Our First Snow

They have never seen snow before. They had no idea what it was but they loved it. They loved sledding and shoveling and stayed out a long time. We have had a BUNCH of snow and a lot of snow days. Having all 5 kids home is very LOUD. The boys love the other kids and are following them around constantly.

These two boys can eat so much it is amazing. They are having 5-6 meals a day. They are not fans of sweets but protein and carbs are their favorites. We found some healthy chicken nuggets at Costco and I should buy 5 bags at a time!! I'm so glad they are eating so much. Their faces are changing. They are a little bit rounder and their skin color is much better. We got their blood work back and everything came back normal. They are also parasite free!!! We are so blessed.



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SNUGGLIN

That is some snugglin during the bedtime showing of Shrek. Our bedtime routine is set but every once in a while they want to snuggle in bed with me to watch Shrek. Any excuse to snuggle, I'm in. We are closing in on the two week mark and things are going well. Just like my bio kids, they are so different. Tedela (TJ, 4 years old) is an easygoing guy who only gets upset when he feels that something of his was taken. Robi ( 7 years old) has a whole different personality. He is very exciteable and has a difficult time settlin down. He will also pout and refuse any contact when he doesn't get his way. I ignore the behavior and it seems to be working. He starts talking in amharic under his breath. He will also hit or kick TJ very hard. I immediately stop the behavior and have him apologize to him. He pouts from anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes and will then apologize. I have a feeling that he has used this behavior many times to get what he wants. He also reacts to small accidents with exaggerated pain responses. After checking to see if he is ok, I realize that this must be another way to get attention There are days that I think that I am not doing the right time but as I see changes occur, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you have had any of these experiences, please let me know how you handle it!!


Courtney

They are AMAZING

Each day these boys are changing and growing.  They are eating everything in sight and loving it.  They are not afraid of anything.  Jumping off stairs, riding downhill on a scooter, they will try everything.  They are acting just like brothers, a little smack there, a little kick there.  Nothing new.  They have also had their pouting periods when they don't get what they want.  Nothing new.  I have dealt with it before with my bio kids so even though it sounds weird, I'm glad it is happening.  Their attachment is good and getting better everyday.

They went to their brother's basketball game yesterday and Robi thought he had died and gone to heaven.  He watched every single play.  Tedela slept the whole time.  I wasn't sure about a high school basketball game but we all go to everyone's games so I figured we should try.  I'm so glad it went well.  When my son, Connor, 16, finished his game he came over to Robi and he wanted him to hold him and it was an amazing sight to see~!  

Courtney

They are home

I can't believe that this day is here. All the worries and heartaches of the last three years were erased from my mind when I saw them leave the airplane. They were zombie like right off the plane so we sat with our family and let them catch their breath!!! We headed home and the boys were still zombies out. Once we got inside and they saw the gifts that friends and family they quickly woke up. It was heaven seeiNg them look at toys. They are so silly together. It is like they were brothers all along bath time had me laying on the floor laughing. I'll add pictures tomorrow. Thanks for all of the good thoughts sent our way.



Courtney

Less than 48 hours

Yep, they are soooo close. By way of our director I was
able to talk to Neal and he said the boys are so unbelievably wonderful. They had just taken
a bath and had pjs on. Tedela has been smiling non stop and Robi has been working with all the computers and phones. He is mesmerized by all things electronic!!!! They love my daughter and I'm sure they are running her ragged. She loves it!!! Hopefully, I will be able to wait.

Up, up and Away

My husband, Neal and 14 year old daughter, Abby, are on their way to Addis Ababa to bring home our boys. We got the ok to travel at 6 am this morning. Thanks to Trent at Velocity for making the impossible possible. I still can't believe we found a flight.
I feel that Kelly and the angels at Ordinary Hero brought our boys to us. We can't ever thank them enough. One day we will pay it forward with a mission trip to Ethiopia. Please visit them at www.ordinary hero.org.
Hopefully we will hear from the guest house soon. They need somewhere to lay down their weary heads after the long flights.



Courtney
Momma in waiting....

No News

Well, still no news about our embassy date.  I am beginning to acknowledge that we may have to wait until January 13.  If we get news on Monday, I will do everything I can to get a flight and everything else to leave on Tuesday.