It's been 6 months!

What a wonderful, crazy, busy, fun, incredible half year we've had. Ayana is a healthy, happy, walking, talking busy toddler who is constantly keeping us smiling and moving. Here are some pictures of our little girl.

Happy Birthday Ayana

I can't believe our baby girl will be one already! We celebrated her birthday a little early so that her whole family could be here to celebrate. She is an amazing baby and we are so excited that we were chosen to be her parents. We love you Ayana!!

March already

So much has happened in the last 3 months and I've had very little time to reflect on the journey itself. We could not love a baby any more than we love Ayana. She's smart, beautiful and full of energy. She just began crawling and is keeping us very busy. She loves her big brother and daddy. Christian is still excited that he has a little sister. I thought by now the newness would wear off but it hasn't. He is doing well in school and we just began his 3rd season in T Ball and have started back a piano lessons. TO some it all up ....I'm tired

2009 and lots to be thankful for

It has been a great year. Christian, my baby boy, is 5! I didn't realize how big he was until we added to our family. He's independent, smart, thoughtful and damn cute. He' s been such a big helper these last couple of weeks that we have started "allowance". How he got old enough for an allowance I will never know. Ayana is meshing great with the family. She's full of smiles and is sleeping through the night now. It's amazing how we waited so long for her to be here and now it seems she always has been here.

Christmas and stuff!

I can't explain how happy or exhausted I am. I think I forgot how much work babies are and having 2 children is WAY different than having one. Add jet lag, pink eye, Christmas and waking up every 3 hours and you have a barely functioning but completely satisfied mommy. I was in line at the grocery store yesterday and I overheard two women complaining about their children. Both were trying to out do the other with stories of how difficult their child was and how each age was worse than the last. I kept my mouth shut but thought of how truly blessed I was with my two children. I don't know if it was the Christmas spirit that brought on this revelation or that I somehow feel that I appreciate my children more because of the work it took to get them home. I can't explain it but I have the two most incredible children in the world and I would never say to someone to enjoy it now because in 6 months they will be torture. It can be trying, at times, and exhausting but isn't that what parenting is? We had a wonderful Christmas and we are all adjusting as best we can. I am so greatful and want to give hope to all fellow adopting parents that it will happen and be worth it!!

Home at last

Sorry it has taken me so long to post. I came home with pink eye so I have been pretty miserable but it is slowly getting better and I've managed to keep it to myself! The trip was amazing and tiring. I had a chance to look in on most of the children but there are so many there it is hard to keep track of who is who. They are all being well taken care of, the nannies love them and care for them. They even cried when we took Ayana with us. I'll type more later but here are some photos

We're off!

We leave tomorrow morning and will return December 9th. I doubt I will be able to figure out how to update this from Ethiopia so I will check in when we get home. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!! I will try to look in on all the little ones at House of Hope!