoke too soon in my previous post. Peanut is still perfect she just doesn't like to nap. First it was a day with no afternoon nap and total meltdown in the evening and then it was no morning nap, a quick snooze on the floor and a nap at 6pm. So we are working on it.
I complained to my husband that she didn't want to nap and this morning he goes and lays her down in her crib for her morning nap and within a minute she is asleep. Now how that differs from what I did yesterday, I have no idea.
We are still having some food issues. I swear if I let her she would eat us out of house and home. She loves to eat. We were trying to stay on the every 3 hour schedule that she was used to but some days she just doesn't make it 3 hours.
She is bearing more and more weight on her legs and can that girl laugh. It is the best sound ever. And the smiles, I just can't get enough of them. You go to get her in the morning and you are greeted with the biggest grin. It melts my heart and never gets old.
She is still sleeping through the night 8-9 plus hours a night. I find that I wake a few times to go check on her just to make sure. Can't help it...
We are definitely starting to settle into our new routine. It is amazing to me how much you can accomplish before 8am. And if she starts taking naps regularly again, watch out world here I come.
We took some family pictures this weekend at church and she was okay for awhile and then was just done. Why? She wanted to sleep of course....We wore traditional Ethiopian garments in the pictures too. We did get some cute pictures and even pictures with just Dave and I. These were the first professional pictures of just the two of us since we got married almost 10 years ago. And we have an awesome family photo of the three of us. Wow, I can't believe we are a family of 3 (5 if you count the pugs). I think someone better pinch me just to make sure I am not dreaming.
I complained to my husband that she didn't want to nap and this morning he goes and lays her down in her crib for her morning nap and within a minute she is asleep. Now how that differs from what I did yesterday, I have no idea.
We are still having some food issues. I swear if I let her she would eat us out of house and home. She loves to eat. We were trying to stay on the every 3 hour schedule that she was used to but some days she just doesn't make it 3 hours.
She is bearing more and more weight on her legs and can that girl laugh. It is the best sound ever. And the smiles, I just can't get enough of them. You go to get her in the morning and you are greeted with the biggest grin. It melts my heart and never gets old.
She is still sleeping through the night 8-9 plus hours a night. I find that I wake a few times to go check on her just to make sure. Can't help it...
We are definitely starting to settle into our new routine. It is amazing to me how much you can accomplish before 8am. And if she starts taking naps regularly again, watch out world here I come.
We took some family pictures this weekend at church and she was okay for awhile and then was just done. Why? She wanted to sleep of course....We wore traditional Ethiopian garments in the pictures too. We did get some cute pictures and even pictures with just Dave and I. These were the first professional pictures of just the two of us since we got married almost 10 years ago. And we have an awesome family photo of the three of us. Wow, I can't believe we are a family of 3 (5 if you count the pugs). I think someone better pinch me just to make sure I am not dreaming.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Perfect baby???
Ok--most mom's will tell you that their child is perfect and yes I am going to be one of them.
We have been home almost a week and things are going WAY better than expected. Sure the first couple of nights took some getting used to and last night both Dave and I were like we have a daughter; this is the real deal no one can take her away. Oh My!
Jet lag seems to be gone. Miss Peanut is sleeping 8-9 hours a night. Some nights she wakes herself at 2am or 4am with a little scream and then back to sleep she goes. The first few times that happened I hopped out of bed to check on her and as I walked into her room she was sucking on her fingers, quiet and asleep.
She eats like a champ. Mostly formula and then rice cereal and baby food to supplement. Carrots are a crowd pleaser; she just loves them. Peaches are a work in progress. We will try squash or sweet potatoes next. It sure will be nice to get a list of foods she can eat. This whole eating the same food for a few days to make sure there isn't an allergy is kind of boring but necessary.
We thought for sure we were going to have sleep issues, food issues and maybe illness/parasite issues when we got home. I would say for now the sleep issues have resolved. The food issues are still there in that she can't eat fast enough but it is getting better. The illness/parasite stuff is a work in progress. She came home with an ear infection (though she was an angel all the way home) and we are testing her still for parasites but from what I read I would think we would be able to smell/tell if she has them and we don't think she does but testing just to be sure.
Our pediatrician is FABULOUS! She was so prepared and knew just what to test for in internationally adopted children. We are catching her up on the pneumonia vaccine but all others are listed as current and received in Ethiopia. We will run titers in July just to make sure since we are doing more blood work in July anyway. Peanut is now 13lbs (or was on Monday) and 25.5 inches long. She is on the CDC growth charts for height and barely for weight and not at all for head circumference. The doctor is not concerned. Peanut's head has followed along the same line since referral so it is growing and may just be a small head. Developmentally, the doc thinks Peanut is doing fabulous. She is a little weak in the legs so she gave us the number for the Birth to 3 program in our state so we can call and have her assessed and maybe start some physical therapy. Nothing terrible just hasn't had a lot of practice using those legs.
We truly have the most wonderful baby. She laughs, smiles, squeals and is most of the time a joy to be around. Beware if she is hungry as she has a set of lungs that are sure to tell you that she needs food and needs it now. Okay time for me to make some coffee while little one is down for her morning nap.
We have been home almost a week and things are going WAY better than expected. Sure the first couple of nights took some getting used to and last night both Dave and I were like we have a daughter; this is the real deal no one can take her away. Oh My!
Jet lag seems to be gone. Miss Peanut is sleeping 8-9 hours a night. Some nights she wakes herself at 2am or 4am with a little scream and then back to sleep she goes. The first few times that happened I hopped out of bed to check on her and as I walked into her room she was sucking on her fingers, quiet and asleep.
She eats like a champ. Mostly formula and then rice cereal and baby food to supplement. Carrots are a crowd pleaser; she just loves them. Peaches are a work in progress. We will try squash or sweet potatoes next. It sure will be nice to get a list of foods she can eat. This whole eating the same food for a few days to make sure there isn't an allergy is kind of boring but necessary.
We thought for sure we were going to have sleep issues, food issues and maybe illness/parasite issues when we got home. I would say for now the sleep issues have resolved. The food issues are still there in that she can't eat fast enough but it is getting better. The illness/parasite stuff is a work in progress. She came home with an ear infection (though she was an angel all the way home) and we are testing her still for parasites but from what I read I would think we would be able to smell/tell if she has them and we don't think she does but testing just to be sure.
Our pediatrician is FABULOUS! She was so prepared and knew just what to test for in internationally adopted children. We are catching her up on the pneumonia vaccine but all others are listed as current and received in Ethiopia. We will run titers in July just to make sure since we are doing more blood work in July anyway. Peanut is now 13lbs (or was on Monday) and 25.5 inches long. She is on the CDC growth charts for height and barely for weight and not at all for head circumference. The doctor is not concerned. Peanut's head has followed along the same line since referral so it is growing and may just be a small head. Developmentally, the doc thinks Peanut is doing fabulous. She is a little weak in the legs so she gave us the number for the Birth to 3 program in our state so we can call and have her assessed and maybe start some physical therapy. Nothing terrible just hasn't had a lot of practice using those legs.
We truly have the most wonderful baby. She laughs, smiles, squeals and is most of the time a joy to be around. Beware if she is hungry as she has a set of lungs that are sure to tell you that she needs food and needs it now. Okay time for me to make some coffee while little one is down for her morning nap.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Ready to go home
By the time we got to Wednesday, we were ready to go home. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED Ethiopia and I can't wait to go back but we were done. Both Dave and I had not been feeling super great. Eating was a little bit of a challenge and there was no electricity all day on Wednesday and it was our first full day with Peanut.
There were really no scheduled activities that day. There was supposed to be a hair braiding class but since a bunch of people hired a taxi and went shopping they didn't have it. We did order Metro Pizza that night and hung out as a group eating in the dark. It was a blast.
Peanut was doing well. She seemed to still be battling the upper respiratory infection from the previous week. She ate like a champ, slept through just about everything and has a smile that could melt your heart.
We went to bed early in order to face a full day of packing and getting ready to go home. The trip home was VERY tough as Dave and I were both VERY ill by this point and doing our best to just keep going. All the while Peanut was perfect. Really I mean it. On the flight from Addis to Amsterdam, she slept the entire flight. Thank goodness for the bassinet. She was awake for the whole flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. Not fussy just awake and if you have ever tried to keep a 5 month old entertained for 8 hours when all you want to do is sleep or throw up--trust me it was less than fun.
Once in Detroit she decided to blow out her diaper before we got on the plane which was nice in a way and then she slept the short flight from Detroit to home.
We really have the best little girl and feel so blessed that she is a part of our family. We came home with a ton of extra diapers and clothes as she only blew out 5 outfits I think. She hasn't had a total blow out since the Detroit airport--knock on wood. I know enough poop talk but for those who are adopting and facing long flights it is a constant worry about how this will all work out.
We are still settling in to a new normal and I promise once I have more time I will find a way to put a bunch of pictures here. I will try and at least post a few later today.
There were really no scheduled activities that day. There was supposed to be a hair braiding class but since a bunch of people hired a taxi and went shopping they didn't have it. We did order Metro Pizza that night and hung out as a group eating in the dark. It was a blast.
Peanut was doing well. She seemed to still be battling the upper respiratory infection from the previous week. She ate like a champ, slept through just about everything and has a smile that could melt your heart.
We went to bed early in order to face a full day of packing and getting ready to go home. The trip home was VERY tough as Dave and I were both VERY ill by this point and doing our best to just keep going. All the while Peanut was perfect. Really I mean it. On the flight from Addis to Amsterdam, she slept the entire flight. Thank goodness for the bassinet. She was awake for the whole flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. Not fussy just awake and if you have ever tried to keep a 5 month old entertained for 8 hours when all you want to do is sleep or throw up--trust me it was less than fun.
Once in Detroit she decided to blow out her diaper before we got on the plane which was nice in a way and then she slept the short flight from Detroit to home.
We really have the best little girl and feel so blessed that she is a part of our family. We came home with a ton of extra diapers and clothes as she only blew out 5 outfits I think. She hasn't had a total blow out since the Detroit airport--knock on wood. I know enough poop talk but for those who are adopting and facing long flights it is a constant worry about how this will all work out.
We are still settling in to a new normal and I promise once I have more time I will find a way to put a bunch of pictures here. I will try and at least post a few later today.
Monday, May 18, 2009
The time has come; Peanut is fully in our custody
The day has finally arrived. We get to bring Peanut to the guest house for good today. I can't wait yet am nervous too.
We went to the Care Center in the morning for a farewell ceremony. They had all of the little kids that were old enough to sit, sit on the stage in chairs. Some of the little ones had to run around the room and give us all hugs first. Very adorable.
All of the AP's were sitting around the perimeter of the room. The nannies dressed in traditional Ethiopian clothing brought our children also dressed traditionally downstairs. Peanut was smiling and looked so adorable. They did her hair in 5 little puffs. Too cute.
The nannies said a prayer in Amharic and then a couple of the adoptive parents said a prayer and then the nannies presented us with a card they made for our children telling them how much they loved them. After that the nannies handed us our children. It was just beautiful.
Then they took a hand print of all the kids to add to a binder. Peanut had yellow paint on her hand for the whole day. She didn't like the washing off part.
From there we went back to the guest house for lunch and then it was off to our quick Embassy appointment. Wow what a day. Started with a beautiful ceremony and an Embassy appointment and let's hope it ends with a good nights sleep.
We went to the Care Center in the morning for a farewell ceremony. They had all of the little kids that were old enough to sit, sit on the stage in chairs. Some of the little ones had to run around the room and give us all hugs first. Very adorable.
All of the AP's were sitting around the perimeter of the room. The nannies dressed in traditional Ethiopian clothing brought our children also dressed traditionally downstairs. Peanut was smiling and looked so adorable. They did her hair in 5 little puffs. Too cute.
The nannies said a prayer in Amharic and then a couple of the adoptive parents said a prayer and then the nannies presented us with a card they made for our children telling them how much they loved them. After that the nannies handed us our children. It was just beautiful.
Then they took a hand print of all the kids to add to a binder. Peanut had yellow paint on her hand for the whole day. She didn't like the washing off part.
From there we went back to the guest house for lunch and then it was off to our quick Embassy appointment. Wow what a day. Started with a beautiful ceremony and an Embassy appointment and let's hope it ends with a good nights sleep.
Monday in Ethiopia
Monday equalled the start of sick days for me. YUCK! The schedule was for us to bring Peanut to the guest house for the morning and then bring her back after lunch.
I was feeling pretty awful so I had Dave go get her and I stayed behind. I felt a little better once Peanut arrived and we got to hang out and take pictures. I promise I will post some soon but we are trying to sort that all out.
We got to feed her some cereal and then she slept. She likes her sleep. It was nice to have a relaxing day after the emotionally draining day before. After we ate lunch we had to bring Peanut back to the care center. I hated dropping her off since we didn't get to see her at all on Sunday but I knew that this was the last time we had to drop her off as Tuesday she was ours full time :)
After we dropped Peanut off, we toured some more CHS projects including a women and children medical center and a school. We had a great time at the school. School was almost out so when the bell rang the kids just came rushing out of their classrooms and started jumping up and down or playing soccer.
Some of us were nearly tackled by this little boy who wanted to give us all hugs and kisses. He came up behind be and grabbed my arm and then kissed it and ran away. So cute.
After we left the school we went to the National Museum and by this point I was doing less than fabulous but trucked along. After the museum we were off to dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. I went but didn't unfortunately couldn't eat anything. It all smelled so good. The dancers were AMAZING!! And some in our travel group we picked out to join them. I am glad that I went even if I couldn't fully enjoy the whole experience. Tomorrow is PEANUT DAY!!! She is all ours full time.
On a side note I know these are late but power was out a lot and we had to share so I am trying to play catch up to present day so I can talk about being home and the jet lagged baby :)
I was feeling pretty awful so I had Dave go get her and I stayed behind. I felt a little better once Peanut arrived and we got to hang out and take pictures. I promise I will post some soon but we are trying to sort that all out.
We got to feed her some cereal and then she slept. She likes her sleep. It was nice to have a relaxing day after the emotionally draining day before. After we ate lunch we had to bring Peanut back to the care center. I hated dropping her off since we didn't get to see her at all on Sunday but I knew that this was the last time we had to drop her off as Tuesday she was ours full time :)
After we dropped Peanut off, we toured some more CHS projects including a women and children medical center and a school. We had a great time at the school. School was almost out so when the bell rang the kids just came rushing out of their classrooms and started jumping up and down or playing soccer.
Some of us were nearly tackled by this little boy who wanted to give us all hugs and kisses. He came up behind be and grabbed my arm and then kissed it and ran away. So cute.
After we left the school we went to the National Museum and by this point I was doing less than fabulous but trucked along. After the museum we were off to dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. I went but didn't unfortunately couldn't eat anything. It all smelled so good. The dancers were AMAZING!! And some in our travel group we picked out to join them. I am glad that I went even if I couldn't fully enjoy the whole experience. Tomorrow is PEANUT DAY!!! She is all ours full time.
On a side note I know these are late but power was out a lot and we had to share so I am trying to play catch up to present day so I can talk about being home and the jet lagged baby :)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Hossana yet again
Our day continued with a tour of the new school in Hossana, a look at the bakery project that helps families make bread so they can sell it and then to a traditional hut style house.
The school was amazing. It isn’t completely done but it is getting there and they are hoping to have it open for the next school year. They are also building some more offices and things there as well.
All the while we were photographing and videotaping the whole thing. Ethiopia is such a beautiful country. The people are so friendly and the children love having their picture taken and now with digital cameras you can show them right away.
There is such an extreme level of poverty yet everyone we encountered was so friendly and wanted to wave or have their picture taken. It was very moving and heartbreaking. The children are so beautiful, you just want to scoop them all up and yet they seem so happy. It makes you think twice about complaining about no hot water or electricity when these children are hungry and have no clean drinking water and yet can still walk around with a smile.
Once we left the school, they drove us to a family’s home. The family was gracious enough to let us come in and take pictures and look around. In the one hut was a family with 6 children, 4 cows and 2 goats and there were a couple chickens and a rooster outside. Yes the family and the livestock all slept in the same hut.
The women allowed us to photograph her with some of her children and her one son just LOVED having his picture taken so I would take his picture and show it to him and then he would shake my hand. It was so sweet. His little sister was just a beautiful little girl with braids in her and she too liked having her picture taken.
All in all the Hossana experience was beautiful and emotionally draining. I am so glad we were able to go on this trip and will be able to share the more rural aspects of Ethiopia with Peanut. The drive back to Addis was long. We were all exhausted physically and mentally. I would be naïve to say that I am walking away from today the same person as when I started. I gained a tremendous amount of perspective and was able to enjoy and absorb so much of Ethiopia in such a short time.
To decompress after the emotional day we had, a bunch of us went to Metro pizza for pizza and beer. It was nice to get out of the guest house and just hang out for awhile.
Tomorrow we are able to bring Peanut to the guest house so we can finally take pictures. We will have her here with us until lunch time. After lunch we are going to a museum, to see the CHSFS hospital, and the we are going out to traditional Ethiopian dinner and dancing.
The school was amazing. It isn’t completely done but it is getting there and they are hoping to have it open for the next school year. They are also building some more offices and things there as well.
All the while we were photographing and videotaping the whole thing. Ethiopia is such a beautiful country. The people are so friendly and the children love having their picture taken and now with digital cameras you can show them right away.
There is such an extreme level of poverty yet everyone we encountered was so friendly and wanted to wave or have their picture taken. It was very moving and heartbreaking. The children are so beautiful, you just want to scoop them all up and yet they seem so happy. It makes you think twice about complaining about no hot water or electricity when these children are hungry and have no clean drinking water and yet can still walk around with a smile.
Once we left the school, they drove us to a family’s home. The family was gracious enough to let us come in and take pictures and look around. In the one hut was a family with 6 children, 4 cows and 2 goats and there were a couple chickens and a rooster outside. Yes the family and the livestock all slept in the same hut.
The women allowed us to photograph her with some of her children and her one son just LOVED having his picture taken so I would take his picture and show it to him and then he would shake my hand. It was so sweet. His little sister was just a beautiful little girl with braids in her and she too liked having her picture taken.
All in all the Hossana experience was beautiful and emotionally draining. I am so glad we were able to go on this trip and will be able to share the more rural aspects of Ethiopia with Peanut. The drive back to Addis was long. We were all exhausted physically and mentally. I would be naïve to say that I am walking away from today the same person as when I started. I gained a tremendous amount of perspective and was able to enjoy and absorb so much of Ethiopia in such a short time.
To decompress after the emotional day we had, a bunch of us went to Metro pizza for pizza and beer. It was nice to get out of the guest house and just hang out for awhile.
Tomorrow we are able to bring Peanut to the guest house so we can finally take pictures. We will have her here with us until lunch time. After lunch we are going to a museum, to see the CHSFS hospital, and the we are going out to traditional Ethiopian dinner and dancing.
The second best day of my trip
When we were called I immediately started to cry. I was completely overwhelmed by what was about to happen. It is Mother’s Day and I am meeting Zinash, the woman who gave me the greatest gift in the world.
We walked into the room and I immediately asked if I could give her a hug. She let Dave and I both hug her. She was a little shy and quiet. She was grateful that we were there and loved having the picture of Peanut. We promised her that we would make sure the frame we left behind would get to her and she said she was grateful.
We asked her a few questions and she asked us a few. It was a brief meeting but the best meeting of my whole life. She is truly a beautiful young woman and I can’t wait to tell Peanut all about her.
After our meeting we were able to go outside and take pictures. We have a few on our camera and the CHSFS staff took a picture of the 3 of us together and printed it out and gave it to her right there. I thought that was really great. We are also blessed to have a professional photographer on our trip and he is taking some amazing pictures and is going to share with all of us. He is traveling with another couple and we are all so glad that he is here.
Once the meetings were complete, we had a beautiful and emotional prayer exchange with the birth families. Tears were flowing around the room. The birth parents said a prayer and then lit a candle and gave it to us and then the adoptive parents said a prayer. The whole ceremony was so touching. After that we had to say goodbye to the birth parents.
Zinash came forward and we hugged and cried and hugged some more. We hugged so tight I thought we would never let go. She hugged Dave and then she was off. I feel so fortunate that we were able to have this experience. Today was definitely the second best day of the trip. I have so much to share with Peanut when she is ready and I have these amazing pictures of the most beautiful woman to show her.
It was very obvious today that Zinash loved Peanut very much and to see and hear all that she said touched my soul. I walked away from this meeting knowing that Zinash will forever be in my heart and I owe it to her to make sure that Peanut knows just how much she is loved here in the US and in Ethiopia.
We walked into the room and I immediately asked if I could give her a hug. She let Dave and I both hug her. She was a little shy and quiet. She was grateful that we were there and loved having the picture of Peanut. We promised her that we would make sure the frame we left behind would get to her and she said she was grateful.
We asked her a few questions and she asked us a few. It was a brief meeting but the best meeting of my whole life. She is truly a beautiful young woman and I can’t wait to tell Peanut all about her.
After our meeting we were able to go outside and take pictures. We have a few on our camera and the CHSFS staff took a picture of the 3 of us together and printed it out and gave it to her right there. I thought that was really great. We are also blessed to have a professional photographer on our trip and he is taking some amazing pictures and is going to share with all of us. He is traveling with another couple and we are all so glad that he is here.
Once the meetings were complete, we had a beautiful and emotional prayer exchange with the birth families. Tears were flowing around the room. The birth parents said a prayer and then lit a candle and gave it to us and then the adoptive parents said a prayer. The whole ceremony was so touching. After that we had to say goodbye to the birth parents.
Zinash came forward and we hugged and cried and hugged some more. We hugged so tight I thought we would never let go. She hugged Dave and then she was off. I feel so fortunate that we were able to have this experience. Today was definitely the second best day of the trip. I have so much to share with Peanut when she is ready and I have these amazing pictures of the most beautiful woman to show her.
It was very obvious today that Zinash loved Peanut very much and to see and hear all that she said touched my soul. I walked away from this meeting knowing that Zinash will forever be in my heart and I owe it to her to make sure that Peanut knows just how much she is loved here in the US and in Ethiopia.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day. I am not sure I can accurately put into words everything that I was blessed enough to experience today. One thing I do know for sure is that I will walk away from this a different person with a new perspective and a greater appreciation for the things in life I tend to take for granted.
We started the morning getting up early. I was up just before 5am however I did go to bed at 8pm the previous night as we didn't have electricity so it was quite dark. I am pleased to announce though I did get hot water for the first time this morning. I believe it was a sign of how great the day was going to be.
We all piled on to the bus for our trip to Hossana not sure what to expect. Video cameras were rolling and pictures were snapped. There was lots of honking, weaving between donkeys, cars, people and cows. As we drove through towns in rural Ethiopia kids and adults alike wanted to wave and say hi. When we did stop some approached the bus and wanted food. It was beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time.
When we arrived in Hossana, we stopped to use the bathroom. What we didn't realize at first was that where we stopped was the old intake center, the orphanage where all of our children were first cared for. Pictures immediately were taken and video cameras rolling. I saw my first coffee plant today as there were a few on the grounds on the orphanage. Since this is no longer the orphanage we were allowed inside and we were allowed to take pictures. It was awesome.
After walking around, a nanny approached the group asking about a particular child. It turns out that the nannies that originally cared for our children in Hossana where all there. We got to meet and take pictures with Peanut's first nanny. She was so sweet and she remembered Peanut well. She said Peanut was a very sweet baby and that Peanut really seemed to like her. She said she loved Peanut and asked to see a picture. Luckily I had one to show her. I couldn't give it to her but at least she got to see her. That was amazing.
After we left there we were off to the main offices for our meetings with our birth parents. We had left our picture frame and map that we wanted to give to Zinash back in Addis and were feeling terrible about that. I did have a recent picture of Peanut with me and we were hoping to be able to give her that. Once we arrived at the office we were brought into a large room and waited until our names were called. There were only 3 translators so we had to take turns. We were in the second group.
I have yet to decide how much to share about our meeting so stay tuned…
Monday, May 11, 2009
Ethiopia Day 3
Today we met with the nanny, journalist, doctor, nurse, and social worker. Whew, that was an intense meeting. We started the meeting by watching an AMAZING background video. Our agency goes above and beyond in this regard. I was so impressed with the dedication and the quality and the care taken to capture our daughter's story.
We got our first look at Peanut's birth mother, Zinash. What an amazing and beautiful women. It was obvious in her words and emotions that she really loved Peanut. We will cherish this DVD forever and show it to Peanut when she is ready. We hope to maybe edit some pieces of it into a version we can show family. We want to keep our daughter's story private yet want to show our immediate family some parts of it.
After we cried through the video, we were able to ask the journalist, nanny, doctor, nurse and social worker questions. We were talking with the nanny and she kept raving about how sweet Peanut is and how she only cried really when she is hungry. She likes to entertain herself and the nanny said she smiles a lot.
We found out that Peanut had been sick a few times since referral so we asked the doctor about that. The doctor said she recovered well from her upper respiratory infections, gastroenteritis and pneumonia. She took her medicine well and seems to be doing very well developmentally.
After our meeting we went to the care center to hang out with Peanut. We aren't allowed to take pictures there but our agency has taken some. I would love to post pics and will when I can but that probably won't be until we return as the internet connection is dial up and shared.
We have been able to feed Peanut cereal twice now and I think we are getting better at it. At least I hope so. She sure lets us know if we aren't going fast enough though. She has kind of a stuffy nose so we are hoping that is just the remnants of her latest bout with an upper respiratory infection. She is quite the messy eater so the dogs will be thrilled with all the food they can lick up off the floor and off of her.
We were thinking she would fall asleep after eating but she didn't. She wanted to have tummy time. She LOVES to play on her tummy and she lifts up and pushes up extremely well. We just hung out on the floor and gave her lots of kisses and in return we got lots of smiles, laughs and even a squeal.
We are so over the moon in love with this little girl. My one fear is that she was not held a lot as she was a mellow baby so the nannies held other children more. We have seen this come out a little bit as she gets a little fussy if held for too long. We will just take things one day at a time. We are all still getting used to each other.
After our morning with Peanut we went SHOPPING!!! It was a tough task as you have to negotiate prices with the store clerks which is not in my nature. I had Dave do a lot of negotiating but in the end I did some too. We got so many beautiful things for our home, ourselves and most importantly Peanut. I could have spent more time shopping but I did get quite a bit and have no regrets.
Tomorrow is our trip to Hossana. We have been told that Zinash will be there to meet us and it is Mother's Day. I couldn't ask for a more special Mother's Day. How amazing to be able to meet Zinash and hug and let her know we will love and cherish Peanut with all our heart. Bring out the tissues…more tears are on the way.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
WE MET PEANUT TODAY!!!
WE MET PEANUT TODAY!!! I cried but not nearly as much as I thought I would. The anticipation was the worst part. They had all of the families downstairs and then your social worker would come down and call out your babies name and then we were video taped as we walked upstairs to her room. The social worker then handed her over and they took pictures and video to capture the entire moment. It was truly the most amazing moment of my life.
She is just precious. She seems so much tinier in person than she did in her pictures. She has the longest eyelashes I have ever seen. She is so beautiful. And I know every Mom says that but I really think she is.
She was wearing the flower outfit with hat that was in her social report and boy can that girl smile. She was so smiley when we first met her. She couldn't stop. After a time she did become a little more serious but just as precious.
We watched the nanny feed her some cereal and then we got to feed her. What a learning experience. It took some practice as I just couldn't feed her as fast as she wanted to be fed. It took some time for both of us to adjust but we got there. We made a mess but in the end it worked out.
We then just held her and kissed her and loved on her as much as we could. I just couldn't get enough. She finally fell asleep on Dave for a little while and that was very sweet. She is a little particular about how she is held and she is a mover. She doesn't like to sit still for too long and will let you know it. She doesn't cry a lot but can fuss and then kind of kick you if she isn't comfortable. There is a huge learning curve here. She has to get used to us just as much as we need to get used to her.
She did have a messy diaper while we were there so I brought her up to her nanny and watched her nanny change her. She was very calm for the whole process and not at all fussy. The social report was right on. She is very mellow and cries when she is hungry or tired.
Tomorrow we get to meet with her nanny, social worker, nurse, doctor and journalist. We will get to watch her background DVD tomorrow and be able to ask lots of questions. We have another emotional day ahead…
Friday, May 8, 2009
Travel Day!
Okay I know this is a long time coming but we made it. Talk about a REALLY long day. I definitely was not prepared for how long I would be sitting on a plane. I was fine until we got to Amsterdam. The Amsterdam airport was highly frustrating and that seemed to be the catalyst for the rest of the flights. Once we figured out how to get seats on our flight and confirm our baggage there was little peace. After that we were delayed leaving Amsterdam do to a sand storm in Khartoum. They decided to go ahead and take off from Amsterdam and then decide on route if a stop in the Sudan would occur on not. About an hour outside of Khartoum they decided to stop. A friend had warned me to be prepared for the heat when they opened the doors and she was right it was terrible. When we landed it was 113 degrees and what was supposed to be an hour long stop, turned into almost 2 hours.
We were definitely fed well on all flights. Tried some new foods. By the time we got a meal on the Detroit to Amsterdam flight the only option was vegetable curry. I was nervous but it was actually quite good. On the Amsterdam flight to Addis both meal options were curry as well. It was unexpected, interesting and surprisingly not terrible. This coming from someone who has only started eating curry or and anything spicy in the last couple years.
When we finally arrived in Addis we had about a 2 hour process to go through getting a visa, and then get a stamp in our passport, then go get our bags (which all made it) and then go through customs and then sit in the van and wait. We finally left the airport just after 11:30. We pretty much dumped our stuff and crashed so we could get at least some sleep before the big day.
While leaving the airport we found out that we were the first families staying at the new guest houses aka old care center buildings. They had to move everything in just a couple of days to get set up for us. It is not 5 star but not terrible. There have been power issues, water issues and one room had a bug problem. The power issues are out of anyone's control. The water issues are being worked on daily. We currently have water which we didn't most of the day. We don't and haven't had hot water since we got here so cold showers it is.
So we are settling in and getting ready to meet our daughter. The day has finally arrived. I can't believe it.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
ETHIOPIA HERE WE COME!!!
Packed and ready to go. There is actually another green suitcase that you can't see. So much stuff it wouldn't fit in frame :) All bags have been weighed and we are under the 50lb weight limit:)
I am still in shock that this is actually happening. I am going to Ethiopia. I am bringing home my beautiful daughter. YEAH!!!!!
We were also blessed with a growth update today. Peanut now weighs 12lbs and is 23.5 inches long. WOOHOO!
Will I sleep tonight? I hope so but I am not sure. We took our first dose of Malarone today to ward off Malaria. So far so good. No crazy side effects. We both felt a little out of it about an hour after taking it but after that nothing. Let's hope that continues. In reality, I am not really worried about getting Malaria since we will be at such a high elevation for most of our trip but I thought better safe than sorry since we are leaving Addis for a day.
I cannot access my blog while in Ethiopia but I can email posts to it so that is the plan. I don't know how often I will be able to get on the computer but I will do my best to post as often as I can. I will also have a journal with me to write down things as they happen and as a record of things that I won't post here on the blog for privacy reasons.
Ethiopia here we come!!! Hang on baby girl Mom and Dad are a little more than 15 hours away from boarding that plane. Can't wait to meet you and kiss those adorable little cheeks.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Ready?
That is a loaded question. I want to say yes but I am not sure that is possible. The bags are packed (pictures to come tomorrow) and I am so ready to be a Mom full time yet in some ways I feel like I am not ready.
Physically, I will be at a very high elevation and will try to ward off altitude sickness with lots of water and taking time to get adjusted.
Mentally, I am a basket case right now. I keep forgetting where stuff is and what I did with things. In fact while writing this I forgot which bag I packed my sandals in so I went up and checked....
Emotionally, I am ready to be a Mom but I am not sure I can prepare myself for all of the emotions that are about to hit me. This will be the most emotional journey of my life and I need to be fully present and absorb it all. I can't really predict how things will go and what I will feel. One thing for sure is I packed A LOT of extra Kleenex.
I can't believe we are this close. In less than 48 hours I will be on a plane and on the way to my baby girl. Every time I stop and think about that it brings tears to my eyes. My life is about to get flipped upside down and I couldn't be happier about it.
Physically, I will be at a very high elevation and will try to ward off altitude sickness with lots of water and taking time to get adjusted.
Mentally, I am a basket case right now. I keep forgetting where stuff is and what I did with things. In fact while writing this I forgot which bag I packed my sandals in so I went up and checked....
Emotionally, I am ready to be a Mom but I am not sure I can prepare myself for all of the emotions that are about to hit me. This will be the most emotional journey of my life and I need to be fully present and absorb it all. I can't really predict how things will go and what I will feel. One thing for sure is I packed A LOT of extra Kleenex.
I can't believe we are this close. In less than 48 hours I will be on a plane and on the way to my baby girl. Every time I stop and think about that it brings tears to my eyes. My life is about to get flipped upside down and I couldn't be happier about it.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Packing list
So we have packed just about everything but the kitchen sink so hang on tight this is a LONG list.
Adult Medications: antibiotics (Zithromax), Malaria meds, Imodium, Pepto, Advil, sleeping pills, allergy medicine, neosporin, band aids, anti-fungal cream, hydrocortizone cream
Baby Meds: Infant Motrin, Baby Orajel, Mylacon (gas drops), diaper rash cream, petroleum jelly, eczema cream
Toiletries/personal care: Kleenex purse packs, hand sanitizer, shampoo/conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, razors, chapstick, foundation, saline solution (hubby wears contacts), glasses and extra pair of contacts, face wash cloths, sunscreen, bug spray, lotion, brush, hair goop, toilet paper (not available in public places like airport, etc.)
Baby care: 90 diapers, 3 packs of diaper wipes, Huggies baby wash cloths, baby lotion, nail clippers, hair accessories, 2 hooded towels, 4 wash cloths
Clothing for Me: 8 pairs underwear, 6 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of capris, 2 long skirts (bought at Savers/thrift store), 10 t-shirts, 3 pairs of yoga pants, light weight jacket, pajamas, tennis shoes, sandals, flip flops for shower shoes, sunglasses
Hubby's clothes: 8 pair underwear, 8 pair of socks, 1 pair khaki pants, 2 pair jeans, 3 pair shorts, 2 button down/polo shirts, 8 t-shirts, jacket, pajama pants, 1 pair of shoes, flip flops for shower shoes, sunglasses
Baby cloths: 8 sleepers, 15 day time outfits, 2 baby jackets, 15 onesies, 10 pair socks, 2 pair shoes/booties, 2 hats, 4 blankets, Ergo baby carrier, 20 disposable bibs, 2 dresses,
Food/baby feeding: 1 can soy formula or hypo allergenic formula in case of digestive issues, 3 bottles, 50 + drop in liners, 2 fast flow nipples, 2 medium flow nipples, 1 slow flow nipple, nipple cleaning brush, 2 pacifiers (latex), 2 pacifiers (silicone), burp cloths, sippy cup just in case
Adult snacks: Trail mix, granola bars, 2 refillable water bottles, gum, raisins, protein bars
Miscellaneous: Ziploc bags (lots), garbage bags, dish soap, laundry soap, diaper bag fully loaded, video camera, digital camera, extra memory cards, plug adapters and converters, photo copy of passport and credit card, books, spending money, journal, alarm clock, travel pillows
Donations: Our agency is accepting donations of soy formula, infant vitamin drops, diapers and diaper wipes. We are bringing 6 large cans of soy formula and one small can and 28 boxes of infant vitamin drops. As for AHOPE, I have well over 35 boxes of gloves and some bibs and hair ties that a friend asked us to pass along.
See I told you it was a lot. Now coming soon will be pictures of the luggage. I have 4 suitcases, 2 carry on bags, a diaper bag and a lap top bag to get ready. Almost there....
Adult Medications: antibiotics (Zithromax), Malaria meds, Imodium, Pepto, Advil, sleeping pills, allergy medicine, neosporin, band aids, anti-fungal cream, hydrocortizone cream
Baby Meds: Infant Motrin, Baby Orajel, Mylacon (gas drops), diaper rash cream, petroleum jelly, eczema cream
Toiletries/personal care: Kleenex purse packs, hand sanitizer, shampoo/conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, razors, chapstick, foundation, saline solution (hubby wears contacts), glasses and extra pair of contacts, face wash cloths, sunscreen, bug spray, lotion, brush, hair goop, toilet paper (not available in public places like airport, etc.)
Baby care: 90 diapers, 3 packs of diaper wipes, Huggies baby wash cloths, baby lotion, nail clippers, hair accessories, 2 hooded towels, 4 wash cloths
Clothing for Me: 8 pairs underwear, 6 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of capris, 2 long skirts (bought at Savers/thrift store), 10 t-shirts, 3 pairs of yoga pants, light weight jacket, pajamas, tennis shoes, sandals, flip flops for shower shoes, sunglasses
Hubby's clothes: 8 pair underwear, 8 pair of socks, 1 pair khaki pants, 2 pair jeans, 3 pair shorts, 2 button down/polo shirts, 8 t-shirts, jacket, pajama pants, 1 pair of shoes, flip flops for shower shoes, sunglasses
Baby cloths: 8 sleepers, 15 day time outfits, 2 baby jackets, 15 onesies, 10 pair socks, 2 pair shoes/booties, 2 hats, 4 blankets, Ergo baby carrier, 20 disposable bibs, 2 dresses,
Food/baby feeding: 1 can soy formula or hypo allergenic formula in case of digestive issues, 3 bottles, 50 + drop in liners, 2 fast flow nipples, 2 medium flow nipples, 1 slow flow nipple, nipple cleaning brush, 2 pacifiers (latex), 2 pacifiers (silicone), burp cloths, sippy cup just in case
Adult snacks: Trail mix, granola bars, 2 refillable water bottles, gum, raisins, protein bars
Miscellaneous: Ziploc bags (lots), garbage bags, dish soap, laundry soap, diaper bag fully loaded, video camera, digital camera, extra memory cards, plug adapters and converters, photo copy of passport and credit card, books, spending money, journal, alarm clock, travel pillows
Donations: Our agency is accepting donations of soy formula, infant vitamin drops, diapers and diaper wipes. We are bringing 6 large cans of soy formula and one small can and 28 boxes of infant vitamin drops. As for AHOPE, I have well over 35 boxes of gloves and some bibs and hair ties that a friend asked us to pass along.
See I told you it was a lot. Now coming soon will be pictures of the luggage. I have 4 suitcases, 2 carry on bags, a diaper bag and a lap top bag to get ready. Almost there....
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