Wrap Up and a Letter

We have been home from Ethiopia for 5 months now. It seems so hard to believe. This blog was created to keep our friends and family updated on our adoption. I wanted to tie-up this blog for the two readers that still come here (hi mom!) and for the boys.

If by some miracle this blog is still up and running many years from now when they are old enough to comprehend this journey - I want them to see a complete picture - not a fizzled attempt to document their life with us.

And for long-time readers - I'll be back where I was before this all began.

So here goes...

My dear Seth and Colin,

It's going to be hard to find the right words to express how grateful I am to be your mommy. Is there a word that means "the most blessed" or "way more than thankful"? Daddy and I say thank you to Jesus every day that He thought it best to have us together.

Seth, you are learning new things every day. Your curiosity and energy, sometimes makes your mommy very tired, but have allowed you to adjust to a brand new world. Daddy and I tried so hard to help you feel okay about living here with us. Just last night I told daddy how much you have changed. The day we met you, you were silent and somber. You were probably well aware of what was happening. We were over the moon that day and you were losing all you had known. We loved you right through those hard days. And now - you giggle with delight when you wrestle with daddy. You talk all the way home from school about who you played with, what you did, what you ate, who said what, and what you'd like to do later. You ask for "pasta, pancakes, and apple juice" at every meal. Much like me, you feel better knowing exactly what our plan is for the day. You love going to school and are slightly disappointed on days we stay home. You would rather help us around the house than play with your toys. It's true! Your favorite phrases are; "Oh man", when you're disappointed in yourself or someone else, "Maybe tomorrow" - said as a statement not a question - when we've said no to something you want, and "I lub you" - said often and always with a smile.

Colin, you make us laugh every day. Your smile has melted the hearts of many and can make your Grandma Robinson do things that leave me and your aunt Kelly speechless. The moment you were placed into my arms (daddy held you first so I had to wait my turn) you acted like it was exactly where you were meant to be. I wasn't sure I'd be able to tell if you were mad, sad, or afraid of joining our family. You never seemed to be any of those things. I imagine you thinking "alright - you're here - let's go home." Right now, you love to run and feel the wind on your face. Your imitating the sounds you hear and can almost say every letter of the alphabet. You like giving long hugs and kisses. Your favorite phrases are "all done", "bees" (please), "dow bees"(down please) and "Na" (Sheena). You will do anything Seth tells you to do. I know when you read this that will seem so hard to believe.

In the short time you guys have been home you have seen and done some amazing things. You've been to 5 states. You've been hugged and kissed by four grandparents, two aunts, one uncle, and two cousins. You've been loved on by teachers, doctors, nurses, pastors, dentists, cashiers, waiters, strangers, and friends. You've been to basketball games, baseball games, a school play, and the zoo - twice! You've celebrated birthdays and holidays. You've learned about Jesus ("Jesus everyone") and He has heard your names from countless people - some we've never met.

There are a few things mommy wants you to know from here on out. Our life together won't be perfect. We'll make mistakes and things will happen that make us sad. But, God willing, we will be together. Daddy and I are permanent. You will always be our sons and we will always be your parents. You won't get everything you want (you'll thank us for that when you're all grown up). But whatever you need - it's yours. There will be food to eat, beds to sleep in, clothes to wear, discipline to learn from, protection from harm, and enough love to share. I promise!

I lub you.

Mommy

Picture Post

Here are some recent pictures to tide you over until I can do a proper update. Just know we're doing well and staying busy.

Dedication Sunday with both Grandmas and Aunt Kelly.

At the Arboretum Mother's Day Weekend. (It took four tries to get this picture!)

Colin and a truck

Seth on the treehouse slide at the zoo

Easter 2010

Here are a few pictures from the boys first Easter with us. We weren't sure they'd understand the Easter Egg Hunt concept but they figured it out pretty quickly.

My parent's neighbors invited the boys over to play.

Happy Easter

Post-Op Report

Seth had his dental surgery today. He had all but 8 teeth pulled due to significant decaying.

They were able to save four molars by putting crowns on. And four canines made the cut and stayed intact.

I was worried that he'd wake up from surgery and be terrifed because he didn't know where he was, why his mouth was numb, or in pain.

He did well, although all of those things above were true. He eventually fell back asleep at home (and Sheena took advantange of the situation).

He woke up and asked for lunch. He downed a strawberry popsicle with remnants of an orange popsicle still fresh on his pants.

He seems to be recovering well. He's up in the playroom running the dump truck back and forth across the room. Apparently no one told him he was supposed to still feel groggy and tired.

Anyway - just wanted to provide an update for those who might be checking here. Thanks for the prayers and good thoughts.

Killing Time

We had some time to kill before a doctor's appointment yesterday so we stopped at a city park.

The Story of a Pancake

Pancakes are one of Seth's favorite things. He asks for them regularly and is getting smarter about his request. Instead of saying, "Pancake?", like he used to, he now says, "Seth pancake five?" When translated this means, "Dearest Father, if you would be so kind as to prepare five pancakes, I will be so grateful."

John made his day on Saturday morning by making him an extra-large one.

This is the story of a pancake. Enjoy.

(As a sidenote - sorry for the delay in updating posts. I've been trying for several days to download a video of Seth reading a book. Several hours have been spent - and as it turns out - wasted on this attempt. John says he'll take a stab at it soon. Stay tuned - it'll be worth the wait.)

Today's Snapshot

Now that the boys have adjusted to the local time zone - sleep has been much easier to come by. They both sleep through the night consistently and they don't fight and complain when it's time for an afternoon nap.

Nap time is currently my favorite time of day. Why?

Well - while they do this...

I get to do this...

Eat popcorn, drink a Diet Coke, and watch the Winter Olympics in peace.

Just being honest.