Generational Gingerbread

L and C (Z was napping...you snooze, you lose) decorated/ate their first gingerbread house on Friday along with Aunt R, Grandma, Great Grandpa D and Great Grandma D. Quite a lineage! Our kids don't yet realize how blessed they are with such lovely relatives around.

Christmas Lights

Two of our favorite Christmas traditions are visiting our city's big huge tree made of lights and walking through the Trail of Lights. Growing up in here we visited both of these as kids each year, and now enjoy sharing these festivities with our children. It's especially sweet this year with our son, as we watch him experience his first Christmas.

Z, 91/2 mos.

Z is 9 1/2 months old now. A quick update and some pictures of our handsome little man...

Z got his first tooth at Thanksgiving and the second is about to push through any day. He is one frustrated little man desperately trying to crawl. He will get on all fours and rock furiously, then collapse to his belly and try to swim/scoot the floor. He ends up screeching in frustration after only getting a few feet. Z takes great pride in his latest accomplishment - standing in the exersaucer or holding onto something (like the coffee table).


Z continues to be our cuddly little man. When I pick him up, he tucks his feet up and snuggles into my neck. He relishes affection and will give us kisses over and over for as long as we can stand the slobber. Z is sleeping really well right now. He occasionally wakes up in search of his pacifier, or with a snotty nose in need of Benadryl.


When we first received Z's referral, it described him as charming. He has fully lived up to this description! He has always been playful with us but Z used to be very scared of peek-a-boo games. It's a great sign of trust and attachment that he now instigates this game. He will bury his head in your chest, sit very still and then pop up squealing with laughter.

Z and his neighborhood girlfriends. We have an amazing playgroup in our neighborhood. Actually to call it a playgroup doesn't do it justice. I feel spoiled rotten by the sweet friends I have made here. Here exists a truckload of kids that are L&C's age, and thankfully a new batch has cropped up that are Z's age as well!

Z received his very first Christmas present yesterday. Uncle Ray (a relative in Tulsa, OK) has sent our girls Christmas ornaments each year. It's so thoughtful and the girls love having their OWN ornaments. Yesterday the box arrived and included an ornament wrapped for Z. A first of his lifetime:-)

I've been following the blogs of other families in Gladney's Ethiopia program that are awaiting referrals. The wait for referrals continues to get longer as more and more people adopt from this wonderful country. My heart aches for the families as they long to get "THE" call. I'm so very grateful to be on the other side of that process now where I get to hold Z everyday and feel like I would have waited 10 times longer for this very son we get to call our own.

If a bear eats me....

Today in the car L said if a bear ate her, it would be protecting her from a shark. My response, "huh???" She repeated, "If a bear eats me, it would be protecting me from a shark." Before you ask, I have no idea where she came upon this idea but it did spark a conversation between us that the bear would not be protecting her by eating her.

L then said if a bear ate her that I would be so sad and cry and then I would only have C(guess she forgot about Z). I agreed that I would be so sad and added that I would cry every day. At the same time I'm thinking - where in the crazy world did she get the idea about bears and sharks eating her???

C joins the conversation at this point and says very seriously, "L, I would go with you if a bear eats you." L asks C, "You would be in another bear's tummy beside the bear that ate me?" C says, "No. I will be in the same bear as you. I will go with you if a bear eats you. You would not be alone."

My heart melted. I was amazed at C's enormous love for her sister. A precious (and yes, a little on the twisted side) conversation worth archiving!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Last year my girls were shaking and crying hysterically when we tried to get a Santa photo. This year they asked to go see Santa. I reminded them of the 2006 crying extravaganza and they replied that they were 3-years-old now and they only cried when they were 2-years-old. While in line, I told them several times that if they were scared and were going to cry, we needed to go home right then. They promised they would be brave. Z wasn't totally buying it but at least he did not cry. I think L&C were more excited about being allowed to stand on the couch than actually seeing Santa.

Two out of three smiling in a photo...wonders never cease (click on the photo to enlarge).

Baa Baa Black Sheep

C has a great memory. She quickly memorizes nursery rhymes, songs and remembers the most random things we've mentioned in passing to her. On top of this she is quick witted and enjoys teasing.

After the girls were in bed the other night, Christopher went in to tell them to stop talking and go to sleep. He reminded them to say, "yes, sir." C's response was "three bags full."

Talking About Adoption With Kids

I read a book several years ago titled something like "Talking With Young Children About Adoption." Great book, lots of great info and anecdotes. I might need to reread it after confusing my kids on Sunday. We had Z dedicated at our church on Sunday. In the car after church I said to Christopher that I was grateful our pastor prayed not only for Z but for his birthmother. L piped up from the backseat, "Z has a birthmother?"

Me: "Yes, just like you have a birthmother."

L: "Are you Z's birthmother?"

Me: "No, I'm Z's mommy, his mother - just like I'm your mommy and just like I'm C's mommy. Z's birthmother lives in Ethiopia. She grew Z in her tummy and we adopted him and I am his mommy. L, who is your birthmother?"

L: points at Mommy with questioning eyebrows.

Me: "No, I'm your mommy. Whose tummy did you grow in?"

L: again points at Mommy with questioning eyebrows.

Me: "No, remember you grew in Crystal's tummy, right? Crystal is your birthmother and we adopted you so I am your mommy. Just like I'm Z's mommy and C's mommy."

L: nods, smiling, giggling. "Oh yeah. I was just teasing, mommy."

C: "But I grew in your tummy, right mommy? And I kicked you." (she says with much pride)

Me: "Yes, you did. And L, you kicked Crystal when you were growing in her tummy. Remember I told you how I touched Crystal's tummy and I felt you kick?"

L: "Yeah!"

C: "Mommy, am I adopted?"

L: "No, C, ONLY Z and I get to be adopted!"

SILENCE...

Me: "Have I totally confused all of you now?"

L and C: "Yes."

Family Photo

We had our first post placement visit from a Gladney caseworker a few weeks ago. The caseworker requested I email a few photos which they will file away and also send along to their Ethiopia office. One of these photos is supposed to be of the whole family. Not that we have this massive family but getting us all together, when everyone is awake, and someone else is around to take a picture...who knew it could be so difficult?? A trip to SeaWorld on Saturday did the trick.

New U2 Song About Ethiopia

The remastered Joshua Tree album features several unreleased demos from The Joshua Tree Sessions. Bono recently added new vocals to one of them, 'Wave of Sorrow’, and this week talked about the inspiration for the song. Check out the interview (including him singing the song) with Bono where he explains that Wave of Sorrow ‘was one of the songs from the Joshua Tree sessions that we never finished… a song that was trying to describe experiences that myself and Ali had when we were working in Ethiopia during the famine.’

The last lines in particular strike such a cord with me. The next to last line recalling a crystal clear picture of what we saw in Ethiopia. The final line reminds me of the Creator of Hope:

"Blessed are the tin can cardboard homes
Blessed is the Spirit who Overcomes"

http://www.u2.com/news/index.php?mode=full&news_id=2166.

For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, thoughts to give you a future and a hope. --- Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from our two princesses and one "no costume" little man. I had planned on Z being a bumblebee (recycling C's baby costume) but could not find it today. At least he is wearing a festive tshirt (it reads "itsy bitsy spider") and the right colors. We tried. Z got his hands on some chocolate and did not seem to mind getting the shaft in the costume department.

Kolfe Orphanage

For those of you who read our daily posts from Ethiopia, you will surely remember these photos from the Kolfe Boys Orphanage (the older boys orphanage we visited, post is dated 8/20/07):

The children at this orphanage have a very slim chance of every being adopted. They have mostly been forgotten by their government. One of the greatest needs of these children is an education which will hopefully provide them with opportunities to help themselves find a better life. Gladney is raising funds to remodel, construct and completely furnish a library at this orphanage.

If you are interested in donating, please make checks payable to The Gladney Center for Adoption, and note the "Kolfe Boys Orphanage" on the memo line. These tax deductible contributions can be mailed directly to:

Scott Brown, Executive Vice President
The Gladney Center for Adoption
6300 John Ryan Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76132

Change, Change, Change

Z, now 8 months, had a well check today with his pediatrician. It went great and the doctor was very pleased with his growth and development. In two months he has gained 4 pounds, grown 1 1/2 inches, learned to sit up, added fruits, veggies and yogurt to his daily diet, learned to sleep through the night (YES! We are back on track!), learned to wave "hi," and I could go on and on.

In addition he has moved continents, cultures and is experiencing a new language. He is also now living with his 4th caregiver (going from birthmom to orphanage to Gladney foster home to our home). I'm struck by how much change he has endured and yet how bright his eyes sparkle and how joyful he is.

Our first six weeks home we barely let anyone else hold him, we barely left home with him, we limited visitors and did not leave him with a babysitter. All of this was to limit all the "newness." We wanted him to focus just on immediate family and this home. It has been so encouraging to see Z bond to us and thrive. I can see his little eyes light up when he sees me. He kicks his feet and flaps his arms at the sight of his daddy and sisters. No one else gets that immediate reaction from him. He is charming and will certainly smile and play with others - but that immediate excitement he reserves for just us right now.

We are so richly blessed to have Z in our family. He is an amazing answer to prayer.

Fall Family Fun

It's 90 degrees but we will pretend it's Fall. Christopher skipped work today and joined us for our 2nd annual field trip to a nearby farm. The farm offers hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, scarecrow stuffing, plus there are goats, donkeys and horses to pet. We had a blast and now the kids are all settled into hopefully very long naps! Lots of photos from our day:

The driver of our hayride took us straight through a corn field - not on the trails but straight on through. I'm not sure if the kids or adults enjoyed it more! And yes, that is a goat standing up in a tree in the third photo. As a reminder, you can click on the individual photo to enlarge.

We met up with sweet friends from our neighborhood. These are pictures from the corn maze.

Z seemed to enjoy petting the horse the best. The horse managed to get a hold of Z's pacifier in return. Now typically if his pacifier falls to the floor we are not timid about sticking it right back in his mouth. But with the horse...I had to draw the line there.

Of course a pumpkin patch trip would not be complete without the requisite "sit child in front of pumpkin photos."

3 Years Ago Today

Our C debuted 3 years ago today. She was long and skinny at 21 inches and 6 lbs, 12 ounces. We joked she looked like Billy Idol with her wild blond hair and skinny old man look. She is a treasured gift! Here are some of my favorite baby C pics:

Sleep

Sleep has been cruelly teasing us. Two months ago when we first got Z he would wake 2-3 times to feed (or at least we thought that was what he wanted). We then weaned him down to just 1 feeding per night. Then a couple weeks ago that feeding started to occur later and later. He was waking at 2AM to feed, then 3, then 4:30, then 5:30AM and then the magic happened...Chris and I woke one morning last week and it was 7:15AM! We were thrilled. It was the first time Z had slept through the night and the first time Chris and I got a full nights sleep in over two months. We went to bed that night holding our breath Z would show a repeat performance and we were rewarded with a 7:30AM wake up call! We enjoyed 3 nights-in-a-row of "sleeping through the night." Then Sunday night, to our great disappointment, Z broke his streak. Since then he is back to waking once each night.


When we first hear him, Chris or I will just stick his pacifier in his mouth and walk out. This works for about an hour, then we hear him again, and again until we give up and feed him 1/2 a bottle. Last night I went in there at 2AM, 4AM, and then at 4:30AM I caved and gave him 4 ounces of formula (his typical feedings are 6-8 ounces). We then heard him crying hard at 7AM. Chris gave him his pacifier and he went back to sleep until 8AM. So is it teething? A growth spurt? Combo?


I really think you can draw a strong comparison between the superstitions parents exhibit with those of baseball players. Baseball players are known to hit a winning streak and claim they have to keep wearing the same stinky socks, not shave and tap the bat on the ground three times before every time at bat in order to maintain the streak. Parents trying to get kids to sleep through the night will meticulously repeat the bedtime routine that worked the one night their child slept through the night. I'll think - it must be because I used the orange pacifier, put his lovey blanket under his left arm, had him sleep on his right side, and gave him exactly 6.385 ounces of formula right before bedtime. Surely I can't give him one sip more or less of formula or he won't sleep through the night! Add this thinking to the sleep deprivation and no wonder so many moms feel like they are losing their minds!


Here is what Z has to think of all this:

Three-Year-Old Rescues Baby Jaguar!

On Saturday we celebrated C's 3rd birthday with a few friends at the park. The party was Diego-themed and included a rescue adventure to save baby Jaguar! For those without small children, Diego (cartoon) is an animal rescue hero (and cousin of Dora the Explorer). Baby Jaguar is often featured in episodes and in need of rescue along with red-eyed tree frogs, sloths, spectacle bears, and other such exotic creatures. C is a big fan and requested a Diego birthday party where she and her friends would trek down the neighborhood greenbelt trail to the creek on an "adventure."

We met at our neighborhood park where Chris (with hand drawn map in hand) started the party off by explaining to the children that Baby Jaguar was stuck up in a tree and in need of rescuing. The birthday girl bravely scaled the tree to rescue Baby Jaguar (followed by the other kids taking turns at climbing the tree). We ate lunch down by the creek and then hiked back up to the park for cake. The kids seemed to enjoy the adventure. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a lovely day!

say cheese!

I have maybe one photo of L&C together (pre-Z) where they are both looking at the camera and smiling. I have a feeling it's not getting any easier. After about 10 photos, this was the best shot:

Ethiopian Sets Marathon WR

There is hope for a fast runner in the family! Ethiopia's Haile Gebrselassie set the marathon world record for 2:04:26 this past Sunday in Berlin. That is smokin' fast and about 30 seconds faster than the previous world record.

And, umm....about 2 hours faster than anyone in our family.

http://www.runtex.com/web/1-1057.asp

Beautiful Bride

My sister Courtney was married a week-and-a-half ago. Here is the lovely bride with my new brother-in-law, Scott:

That is my 7-year-old nephew also pictured. He did a lengthy recitation at the wedding ceremony and nailed it perfectly.

His sister is 4-years-old and joined my L&C as flower girls:

It was a beautiful and intimate ceremony. Z's first wedding reminded me of when Chris and I married. My nephew was our youngest guest at just two-and-a-half weeks old!

The View

Yesterday Sherri Shepherd from the "View" stated on air:"Oh, those poor babies. People used to get Chinese babies, now everyone gets African babies. It's a Louis Vuitton bag."

Where do I start in addressing such a sick and ignorant comment??? Thankfully I do not waste my time watching this ridiculous show.

A recap to what was said: http://www.watching theview.com/ the-view- september- 27th-recap- all-hot-topics/#more-850):

To write the show and complain click here: http://abc.go. com/daytime/ theview/ask

Zane, 7 mos.

We've been home for nearly one month with Zane and we are actually beginning to fall into a routine. His sleep is improving and we are having some success with solid food. I think he has gained nearly 3 lbs since arriving home - must be all the queso! Zane continues to be an easy baby (aside from our sleep deprivation). He is all smiles, very cuddly and pretty mellow. Bonding and attachment seem to be going well so far. He shows a preference for mommy and daddy and has started to reach his arms to us to be held. Zane loves to play. Lily and Claire can easily get him laughing. They still refer to him as "baby Zane." He is such a sweet little guy - just content to roll around on my lap and check out his surroundings.