The Belleme Family

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here are a few pics of my cuties this morning, right before we delivered a mocha to Daddy at work! Ely was "reading" her book to Titus, who was very interested in following along! They are so cute, and love each other so much...

Here's big sister, Elyana- Age 2 years 2 months (almost)

And here's our tiny baby boy, Titus- Age 7 months
(Really, he's tiny! He's wearing 3-6 month clothes here, and they are HUGE on him!)

I sure am a lucky Mama!

Update on Kebebe Tsehai- Caregivers and Diapers!

2012-01-10T23:58:00.000-08:00

CAREGIVERS
In August 2010, we started the Caregiver Sponsorship program at Kebebe Tsehai Government Orphanage in Ethiopia after our visit there in July 2010 (when we adopted Ely). You can read about that HERE and an update HERE. Within 10 days of starting this project, somewhere around 24 new caregivers had been sponsored! Praise the Lord- this helps those babies SO much and was SO needed! Many of those caregivers were hired out of the girls government orphange in Addis- Kechene, meaning those girls had aged out of the orphanage and were looking for a job, which can be very hard for a young homeless orphaned girl to find!

Recently, I asked Sara, our caseworker at Gladney how this fund was holding up. She said it was running low! So I'm asking again- will you help? Can you sponsor a caregiver at Kebebe Tsehai Orphanage in Ethiopia for only $35/month? (Note for families who have given before- I believe it was originally thought that it would be $70/month- If you paid that, which many families did, you paid for 2 years, which would be up this coming August).

Here's how- Send a check (tax deductable) to:
The Gladney Center for Adoption
ATTN: Sara Cox
6300 John Ryan Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76132

It can be any amount, but to sponsor 1 caregiver for a year, it costs $420. Write "Kebebe Tsehai" in the subject field. This is an ongoing project that you can donate any amount to at any time.

DIAPERS
After Joe's trip to Ethiopia in November, he said "Something has to be done about the diaper situation at Kebebe Tsehai." The 75 babies At Kebebe are only changed twice in 24 hours- 4AM and 4PM regardless of the condition of their diaper (full, wet, dirty). If they are leaking- Oh well, have to wait until 4:00. Most of the babies (including several under a month old) had soaking wet diapers and terrible diaper rash! So very sad...

So I started researching diapers. The problem is that disposable diapers always run out! Especially with 75 babies using them! 10 (or so) per day- that makes 750 diapers A DAY! Even their 2 per day plan= 150 diapers a day! My contact in Ethiopia suggested I find re-usable/washable diapers, and assured me they would be able to wash them daily. So I began searching. Within days, I got connected with another adoptive Mom who had organized diaper donations in the past, and The Little Bee Company, a cloth diaper company who's mission is to donate diapers to orphanages around the world. To make a long story short, Christie happens to be going to Ethiopia in MARCH to do a "Diaper Drop" (where they deliver diapers and teach staff how to use them) through The Little Bee Company, and the orphanage she was planning on delivering them to had fallen through! So she switched to Kebebe Tsehai! Great timing, God!

How can you help?
*If you buy cloth diapers, buy them from the Little Bee Company! (They are REALLY cute, too!) For each one a customer buys, one is donated to Kebebe Tsehai (Buy one, Give one). Sidenote: I'm told cloth diapers make good swim diapers, too, which are really expensive! Maybe try one out for that purpose! I think I'll do this!
*If you DON'T buy cloth diapers, but want to help, you can buy one and TWO are donated to Kebebe Tsehai (Give one, Give one!). Just write "donate" in the comment field of check-out! They are roughly $20 each! Check out the link, consider buying one (or more!), and spread the word to friends/family! The goal is 275 diapers by March!

Check out these cute little diapers and buy some for Kebebe Tsehai HERE:
The Little Bee Company

Big Sister

2012-01-06T22:11:00.000-08:00

I really was worried at one point that Elyana would never learn to love her little brother. Afterall, she was the "only baby" before he so rudely came along! :)

Here's a hilarious (to me) picture from the hospital just after he was born.

There were many more Ely crying photos in the first few months... And all those times she said "All done baby!" or "Baby fwing!" (Suggesting I put him in his swing so I could hold her).

BUT I am happy (and relieved) to say, that after only 6 months, Ely now loves her baby brother.

She asks for him every morning when she wakes up.

She calls him "Tytee boo" and "Tytee boy."

She talks to him and sings to him.

She can make him smile and laugh like noone else can!

She tries to hold him, burp him, and wants to know where he is at all times!

But getting a good picture of the two of them is totally rediculous... Oh well... Maybe in a year! :)

SIX MONTHS OLD?

2012-01-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

Am I really 6 months old already? Can't believe it!

Titus is such a sweet and easy going baby. He loves to be held and look around. He smiles and laughs a lot. He's great in his carseat, or the ergo, or recently the stroller. He rarely cries. He LOVES to watch his sissy! He takes great naps, and sleeps pretty well at night (Although he has started a new lovely habit of getting up 2x every night to eat! But atleast I have been able to train him to sleep in until 10- that is a necessity in our family!).

Titus a little guy, currently weighing 15 pounds and 4 ounces. He has just started rolling, and is nowhere near sitting on his own. He's just happy laying on his back taking it all in...

We're so blessed to have our "Tytee."

Rejoicing in HIS plans!

2012-01-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

You may remember just after returning from Ethiopia, I talked about a sweet sibling set we met in Mekele at the Bana Center (where Ely spent her first 6 weeks). They had been there only a few weeks. They had recently lost their parents. We played with them, ate with them, and they sat in our laps. They were so sweet, so healthy and loving. The little guy had the tiniest squeaky voice that made us laugh! The second day we were there, all the babies were picked up and taken to Gladney in Addis, leaving only these three and one other older toddler behind. The director of Bana told us "Today... they feel something in their hearts." That was for sure! When we walked in, they were sad and quiet. Probably confused that everyone else got to move on and had left them behind. We played with them and cheered them up- they were happy (and really sweaty!) by the time we left! But we knew they needed a family to love them and help restore their confidence! I talked about them HERE and HERE and thought and prayed for them all the time. I felt called to advocate for them and be a part of their story in some way, but I didn't know how.

Well, YESTERDAY a family I have never met in person, but love, accepted their referral! I'm so happy for the Knight Family AND for the "terrific trio!" Praise be to God, the only one who could redeem this story and these precious lives! Praying that court and embassy go quickly and these three sweeties can come home to start their new lives!!

Ely's Birthday

2011-12-27T15:18:00.000-08:00

Elyana had a great 2nd birthday! She got to have 2 parties, since all of the people she loves are not in one place! We decided to do a music, dancing, instruments, parachute party, since these are all the things she loves! It was so fun! Here are a few pics from her party at home:

And here are a few pictures from her party at Grandma and Grandpa's house a few weeks later:

I really can't believe she is TWO! She's so much fun, so adventurous, smart and funny! We love her so much! We're so blessed to be her parents!

In honor of Elyana's birthday (and instead of gifts) we raised over $300 for the Bana Center in Mekele, Ethiopia, where she spent her first 6 weeks of life! Thanks family and friends!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

Ely's Birthday Request

2011-12-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

(I promise I'll post about Joe's trip and a few other things we've been up to SOON, but for now...)

I can't believe my baby girl is going to be 2 in just 2 weeks!! She is such a blessing in our lives and we cannot imagine life without her!

In honor of Elyana's 2nd birthday, we are collecting donations for "The Bana Center" in Mekele, Ethiopia, where Ely spent her first 6 weeks of life. The Bana Center has 2 current needs:

(1)They recently moved to a new facility, and are in need of curtains to allow the babies to sleep past sunrise. These fabric for these curtains will be purchased in Ethiopia and curtains sewn by Ethiopian seamstresses (stimulating their economy). They will cost approximately $300.

(2)The other need is an ongoing project supporting people in the surrounding community. The Bana Center provides formula for local mothers who are HIV+ to feed their babies. This allows them to keep their babies, and feed them in a way that eliminates the risk of passing HIV. The formula costs $5/can. Here is a poster proudly displayed in their "old" facility (where we visited when we traveled to get Ely) of just a few of the babies this program has supported.

So please consider giving a donation in honor of Elyana instead of buying her a gift! (Or buy her something small if you must!) She really doesn't NEED anything and we'd love to help her learn that giving to those who are really in need is much more rewarding than receiving!

Next adventure...

2011-10-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Joe is leaving in less than a month to go to Ethiopia for 10 days with a group of 11 people from our church. We're going to miss him SO much, but I'm so glad he can go!

The purpose of his trip? To honor God by loving on orphans and the needy! They will be spending time at the government orphanages (Kebebe Tsehai and Kechene), spending 2 days at Korah- the garbage dump, getting involved in some feeding programs, and will also get to visit our sponsored kids! I wish I could go, but with a 3 and 22 month old, this isn't the right timing... I've been very involved in the planning of the trip!

We are currently gathering donations for them to deliver to orphans and people in need. Here is the list of things we are gathering:

-Formula
-Diapers (any size)
-Underwear and socks (child to adult)
-New shoes (school age t0 adult- boys or girls)
-Disposable feminine pads (LOTS- we are gathering these for 200 girls!)
-Children's clothes (gently used- all sizes school age and up)
-Shampoo/Conditioner for african hair
-300 bars of Dove (or similar) soap
-12 deflated soccer balls
-Cough/Cold medicine for adults and children
-Oral Anti-fungals and anti-fungal shampoo
-Vitamins

If you have ANY leads on large quanities of these items, PLEASE let me know! Or if you'd rather donate money and I can buy some things, that's great, too! Otherwise, feel free to drop off donations at my house- you have about 3 weeks!

Elyana- 21 months

2011-10-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

Elyana is 21 months old! Can't believe she's gonna be TWO in less than 3 months! She is such a fun, active, smart, talkative, energetic, loving, sweet, BUSY, and adorable toddler! We are LOVING this stage with her. She loves to play with her babies- feed them, push them in her stroller, play with her new kitchen, go for walks and go to parks, read books, talk to her baby brother, sing songs, and has started a Mommy and Me dance class, too! She's just so much fun and we love her SO much!!

Here's a few pictures of Ely, also taken by Eryn Kesler Photopraphy.

Titus- 3 months

2011-10-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

Titus is now 3 months old! Time is flying by, and he is getting cuter and cuter! Titus is such a sweet and easy baby- sleeps through the night, eats well, takes great naps, is flexible, and smiles and "talks" to us all the time! He loves his sister and watches her all the time! Life with two kids under two is pretty busy and challenging at times, but I think I'm getting the hang of it... And I wouldn't have it any other way! :)

Here are a few pictures of my sweet boy taken by Eryn Kesler Photography in Vancouver.

I think my kids are cute

2011-09-11T22:17:00.000-07:00

I have been terrible at updating this blog. Truth is, life has been VERY busy with 2 babies in the house! I rarely get to sit down at the computer! I do take pictures, I just don't have time to do anything with them! But we're loving every minute, and enjoying our "late" summer since the weather has been so great! Titus and Ely are both doing great, and we're adjusting to life as a family of 4!

Here's a few pictures too cute to not post...
(Taken at Larrabee State Park 9-9-2011)

Elyana- 20 months

Titus- 2 months

One month old!

2011-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Titus is 1 month old today! It has gone so quickly! Sorry for the lack of posts, we've been really busy (and TIRED!)...

Titus is doing great- he is eating well and gaining weight, he sleeps pretty well (only gets up a few times in the night), and is pretty content most of the day! He still HATES his carseat, and has trouble going to bed at night, but we're working on it!

Elyana has decided she likes her baby brother, and constantly asks for him if he is not in the room. She has adjusted pretty well! She wants to watch every time we change his diaper, and acts concerned every time he cries. She says "Baby sad!" She still wants me to hold her every time I am feeding him, but she's starting to understand that it's not a good time! :)

Here are a few pictures of Titus (1 month) and Ely (19 months)...

Titus is here!!

2011-07-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce that our baby boy, Titus Joseph, is here!

July 6 started out like many of the last few days... Mom and Dad were here; Joe was off work. We went for a 3 mile brisk walk around Lake Padden. We played with Ely in her new kiddie pool.

We took a picture just in case this was the day!

40 weeks and 1 day

I had an afternoon appointment with my OB, where she suggested that it could be any time, and that things looked good! We ate dinner and went for another walk (I think we had walked about 8 miles in the previous 2 days!). We played with Ely on the playground by our house- I even went down the slide! haha! In front of our neighbor's house on the way back home, I felt a little something- my first contraction and my water breaking! It was about 7:05 PM.

We finally went to the hospital at 12:30 AM, and Titus was born at 1:26 AM! I'm sure glad we went when we did! Things progressed MUCH faster than any of us expected!

Just minutes after being born!

Titus was 7 pounds 3 ounces, 20 1/4 inches, with lots of dark brown hair!

Proud Parents

We had to wait until morning to introduce him to Ely. She was a little unsure and kept saying "baby sad" when he cried, but quickly got used to him!

My parents- Grandma and Grandpa

Ely trying out the baby bed! She was hilarious (as usual)...

Our first family picture

Heading home from the hospital

Our new family

18 months old!

2011-06-25T14:24:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my baby girl is 18 months old today! The last year of her development has gone SO fast, and she has learned and grown SO much!!

Here's a little bit about what she's like at 18 months:

-She is busy, busy, busy! Only sits down when she has a really good snack to eat!
-She's finally eating better- eats pureed vegetables/fruits, loves spaghetti sauce (which I sneak all kinds of veggies into), eats yogurt, fruit, hotdogs, cheese, will eat most anything we're eating for dinner- the stronger flavor the better, loves waffles, eats eggs, loves using a fork, eats oranges, watermellon, strawberries, apples, grapes... The list goes on and on!
-She talks NON STOP! I have written down over 100 words she says- and I know I have missed many- new ones come every day! She is pairing words together to make phrases- "daddy car" or "mommy go." Always "bye bye Mimi" when we leave the house.
-She only stops talking when she needs to sing a song! She has made up her own "Mommy song," "Daddy song," "nanana song" (she says nana for "I want that!"), She can sing the tune (NOT the words) of Old MacDonald and Twinkle Twinkle little star
-She is very brave: She loves swimming, sliding, swinging, climbing things, etc.
-She LOVES cooking and baking with me. We made a cake this week and she sat on the counter and watched the whole time, kissed the mixer and said "bye bye mix" before getting down!
-She has learned to "pray" before meals or bed. She says "hand" and reaches for your hand, sits very quietly, and then says "amen!"
-She suddenly LOVES playing with her babies! She puts her baby "night night" and gets her out 20x a day!

-I could go on and on- Elyana is so smart, and funny, and happy, and adorable! We are so blessed to be her parents! Can't believe she's gonna be a big sister within the next few weeks (or maybe sooner- who knows...)

Here's a few pictures of her exploring and being silly these last few weeks:

We love you Elyana! Happy 1 1/2 bithday!

38 weeks!

2011-06-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm 38 weeks pregnant TODAY! It has gone SO fast! I'm feeling lots of baby movement, and feeling very crowded in the mid section! :) We're starting to feel a little more prepared- took a tour of the hospital, watched our training video, set up baby boy's crib, picked a name (we think- see previous post if you missed it)...

Here's me at almost 38 weeks!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T13:05:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day to my amazing husband, father of our daughter, Elyana, and soon-to-be father of our son, Titus. Watching you become a Dad this last year has made me love you even more than I already did! I'm SO proud of you for the FUN, selfless, nurturing, informed, loving, and patient Daddy that you are! I love you!

And I happen to know Ely loves you a lot, too! :)

Larrabee State Park- June 4, 2011

ONE YEAR TOGETHER

2011-06-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Elyana has been with us for ONE YEAR this week- more specifically June 16, 2010. It was very sentimental for me this week to think about her last day as an "orphan" and her first day as our "daughter" just one year ago. I remember the day we met her like it was just yesterday!

I remember waking up at 4:30 AM too excited to go back to sleep.

I remember waiting on the front porch of the BeJoe Guest House to hear the car horn honk indicating that she was here!

I remember when Travis (Gladney staff) said "She's all yours!" and I scooped my sleeping baby up out of her carseat! I remember telling her- "Hi baby! I'm your Mommy!" and hugging and kissing her.

I remember passing her off to her Daddy and her curious stares.

I remember her first smiles at us out front just after she met us. She was SO quiet!

I remember going inside for her first bottle (which was accompanied by a lot of spitting up).

I remember taking her in our room, holding her and sitting her on the bed to play, and just staring at her- unable to believe she was really OURS!

I remember her first nap with us- She fell asleep in my arms, and I laid her down on her back in her little crib. She immediately woke up and fussed- I picked her back up and she instantly fell back asleep. I soon found out she liked to sleep on her tummy (or in our arms!).

I remember watching her and missing her when she slept (actually this is often still true)...

What I don't remember is our lives without her!!

First Family Photo- June 16, 2010

To celebrate Elyana, we had a BBQ with a bunch of our friends and their kids at a local park. We took lots of pictures, ate lots of food, and Ely ran around a LOT! It was so much fun!

Here are a few photos of us one year after we finally met our daughter...

The title to a book I read pre-adoption comes to mind- "There is no me without you." (by Melissa Fay Greene- a GREAT book) It's so true... Without the blessing of my beautiful, adorable, smart, and funny daughter, Elyana I would not be called "Mommy" (yet). We love you SO much Elyana and can't imagine US without YOU!

Family Reunion

2011-06-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

For Memorial Day weekend, we took our last trip to Vancouver before the baby is born! We were throwing a suprise 80th bday party for my Grandpa, and pretty much ALL of the family was able to come!

Grandpa's suprised face (I think he said something like "Oh no! If I'd have known you were all going to be here I wouldn't have come!" haha)

Grandpa's "kids" (and spouses)

The Grandkids and Great-grandkids

The whole group

Grandpa and Janice

The Bellemes

The baby cousins... so cute!

Mother's Day Weekend

2011-06-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

We had a busy and very fun Mother's Day weekend!

{BABY SHOWER}
I was blessed to be thrown a baby shower by my friends for the 2nd year in a row on Mother's Day weekend! (What will next year bring? Haha!!) My Mom and Dad, brother, sister in law, and nephew came up for the weekend! Here's a few pictures of the shower...

The hostesses- Barb, Jackie, ME, Natalie, Whitney

Mom, ME, SIL Carrie

Angie, her daughter Ember, and ME

Here's all the really cute gifts!

And here's a really cute picture from our weekend... Grandma and her grandkids! That's quite a load of kids! :)

{MY THOUGHTS ON MOTHER'S DAY}
I was SO blessed to have my baby girl home this year for Mother's Day. Joe had to work, but after he made us a big breakfast and left for work, Ely and I went to church and lunch with my family. Unfortunately, I didn't get around to taking any pictures, because Ely was having a really hard day... I think it was teeth, but she spent a good portion of the day clinging to my neck and crying... Wouldn't let anyone else hold her (even GRANDMA), wouldn't eat anything... It was just sad.

Even though it was a hard day (and I might have cried once or twice), it was a good reminder to me that being a Mommy isn't always easy, babies aren't always happy, and holding upset babies is what Mommies are for (sometimes). Every time I hear Elyana say "Mommy... Mommy... Mommy," I'm SO thankful that she has someone to call "Mommy" (and that person is ME!) and I wish every child had that. My life and perspective have changed drastically, and I have learned SO much in this last (almost) year since Ely came home- about what being a Mommy is REALLY like, about how much you can love and adore one tiny person, about how little genes matter in the formation of a family, about how much JOY your child can bring (and frustration, laughter, exaustion, worry, and on and on...), and mostly about sacrificing (willingly, even) your own desires for the desires of your child. There are a lot of sacrifices that come along with being a Mom, and it's ALL WORTH IT when that sad little one finds comfort in your arms and cries into your shirt. Thank you for making me a Mommy, Elyana Marie. I love you SO MUCH!!

ET Gathering

2011-06-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

We are blessed to have several families in our church who share our passion for Ethiopia and adoption, and we were able to get together early May. Ely had lots of fun following around all the big kids, since she's the littlest! Here's a pic of all the kids, including 7 from Ethiopia!

By the way this is only 4 families! I'd say with our ONE child in this picture, we are not really bringing our share to the party, hu?

VERY Overdue April Update

2011-06-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

I am VERY behind in my blogging... But I have a good excuse! I currently look about like this (although this was taken 2 weeks ago too, now...)

(33 weeks)

And I'm feeling VERY tired! Just about 4 weeks til baby boy is born (and no, he still doesn't have a name!) and I sleep most of the time my very active toddler does!

But I thought I'd give a quick recap of April before moving on!

Joe ran his 5th 1/2 Marathon- this time in Whidbey Island. Ely and I had breakfast at Starbucks, then drove around the course following him- it was really fun! Way to go, Honey!

If you can't tell from Ely's sweet outfit- it was REALLY cold!

We celebrated Easter weekend at my parent's house in Vancouver. Here's a few picture highlights.

While in Vancouver, we also went out for a "suprise" dinner at "Beaches" (on the Columbia River) to celebrate my 30th birthday! It was REALLY yummy and lots of fun!

Then, back at home, the bday celebrations continued... 30 isn't so bad after all!

April brings back lots of memories of this time last year. Ely had just been referred to us, and was still in Ethiopia while we waited to pass court. We were busy preparing for her, sent her several packages, got several picture updates from other traveling families, and could NOT WAIT to go get our baby girl! Now she's been home with us for 11 months, and we're so in love with her! She's so fun and smart and such a blessing to our lives!

Referral-versary

2011-04-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Today, April 7th, is the one year anniversary of the day we first laid eyes on our daughter! I remember that day like it was yesterday. Joe and I went off to work like normal, and at 11:24 AM got a call that changed our lives forever! It was a day of JOY and celebration, after years of waiting to become parents! {And 9 months, 1 week and 5 days on the waiting list to be exact} We instantly loved our daughter, called everyone we knew, and had all our friends over to celebrate! I stayed up late that night thinking of her, looking at her pictures, praying and thinking about our future... We were finally a FAMILY!

I wrote in my journal that night "I finally got to see my baby's face today. She is cuter than I ever imagined! She was born on Christmas- Elyana- meaning God has answered. YES HE HAS! God has answered 3 years of prayers, hopes and dreams with one little girl. Thank you God for this miracle! I love her already! Can't wait to go get her!"

Here are the very first pictures we saw of our beautiful daughter, Elyana- taken when she was just 3 months old!

And here's our baby girl today- 1 year later! She has grown and changed SO MUCH! We loe her SO much!

Jungle Playland

2011-04-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we went to "Jungle Playland"- a giant kids play-place with slides and balls and tubes to crawl through! Ely had SO much fun crawling around with her Daddy, and even loved the slides! She even said "Hi" to a guy in a gaint tiger suit! She's getting so brave and secure in her life- reminds me of how far we've come!

Not scared of the lion that sings and moves...

Not scared of the baby slide...

Not scared of the ball pit...

Not even scared of the world's fastest slide... (seriously, it was REALLY fast!)

We're so proud of our brave girl!!

Edge Retreat aka Ely's weekend with Grandma and Grandpa!

2011-04-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

The last weekend in March, Joe and I went on a Middle School Retreat to Mount Baker. It was an AWESOME weekend with 72 middle schoolers that included: sledding, an awesome speaker (Sean Taylor) and worship band (Bella Maine), lots of hot chocolate, some not-so-good sleep, ping pong, encouraging spiritual growth in 13 year olds (I love this), and lots of quality time with kids and leaders. I'm SO glad I was able to go and spend time with my girls.
Here's a few pictures of our weekend...

My Mom and Dad made that possible! They came up and spent the whole weekend- 2 nights- with Ely!! She has not been away from her Mama for more than a 3-4 hours in the 9 months she has been with us, so I was VERY nervous! YES, I bawled like a baby when I said goodbye to her, and missed her like crazy all weekend. And YES, she did GREAT and was totally spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa! She got to go to the park, go pick out a new toy at the store, go for lot of walks, and be read LOTS of books!
Here's a few pictures of their weekend...

15 Months!

2011-03-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

Our baby is not such a baby anymore... She's 15 months old! Can't believe it! She's gaining so much independence and personality, learning SO much, and constantly making me laugh! She loves books, is FINALLY starting to eat well, is sleeping through the night 75% of the time (and I mean 12 hours!), and LOVES to explore and experience new things! It is such a JOY being Elyana's Mama!

Here's my sweet, smart, adorable, sassy girl at 15 months...

NEW YORK!

2011-03-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my previous post, we went to New York to visit the Francis Family and let our girls play. Another purpose was to have one "last" (and also first) get-away as a family of three before Ely's brother is born in July! We were very busy, and had lots of fun!

On Wednesday, we went to the Central Park Zoo, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Time Square, and Toy's R Us. We took the subway and walked from there!

On Thursday, the three of us ate a giant club sandwich at Carnagie Deli (which looked like it was being run by Joe's distant Italian relatives!), and then we went to see the Statue of Liberty! It was quite a long day, that involved standing in a lot of lines and walking slowly in mobs of people(NOT Ely's favorite), but she did great, and the views were amazing! We chose to take the elevator to the pedestal, since Joe was carrying Ely!

On Friday, we went to the American Museum of Natural History (from "Night at the Museum") and Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant for dinner. It was our first Ethiopian food since Ethiopia, and it was GOOD! :) We met a family there that was just starting the adoption process with Gladney, so that was super cool, too!

On Saturday, we took pictures up on the Francis' roof, which is a few blocks from Time Square- amazing views! Then we drove by Ground Zero, and went to Greenwich village. We ate dinner at Caliente Cab company (yum!) and picked up dessert at Magnolia Bakery!

On Sunday we flew home! Ely was busy, but really good on our flights!
Thank you Francis family for hosting us! It was TONS of fun!

{9 months together}

2011-03-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

9 months ago yesterday, we met our adorable, cute, funny, smart, noisy, loveable, opinionated, sweet, amazing, beautiful daughter! She has grown and learned and changed SO much in those 9 months! It seriously feels like she's been ours forever...

I have been thinking a lot about our journey to Ely (partly because I'm working on a scrapbook of our adoption process, and also because we're nearing our referral-versary) and I seriously CANNOT get over the amazing miracle she is! There are so many possible scenarios that could have prevented Elyana from being OUR daughter! All I have to say is this: God sure knows what He is doing, because we love this girl to PIECES!! :) She fits into our family perfectly and I cannot imagine life without her!

BFFs Reunited

2011-03-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

Elyana and Maritu were BFFs in Gladney's care in Ethiopia. They were together for several months- their cribs were 2 away from each other. In this picture the eyes peering over the crib behind Ely are Maritu's! CUTE!

*It's not a great picture of either of them, but it is the best we have of them together at Gladney! :)

This picture was taken in Ethiopia just a few days before Maritu met her family! :)

A few weeks ago, we went to New York to visit the Francis family and Savannah Maritu (more pictures to follow). Here are a few adorable pictures of the 2 cuties! The girls had SO much fun together, and cracked us up a lot of the time with their excitement!

*PS. Ely is on the left and Savannah Maritu is on the right, in case you couldn't tell! :)

Happy Valentine's Day- What a difference a year makes!

2011-02-14T20:32:00.000-08:00

Holidays always make me think about how much our lives have changed in the last year or two, or ten...

Last year on Valentine's Day, our baby girl was in Ethiopia. We didn't know who she was- we didn't even know she had been born yet! She was about 6 weeks old, and had recently taken the airplane trip to the big city- Addis Ababa, to Gladney's Care Center. A family took these pictures of her early February, before she was even referred to us (what a gift!).

Elyana February 2010

Last year on Valentine's Day, Joe brought be flowers and candy to work. After work, we went out for a nice dinner and dessert downtown. We were anxiously waiting for news about our baby girl, and I spent part of the weekend working on her room! We were waiting to become parents, and were SO excited!

Valentine's Day, 2010

This year on Valentine's Day we started the day with a Dr. appointment, followed by a normal day- Joe went to work, and I stayed home with Elyana. We played and read books, Ely napped, had a mini photo shoot, we ate lunch, we did dishes, played and read more books... you know all that normal stuff. When Joe came home from work, he brought me some flowers and chocolate covered strawberries!

We had a casual dinner at home complete with singing "Skidamarinky Dinky Dink," reminding Ely to request her food nicely and not feed Mimi (the dog), lots of laughing and a little screaming (by Ely, not us). After dinner, we went grocery shopping, came home for Elyana's nightly bath and bed routine by Daddy, and then we watched a movie and ate some chocolate covered strawberries! Quite different this year, but SO much better! Our lives have been so enriched by adding our daughter!

Elyana, Valentine's Day 2011

And speaking of adding to our family, it seems that our family is about to change AGAIN! That doctor appointment I mentioned from this morning was an Ultrasound! Yep, that's right, I'm 20 weeks pregnant! We found out on Halloween, had our 20 week ultrasound on Valentine's Day, and we're due on the 4th of July! (And don't forget, Ely's birthday is Christmas!) Craziness! To say it was a suprise is an understatement, but we're so excited! 0-2 children in just over 12 months!

Baby #2, Valentine's Day 2011

AND Ely has another bit of news to share...

In case you can't read that, It says "It's a baby brother!" I asked Ely what we should name him and she said "Dada." I said, good name, but it's taken! :) I love our family! Can't wait to see what the next year holds!

13 MONTHS

2011-02-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Haven't posted much lately because Ely is keeping me BUSY! She's growing about 4 teeth at once, she's walking all over the place now, learning new words and signs every day, and doing some serious exploring and learning! It's so much fun, and SO tiring, too! We've added baby gates, child proofed our bathroom and kitchen cupboards, moved more things out of her reach, and started a new habit of saying "sit down please" about 20 times during her nightly baths! She's also FINALLY eating well, and we've been able to reduce her formula! She's still not interested in breakfast, but eats a great lunch and dinner! Her favorite foods are chicken hotdogs, cheese, chicken, black beans, oranges, and avacado. Strange baby foods, I know... Still won't eat most fruits and vegetables!! She drinks "wa wa" from a sippy cup all throughout the day.

We love her more than ever and can't imagine how we lived without her for so long! On Saturday mornings we often sleep in (Yes, she still sleeps until about 9 most days), and then bring her into bed with us to play and hang out for a while. She giggles, talks, lays her head down on our pillows (for like 5 seconds at a time), and blows us LOTS of kisses. This Saturday I said to Joe "What did we ever do without her?" Just can't imagine a better Saturday morning!

Here's a few pictures of our adorable (and extremely hard to photograph) 13 month old...

Walking and a new hairdo!

2011-01-09T23:18:00.000-08:00

This last Wednesday, Elyana started REALLY walking! She's been standing and taking a few steps for several weeks now! She's so cute as the toddles along and is SO proud of herself! :) Here's a video of some of her first steps- sorry about the lack of clothing, she was getting ready for bed! :)

Thursday, I decided it was time to try a big girl hair-do! I managed to get her hair into 5 puffs, which looked SO cute! Here's a few pics!

Kebebe Tsehai Update!

2011-01-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

The following article is taken from the Gladney Africa Program Update. It is about three of the caregivers hired by many of my blog readers and friends to work at Kebebe Tsehai Government Orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia! All I can say is, Praise God! All glory to HIM! Thank you so much to those of you who sponsored these ladies to help save the lives of orphans, and the caregivers themselves!

Lemlem, Aysha, and Amina: Three Portraits of Loss and Hope
by Samuel Fikre

A loving family provides children with nurture and affection. Parents dearly love their children and teach them how to love others in this safe haven of "family." For those of us who have grown up enjoying the many benefits of a healthy family life, it may be difficult to imagine how painful life is for children who don't enjoy parental love and protection.

Here are the stories of three young women who can certainly testify to the pain and difficulty of life without the love of family and how Gladney has made a profound difference in their lives:

Lemlem

Lemlem was placed with her younger sister Fikirte at the Hitsanat Amba orphanage in Ziway, Ethiopia, when she was five years old. (Ziway is a town located about 163 kilometers south of Addis Ababa.) Lemlem was eventually transferred to Kechene in Addis, a government-run orphanage established exclusively for girls.

Lemlem is uncertain about her family background. Since she was only four when she was relinquished, she has no memories of her family. "My sister and I have no clue about the circumstances in which my father died. Our mother never indicated anything on the paperwork she had to fill out while relinquishing us. We only know that our mother relinquished us because the paperwork says so," she says. Most children in Ethiopian orphanages will be visited occasionally by any living relatives and even go visit family members during holidays, coming back refreshed. Lemlem and Fikirte were never visited by anyone. "My sister and I are unlucky in that we never had a close relative to turn to. We're forced to believe our mom must have died. Otherwise she'd have come to visit us," Lemlem says.

Life became even harsher when the sisters aged out of Kechene. They quickly ran out the small amount of money given to them by the orphanage to start their new life. Desperate for funds, Lemlem took a job as a bar girl to support herself and her sister-not a wholesome or safe place for a young woman to work in Ethiopia. As the difficulties in their lives piled up, Fikirte began to suffer from mental illness.

That's when Gladney Center for Adoption learned about the girls' difficulties. "Whenever I try to express my feelings about Gladney, I become speechless," says Lemlem. "It's like God Himself came to this world and rectified everything."

Lemlem's first contact with Gladney occurred when she was bedridden with a virus. Gladney covered her immediate medical needs, then set out to help the two sisters find a stable place to live. A house was rented, a daily allowance for the girls was allotted, and the house was filled with all the necessary items. Fikirte was also given support for the mental illness she was struggling with.

Gladney's initial assistance focused on helping Lemlem leave her job at the bar; the organization covered all her expenses for a full nine months. Gladney then hired Lemlem to work as a nanny at Kebebetsehay Orphanage. "I doubt if even parents could do all this for you when you're old enough to start life on your own. Gladney definitely picked my sister and me up from the dust. We have a new life," she maintains. "I will always remain indebted to Gladney."

Lemlem is now married, and recently gave birth to her first child.

Aysha

Aysha was born in Wollo in the Amhara Region. Like Lemlem, Aysha was placed in the Ziway orphanage after she lost both of her parents to war, and was later transferred to Kechene Government Orphanage in Addis.

After aging out of Kechene, Aysha quickly wasted all of the money Kechene had given her as a parting gift. She struggled to find work, and even tried to work as a listro, or shoe shiner, traditionally a young boy's occupation. Eventually, Aysha turned to the street. She became pregnant twice during that period. Aysha's first encounter with Gladney occurred while she was struggling to raise her two children with nothing to support them with.

With tears streaming down her cheeks, Aysha thanks Gladney for helping her start a new life. "Don't think that I'm crying over my past agony. No, I no longer cry from trauma and a harsh life because it's gone forever. I now cry from joy," she says. "With no means and no way of repaying Gladney and its director, Ato Belay, it seems easier to cry--- because that's all I can do."

Aysha no longer lives on the street and has a job as a nanny at Kebebetsehay Orphanage. She is now sending her firstborn child to school.

Amina

Amina Ahmed grew up in the Mickey Leland orphanage in Addis after losing both of her parents in the 1984 famine. After leaving the orphanage, Amina tried to make ends meet by baking injera, washing clothes, and other odd jobs. Since Amina has a disability and walks with a limp, many potential employers turned her down, even though her disability did not deter her from working. Just as life was becoming unbearable for her, Amina found new hope through Gladney's humanitarian program. Gladney provided her housing, covered her short-term expenses, and helped Amina find work doing laundry at a local orphanage.

"It's as if Allah did all that for me. I just can't believe all of this came my way," says Amina. "I'm indebted to Gladney, for it assisted me at a time when I had lost nearly all hope for my life. I don't even know how to thank Belay. He visits, pats my shoulders, and encourages me every step of the way, like a father does. May he be blessed!"

These three women are just a few of the women hired to work at Kebebe Tsehai orphanage as a result of the generosity of so many of our families who have donated financially to provide for their salaries. We were able to hire 24 new caregivers at this government orphanage in Addis Ababa to provide much needed care for the children.

Melkem Ganna

2011-01-07T23:25:00.000-08:00

January 7th is Christmas in Ethiopia! We do not have an Ethiopian Restaurant in town, so I guess I'll eventually have to learn to cook some Ethiopian food so that we can celebrate with our family! Including Ethiopian holidays and traditions in our family is very important to us as Elyana grows up! In Ethiopia, Christmas is celebrated with fasting from food all day on Christmas eve, and feasting, playing traditional games, and worshiping on Christmas! They do not traditionally give gifts, except maybe some clothing for children.
Here's Elyana on her first Ganna in her traditional Ethiopian dress!

Melkem Ganna to our Ethiopian friends in the US and Ethiopia!!

Ethiopia Trip Post #15- Day 34- HOME

2011-01-07T21:30:00.000-08:00

Our journey home was LONG and very tiring! We didn't have a bassinet seat on the first flight (ESSENTIAL!). Elyana touched everything within her reach (which is quite a bit in a tiny airplane seat) for the first 30 minutes, and then finally went to sleep. She slept about 4 hours, but Joe and I were both feeling AWFUL, so we really didn't sleep. Elyana woke up for a little while, and then slept the rest of the way.

Here's the happy and curious girl on our first flight... She got the Lufthansa airplane toy for being the youngest passenger on the flight. The parents didn't get a prize for traveling with the youngest passenger on the flight... rip off... :)

We had a 4 hour layover in Frankfurt, and then on to Seattle. Elyana was REALLY restless in the 2nd flight (which was like 11 hours!). She barely slept, except just before landing... and we basically took turns entertaining her for a while... We were EXHAUSTED!!

Here's the 2nd flight, and Ely sleeping and playing in the bassinet... Notice we are looking more and more tired...

Our flight arrived at 11:30 on July 14th. Elyana's first day on American soil! We changed her into a cute outfit, went all through the immigration, customs, and re-checked our baggage, and FINALLY were greeted by tons of our family and friends at baggage claim! It was SO fun to have everyone meet our precious DAUGHTER! My parents were there, My Grandpa, Cousin Veronica and her daughter Averie, and friends: Natalie, Whitney, Alicia and her daughter Ayla, The Siemers clan (Jeff, JNet and Lizzy), Kevin and Marie, Jackie and her daughter Makendra. They had signs, balloons, and were SO excited to meet Ely! We basically passed her around and she did great!

Here's the first glimpse of the Belleme Three, and some of our greeting crew...

Elyana slept the whole 1.5 hour drive home (After crying for a little bit because she wasn't used to the carseat!).

On our way home- first long ride in the carseat...

When we got home our house was clean, our fridge was full, meals were planned (with one in the fridge already), there were flowers, a cute "Welcome Home" banner. We really were happy to be home, and we were SO blessed by our wonderful friends who had prepared our house for us! Everyone helped us unpack, clean up, do laundry and dishes, etc. Around 5 Elyana was EXHAUSTED, so we gave her a bath and put her to bed! I was just SO happy to have her home! I went in and checked on her several times before I went to bed. It was just so amazing and wonderful to have her in her very own room that we had prepared for her!

Here she is in her first night in her NEW BED...

And that's the end of our Trip to Ethiopia! It was an AMAZING and LIFE CHANGING experience that we remember and think about EVERY SINGLE DAY! We don't know when, but we WILL be back to Ethiopia someday (hopefully soon!!). Waiting on God's perfect timing!

Ethiopia Trip Post #14- Days 32-33

2011-01-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

Day 32
Today we started our day with a massage at Boston Spa along with the Wests. It was so nice... We had lunch upstairs at Lime Tree Buffet. A REALLY funny thing happened while we were eating lunch. We asked our sweet driver Abey if he wouldn't mind picking up some TEFF flour for us while we were eating (this is what is used to make the Ethiopian bread- Injera, and we wanted to deliver some to our sponsored family). He said no problem and acted like he totally knew what we were talking about! When we returned to the car we found a HUGE FLOWER agangement- like 36 red roses with glittery strands and a basket!! Abey was so proud of how beautiful it was! Haha!! We laughed SO hard when we realized the miscommunication. We did NOT tell him, and instead delivered the flower arrangement to the BeJoe girls! :) So funny!!
By the way- that HUGE flower arrangement only cost us about $12!

Next we quickly got ready and went to the Immigration Office to extend our VISAs- we had 30 day VISAS, and were heading home on day 34... WHAT A PAIN!! This was SERIOUSLY the most rediculous experience of my life which took half of this day and most of the next day... It included standing in 8 or 10 different lines, being told I used to be "fat" in my passport picture and asked for diet tips, and tossing our passports (which we needed the NEXT DAY) in a pile on a very disorganized desk to be picked up at a later unspecified time!!! It was a perfect example of how Ethiopian people have their own way of doing things, and their own schedules. :)

After that rediculous experience, we went to visit Zenash and her family (our sponsored child) for a 3rd time. We had accidentally deleted several of the pictures we had taken of her, and wanted to go back and take more! The kids ran out to see us! We dlievered a bunch of household stuff- bandaids, snacks, a flashlight, flip flops, gum, yoyos, and they were SO excited! We took a BUNCH of pictures and played with them for a while, and then had to go... Several of the neighborhood kids chased us down the street- we had become "known" since we had come so many times!

Here are some sweet pictures of Zenash and Mattheos... We love these kids like family...

These next two are some of my favorite pictures of our trip to Ethiopia. I can't really explain why- something about the obvious differences between us, and the joy that we shared in this moment of laughing and dancing in an alley. God allowed us some of the most amazing experiences in those 33 days... I will never forget it...

*The tarp hut in the top left corner of these pictures with the black tarp "door" and orange striped side is Zenash's house. This is where her family of 4 lives. I cannot possibly reconcile the differences between our lives...

Day 33 OUR LAST DAY!
(After a quick visit to the VISA office AGAIN... with a few hiccups... and STILL without our passports) We decided to spend our last day in our favorite place in Addis- The Gladney Foster Care Centers!! We visited, played with, and held lots of babies- told them their mamas and daddies were coming soon! I of course took TONS of pictures, and of course can't share them here...

Here's one funny picture though- Ethiopian men hold hands, like ALL THE TIME! It's just a sign on friendship, which I think is super cool! Abey had become a great friend to us by our 33rd day in Ethiopia, and held our hands all the time. I just HAD to get a picture of Joe and Abey holding hands as we walked between the foster care centers, so here it is! I hope Joe doesn't kill me for posting this on my blog...

Then we made a quick stop at "Markato"- the biggest market in Africa- they say... It was HUGE and CRAZY! Thousands of people, booths, goods, cars EVERYWHERE! I REALLY wanted to find some fabric like the fabric I had be sent SO MANY pictures of Elyana laying on, and FINALLY found it after looking EVERYWHERE! Here it is, along with a picture of her laying on the same fabric before we met her... I haven't done it yet, but I want to make her a quilt using this fabric.

*I should note- do NOT go to Markato alone! Abey accompanied us, held our hands and was our "body guard." EVERYONE wanted to sell us stuff and usher us into their booth, and an old lady yelled at me and slapped me!! Pretty crazy place!

We made ONE MORE stop at Immigration and made a HUGE sigh of relief when our passports were REALLY ready! Our pictures for our VISAs crack me up! Joe looks TICKED and I look like I might cry!

This evening we finished our packing and headed to the airport! Abey was SO sad to see us go! He cried as he droped us off, which of course made me cry. He kissed Elyana and said we had to bring her back someday. We said goodbye to Ethiopia and boarded our plane at 11 PM!

Saying goodbye to BeJoe and Abey...

Ethiopia Trip Post #13- Days 30-31

2011-01-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Day 30
Today we went to "Debre Zeit"- the area of Ethiopia with 7 lakes. We walked around Lake Hora a little bit, until Solomon (another driver) told us it wasn't safe for us anymore- not sure why!! :)
Here are some pictures from our "hike"...

Then we went and ate lunch at a Resort on Lake Kuriftu. It was really nice- good food and a beautiful area! Elyana was really good the whole day- slept on me in the car, and played during lunch.

Here are some pictures from lunch...

*The picture on the bottom right is Elyana with the director of Gladney, Belay. He is an incredible man who does SO MUCH for Ethiopia, and of course had a big part in the forming of our family!

Day 31
This morning Elyana woke up SO happy and was being so adorable that we snapped a bunch of pictures of her. She had been with us almost a month now!

Here's a photo of Joe trying to convince Abey to be a Husky fan!

Today we went to Desta Mender with Michael and Jana Funderburk (Gladney Staff) and their adorable (Ethiopian) kids, and Travis and Shannon West. Desta Mender means "Joy Village" in Amharic, and was built on land donated by the Ethiopian Government a little way from the Fistula Hospital. To learn about fistula, a form of obstetric damage common in Ethiopia and caused during childbirth, check out their website or watch the documentary "A Walk to Beautiful" (which Netflix has!). The village's 10 houses have 45 women with chronic long-term injuries which prevent them from returning home to their families. In stead, the women live and work here at Desta Mender. They grow crops, raise chickens and cows, and run a cafe- where we ate lunch! Their food was really good and the farm was beautiful! It was a ways out of the city, so we were able to see some of the beautiful countryside! The women also sold us some handmade products- scarves, baskets, and jewelry.

Here are a few pictures of the beautiful farm...

We were still loving our time in Ethiopia, and were sad to be counting down the days, but we were getting really excited to go home, too! To be able to get Elyana on a better schedule, to be able to take her out with us, and to see our friends and family! We felt torn- like we belonged in Ethiopia, but also belonged at home. We still feel that way to this day!

A Friends Tradition- New Year's Eve

2011-01-05T14:56:00.001-08:00

The Pells, Thompsons, Harris' and Bellemes go WAY back! We all met around 2001 at Western and CCF (Campus Christian Fellowship). All of us girls lived together, and all of the boys lived together, too (In "The ALAMO" of course- with about 25 other guys over the years). We were in Bible Studies together. We were in each other's weddings. Since getting married, have tried to get together a few times a year. We have started a few traditions- Memorial Day weekend camping (which we have not done in several years- much harder with kids), and New Year's Eve parties!

Here's a few old picutres I looked up...

2004- Jeni, Justin, Sarah, John, Me, Joe: Our FIRST Annual Camping Trip at Wenatchee Lake (minus the Thompsons). After 1 night, we moved to the Stagge Hotel (Sarah's parent's house)- There was WAY too much drunkeness at the campground!

2005- Taylor, Justin, Jeni, Alicia, Brett, Me, Joe, Sarah and John: Second Annual Camping Trip this time to Orcas Island! Beautiful and TONS of fun!

2008- Jeni, Chris, (Justin couldn't some this time), Sarah, Emma, John, Brett, Alicia, Joe, Me: A summer get together- We've grown by one baby already, and one on the way (Alicia!)

2009- Joe, Me, Alicia, Ayla, Sarah, Emma, Jeni, Abrielle, Justin: A suprise Baby shower for Sarah and baby Johnny from Ethiopia! Missing a few Dads (John and Brett) this time, but we've gained a few more babies!

This New Years Eve, most of our families have grown since getting together last AND everyone was able to make it! The Pells and Bellemes have both brought home children from Ethiopia (Johnny and Elyana- who we like to say are betrothed), and the Harris' had their daughter, Abrielle. We had a blast with our combined FIVE children under 3 1/2 and even managed to get out of the house a few times!! Here's our best attempt at a group photo...

2010-Emma, Sarah, John, Johnny, Elyana, Me, Joe, Ayla, Alicia, Brett, Jeni, Justin and Abrielle

Ethiopia Trip Post #12- Days 27-29

2011-01-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

Day 27
Since we were with a new travel group of families, we were allowed to do all the Gladney activities AGAIN this week (Well, except Embassy, of course- we already had all of Elyana's documents!). So today we did the Gladney Foster Care Center Tour and Coffee Ceremony again! I just LOVED being at Gladney, and loved visiting all the kids! And this time noone took Elyana from us- although they did say hi to her and kiss her hand (Customary way they greet the babies!). She slept through the coffee ceremony this time, and then we went to lunch at Top View (again!). It was fun to visit with a new set of families, and the Gladney staff.

Here's a few pictures from the Gladney tour and lunch...

This evening Joe went to play soccer with Abey again, and had lots of fun! Me and Ely stayed at the BeJoe and went to bed!!

Day 28
We started day 28 very tired- Elyana got up 6 times the night before!! We thought her teeth must be bothering her again... poor baby! So we left Elyana with Aminat (the wonderful Gladney caregiver) and went to Entoto Mountain. Unfortunately it was a cloudy day, but we still managed to see the oldest church in Addis, and some awesome views. Unfortunately we also managed to get ripped off by a tour guide! He told us this long story about how he lost his cell phone... We were thinking- Why do we care? And then asked us for $20 EACH for our tour- in US dollars only. That was a LOT of money in ET...

Here's some pictures of the churches...

The views...

Also on Entoto Mt. you can see young AND elderly women carrying HUGE loads of tree branches on their backs to the vendors at the bottom. I found out recently that they make 3-5 birr (or about .25 cents) a load! This is literally back breaking work! Here's an example...

To read more about the women of Entoto, from a fellow adoptive Mama who was there recently, read here: http://waitingforonemoreknight.blogspot.com/2010/12/burdens.html

Then we went to "Island Breeze" restaurant with Abey (Highly recommend!!) for lunch. It was opened by a lady from Seattle! REALLY good American (and totally recognizable) food!

That evening we went (again!) to the Cultural Dinner! Fun times!

Day 29
Today we decided to go back to Kebebe Tsehai and the other government orphanages. We knew it would be hard, but felt God drawing us there again. This time we were much more prepared. We played with and held ALL the kids- many in soaking wet diapers, several to a crib, many crying and not getting the attention they needed, others had given up on crying long ago... some without diapers on at all... SO SAD! This was when Belay told us that there were only a total of 24 caregivers at Kebebe Tsehai- 8 per shift to care for 125 kids and babies!! We asked how we could help, and he said they would be willing to hire 2x as many caregivers if we could find sponsors! Over 29 sponsors have been found now! YAY! So hopefully things are looking a little better at Kebebe Tsehai now!

We went out to lunch and for coffee with the West Family. When we got back to BeJoe Elyana could hardly wait to get to us! Genet told us that when the other family got back and picked up their boy, Elyana looked at the door for us and screamed and screamed!! Poor baby! She was REALLY showing signs of attaching to us!

ONE YEAR!

2010-12-25T21:54:00.000-08:00

One year ago today, while we did this...

(Christmas 2009)

... a little girl was born here... (Mekele Hospital, Ethiopia)

...and was soon taken here... (The Bana Center- Mekele, Ethiopia)

These are the earliest pictures we have of her...

(6 weeks old- The day she went to Gladney's Care in Addis) So tiny and cute!

Little did we know that little girl would become OURS and forever change our lives! How I wish I could have held her and loved her those first few months. But I am SO thankful that we have her now. She makes us laugh and brings us so much JOY, and we LOVE her SO much! What difference a year makes!

We love you Elyana! You are so sweet, curious, smart, trusting, funny, adorable, adventurous, cuddely and a true blessing and miracle from our Heavenly Father! Happy First Birthday baby girl! You're our best present EVER!

(Elyana Marie, today- 1 year old)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-25T21:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas sure is fun with a curious and silly 1 year old! Elyana had so much fun opening her gifts, playing with the paper and bows, playing with her new toys, talking and giggeling, and crawling all around... will post pictures later! She's happily asleep in her Christmas jammies now...

ELYANA'S FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY!

2010-12-21T12:37:00.001-08:00

Since we will be gone on Elyana's birthday (CHRISTMAS!), we had a friends birthday party for our almost one-year-old this weekend! It was lots of fun and she even got her first taste of SUGAR!

I got creative and made some Ethiopia cupcakes...

Here's the adorable Birthday girl...

And here's the cake eating...

She had lots of fun with all her friends! Can't believe we have an almost one-year-old!!
Happy almost-Birthday Elyana! We love you SOOOO much!!

Christmas Dress

2010-12-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

We went to a Christmas Party on Saturday night which required dressing up, which Elyana LOVES! :) Had to share this adorable picture of her...

She's getting harder and harder to take pictures of, which is a BIG problem for me, since I like to take pictures of her QUITE often... I used to sit her on the bottom stair, and not wanting to fall off, she'd sit still and smile cutely! Now we get this kind of picture- Her JUMPING off the stairs! Cracks me up- and NO, she doesn't get hurt. Just laughs, and quickly crawls away! Silly girl...

6 months together!

2010-12-16T17:39:00.001-08:00

Today marks 6 months since we met our baby girl and our lives changed FOREVER! To read about the day we met Elyana, read HERE.

Here's a picture taken 6 months ago in Ethiopia- our first family picture:

And here's some new pictures taken a few weeks ago:

I just cannot believe how much she's changed in those 6 months, and how crazy we are about her! I cannot imagine our lives without her, and I thank God for the blessing and miracle of Elyana EVERY DAY!

11 Months

2010-12-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

While we were home for Thanksgiving, Elyana turned 11 months! Can't believe she's so close to 1!! It's gone SO fast!

Here's some adorable pictures of her taken by Eryn Kesler, a photographer and fellow adoptive Mama in Vancouver...

11 month milestones:
-She's talking ALL THE TIME! Constant babble- it's so cute!
-Her words include: Mama, Dada, ball, dog, bye, go, more, what's that?, woah, duck
-Laughing a ton
-Crawling all over the place!
-Pulling up on anything
-Climbs stairs
-FINALLY starting to eat foods (Yay!) Loves chicken, eggs, cheese, beans; Still does not like fruit (weird, hu?)
-Cruising on furniture, walls, tables
-Will take one step between things she is walking next to
-Follows us around
-LOVES books, especially lift-the-flap books

She's SO much fun!! Happy 11 month birthday baby girl!

DAY 174

2010-12-06T17:48:00.000-08:00

TODAY is day 174 with Elyana! She was happy and well taken care of the first 173 days of her life, but she was not with us- Her forever family! She was taken care of in the hospital for her first hours by her wonderful birth mother, then moved to the Bana Center, a small and very caring oprhanage in Mekele, ET. Then on Feb 2 (Day 40) she flew to Gladney's Foster Care Center in Addis Ababa, ET where she was cared for and loved on until we met her June 16, 2010 (Day 1).

Here are some pictures of our baby girl at the Gladney Foster Care Center (Taken by the Elder Family when they picked up their daughter in May 2010)...

Elyana's bed at Gladney

Elyana with one of her wonderful caregivers

We are completely confident that God intended for her to be OURS, and us to be HERS. Her story is a miracle, really. We do not take for granted that she is OURS, and that she loves and trusts us so much! We have seen so much change in her in the last few months. She is comfortable exploring even new surroundings, and looks back to us for emotional cues. She is an active baby, VERY verbal, and full of joy! We love her so much and are SO thankful for her and these last 174 days with her!

Today we met with our social worker for our 6 month visit, and told all about how Elyana is doing. Our Social worker said she has ZERO concern about Elyana, and considers her a "typically developing child."

So to her, today is just another day, but to me it's another milestone along our journey! We are SO thankful!

Ethiopia Trip Post #11- Days 25-26

2010-12-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

Day 25
July 5, 2010- This was our 7th Anniversary! I wrote in my journal that this was going to be our "best year yet" and looking back (and ahead) I can't agree more!

This morning we got to watch another baby being delivered to the guest house- the Scott Family's baby, Gebre. So much fun to be a part of that!

The Scott Family meeting their baby...

Later in the day, we returned to our sponsored child's (Zenash) house to deliver the money for their butter business. The kids ran out to greet us- they were so excited! Their mother was SO thankful for the money to start her business. We prayed for them and went on our way! We were glad to have another opportunity to visit this amazing family!

Our family in Ethiopia- Zenash and Mattheos

The rest of the day we hung out with the other families at the BeJoe, and played with Elyana.

Day 26
We started our day today at "AHOPE for Children"- the orphanage for HIV+ kids. They have 2 homes- younger kids and older kids, and also an outreach program for kids who are not orphans but need help with their HIV treatment. The kids are provided everything they need- medication, food, school, a warm bed, activities... well, everything except a FAMILY to love them (which is everything really)! But when we were there, the younger kids' room was EMPTY- when we asked where all the children were they said 7 babies had just been adopted by families in the US! Awesome!

Here's some pix from AHOPE (of course cannot post pix of kids)...

The kids seemed very healthy and happy- we played with them, sang songs in their classroom with them, did the Hokey Pokey, and handed out a pack of gum to every kid- they thought this was SOOO cool! One of the things that really touched me- There was a very sick looking little boy "Danny" in the nurses office in the back- just him and a nurse watching over him. Probably 8 kids asked for a pack of gum for Danny- and they (almost) all delivered it to him. When I went to meet him, I noticed that he ended up with several packs... Poor little guy. I prayed that he would find healing from whatever was making him look so ill...

If you're going to ET soon, check out their website, schedule a visit and bring something (anything) to give those adorable kids! It doesn't take much to brighten their day! Here's the link to the website: AHOPE.

This evening we put Elyana to bed, and went out for a late dinner with Travis and Shannon West. As they were adopting their first too, we talked all about how much our lives were changing- for the better! We found that we had a lot in common with the Wests, and had a really great dinner together!

Re-adoption Day!

2010-11-19T19:49:00.000-08:00

This morning we got up bright and early and went down to the Whatcom County Court House to finalize Elyana's Adoption on National Adoption Day! My parents were here, as well as several of our friends and their kids! It was a special day! 32 families finalized the adoption of 42 kids! Here's one pic that was in the Bellingham Herald. I'll post more when I have them uploaded!

(Taken from Bellingham Herald Online Photo Gallery)

The Judge said "She's officially your child now!" She's been "our child" for a long time... We love her SO much!

Ethiopia Trip Post #10- Days 20-24

2010-11-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

Day 20
Half way through our trip, and 2 weeks with Elyana- I wrote in my journal that I felt like she had always been with us!
Today we went to "Luke Society" a free medical clinic in one of the poorest areas of Addis. Here we met Dr. Desta and Dr. Tina, who treat people's medical needs every day to help their society. We brought some supplies to Dr. Desta that he had requested (If anyone wants to bring him MORE, please email me and I'll tell you what he needs). His mission is to reach people for Christ by serving them and taking care of their immediate needs. They had 22 sponsored children, and 150 others waiting for sponsors. He told us that the reason that they have been sucessful is because his staff pray together every mornign before starting to work. He said he sees desperate needs every day, but he does not feel desperate because of God's peace. Very inspiring!

Day 21
We started the day today with a trip to Gladney. This time Ely came along to visit the doctor again, and she did just fine being in the ERGO with Mommy and Daddy while we visited some cute kids! We went to house #3 where the preschoolers are. We played LEGOS with them for a little while and took lots of pics.

In the afternoon, we picked up Genet (the awesome lady who runs the BeJoe Guest house, who also happens to be the Gladney director, Belay's sister), stopped at Parisien for a macchiatto (yum), and then went to a silk factory, called Sabihar, where we toured the farm and saw the process of making silk. I bought a scarf that took 500 silk worms to make!

This evening, Joe went to the "gym" to play soccer with our driver Abey. He had lots of fun and was gone a LONG time! He said Ethiopians are VERY good at soccer! :)

This was also the day I noticed Elyana showing more signs of attachment. She cried when an unfamiliar persn held her, and stopped immediately when I took her back. She looked at me to see if Abey could hold her, and when I told her it was ok, she smiled and was happy. She was SO happy! She was most comfortable with us! We were working on her schedule, because we found out that they woke her up at 11 and 3 to eat at Gladney, and she was still waking up at both of those times... UG!

That evening after Ely was sleeping, Joe and I went out to dinner at Markush. It's an art gallery and restaurant, and was good! It was fun to get away and talk just the 2 of us! We talked about what life would look like at home when we returned! We were sitll oving our time in Ethiopia, but looking forward to being home with Elyana, too!

Day 22
Today we went to meet our sponsored child, Zenash and her family! Our church at home, Cornwall Church, is partnered through Compassion International with a church in Addis, called Gulele Full Gospel Church, and many of the kids are sponsored by Cornwall members.
We met little 4 year old Zenash at the church building. She was so sweet and let me hold her and sat on my lap. Then we went to her house to meet her family. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. They were so gracious and hosted us in their "home" (which was actually made of tarps) for a coffee ceremony and popcorn. Zenash and her mother and 2 siblings share a bed. They don't have electricity or a bothroom, or running water. We brought gifts for them- coloring books, stickers, dolls, but I wished we had more to give them! Zenash smiled, and talked to us, sang songs, and fed us popcorn out of her hands. We gave them all the money we had in our pockets for food, and asked if there was anything else we could do to help them. The mother (Alile) said that for under $150 US dollars she could start a business selling butter. We told her we would be happy to help, and would bring the money another day. She thanked us over and over. It was such an amazing experience that I will never forget!

On our way back, we went to the Ethiopian National Museum (the Lucy bones exhibit is here), where our driver Abey gave us a quick tour, and stopped at the Lion Zoo!

Day 23
Today started out with a special lunch prepared by our driver Abey, at his house! It was a really neat experience, and tons of fun! Unfortunately I forgot my camera, so I have no pictures of it. Abey was such a great driver, and really became our friend after being with him every day for over a month!
Later that evening there was a party to celebrate the BeJoe Guest House's 2nd Anniversary! We were the only "guests" for the party, and had lots of fun! The ladies that work at the BeJoe are just amazing! All such hard workers, and sweet young women!
Here's a cute picture of Ely and Joe right before the party...

Day 24
Today was the 4th of July!!

Today we went to Boston Spa to celebrate our Anniversary, which was the next day! We had lunch at the restaurant upstairs- Lime Tree, and got 60 minute massage! It was great (and very cheap!!). Totally recommend this place!
When we got back to BeJoe Elyana reached her chubby little arms out for me. Love that!

This was the day we met the West Family, and their son, Habtamu. I LOVED watching families meet their kids, and we really enjoyed Travis and Shannon and their cute little guy!

Later, that night the Scott family (Dustin and April) arrived- they would be meeting their little guy the next day!

Ethiopia Trip Post #9- Days 17-19

2010-11-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

Day 17
I woke up feeling 100% better! Whew! (I later found out I had Shigella- a bacterial infection of the intestines- No fun, but I survived...) We spent the morning hanging out at the BeJoe- they made us a delicious breakfast as usual. In the afternoon we went out to do some shopping and have coffee with the Francis family. That night we treated our drivers Abey and Teddy to dinner at the BeJoe and called it a night!
Here's a cute picture of Ely on Day 17...

Day 18
Once again Ely was up half the night, and out popped another tooth in the morning (#4)! This morning we went to the Gladney Orphanages with Billy and Anna Francis. This time we visited the older kids (age 2+) at house #3. This house is not part of the typical tour, because these kids are much more sensitive to visitors... BUT they had a blast with us! Dancing and singing, shouting and marching around! They were so fun and so full of energy! This was one of the highlights of the trip for me. I feel so at ease with those kids- loving on them, playing with them, laughing and making them smile. Again can't post pics... Several of those kids are matched with families, some are already home!!

That night The Francis Family left. Here's a few pictures of the girls together and all of us just before they went to the airport...

Day 19
Today we had lunch with Belay and Genet, and a few families who were still in ET. The Briggs family from Colorado, and the Brown family also from Washington. We basically prompted Belay (Director of Gladney) to tell story after story of adoption. So fun!

From there we went to the ALERT Hospital (All Africa Leprosy, Tb Rehabilitation, and Training Center). We saw men and women without fully functioning hands and feet sewing, weaving, stitching. Their supplies were meager, their "machinery" outdated and slow, yet they seemed very joyful to have a task. They sold their goods- we boughts lots- bags, tablecloths, a dress for E. (Very cheap!!)

At ALERT, we also ran into Sammy, the director of the school project at KORAH, who also was raised in KORAH. It was neat to be able to meet him, and see his passion for ET and the people. He asked if we would like to buy a rolled paper necklace that is made in Korah, and supports a family for a month by your payment ($30). We said yes!

When we got back to BeJoe today, Elyana was so excited to see us! She took my face in her chubby hands and slobbered on my cheek! She smiled and laughed! So sweet!

Ethiopia Trip Post #8- Day 16

2010-11-03T23:38:00.000-07:00

I woke up VERY early on day 16- like 3 AM feeling AWFUL! I will spare you the details, but we'll just say I was SICK. I was very dissappointed about this, because Joe and Billy Francis were going to KORAH, and Anna Francis and I were going to go to the monthly craft bazaar. Instead I stayed at the BeJoe and attempted to take care of myself and Elyana (who was a perfect angel).

Here's an intro to Korah, and all of the things Joe saw. I encourage you to take the 4 minutes to watch it. It might change your perspective!!

The Village of Korah - A short documentary from Session 7 Media on Vimeo.

Here is a descroption FROM JOE of his experience at Korah:

Korah is a small village located in and around the garbage dump just outside Addis Ababa. The village was started over seventy five years ago by people inflicted with leprosy, seeking treatment in Addis. Three generations later, over 100,000 people live in Korah, most of whom have leprosy, HIV/AIDS, are widows or orphans. Their extreme poverty has forced many of the villagers to dig through the trash dump to find enough food to survive each day.

Our friend Billy Francis met a lady at his guest house who was leading a mission program in Korah. Their church made Korah their sole mission focus. We rode into Korah in a Ethiopian van with their team, energizing music blaring (mostly Michael Jackson!), and tons of kids running alongside the van waving and giving high fives through the windows. They said that they rolled in this way to get pumped up and energized for a day filled with discouraging and heartbreaking sights.

Billy Francis and I met a young man named Sammy who was raised in Korah and had an amazing story. His Dad was a leper who survived against all odds, and raised his family in Korah. When Sammy was a teenager, he was sponsored by Young Life to go to school and learned the story of Jesus Christ. Now Sammy is an advocate for summer schools, sponsorship programs, and helping the people of Korah in any way possible- along with Great Hope Ministry.

Billy and I went out to the dump (their food supply) where hundreds of men, women and children were sifting through old garbage and freshly dumped garbage. Most of them were middle school and high school age. Sammy told us that the bigger and stronger you are, the better stuff you get. He said the small children have to fight with the dogs and goats for scraps. Even in the dump, it was amazing how joyful the people were by what little they found. We saw people gathering fruits and vegetables that looked rotten, scrap metal, plastic and fabric, cans that had a little of something left in them. The worst part is that the food they gather is diseased and unsafe to eat, but they have to eat SOMETHING to survive. It was so hard to be there and not be able to help!

Even in such a discouraging place, there are good things happening. I held the first little girl who is being adopted out of Korah! Sammy and his volunteers have begun summer camps to teach the kids how to behave in a school setting, and a sponsorship program. We bought a few necklaces that provide food and school for a family for a month. Since we have returned from Ethiopia I have heard of several mission groups going to Korah and making a difference. A team of dentists went and cared for hundreds of people recently.

Something I found VERY strange was that Ethiopian locals didn't know anything about Korah. They didn't know where it was, and they didn't know how they could help. Our driver Abey didn't know how to get there (and he knew how to get EVERYWHERE). I'm sure this is very much like our own communities. I don't know where they homeless and sick live in my own city. I am just as guilty.

Ely's first big trip!

2010-11-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Last week, Ely and I went to FLORIDA to visit my friend Katie and her family! I hadn't seen Katie in about a year and a half, and she had never met Ely! Her three kids have grown SO much since I saw her last, too! We had SO much fun! Let me tell you though, traveling alone with a busy 10 month old (about 6 hours of flying) and taking care of her for 5 days was pretty tiring, and made me miss Joe like crazy!
Here's what we did...

We went to the beach (Ely was not a big fan)...

We went swimming...

Walked on the pier...

Went out to lunch...

A Halloween party...

And LOTS OF CRAFTS...

It was SO much fun, and it was nice to take a little break from the rain and cold here in WA! Thanks Jensens!

I DISAGREE

2010-11-01T20:33:00.001-07:00

I have been wanting to write this blog post for quite a while now, and have been inspired by the transparency of some of my blog friends recently. So here goes... *Warning this may end up being a little long, and you may not agree with everything I say... I'd love to talk more if you have questions!!

Joe and I tried to get pregnant for almost 2 years before starting the adoption process. Why? I'm not sure... mostly just because that is what everyone else was doing, and what I had always planned to do. Have a few biological babies, then adopt a few. We always knew we would adopt (that's another long story stemming from a mission trip Joe and I went on in Middle School!). In retrospect I wish we had started the adoption process sooner! (Although, everything happens for a reason- we wouldn't have gotten Ely if we had done it a year or two sooner...) After those 2 years, I was frustrated, depressed, saddened, iritated, etc. by our so called "infertility." It was an emotional roller coaster! It seemed like everyone around me was pregnant, or had 2 kids, and everyone kept asking "so when will you and Joe have kids?" I just wanted to be a Mom, and didn't know what to do next!

In February 2009 I wrote in my journal (a new habit I formed throughout this journey) "There are a lot of things I don't know- why we haven't gotten pregnant the last almost 2 years, if we ever will, what God is teaching us; But there is a lot I do know- God is love, God has a plan for us, God loves children, we love children and desire to be parents, and there are millions of orphans out there who need parents like us to love them." Suddenly my perspective and focus changed. (*I must make a note here- Joe had been suggesting adoption for over a year at this point, but was waiting patiently for me to be ready. I'm so thankful for him!) I started reading adoption blogs instead of infertility blogs, reading about adoption, searching the Bible for mention of adoption, and meeting with people we knew who had adopted. In about a month's time, God changed my heart 100%.

By the end of March 2009 we had picked an agency, decided upon Ethiopia, submitted an application and were on our way to our baby girl! I was SO excited! I wrote "I know that THIS is God's plan for us at this time." And amazingly enough- Elyana was most likely conceived in March of 2009 (Isn't God amazing?). I wrote in my journal "Somewhere in Ethiopia right now, there may be a pregnant young woman unsure of how to care for her unborn child. I pray for protection and guidance- and for health for her and the baby that will someday be ours." WOW! We were opening our hands to our heavenly father to choose our child. I was finally "expecting" and filled with JOY!

You know the rest of the story... We did our paperwork as quickly as possible, waited over 9 months for our referral (April 7, 2010), and then went to Ethiopia get the most adorable 6 month old baby girl IN THE WORLD just 2 months later (June 16, 2010). God, through Elyana and our adoption process, has changed our lives forever! We will never go back to the people we were before the adoption process. We grew so much in our faith, perseverance, and our relationship with each other. I wouldn't trade our experience for anything!

Ok so here's what I've been wanting to say... Back in my "infertility" days, I read every book I could find about infertility and our options. One book I read had a section that was very discouraging, that I have never forgotten. It talked about the 6 "losses" you experience in infertility: (1) control, (2) genetic continuity, (3) a jointly conceived child, (4) pregnancy and birth experiences, (5) emotional gratification, (6) the opportunity to parent. It goes on to say that adoption does not "solve" the first 5 losses- it only addresses the last. This left me discouraged. I thought "If we adopt, will I still feel like something is missing?" Honestly, these fears slowed me down!

Now that we have been with Elyana for over 4 months I can say without a SHADOW OF A DOUBT that there is no grief that remains from our "infertility." I am SO full of JOY and LOVE for my baby girl. From the second I scooped her out of that carseat in Ethiopia, I was a Mom, and I loved my baby girl! I know God has formed our family before any of us was even born, and I know Elyana was made for us. Throughout this process we have learned and grown so much, seen more of the "work of God" than we ever imagined, and have become a family. The day we met Elyana I wrote in my journal "Adoption allows me the opportunity to be a mother, allows Elyana the opportunity to be a child and have 2 loving parents, and further mimics our Heavenly Father's "adoption" of us as beloved children and full heirs of His throne." He calls us his children!

So I must say, in response to the 6 losses, and to those asking themselves similar questions, I disagree! Our Heavenly Father, through our adoption of Elyana, has "solved" my grief and loss regarding my infertility 100%. God is the factor that was missing from the book I read. He can heal ALL wounds (even #1-5!), and has a perfect plan for our lives. I am now THANKFUL for our infertility, because it brought us closed to HIM, and brought us to our sweet baby girl! And now we have a new purpose and passion- LOVE for orphans in any way God leads us, and specifically Ethiopia! I share our story in the hopes of encouraging others. I believe that God does not "give" us trials, but uses them for His purposes and to make Himself better known, and He comforts us in the midst of them.

Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love him, to those who are called according to His purpose."
And I am quite certain that adoption IS one of God's primary purposes (even for those NOT experiencing infertility)...

10 MONTHS OLD

2010-10-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl is 10 months old already! That sure went fast! Elyana is changing and developing SO MUCH right now! Using words (her best is "buh-bye!"), crawling like crazy, getting up the stairs, laughing all the time, smiling at strangers in the store, trying new foods (still doesn't love to eat though...), pulling up on EVERYTHING- even Mimi the dog, riding in a big girl carseat (rear facing of course), sleeping better, bouncing like crazy in her bouncy toy... She's just SO FUN!
Here are her 10 month pictures... Clapping like crazy!

Can't believe she's almost ONE!! Not sure I'm ready for that!

Ethiopia Trip Post #7- Days 14 and 15

2010-10-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

Embassy
We started Day 14 (June 24) at our US Embassy appointment. Gladney staff had us all prepped for it- how to get in to the right place, not to bring ANYTHING electronic, no liquids- even formula, have to answer questions specifically, etc. It seemed a little stressful, but actually wasn't! We went with the other 9 families, because we didn't know the order we would be called. We ended up being next to last, but Elyana was doing just fine, so it was no big deal. We waited about an hour. I smiled ear to ear when man behind the counter said that Elyana was officially our daughter, and our adoption was final. We were then told her passport and travel documents would be delivered to us the next day.
Here we are after we got back from our Embassy appointment. Adoption FINAL... (in Ethiopia that is... Still have to complete the US re-adoption)

Holy Trinity Church
We went back to the Bejoe for a little bit and the caregiver came to take care of Elyana. Then we went to the Holy Trinity Church for our tour by Belay. Holy Tinity is the highest ranking Orthodox cathedral in Addis Ababa. It was built to commemorate Ethiopia's liberation from Italian occupation and is the second "most important" place of worship in Ethiopia. Belay is very connected to and well versed in Ethiopian culture and government, because his father was killed in what is called "Red Terror" when several powers were competing for control of Ethiopia in 1977. It was really sad to hear the story from his perspective. His father was a government official, a good man, and Belay was just a young child.
Here are a few pictures of the church, and Belay standing in front of the memorial dedicated to his father and the other government officials.

Bilo's
After the church tour, we stopped at Bilo's for coffee and pasteries. They serve this thing called "Mille Fuellie" which is SO good! It's like pastery layers with mousse or soemthign between them! YUM! Totally recommend it! We visited with the Francis Family (Billy and Anna) and our driver, Abey, and their driver, Teddy. I totally recommend making your driver your friend- Abey went to every restaurant and coffee shop with us and it was seriously so much fun! We heard part of the Francis Family's Adoption story here at Bilo's and it was amazing! Connecting with other families was such a highlight of our trip!
Here's a few pictures at Bilo's...

Traditional Dinner at Fasika's
That night, we went to Fasika Ethiopian Restaurant for traditional dinner and dancing! Joe and I had eaten Traditional Ethiopian food several times already, so we knew what to expect, and we liked it! The dancing was amazing! The dancers did routines from all over Ethiopia, and then came around to try to get some participation! I was happy they got Joe to get up and dance, and of course, he pointed to me, and I went next! It was a fun evening!
Here's a few pics from the Traditional Dinner...

*That night Ely was up several times and SUPRISE- she had a new tooth in the morning! She was teething pretty much the whole time we were in Ethiopia, which was sad, but not too bad... We gave her lots of teething tablets!

NEXT DAY- Birth Mother Meeting
We took Elyana with us to meet her birth mother (Y). Y was an incredibly brave, incredibly gracious woman! We are SO thankful for the opportunity to meet her, take some pictures of her with Elyana, and ask some questions. Y held Ely much of the time and we were able to give her an album of pictures of Elyana (referral pictures, and pictures taken by other families), a letter, and my Africa necklace. This was significant because I had been wearing my Africa necklace with the heart on Ethiopia throughout our entire process to Elyana. It was a gift from Joe, and it was my reminder that we would someday have our baby. I gave it to Y and told her- Now that I have Elyana, I don't need this anymore, but I am leaving part of my heart here in Ethiopia with her. She proudly wore it! (Since returning home, I decided I did want to continue to wear a reminder of Africa, so I bought another one. Now BOTH of Elyana's mothers are wearing the same necklace.) We are not posting the pictures of Elyana's birth mother, so here is a picture of how adorable Ely looked to meet her birth mother (She was 6 months old today!) and a picture of both of Ely's mothers- her birth mother wearing the Africa necklace...

Government Orphanage Tour
Of the 70+ adoption agencies in Ethiopia, Gladney is the only one that does the government orphanage tour for it's families. This is terribly heartbreaking, but a good reminder of WHY we adopt, WHY others should adopt, and WHAT we can do to help! We visited 3 orphanages, Kolfe (for older boys), Kechene (for older girls), and Kebebe Tsehai (for age 0-7). The government orphanages were... really tough. People told me this would be sad, but I was still totally unprepared. We were wrecked by the baby house (Kebebe Tsehai). I walked in with another adoptive Mama, and we both started crying. Picture 125 dirty, hungry, and needy kids and babies with only 8 caregivers to watch them. No toys, books, no cheery faces, just some exhausted ladies doing their best... So, the other Mom and I just stood there in shock. I felt paralyzed. After a few seconds she said to me "We gotta pull it together." I agreed and we began going around the room touching and talking to all the kids. I think I touched, held or played with each and every one of the 125. Joe held a little boy (probably around 2, but he didn't talk at all) most of the time we were there. When he put him down and said goodbye the little guy cried and cried. We got in the car and cried, too. It was REALLY hard! I wrote in my journal that night "This was the most heartbreaking thing I have ever seen." I hope and pray that those kids know the love of a family someday! Their faces are still in my mind daily! Can't post pictures of kids' faces unfortunately- they are so adorable!

*The small bit of good news: Since returning from Ethiopia, 24 more caregivers have been hired at Kebebe Tsehai, thanks to many of our friends, family, and blog buddies sponsoring them. Those kids deserve better care, and if they don't get it, they will not survive!

GUESS WHAT TODAY IS?

2010-10-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

Today is the FIRST day of work for 24 young Ethiopian women at Kebebe Tsehai Orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia! Today is the FIRST day of BETTER CARE and more attention for the 125 kids and babies ages 0-7 at Kebebe Tsehai. Today is a great day! Today is a day of HOPE!

I was told by our caseworker at Gladney that some of these caregivers have some pretty amazing stories that I will share with you as soon as I hear them!

Thank you for my blog readers, family and friends who helped make this happen! That took 24+ families who agreed to support those employees financially!! THANK YOU!

If you are still interested in helping with this project, they are continuing to collect money to support this project in the future- please let me know if you want to help!

To read more about this project read HERE!

{4 MONTHS TOGETHER}

2010-10-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

Today we have been a FAMILY for 4 months. Ely was delivered to us at the BeJoe Guest House on July 16- seems so long ago, but also seems like just yesterday! Time is moving quickly!

We are LOVING our new life with Elyana! She is SO fun and lovable and adorable! She seems 100% comfortable with us! Every day I seem to be saying "Well, she wouldn't have been able to do that a month ago" about different situations. Unfamilliar places (especially dark ones) and men used to be her 2 biggest trauma triggers (crying, screaming, etc.) This may seem insignifigant to some people, but today we went to the eye doctor (unfamilliar male) and sat in a dark unfamillar room while Joe had his eyes checked and she did just fine!

Ely still prefers Joe and I over anyone else, but will let most people hold her for a few minutes, and special people can hold her for quite a while! She is quiet in new places- especially busy ones, but usually doesn't cry. She can ride in the stroller (facing away from us) and not be scared anymore. Ely is still rocked to sleep for every nap and bedtime. She still doesn't go in the church nursery. But she did go with the small group babysitter for 25 minutes this week! She is making progress! She feels so attached to us- I'm sure it will only grow, but we are totally and completely attached to her and loving her more every day!!

We are so thankful for our beautiful girl!

Ethiopia Trip Post #6- Day 13

2010-10-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

Day 13 gets its own post! It was a big day for our family! It was the day Elyana chose us! She had been with us for 1 week at this point- I know it is probably different for every baby, but this was a HUGE milestone for us!

Gladney Center Tour and Coffee Ceremony
This was the day of our official Gladney Center Tour by Belay and Travis (Gladney staff). They took us to each house, and told us a bit about how things worked and let us hold and love on all the babies. Since we had already been there three times, we helped everyone find the babies they were taking pictures of and dropping off care packages to. I just loved going to visit the babies! We went to house #1, then #4, and when we reached House #2 Elyana's caregiver took her from us and told us she would "be back soon." I wasn't worried- after all she had spent months here! What's a few minutes?

Here's some pictures from our tour, including Elyana with her "Special Mother," Genet.

We finished our tour and sat down for the coffee ceremony where one of the caregivers roasts coffee beans, grinds them by hand, and boils coffee for you. Here's a few pictures of the coffee ceremony...

Someone came asking for a bottle for Elyana, and I quickly made one and thought nothing of it. As we were sitting and visiting, several babies were brought back to their families dressed in cute Ethiopian outfits. Soon I noticed that one of the babies upstairs was crying- no WAILING. It went on and on- everyone had noticed by now, and we were wondering what was going on up there! I said to Joe "I'm sure that's not Ely, but will you go check just in case?" I had never heard her wail like that, so I assumed it was not her. Well... IT WAS! Joe told me that her special mother was desperately trying to calm her and get her to take her bottle, and as soon as he took her she immediately stopped crying. In only one week's time, she realized we were HERS! I know this may sound silly, but it really was a turning point for me- realizing that she had chosen us- as we had chosen her MONTHS ago! The rest of the coffee ceremony, Elyana sat happily on my lap and of course played with her friend Maritu.

Here's Elyana, happy to be back with her Mommy and Daddy...

And "playing with" her friend, Maritu...

Lunch at Top View
After the coffee ceremony, all of the families went to Top View for lunch out with the babies. It was fun to get to go out with Elyana, and to visit with the other families! We took a few pictures overlooking the city.

The evening was a little rough- Elyana refused to take a nap (had slept a few times in the car) and screamed all through her bedtime bath. She went to bed at 7:00 and we ordered take out. I think the day was a little stressful and emotionally draining for her- she seemed really on edge. The good news- she woke up happy the next morning!

*NOTE: From this point on, we wore her in the ERGO when we visited the Care Centers and didn't let anyone take her from us, and she did fine!

Ethiopia Trip Post #5- Day 11 and 12

2010-10-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

This was the beginning of our "travel week," so the other families started arriving! It was so fun to meet and get to know some other families who had a similar heart for Ethiopia and adoption. Much of the next 2 days were spent hanging out at the BeJoe and getting to know these families, and of course playing with our baby girl!
One family we were SO excited to meet was the Francis Family. Their daughter, Maritu had been with Elyana ever since they had arrived in Gladney's Care. Their cribs were right next to each other. And let me tell you- they LOVED each other! We connected with Maritu's parents on blogland and Facebook months before we traveled and HOPED we would meet each other in Addis!

Monday, June 21 (Day 11) started out with a trip back to the Gladney doctor for a check up on Elyana's ear. This time that we saw Elyana's special mother she was happy to come back to us. After the doctor (he said her ear was looking just fine), we went upstairs and visited Elyana's room, her friends (including Maritu), and her crib. One of her caregivers put her in the crib she had spent the last few months in and she smiled and giggled. So cute and special! Again, she was glad to come back to her Mommy and Daddy.

Tuesday, June 22 (Day 12) we FINALLY got to meet the Francis Family! They were staying accross town at the Ethiopian Guest House, so we packed up and headed over for a visit! We had seen Maritu in the Gladney Care Centers several times, so it was so great to see her with her FAMILY at last! I don't think I could ever get tired of seeing babies united with their families! We visited, took lots of pictures, shared stories, and let our girls play. It was so much fun! They also had a suprise package for me from my friend Jeannette at home, which was so nice! :)

Ethiopia Trip Post #4- Day 10

2010-10-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

FATHER'S DAY
Joe was lucky to spend his first Father's Day in Ethiopia with our baby girl! Before we left I bought him (ok... it was really for Ely) a really cute onesie that said DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL, but I bought the wrong size and it totally didn't fit her... Oops... But anyway, I'll take this opportunity to tell you what a great Daddy Joe is!!

He plays with her.
He can make her laugh like noone else can!
He gives her a bath, lotions her up, and puts her to bed every night.
He even puts in her hair products and hair clips when I lay them out!!
He changes diapers.
He feeds her.
He is even learning some new songs since she LOVES to be sung to...
And my favorite- He gets up with her at all hours of the night and feeds her and puts her back to sleep!

Here's Joe and Elyana on his first Father's Day...

Ok back to Ethiopia. We went out to brunch on Father's Day with Travis (Gladney staff) and his family. They LIVE in Ethiopia. Like indefinately. A few years ago, they felt uneasy in their suburban comfortable life, sold their house and all their posessions, and waited to see where God wanted them. A few months later, they were offered a job by Gladney, and moved almost immediately. With their two young children! It was neat to hear more of their story and spend a little time with them. We went to Lime Tree Restaurant- highly reccommend this brunch buffet! Food you recognize, fresh (safe) fruit, yummy fresh juices, and amazing pasteries and even chocolate cake!

This was the day I really started feeling like we were establishing a routine and were becoming a family. Elyana was feeling better, sleeping better, and responding better to us! I loved being a Mom from Day 1! Here's a few other cute pictures from Day 10.

Ethiopia Trip Post #3- Day 8 and 9

2010-09-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in my last trip post that Elyana woke up 5 times her second night with us... Way to ease us into being parents, baby! She was very stuffy and congested and we decided to take her to the Gladney doctor the next day (June 18- Our 3rd day with her).

GLADNEY DOCTOR TRIP
Traveling in Ethiopia by car is VERY interesting- cars, taxis, vans, donkeys, sheep, people EVERYWHERE! People coming up to your car asking for money, selling gum or kleenex. Driving through HUGE potholes. Oh and the roads (the ones that are paved that is) have lines to form lanes (similar to the US) but the cars DO NOT drive in a "lane" but rather wherever they feel like driving! Crazy! Speed limit? What's that? Oh and one more thing- most cars don't have seatbelts and what is a carseat? Luckily our driver Abey was amazing and very safe! Joe would wear Elyana in the ERGO in the car, and sit in the back seat. I was too nervous to hold her...
Here's Ely in the car

And our awesome driver, Abey. Yes it is RAINING! It poured once or twice a day while we were there- They don't call it rainy season for nothing!

Anyway, on the way to Gladney (which is in Ayat- about 20-30 minutes from where we were staying) Elyana fell asleep on Joe. Actually she fell asleep every time we went in the car! When we got there, we went to house 4, which is where the doctor is. We were warmly greeted by the head nurse, Genet, happens to be Elyana's special mother (the caregiver who simluated a mother for Elyana while she was in Gladney's care)! Genet held Elyana and talked to her. Ely seemed a little confused to be there, but didn't cry. She just kept looking back and forth between Genet and us. The doctor decided she had an ear infection and prescribed antibiotics (Poor thing has had antibiotics more times than most adults in the US, but it worked, so oh well...).

Ely and her "Special mother" Genet

On our way out of the doctor's office, there was a line of babies, and I knew several of them! We saw Maritu (Savannah) Francis and Hiwot (Olive) Bottomly! We took pictures for their families, but decided to come back another day when Ely was feeling better to visit the LONG list of babies and kids we had to visit/photograph!

We stopped for the medicine at a pharmacy on the way home. It cost VERY little (less than $10). Back at the BeJoe we gave Ely her medicine and played for a while. This is when we realized she could sit up perfectly! Just 2 days ago she really couldn't! She is a very quick learner, and it's amazing what a 2:1 ratio can do for a baby! (Although they are getting VERY good care at Gladney, it's not quite like having 2 doting parents).

That night after her first few doses of antibiotics, since the power was out, we gave Elyana a bath in the dark (with a flashlight- No protesting whatsoever!) and put her to bed! She slept ALL NIGHT!

VISITING GLADNEY BABIES
The next day, June 19, since Elyana seemed to be feeling so much better already we decided to do our first "outing" and leave her with a caregiver. Her caregiver was Aminat, who was GREAT with her, and Elyana had no problem with us leaving her with Aminat for short periods of time.
We drove back to Gladney Foster Care Centers and visited 12 babies for their Mommies and Daddies! I found this to be SUCH a priveledge! I held and rocked each baby- telling them their Mommies and Daddies would be coming soon! I found myself tearing up several times I put a baby back in their crib or on the floor where they were playing. We went to House 1, 2, and 4 and visited shy kids, outgoing kids, tiny babies, and playful toddlers. We took lots of pics (which I can't post here... sorry! They're not my kids!) and later sent them to their parents! I LOVED being able to do this, as several families did for us! I remember how excited I got each time we got a few new pictures of Elyana!

GO JOE GO!

2010-09-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Joe ran his second 1/2 Marathon in the Bellingham Bay Marathon! His time was 2 hours and 45 seconds! A tiny bit longer than last year, but he didn't have as much time to train this year- He had a hard time getting up at 6 AM to run after all those midnight feedings! :)
(NOTE: YES, Joe gets up for almost EVERY late night baby feeding! This started from the day we got her! I really and truly cannot wake up- but I'm getting better now...)

Elyana and I met him at mile 6, where he was looking great! He ran up to us, and Elyana started to smile and do her excited arm flap. Then he kept on running on by and she started to scream and cry!! Poor baby! She was sad her Daddy was running away!

Here he is approaching the finish line- in the white shirt.

And DONE! Looks like he's gonna fall over, hu? :)

We were SO proud of him!

9 Months

2010-09-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is 9 months old! We are so blessed to be Mommy and Daddy to such a sweet, fun, smart, adorable little girl!

The biggest change in the last month is her MOBILITY! She is suddenly ALL OVER the place! She crawls (scoots) "inch worm style" accross the room in no time and loves to explore things she doesn't usually get to play with- dog toys, shoes, etc.

Here's a side view of that cuteness...

Happy 9 month Birthday baby girl! We love you SOOOO much!

Ethiopia Trip Post #2- Day 6 and 7

2010-09-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

ELYANA DAY
We were so excited to FINALLY meet Elyana on the morning of June 16, 2010, that we woke up at 4:30 AM and couldn't go back to sleep! She was delivered to us about 7:15 Am by Travis, who had a busy day and had to get started early! That was fine with us!! We waited anxiously outside the front door of the BeJoe!
Waiting...

We FINALLY heard the horn honk, and saw the infamous white vehicle driven by Travis driving in the front gate! Our baby Elyana was HERE! Travis got out of the car and said "She's pretty cute!" and went around to get her. Travis carried her up the stairs in her carseat (asleep), and said "She's all yours!" The words I had been waiting 14 months since we started the adoption process, and a little over 2 months since we had seen her face to hear!

I bent down and scooped her out! I hugged her and kissed her and told her I was her Mommy. She looked at us very curiously, and even smiled a few times. Joe held her next. Here are some pictures of those first few minutes...

Travis came in with us and gave us all the information we needed- he told us her schedule, and told us she was healthy (currently). She was wearing a onesie we had sent her in one of our carepackages (a gift from Auntie Jeannette) and some boyish overalls. Her name was stitched into the onesie. We kept the clothes she was wearing to save to show her later in her life.

Elyana almost immediately spit up all over herself. She did a LOT of spitting up those first few weeks with us- not sure why- she stopped almost immediately when we got home! When Travis left she had her first bottle with Mommy and Daddy, and went right to sleep on me. We discovered right away that she liked to sleep on her tummy- I tried to put her on her back and she immediately woke up and cried.

We spent some time in our room with Elyana getting to know her and taking pictures. She was very quiet, but barely cried! It was so amazing to finally be a family!

SUMMARY OF DAYS 6 and 7- FAMILY BONDING
That day and the next we pretty much did nothing except stare at and take care of our baby. We ordered out dinner- I didn't want to go anywhere without her. Joe would go out with our driver and pick it up, sometimes stop for a coffee or hang out somewhere for a while, or watch World Cup. For families travelling soon- our favorite restaurants were Cloud 9, Island Breeze, and Markush. The best coffee/pasteries can be found at Bilos!! Yum!

Elyana prefered the BeJoe girls (or anyone Ethiopian, even Abey) to us most of that first day, but she turned that corner quickly, and was pretty comfortable with us starting the morning of the second day. She LOVED being talked to in Amharic, and immediately loved her baths, she loved being bounced to sleep, and loved being held. She smiled and laughed sometimes! We were SO glad we had this quiet, laid back adjustment time with Elyana before all the activities of our "travel week" started!

I was so excited about finally having her that I missed her when she slept! She had a little crib in our room at the BeJoe right next to our bed. She slept ok the first night with us (only got up 2x), but soon we realized she was starting to get sick- she woke up 5 times the second night!

Ethiopia Trip Post #1- Days 1-5

2010-09-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

Ok I have decided it is time to start BLOG-journaling about our amazing and life-changing trip to Ethiopia to pick up our daughter. We have been home for a little over 2 months now, and I still think about and remember Ethiopia every day!

If you live near me, you can come over and look at my 3 photo albums of pictures from our trip and I will tell you story after story about our experiences... But for the rest of you, I will do an abreviated "review" of each part of the trip. I will NOT be doing a daily post, since our trip was 34 days!

TRAVEL
My last day of work was Thursday, June 10. My friends at work had a farewell lunch for me- I felt so supported! I came home that day with boxes, as I was taking a one-year leave from my job! The boxes went immediately to the basement and we started PACKING! We had been piling up stuff to take to Ethiopia for weeks, but had barely started putting it in suitcases- Needless to say it was a long and exhausting evening as we shuffled things around, STUFFED them in, and made sure nothing was being forgotten. It was hard to know what to pack for that long, that far, a place many things are not accessible (like decent diapers!) and for our new adventure of parenting!!
Here are a few pictures of our evening of packing and our mountain of luggage...

We ended up with 3 large rolling suitcases, 1 HUGE duffel bag (FULL of diapers and formula for Elyana), 4 Rubbermaid bins (with zip ties to hold them closed) full of donations (diapers, clothes, formula, and 30 or so flanel receiving blankets made by my mom, my friend Jackie and myself), 2 backpacks (filled with lots of food- too heavy to pack), 1 diaper bag (with laptop inside), AND 1 camera case (which contained 2 cameras, extra lenses AND a FLIP video camera)!! The last 4 items were carried on. YIKES! Makes me tired just thinking about it!

On Friday morning, June 10, at 11:30 We flew Lufthansa from Seattle to Frankfurt, and then Frankfurt to Addis. My friend Jackie dropped us off at the airport, along with my Mom and Dad, who were taking our puppy, Mimi. Once we were all checked in and were actually ON OUR WAY I felt an overwhelming sense of relief- there was NOTHING else I had to do to prepare! Our flight was a total of 18 hours, and a short layover in between. Flying was easy- we slept a lot, ate like 6 meals, and watched movies! After the last several months of craziness getting ready, we were more than ready to just SIT!
Here are a few departure/traveling pictures...

ARRIVAL
We arrived in Addis Ababa at 7:00 PM (or so) and were greeted at the airport by Travis (Gladney staff) and our driver, Abey. I enthusiastically hugged them both, which I was told later Travis HATES! In fact, I was told the "huggers" are usually the crazy Moms who depend on/harrass the in country staff every moment of every day. Although Travis asured me later that we were really quite independent and "cool." I'm glad I didn't live up to my expectation. I was just SO HAPPY to be in Ethiopia and so close to my baby girl!

We went directly to the BeJoe Guest House, which is only about 10 minutes from the airport. We met Genet (house manager, and Belay- Gladney Director's sister) and Marta (one of the famous "BeJoe girls"), and were shown around the house. Both of these women and our driver Abey became like family to us! The BeJoe house has 6 bedrooms, a shared living room, dining room, and kitchen. It is very comfortable and clean! The living room has a computer to use, which has "satelite internet". Don't ask me what this is- we don't have it in the US, but it worked pretty well for email and facebook, but is VERY slow for uploading pictures and does not access blogs. We put away a few things, and then our driver Abey invited us to go watch the World Cup game with him at a nearby stadium, so we went! I was pretty tired after all that, and went right to sleep when we got back!

GULELE FULL GOSPEL CHURCH
The next day was Sunday, and we went to church with our friends the Bushnells (Dave and Karen) who were in Ethiopia picking up their daughter Ayelech! I have to say, being halfway accross the world, it was really nice to see a few familiar faces right away! It really helped me feel comfortable and "settled" in Ethiopia. Our church in Bellingham, WA happens to be partnered through Compassion International with a church in Gulele (an area of Addis Ababa, ET) called Gulele Full Gospel Church. We were invited to attend worship as their guests. We sat in the front row thgough a 2 hour church service in Amharic. There was a pastor at the end of our row "translating" the sermon, but we got things like "Now he is saying Jesus is our Lord" and "Now he is saying God is our father" every 5 or so minutes! Amazing to see people SO different from us worshiping the same God in a very different manner than us! (Note: The Bushnells AND us also have sponsored children who attend this church, who we got to meet later in the week- such a neat experience). One thing that stuck out to me about the worship service is the amazing behavior of their children. The older kids were in Sunday School (I think) but preschool age kids were all with their parents. They sat quietly on their parents laps (or layed on the benches) the entire time!
After church we went to lunch with the elders from the church (and saw an Ethiopian wedding celebration in the hotel/restaurant we ate at- very cool!) and then went back to the BeJoe and played some UNO with Karen and Ayelech.
Note: this day was also Joe's bday although we kinda forgot that fact since we didn't really know what day it was... He turned 31! He was about to get a great birthday present in 3 days!
Here are a few pictures of our time with our friends from home and the Bushnell's newest addition, Ayelech...

MEKELE DAY 1
The next morning we flew to Mekele (Northern Ethiopia) where Elyana was from. We flew out of the Addis airport at 7:30 AM. The flight was about an hour and a half. It was strange to leave Addis having not met her yet, but I have no clue how I could have left her after seeing her... I was glad we did it this way...
Funny experience #1: We arrived at the Mekele airport around 9 AM. We were the ONLY white people around, and had no idea who or what we were looking for. Belay made our arrangements, and we were told someone would pick us up, and would make themselves obvious! HA! We stood on the curb for like a half hour. We felt safe though, because we were surrounded by ARMED guards! Akward! Finally, a guy pulled up to the curb, started grabbing our stuff, and said "Get in" (We later found out that "get in" is the Ethiopian way of saying "Welcome! Please come in." It is a very common American greeting! :) We also later found out that this was Kaleab from the Bana Center, but in the mneantime, I was wondering if we were getting kidnapped or something!) Joe called Travis and asked him who would be picking us up, and based on his description we decided it was safe!

Now we had NO idea where we were going, but eventually showed up at a hotel where we met Belay (the director of Gladney) and a bunch of caregivers for breakfast! They were there picking up babies from the Bana Center. He brings one caregiver per kid for the flight home. (To Gladney families: little girl H, and baby boy A were among those being picked up)

After breakfast we went to the Bana Center where Elyana spent her first 5 1/2 weeks. We are so thankful for the good care and love she received here. The caregivers were awesome, and the Bana Center staff (Kaleab, Gary, and Imannuel) were AMAZING! We met all the kids and held all the babies, we were treated to a coffee ceremony, we watched two birth mother interviews, we played some soccer with the big kids (more about a sibling set I call "my bana kids" later). We dropped off the formula that our friends and family donated $864 to buy- 2 cases. This goes to HIV+ mothers in Mekele, so that they can keep their babies and feed them without the risk of passing on HIV.
Here are some pictures at the Bana Center, where Elyana spent her first 5 1/2 weeks! The picture of all the babies are the formula program babies that many of our friends and family supported! (I can't show any of the kids unfortunately)...

Mekele was SUCH an amazing (and exhausting) experience! We went from the Bana Center to a museum where we learned about Johannes the 4th, then to a restaurant for lunch, and to "Starback's coffee" all with Belay, Kaleab, Gary, and Genet from Bana Center. We had our first of MANY Machiattos. YUM! Ethiopian coffee is yummy! Especially with "oulette" (2) scoops of sugar.

Next we went to the Mekele Hospital where Elyana was born. I could not have imagined this place, but will NEVER forget it- the cement floors and STRONG smells, the lack of supplies, and the helpful people who toured us around and searched high and low for Elyana's birth records. They eventually found her file detailing her birth! We were able to find out her exact birth date and time, her birth weight (7 lbs), and the name or the nurse who delivered her. Such precious and valuable information! We were given the name card her birth mother signed upon her arival at the hospital. We saw the bed where her birth mother labored, and the bed she spent her first night. It was SO surreal and amazing!
While we were there, a mother was nursing her baby for the first time in the hallway surrounded by a crowd of people, and another baby was born in an ambulance at the doors of the hospital.
Here are a few pictures of the hospital, and us holding Elyana's birth records... Quite different than we are used to...

After the hospital, the social worker (Telhas- who was SO helpful!) asked us if we wanted to go see where Elyana's birthmother lived (She lived there during the second half of her pregnancy with E, too). We took pictures at the gate of her birthmother's home where she works as a housemaid! Telhas asked if we wanted to go in and say hello, and we said no- we would rather not suprise her- we had a birth parent meeting scheduled later that week. Telhas told us a lot about Ely's birth mother, which we wrote down and will save to share with Elyana. This visit was SO valuable in finding out more details of Elyana's (and her birth mother's) story!

We finished the night with our frist of many traditional Ethipian meals (and a little Pepto Bismal just in case). I have heard of several families getting sick in Mekele, and we did NOT thankfully. We drank Pepto after every meal in Mekele, and also did not shower there since we were only there one night.

MEKELE DAY 2
Our second day in Mekele, we started the day with a few Bana staff members at the public market! We got Elyana a traditional outfit that is traditional from that area of Ethiopia, a few scarves, a few soccor balls for "my bana kids" and a coffee pot. Lots of kids followed us around and took pictures with us.
Here are a few pictures of market, where everything from daily food supplies, to recycled tires, to tourist goods are sold... There's also a picture of Joe with the 3 Bana Center guys...

From there we went back to the Bana Center, and played soccer with "my bana kids." This sibling set of 3 (ages 4 boy, 6 girl, and 8 boy) had only been there a few weeks, but through a traumatic and devestating experience had no parents left to care for them. They were the ONLY kids who were not picked up from the Bana Center to go to Gladney's care in Addis that week (the other babies had left that morning), and were clearly feeling down that day. As Immanuel said "They feel something today." They looked sad and confused. After a little while of playing, running around, me ATTEMPTING to learn to braid the girl's hair (did not go well- I am terrible!), tickeling and taking pictures, we left them looking much happier! I was so glad we got the opportunity to cheer them up a little that day!
This sibling set needs a family! I have been praying for them every day! They do not have parents to care for and love them, and don't even have a family member who can take them in. They are either at the Bana Center still OR in Gladney's Care in Addis- waiting for a family! They are healthy, smart, and adorable! If you are interested in learning more about these 3 adorable kids, please comment or email me! I have lots of pics and videos, too! Here's one cropped pic of them...

Anyway, from the Bana Center we went to lunch, coffee (again), and then to the airport to return to Addis! Our flight left at 4:30. The Bana guys checked us in at the airport, sat with us for a while, and then finally left. They were so helpful! These 3 guys all age 26 or under have been running the Bana Center for 3 years on their own. They graduated high school and wanted to do something to give back to Ethiopia, and this is what they decided to do! So awesome! We told the guys we would see them again someday!
We flew back to Addis, and went right to bed! It was a busy, but GREAT 2 days in Mekele. For families with kids from Mekele, you HAVE to go there! It was such a great opportunity to learn more about Ethiopian culture and our daughter's history!

NEXT POST: Meeting Elyana!!

3 Months Together

2010-09-16T22:51:00.001-07:00

Elyana was placed in our arms at the BeJoe Guest House in Ethiopia 3 months ago TODAY! It is a day I will never forget! June 16, 2010. In some ways, it seems like just yesterday, and in other ways it seems like Elyana has been with us forever! I really can't imagine my life without her! She brings us so much JOY!

Here is one of our first family photos, taken June 16, 2010 in our room at the BeJoe. Elyana looks a little stressed don't ya think?

And here are a few photos taken over a month later, after we got home.

A lot of people have asked me how her attachment to us went. She was somewhat unsure of us (see first photo) for about 3 days, and then started waking up with smiles and reaching for us. NOW she LOVES her Mommy and Daddy. She is starting to let other people hold her (especially familiar females- still a little leary of males), but always wants to come right back! She is happy in new environments as long as we are holding her. She is most comfortable at home. She will not let anyone besides Joe or me feed her. She still goes to sleep in our arms for every nap and bed time (which I love). She is happy and smiles all the time. She is starting to say Mama and Dada. She really is doing amazingly well, and we're so proud of her for her resiliance and trust in us. We love her SO much and are so blessed to have her in our lives! I still get a little teary about once a day (usually when she is sleeping in my arms) when I think about the miracle that God orchestrated in bringing us together, and thinking about how blessed we are. Praise be to God for the gift of Elyana! He has answered our prayers (which happens to be the meaning of her name)!

2010-09-11T16:50:00.001-07:00

Update on Kebebe Tsehai Orphanage Project

2010-08-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

Here's the exciting news.... We have somewhere between 23 and 25 NEW caregivers (waiting to hear back from a few people) sponsored for Kebebe Tsehai Government Orphanage in Ethiopia!! I'm SO excited about how quickly this has happened and how many people have jumped on board! Who is sponsoring caregivers? We have LOTS adoptive families, friends of adoptive families, a few adoptive grandparents, family members of adoptive families (my aunt for one), a graduate school friend of mine, a children's ministry at a church gathered together enough money to sponsor a caregiver, a few families in process to adopt kids currently LIVING at Kebebe Tsehai, even a few families who have lost babies they were referred to in ET due to poor care and/or malnutrition. SO AMAZING that all of these people are willing to serve and give where it is needed most! Praise the Lord! I am so overwhelmed by HIS faithfulness through HIS people in this project! THANK YOU!!!

{If you are one of those sponsors, please send in your money to The Gladney Center for Adoption ATTN: Sara Cox ASAP! When I talked to her today, she said she had received less than 10 checks so far}

I have even MORE exciting news! Belay (the director of Gladney) will be hiring those 24 caregivers within the next 2 weeks AND he is looking first at Kechene- the girls' government orphanage- hiring girls who are aging out of the orphanage (age 18-20)! Many of these girls were orphaned at a young age and have lived in the government orphanages their WHOLE LIVES. When they "age out" of the orphanage, they are given a small ammount of money, and told to move on. THey don't know what to do next. They don't have families to live with while they decide what to do. They don't have jobs. Many live on the streets. Many become prostitutes or are raped. The opportunity to GET A JOB and be able to support themselves is such a blessing to them!! I was so excited to hear this!

I also asked Gladney- what next? Can we hire MORE than 24 caregivers? The ratio is still only 1:7- I'd like to see that improve even more if possible OR are there other needs at Kebebe Tsehai? Diapers? Formula? An outdoor play structure? Sara (my caseworker at Gladney) is looking into this and will get back to me ASAP! So hopefully soon I will have an update for you all about what we can do NEXT!

In the meantime, check out this blog about a way you can help women who live in the garbage dump in Ethiopia. I'm having a sewing party this month to work on this project- wanna join me?

My baby

2010-08-27T21:45:00.001-07:00

I took these pics on Ely's 8 month birthday to document her EXTREME cuteness!!

EIGHT

2010-08-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

Our baby is 8 months old! She has spent two of those months with us... It's hard to miss 6 months of your baby's life, but these last two have been amazing and wonderful and fun! Our Elyana has learned and grown SO much; She has started to make her own routine; She has had a lot of new experiences; She has become very attached to her Mommy and Daddy!

Here are EIGHT things she has done in the last month:

1. She has been swimming, and she loves it! All those baths (2x a day) at Gladney paid off!

2. She has been to the Beach! Tried to eat the sand and rocks of course...

3. LOTS of playing with toys. When something new appears in the toy basket she looks it over for several minutes- she is SO curious!

4. She is learning about eating! Doesn't love vegetable purees, but loves bananas and applesauce for now!

5. She has been to the doctor a few times... They have run lots of tests, taken blood, given shots... She was shocked that we would let someone be so mean to her! POOR baby! She does NOT love the doctor anymore...

6. She has met all of her close family- Joe's Mom, My Mom and Dad, Joe's brother, and my brother and sister-in-law.
This is my brother, Tim, Sister-in-law, Carrie, and new nephew, Gabriel (born 8-5-10).

7. She has been to the LAKE! Brrr...

8. She has learned to like her furry sister, Mimi! (They share toys)

Elyana, we love you SO much and we're so blessed to have you in our lives! We are SO thankful to our Heavenly Father who formed you for our family and knew you would be ours! His plans are perfect, and I am so thankful!!!
We love you baby girl!
LOVE, Mommy and Daddy

Kebebe Tsehai Orphanage Project

2010-08-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen something that you know you will never forget? Something so heartbreaking that you want to DO SOMETHING to change it!

That was our experience at the Kebebe Tsehai Government Orphanage in Ethiopia! I wish I could show you more pictures, as they speak volumes, but I am not allowed to post pictures with kids' faces in them. If you want to see more pictures or videos, email me! I'll do my best to explain... There are about 125 infants and young children there (under age 7). These kids are ORPHANS. No family to care for them, and feed them, and love them, and sing to them, and bathe them, and play with them. But get this: There are only EIGHT workers at a time to take care of them!!! Can you imagine?? That's a 1:15 ratio for daily care- can you imagine feeding 15 babies, bathing 15 babies, rocking 15 babies to sleep (many of them sick)?

Well... those things (that kids NEED) don't happen at Kebebe Tsehai. The kids lay in their metal cribs all day and all night (several 2 or 3 to a crib), many don't ever cry because they know noone is coming... They have their bottles propped up in front of their faces (even NEWLY born babies), which most likely will cause pneumonia as the formula settles in their tiny lungs. Many babies I held were soaked through their diapers, most seemed unclean, many were TINY and undernourished. SO TERRIBLY SAD!! Once I stopped my flow of tears (another Mom told me "We need to pull it together so we can love these kids") I went around loving, hugging, holding babies and kids, and I thought THIS IS NOT RIGHT!!!

These are a few pictures of the infant room. There were 2 caregivers in this room.

Joe and I asked Belay (the director of Gladney) what could be done to help the kids at Kebebe Tsehai. He said a caregiver earns $70 US a month. I asked- can we hire one? He said YES! I asked him to think BIG- how many can we hire? He looked into it and found out that they currently have 24 staff- 8 for each of the 3 shifts and they'd like to double that! I said "Ok I know people who love kids! We will get 24 caregivers hired ASAP!" Can you help us love "the least of these?"

Logistics: These 24 caregivers will be supported through Gladney Adoption Agency. It costs $70 a month, which can be paid monthly OR in one lump sum ($840). You WILL receive a tax deducion slip as this is Humanitarian Aid. Checks can be sent to Gladney ATTN: Sara Cox, and I will provide the address. There is a one year committment for this project, as Ethiopian women will need to be hired (Hey- another benefit- the $70 a month may help them feed THEIR families- preventing MORE orphans!!). So please leave a comment OR email me if you want to help! janetbelleme@yahoo.com

I will support a caregiver to love on hungry and lonely orphans. Will you? We need 23 more!!! Please share this with anyone you think might be interested!! Please consider this oportinuty to show Christ's love to those who need it most!

2 months in our arms

2010-08-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

Elyana has been in our arms for 2 months today! On June 16, 2010 she was delivered to us at the BeJoe guest house in Ethiopia! On one hand that seems like just yesterday, but also it seems like she's been with us forever! We love her SOOOO much!

Here are a few pictures of the day she joined us FOREVER- June 16, 2010

Waiting for her to arrive. This was at 7:00 AM! We had been up since 4- SOOOO excited (and a little jet lagged)... She's in the car!

Travis (Gladney Staff) walked up the stairs with her- sleeping in the car seat

And said "She's all yours." She looked at me like I was from Mars, but she didn't cry!

First time holding my baby girl! SOOO excited!

Daddy holding Elyana

And NOW:

Such a happy girl! Can't imagine our lives without her!

Elyana Marie

2010-08-05T01:21:00.001-07:00

Since I'm not ready to do a post documenting our month in Ethiopia... Let me tell you about how Elyana is doing!
She is doing SOOOO great! She's so happy and smiley and adorable and we love her SOOOO much!! She has been with us just over 7 weeks, and has been home 3 weeks today- seems like she's been here forever to me. I can't imagine her anywhere else, and I can't imagine life without her!! She's 7 months old now, and is at such a fun stage- smiling, cooing, laughing, starting to eat baby food (ate 1/2 can of squash tonight!), lots of "dadadadada," sleeping well, enjoys going out and loves being home, too! On the sleep note- she went to bed last night at 9PM, and got up at 8AM! When I fed her at 8AM she fell back asleep until 10:45AM!! This baby was TRULY made for me!! :) She loves her Mommy AND her Daddy, loves baths, loves swimming, loves walks, tolerates Mimi (the dog)- even when she licks her face! The only things she does NOT like are when Mommy takes a shower, peaches, riding in the car when she's tired but not asleep, and being bounced when she's not tired.
She is SUCH a blessing to our lives and we love her more and more each day!

Orphans tugging at our hearts....

2010-07-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

"Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes." (quote from "Radical" by David Platt)

This has been SOOOO true for us! My favorite thing to do in Ethiopia was visit, photograph, play with and love kids- hold and rock babies, tickle and play with toddlers, kick a ball with a "big kid." Joe often became the jungle gym for multiple kids at once. We visited 9 orphanages- the 4 Gladney Foster Care Centers, The Bana Center in Mekele, AHOPE (the HIV+ Orphanage), Kechene (Govt. orphanage for girls age 7+), Kolfe (Govt. orphanage for boys age 7+), and Kebebe Tsehai (Govt. Orphanage for age 0-7). We LOVED it... Well, all except leaving- the kids often cry when you put them down or drive away... (and we did, too)

The Bana Center in Mekele is where Elyana spent her first 6 weeks. She went there straight from the hospital. We saw the crib where she spent her first days and weeks of life, and the sweet ladies who held her and rocked her to sleep. The Bana Center was opened by 3 young Ethiopian guys who wanted to do something to help their society. It really was amazing! We were able to bring 2 cases of formula to help them with a project they started themselves- providing formula to HIV+ mamas to feed their babies without the risk of passing on HIV. Thanks for our families and friends who donated cash for this project! We showed the staff and caregivers recent pictures of Elyana and they couldn't believe how much she had grown! They kissed her pictures and hung them on the wall!

Visiting matched kids at Gladney was such an honor. It was so fun to see kids and babies who had families eagerly awaiting them at home. I seriously cried as I put several kids down- knowing that I got to see them before their families was so strange and wonderful at the same time. I LOVED hugging and kissing kids and taking pics for parents accross the world! It was so fun to be able to send all those pics to families all over the US and be able to tell them their kids are healthy and thriving (and adorable)!

AHOPE was amazing- the kids were so healthy and full of energy! The staff has a great program to help non-orphans who are HIV+, too, and some really great volunteers helping! We did the Hokey Pokey with the kids, drew with sidewalk chalk, and played outside! The baby room was nearly empty- We were told 5-6 HIV+ babies had been adopted to the US in the previous week! So wonderful!

The government orphanages were... tough. People told me they were sad, but I was still totally unprepared. We were wrecked by the baby house (Kebebe Tsehai). I walked in with another adoptive Mama, and we both started crying. Picture 125 dirty, hungry, and needy kids and babies with only 8 caregivers to watch them. No toys, books, no cheery faces, just some exhausted ladies doing their best... So, the other Mom and I just stood there in shock. I felt paralyzed. After a few seconds she said to me "We gotta pull it together." I agreed and we began going around the room touching and talking to all the kids. I think I touched, held or played with each and every one of the 125. Joe held a little boy (probably around 2, but he didn't talk at all) most of the time we were there. When he put him down and said goodbye the little guy cried and cried. We got in the car and cried, too. It was SO SAD! I said to Joe that evening "Can you imagine Elyana there?" He said "No, but honey, that's not the point. Those kids ARE there!" So true.

Not all orphans have a bright future... Most of the older kids at the govt orphanages will never be adopted. Many sibling sets will take years to place. Many "older" kids (We were told over 2 was considered "older") will never have a family.

There is one sibling set that I want to tell you about. The oldest boy was around 8, the girl around 6, and the little boy around 4. We met them at the Bana Center in Mekele. They were SO SHY when we got there. Looked at us from accross the room. By the end of our 2 days visiting them they hugged us! We played soccer with them, I tried (and failed miserably) to braid the girl's hair, they sat on our laps, we hugged them and played with them. These sweet kids have NO family. Noone to love and take care of them. They are together (Thank the Lord), but alone. Yes, they have had difficult experiences and will take some patience and lots of love, but this sibling set NEEDS A FAMILY! If you want more information about these kids, please email me at: janetbelleme@yahoo.com. I have pictures and videos that Gladney has given me permission to share (just not on my blog). I'm praying for these kids (and their future family) daily, and I hope you will join me!

I can't stop thinking about the kids I met and held and loved, and I hope I never do. I pray for them by name. I have been changed. I know caring for orphans is God's call for our lives. I know we will return to Ethiopia. I know we will adopt again. The question is when and for how long. Watching Elyana go from an orphan to a beloved daughter, granddaughter, and niece gives me such hope and joy. She is thriving in her new life in every way, and we love her SO much! I just wish there was something that I could do for the other 4.99 million orphans in Ethiopia, and 146.99 million worldwide.

Updates

2010-07-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

Just off the plane! A Family of 3!

Part of our welcoming Crew! My Grandpa (far left) was SO excited!

I'm still having a hard time putting our trip and our experience into words, but for now here is a list of random thoughts/updates:

We absolutely LOVED our month in Ethiopia! It was the most amazing experience of our lives! We are broken and inspired by everything we saw and experienced
We miss our new friends who live in Ethiopia- especially some kids...
We're home and we're happy to be home
We're feeling pretty rested
Joe is a little sick
Elyana is adorable and adjusting to life at her new home
Elyana has taken a 3 hour nap 2 days in a row, but is a little confused about sleeping all night...
Elyana is getting her 5th tooth! Yikes!
I'm SO happy to be a mom
I like to go look at Ely when she's sleeping in her crib- just to make sure it's real
My parents are here helping with the housework and baby
I miss my baby when she sleeps
My friends are AMAZING and have done SO much to help us- groceries, flowers, balloons, signs, diapers, meals, waxing our car, meeting us at the airport, checking in on me, etc.
18 hours of flying with a 6.5 month old is a LONG trip
I am so blessed!

And for you adoptive mamas- I have pictures of your adorable kids. I hugged them and kissed them and held them. I actually think I touched every kid at Gladney in our 4 weeks there! I took pictures of 16 or more kids for their families (yikes) and am still working on organizing them from my 6 memory cards... I am SO sorry I haven't sent them to you yet! I'll work on it SOON!!! When I read your blogs today about court dates, and multiple trips, and wait times, I felt it all again and had to remind myself she's here now! I will be praying for you all (and your adorable kids)...

More updates (and trip journals/pictures) SOON! I promise!

Our Ethiopian Princess

2010-07-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

This Ethiopian Cultural dress was a gift from Elyana's "Special Mother" (the nanny who simulated a mother while she was at the Gladney Orphanage). So precious! Thank you for taking such good care of our baby girl, Genet!

Happy 4th of July!!

2010-07-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

Our extended family

2010-07-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

Meet Zenash (age 4) and Matthew (age 6)- our sponsored children in Ethiopia! We had the amazing opportunity to meet them in their home and have a coffee ceremony with their family!

Happy Girl

2010-07-04T11:54:00.001-07:00

Elyana has been SO happy the last few days! We LOVE playing with her and making her laugh! 10 more days in Ethiopia! Loving it here... but can't wait to introduce her to our friends and family, too!

Two things my baby loves: Daddy's hat and the high chair!!

2010-06-29T10:36:00.001-07:00

Loving our girl

2010-06-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Well things are going well here in Ethiopia! We are loving our time here!

Elayana is so adorable and happy most of the time! Her ear infection is gone, and her top tooth is through (her 3rd!) and she's back to her happy self! We love her SO much! She smiles whenever we talk or look at her and she misses us when we leave her! She has learned to sit perfectly and is rolling over occasionally too. She sleeps pretty well at night, and we're still working on those naps... She is amazing!

We went to the government run orphanages yesterday. It was absolutely heartbreaking... We wanted to take all the kids home. We held them and hugged them and prayed for them and held their hands. When we left they cried (and so did we). We found out it only costs $70 a month to pay for a caregiver in these orphanages that are SO understaffed!! We want to help these kids get the care they need!

We also met Elyana's birth mother- what a courageous and amazing young woman. She cried a little and smiled a lot. I gave her my Africa necklace (which I have been wearing for a year and a half on our journey to E) and told her part of our hearts will be left here in Ethiopia forever.

Joe spent some time at the garbage dump this morning- thousands of people live there- many with HIV or leprosy. He was encouraged to see that a mission group from Tenessee is there helping the people, and they are even working on their frist adoption of an adorable 3 or 4 year old little girl out of the grabage dump!

Our hearts and minds are opening up to so many things. We're praying about how we can help in Ethiopia long term. Pray along with us for the people of Ethiopia!

Full of smiles

2010-06-21T11:25:00.001-07:00

The baby who didn't smile for 24 hours is now smiling ALL THE TIME!!! All we have to do it look at her and make a noise or say her name! She is so sweet and we are so thankful for her!!! She is eating well, sleeping well, loves her baths. She loves her Mommy and Daddy!
We went back to the doctor and the orphanage today. So many cute babies. They are so adorable and well loved. We took lots more pics for some waiting families!! Such an honor!
Two more families got here tonight! Fun to get to know them and have company! Elyana was thrilled to play with the babies and sang and squealed for everyone in the living room! :)

We had a sad experience today. We were sitting at a stoplight after taking Elyana to the doctor again to check on her ear infection. We were on our way to the lab for a stool sample (TMI I know... But wanted to be able to say she's clear! No parasites!) A young lady with a baby tied onto her came to the window and was aodring Elyana who was dressed all in pink with a pretty pink bow on her head strapped onto her daddy. She asked for money or food for her baby (It is illegal to give money to people on the street). She told our driver Elyana was a "lucky baby." It made me so sad. I wish every baby was a "lucky baby"- well fed and clothed, loved and adored by a Mommy and Daddy, living in a safe and warm shelter... Many hard things to process here in Ethiopia...

Happy Baby on Father's Day

2010-06-20T04:41:00.000-07:00

Elyana is amazing! We love her so much already! We've been in Ethiopia for a week now, and have 3 left! Our "travel buddies" will be arriving tomorrow, and we'll have a week full of activities- Embassy appt, cultural dinner, visiting orphanages (again), lunches with staff, visiting a crater lake, hanging out with other families, meeting Ely's birth mother, and I'm sure more things I am forgetting. We're SO glad we got to have these five days by ourselves with Elyana before the busy schedule started! I highly recommend coming early to any families who can! Elyana has opened up to us so much already. She smiles when we walk in the room, we can make her laugh and smile, she is comfortable with us, she is sleeping well, we're figuring out her schedule. It's been great! I love being a Mom and I love watching Joe be a Dad! Praising God for forming our family!! :)

Family at last!

2010-06-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Elyana is in our arms at last! She was delivered to us this morning at 7:15. We had a great first day with her! She is so adorable! She coos and smiles and sings. She says dadadada... She SLEEPS well! Took 3 naps today! She's perfect! Praise be to God!

Bags are packed!!!

2010-06-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

Almost ready to go! I can't believe it!! I can't believe we actually got all our stuff and lots of donations packed, too! It was looking hopeless for a while... haha!

Meeting our baby in just 6 days- on Wednesday! Here's the schedule before that:

Friday and Saturday- 17 hours of flying (Seattle to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Addis Ababa).

Sunday (Joe's Birthday)- church and hanging out with our friends from church, Dave and Karen Bushnell. They are there adopting their 12(ish) year old daughter. So excited to meet her and hook up with them!

Monday- Flying to Mekele where Elyana was born! We will see the hospital she was born at, the transitional orphanage she started at (The Bana Center), and sightseeing!

Tuesday- Back to Addis!!

I'll post an update as soon as I can! We're SO excited and can't believe this day is actually here!! Love you all!

4 DAYS...

2010-06-07T21:16:00.001-07:00

... until we leave to go get this cutie!!

Making Plans AND new pics!

2010-06-04T23:03:00.000-07:00

We leave for Ethiopia in 6 days!! We're SO excited! We're leaving June 11th, staying at the BeJoe Guest House all but one night (when we fly to Mekele to see where Elyana was born). We take placement of Elyana (she is delivered to us at BeJoe) June 16th and have her the rest of the time!! It seems so unreal to imagine this part! What will it be like to hold her for the first time? Just can't imagine, and can't wait!

We're staying almost a month! So much to do and see, visiting our sponsored child in her home (she's 4), going to the church with our friends Dave and Karen Bushnell (and meeting their adopted daughter), doing lots of sightseeing, experiencing Ethiopian life food and culture, LOTS of holding babies (at the Care Centers and other orphanages), meeting several awesome families- Francis Family, Brown Family, Bottomly Family, Briggs Family! Any others? So exciting!

We return July 14th at 11:35 to SEATAC airport on Lufthansa flight LH 490! We'd love to have a little party at the airport, so come welcome us if you can!

**Gladney Families- Email me at janetbelleme@yahoo.com if you want me to take some pictures of your babies/kids! We're really honored and excited to do this, as so many great families did this for us. Send me a pic/name/bday and what Care Center they are in!

And I leave you with a few new pics of our adorable daughter, taken by Eryn Kesler, who just returned with her daughter, Lucy!

We're coming soon baby girl!!

Elyana Marie Belleme

2010-06-03T09:17:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

COUNT DOWN!!

2010-05-31T15:56:00.001-07:00

***Lots of new posts, read down!!***

Well... tomorrow is our court date! Can't believe May is over already! I'm feeling really nervous about passing court, but I know it is all in God's hands!

Baby E had some visitors this week as THREE fellow Gladney families were picking up their babies! YAY! Here's what Eryn Kessler said about our baby E:

"E is beautiful! She is so smiley and happy! She is CHUNK-YYY!! So healthy and happy! She has two teeth breaking though on bottom, and the top two seemed to be just below the surface. She really is so happy. Her thighs are pure squish. I love it! She is a joy! I will send pics and a little video next week when I get home."

Got some orajel today for our trip! Baby E is all packed now! Can't wait to see new pics of our sweetie!

I'll update tomorrow as soon as I hear about court! Say some prayers for baby E tonight!

Baby Shower #3

2010-05-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

I had another shower this weekend at my Mom's House! I had a few friends come (most of my friends don't live in Vancouver anymore), both Grandmas (my Mom and Joe's Mom), my sister in law (Carrie) and her Mom, and several of my Mom's friends from school (many of whom have known me since I was 12!!)... It was SO fun! Baby E is one spoiled girl!

Shawna, ME, Angie (16 weeks pregnant!!)

Lots of adorable stuff and donations, too!! Thank you everyone!!

Can't wait to bring this baby girl home!!

Getting all geared up!!

2010-05-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

We're starting to have lots of new gear in our house... Babies sure take lots of stuff!

Here's our awesome high chair (Thanks to lots of my co-workers!)...

And here's our cute stroller (Thanks Mom and Dad!)

Can't wait to have a REAL baby in both of those items!! We're counting down!

Work Shower

2010-05-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

Some great friends at work threw me and baby E a shower in the library at our school! It was so fun and everyone was SO generous! I was given a total of $537 for donations or baby E, our high chair, 4 bins to take the donations in, lots of donations, TONS of clothes and other baby necessities, books, and toys!! Thank you so much everyone!!

Some of my work buddies!

The gifts!!!

One of my favorite items... It is SO true!

In case you can't read it, it says: "I'm Mommy's dream come true." I was told that the giver of this gift AND the checker at COSTCO cried upon buying it!! :) I have such supportive friends!

SHOTS

2010-05-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

Lots of travel shots going on for the Bellemes! We've done 5 or 6 each now and a few left to go!! There are so many steps in this process, but it will all be worth it when we finally get to hold our baby girl!!

COURT DATE! COURT DATE!

2010-05-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

We got our court date today! It's JUNE 1ST!! Only 3 weeks away!
That means that in 3 weeks Baby E could officially be OURS! (Although she already feels like "ours" to me and Joe!)
Our case worker said that Embassy would be 3-4 weeks after that! (After our embassy appt is when we are free to bring her home!)
Making plans (tentative of course), and getting so excited! Praise God!

Mother's Day weekend

2010-05-09T21:37:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day weekend started out with some VERY good news!!! Our file was submitted to the courts in Ethiopia (On the VERY last day!!), meaning we will only have to travel once to pick up our daughter! I was so relieved that when my caseworker told me, I just started crying... This week had been rough- hadn't been sleeping much, stressing, worrying, etc. I was so relieved! My parents came up and took me and Joe out to a late birthday dinner.

Then Saturday was my first EVER baby shower! What a wonderful day! I was SOOOO suprised and overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends. I knew my friends were great, but this was amazing! There were 2 generations of my middle schoolers there, lots of people I have led with, my Mom, some great friends. It was SO wonderful and overwhelming! I feel so very supported and blessed! And boy did Baby E get a lot of cute things... :) Also filled her crib with donations- diapers, wipes, clothes for the orphanage, toys! It was SO great!

My "middle girls" Small Group

These girls are currently Sophmores and are AMAZING!

Two of my Shower hostesses (Natalie- with the adorable Sydney, ME, Whitney)

Me and my Mom- SO glad she could come!

Half of the room! It was PACKED! I think I counted 35 people!

That's a LOT of tissue paper!
It took me about an hour to open all this stuff!

Most of my current small group girls
These girls are in 7th grade, and are incredibly sweet (and crazy!)

Yummy food!!

Baby E's room with all that stuff! See FULL crib of donations, too!

Thank you so much everyone! I am overwhelmed by your generosity!!

Almost forgot Mother's Day... Here's your first sneak peak of baby E! Can't stop thinking about what a priveledge it is to be "Mommy" to this adorable baby girl... SO much to look forward to this year!

Aren't those just the cutest toes you have ever seen??? We have been so blessed with pictures of our E from several families, and even a 12 second video! The adoption community is amazing!

And here's me and my Mom today at Boulevard Park! Love you Mom! Glad you coudl be here for this exciting weekend!

Busy month...

2010-05-09T21:21:00.000-07:00

WOW! It has been an incredibly busy, fun, exhausting, and exciting month around here! This weekend gets it's own post, but first I'll update you about the last 4 weeks...

Just after our referral, we sent baby E her first care package. What a strange and incredible thing to send your baby a present half way around the world!

We had another Middle School Retreat at Mt. Baker, which was AWESOME!! I love these kids and learn just as much as they do each time we go on retreats!

We celebrated my 29th birthday in White Rock, Canada. I have the best husband ever! He delivered flowers to me at work, took me out to dinner in Canada AND planned to have all my friends come over the next night!!

We had our FIRST Ethiopian food at the Farmer's Market!! It was great and not TOO spicy- I was worried about that...

Help for Ethiopian Orphans

2010-04-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

When we travel to Ethiopia, we have been asked to bring as much as we can for the children in Gladney's Foster Care centers, as well as children in the government orphanages in Ethiopia (which are notoriously in need).

How can you help??? We are gathering as much as we can of the following to bring with us to Ethiopia:

HUGGIES Diapers (sizes 1, 2, 3)
Baby wipes (unscented)
Infant clothing- boys and girls (sizes 0-2T)
Toys and activities for toddlers and older children (art books, crayons/markers/colored pencils, puzzles, play dough, dress-up clothes, cars/trucks, etc.)

I am also making receiving blankets (Have 18 done SO FAR), which cost about $5 each if you would like to donate to that project OR help me sew!!

If you would like to give cash, that is welcomed, too. There will be costs to take these items with us AND if we have enough we can buy a special gift for the Orphanage (ex. a cow for $300-400!! or goats $40-70 each).

Change of status...

2010-04-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

... NOT name! :)

Joe and I thought long and hard over the weekend, and we decided "E" is not going to be named "Addison" after all. We have been calling her "Addison" for most of the last year, but now we have decided her name is going to remain "E." Why? There are many reasons, including the following:

It is a beautiful name that was given to her by her birth mother.

The meaning of the name- "God has answered." SO incredible...

She has had enough change in her little lifetime.

We are getting attached to the name.

SHE is getting attached to it! She will surely respond to her name soon, if she doesn't already...
We love her name, and it suits her!

She is making a status change (from orphan to daughter) which is much more significant.

Sorry I can't post the name here... Friends, I'll tell you in person on in email if you don't already know what it is!! :) This also gives me the opportunity to give her my middle name (and my Mom's, too). So she will be "E" Marie Belleme! Love it!

And for those of you wondering, YES I am still smiling AT ALL TIMES! :) So excited!

God has answered!

2010-04-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here it is! The whole story of our referral day!

I was REALLY hoping for a referral last week (my Spring Break), so I went into this week a little disappointed… I have been carrying my cell phone on me AT ALL TIMES since January, and have been asking Joe every night for the last month, “Do you think it will be tomorrow?” On Tuesday (April 6), our new friends (from blog-land) Billy and Anna Francis got their referral for a 4 month old baby girl, making us #1 on the Unofficial List!!

Wednesday started like any other day… Joe and I went off to work.

At 11:24 I was in a meeting with several other specialists at my school when my phone started ringing. I took it out of my pocket and stared in disbelief!! I said “It’s TEXAS!” like everyone should understand what I am talking about… One person did know why I was freaking out, Gail, and she had to say “Well, answer the phone!!” I answered and walked out of the room. Sara said “Hi Janet, it’s Sara! I have a referral ready for you!” To which I replied “Really? Really? Today????” In a really high, loud, squeaky, trying not to cry, and act like I’m holding it together voice. We were on the phone for like 1 minute, in which time I figured out that I was at work and I needed to go home so Joe and I could talk to Sara on speaker phone.

I ran back into the meeting and said something like “I HAVE A BABY!!!” and jumped up and down and shook and cried! Then I frantically started gathering up my stuff and saying “I have to leave now… just have to go… I need to call Joe.” My friend Gail later told me that I was shaking and squealing. Haha… I ran down the hallway and said to a few teachers “I have a baby!” more hugs… more tears… more shaking… Went to my office and got my stuff gathered before thinking “Oh shoot! I need to call Joe!” When he answered on the 2nd try, I immediately felt overcome with emotion and screamed in his ear “WE HAVE A BABY!!!” to which he replied “Really? Ok! I’ll come get you!!” (Clearly more level-headed than me! But he told me later that his manager, Curt could hear me screaming on the phone!) I gathered my stuff and ran down the stairs… Ran into another teacher who has been with me through this process… more squealing, more tears… more shaking… Students were staring at me like I was a crazy person! One kid said “You’re having a baby? You don’t even look pregnant!” Haha… Then I went through the front office- more squealing, more hugs, more tears and shaking… I went to tell one other teacher before Joe got there. I actually interrupted her students taking a test! HA! I pretty much interrupted every kid and teacher in the school!

So Joe finally got there… We hopped in the car together and went home. I knew I couldn’t drive! These pics were taken on the way home…

We got home as quickly as possible and called Sara back. She said “Are you at your computer? Ok I’m sending you 2 emails. Your baby is 3 months old…” and began to tell us her story. Her name is beautiful, starts with E, and she was born on Christmas- December 25, 2009!! She was born in Mekele, and first cared for in the Bana Orphanage, and has been in Gladney Foster Care House #1 since February 2, 2010. We got 9 pictures of her- as soon as I saw her face I welled up with tears. She is totally ADORABLE!! I wish I could share pics of her, but can’t post them on the blog until we pass court. After we got off the phone with Sara, I set up the camera to take a picture of the 2 of us looking at our baby girl (see picture below) and I BROKE THE CAMERA!!! I totally dropped it and broke it… (But don't worry- Joe fixed it later!)

So then the phone calling began… We called our families, our friends, co-workers. We emailed, facebooked, blogged… Everyone was SO excited and happy for us. More tears each time I shared the news! Such an exciting and exhausting day! We sent all the pictures to COSTCO to develop and then realized we hadn’t even eaten lunch. So we went out to lunch to celebrate before picking up our pix. We kept looking at her picture on our phones as we ate. She is SO adorable! Here is a pic of us at lunch!

I know I am being over-the-top ridiculous and sentimental, but when I was handed pictures of MY BABY (that I didn’t know 4 hours ago) I welled up again… So strange and surreal and wonderful!

Around 5:30 our friends started showing up to celebrate! We had a great party with many special friends! We feel so loved and supported by so many people in our lives! We sat around and looked at her pictures, talked about how cute she is, and ate dinner! This is when we discovered that her Ethiopian name means “God has answered.” YES HE HAS!! He has answered three years of prayers and dreams... with one little girl. Praise the Lord!
Here are a few party pictures! (By the way, I think we’re still going to call her Addison, and keep the E, her Ethiopian name for her middle name)…

Our first family photo! Proud Daddy and Mommy!!

Small Group girls: Natalie, Whitney, ME, Jeannette (friend from school), Jackie

Small Group Boys: JOE, Scott, Matt, Joe G.

Kevin and Marie, Me, and Joe

Joe, Me, Kim and Ryan

I will wrap up this LONG story by saying today was one of the best days of my life. We are forever changed by what God has done in our family and in our hearts! We are in love with a little girl across the world! From the moment I saw her, I thought she was adorable, but she gets cuter and cuter every time I look at her photos. Thank you all for you prayers, your support, your love, and encouragement!! We are parents and couldn’t be happier! Keep praying for her health, and that we can go get her as soon as possible!

Psalm 30:11 Lord, YOU have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. YOU have clothed me with joy, and I will give thanks to YOU forever!

REFERRAL!

2010-04-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

I will write out the whole story later... But just wanted to share that we got our referral TODAY!!! Our baby girl is 3 months old- born on Christmas Day! Healthy and so adorable!
Praise the Lord!!
Gotta go get our pix at COSTCO!