Monday in Addis

 

 

 

 

Another busy day in Ethiopia. We woke to pancakes, and though they weren’t as tasty as the Schiro’s , we were happy. Then off to the transition home to see Ty. It was clear to us that he is feeling better today, but still not 100%. He is a serious little guy and so we are still trying to figure out what he wants. He seemed to enjoy our company more today. In fact, when we returned for the second visit after lunch there was a group who arrived before us. They said when they went into the nursery to get their children that Ty kept looking around them trying to see who was coming in next as if looking for us. We had a toy car that Brian and rolled back and forth to each other. Ty was in my lap. For a brief moment Ty forgot his apprehension, reached out for the truck and knocked it over and made the ever slightest sound. Totally made our day. We were invited to watch his nannies give him a bath this afternoon. They move fast, as the tub is a baby bath that they put in the middle of the nursery floor with a bucket of water ready to wash with. To our delight he was very content in the tub, even when the nanny poured water directly over his head (many times) he didn’t complain at all. Just kept on reaching for the soap. I have secretly warned him that he may need to act a little more put out with it or Brian will have him signed up for swim lessons this summer. Not the Mommy and me kind either. I think he understood me.
After lunch we headed out with 2 other couples to do a little souvenir shopping. The guest house arranged for us to have a driver and a translator. We went into the downtown area of Addis Ababa to an area locals call the Post Office. Apparently there is a post office nearby , clever. (They also have a part of town called Mexico..funny.) We went into a great shop that had lots of great items. We got several things for the kids, and for the house. It was a lot of fun. Our friends Sabrina and Adam are collecting items for their daughter’s birthdays..plural. They are going to collect 18 gifts to give her, one for every birthday until her 18th birthday. I loved that idea! Our outing was a success for all of us, so glad we did it. I will mention that driving in Ethiopia is INSANE!! If there is a 4 lane road (supposed to be for two coming, two going), the driver will use all four lanes until he absolutely must move over. They can maneuver their vans as if they were on motorcycles, we were squeezing between other vans, in and out of cars. We even ran up on a police car, which we nearly took the curb to pass. Pedestrians are EVERYWHERE, and just as daring as the drivers. It is chaos and I am grateful for the rules of the road we follow in the US. (Most of us follow.)
Tomorrow is our court date. We are still unclear of the time, as the judge called at the last minute tonight to move our time from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but if she can get caught up she will call us and have us come earlier. You have no idea the confusion this will be! We have to juggle our visit with our kids, in our court attire, transportation which you have to call in advance and the list goes on. Ugh! But, in the end we will have our time and as long as all paperwork has been accounted for we will officially be granted guardianship of one cute little boy!

Round 2

Second visit with Ty was just a wonderful as the first, just hate that he is not feeling well. He was asleep when we arrived, so we asked that they let him sleep. They said that he had been sleeping, and that they would let us know when he awoke. About 10 minutes later they walked in with a very sleepy Ty. He looked at us and cried..poor guy! It wasn’t long before we realized he was still sleepy, probably a side effect of the medicine too. Again he fell asleep in my arms and was content that way. He would wake, pull on his ears and fuss a little, then sleep some more. Our little boy is definitely sick and not feeling well. Such a helpless feeling. All of the other babies were making eye contact and some big smiles were had, so we know it is a happy place and fully expect to have those moments with Ty soon. Right now, if he’ll just let us hold him while he sleeps we are glad to do it.
Tonight we had one of our favorite Ethiopian dishes for dinner. We eat all of our meals at our Guest House. It is really the safest way to eat as they know not to cook with any water, keeps us healthy! Tonight when we came in from our visit our dinner was ready. Beef tibs was on the table and we lit up! We have made a great connection with another family staying here too (they have a daughter staying at the same home as Ty) and they had never had the traditional dish. They liked it, just like everyone else we have ever taken to have Ethiopian. Tibs are the BEST! Of course they don’t taste like my friend Debere’s tastes, but they were still good and a great way to end our day.
Another great way to end the day was with the Skype call we shared with Kendall and Mallory, Mom and Dad and Uncle Greg. Though our day was busy and at times stressful we were so looking forward to hearing from our girls. It is 7:30 p.m. here and we are exhausted. We have big ambitions to turn the computer into a movie screen and watch a flick, but we both know we’re just looking for a way to wind down and pass out! I’ll be sure to post Ty’s visit tomorrow. Prayers that he feels better tomorrow are appreciated. He’s a trooper! Very hard to leave my sick child there when I know how much better it is here. However, I know he’s getting good care with his nannies and am grateful for their commitment. Good night!

Ty Day!

We arrived in Addis Ababa late last night. We were sooo tired, but of course our bodies were still on Tennessee time and wouldn't cooperate. We finally dozed off sometime near 1 a.m. Addis is 9 hours ahead of TN, so our sleep was not as sound as it should be. Maybe it was the barking dogs outside of our window, or perhaps the church on the mountain across from us that began it's holy day at 4:30 a.m., including blasting music and sermon from a very loud intercom system. Whatever the reason, we are attempting to rest a bit now, before we go back to Ty's house.
So at 9 a.m we were invited to visit Ty at the transiion home. As we entered the gates we got very excited! We are staying with another adoptive couple at the same Guest House and they had visited withh their daughter yesterday, so they gave us the scoop on what to expect. as we entered we were greeted with enthusiasm and they asked our child's name. We told them and they brought him to us. She immediately handed him to me and he cried, which we now know is a good sign that they understand bonding..so in a way it was music to my ears. Brian took pics and video, neither of which we can post yet, but soon! Ty didn't want to make eye contact at all,he was definitely confused. Then Brian took him, more photo and video opps. We passed him back and forth a few times,neither wanting to let him go he was soo sweet. When we first saw him we both commented on his size, because in his pictures he looked like a big boy, but in truth he is not that big at all. He is healthy though and hopefully we'll get to see his smile this afternoon when we go back.
After we had been holding him for about 30-45 minutes he fell asleep in Brian's arms. He was so cute! We did notice he felt hot and he had been tugging at his ear, which made us wonder if he was not feeling well. So we let him napand when the director of the transition home came to visit she noticed he was not himself. So right then she told us to get in the van as we were going to visit the doctor!So off we went, to Ty's doctor. That was an incredible experierience.The staff we so friendly and after the exam the doctor told us he was congested and had a red throat. He gave us a prescription and sent us on our way.We were there for a total of 15 minutes max, very fast. To describe the doctor's office would be nearly impossible, I can only say that they were friendly and it was small and would not ever pass inspection in the states. such a different way of life here, I am still trying to wrap my mind around it. While we were at the doctor's office we got his current weight, a healthy 20 lbs. And while we were there Ty began to play with my necklace, a good sign that we were making progress. Oh, and also while we weree there we took a tour of the infirmary , which is across the yard from the doctor's office. inside the 2 room bldg/lean-to was a 20 day old baby who had stayed the night hooked up to iv's because she could not keep food down.Whe was so small. To our delight they were unhooking her and she and her caregiver rode back the house with us, as she was going to be matched with a family soon. That was such a great moment to know that that child was being cared for and soon to have her forever family, I held Ty and said a prayer of thanks for them both.
We returned to Ty's house and took hime to his crib, as he was asleep again. He woke when Brian laid him down. He shares a small froom with 6 other cribs. His nanny took him and began to feed him luncnch. We have plans to go back to visit more this afternoon and hope that he has a bit more energy. On our way back from the doctore office we stopped on the side of the main road. Our friend (the director jumped out and ran into this shop. It was a pharmacy, with the most basic of meds I'm sure, and picked up the antibiotic prescribed by the doctore. Funny, if Kendall or Mallory had presented with a cold at 11 mos the doctore whould have said steam showers and fluids. And if they had said RX, we would have balked at it. Today were so grateful that they had any medicine for him.
Again, we still haven't gotten comfortable with the extreme situation here. It is amazing and bewildering. But I do want to say that the people we pass on the street and the people we have encountered at our Guest House, at the transition home, at the doctor's office..they are full of love! They smile, they laugh, they show concern for us..isn't that amazing, they show concern for us! I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity.
Ty is beautiful and you'll just have to take my word for it. Kendall and Mallory: we gave him your teddy bear and he loved it. We miss you both more than words can say. We have been told that when Ty is not sick he is truly a happy boy, and I think they were trying to say he may be a handful, but of course they wouldn't come out and say it. Good thing he has 2 big sisters to keep him happy!
will post more tonight is internet is working. Gonna grab a quick nap, or atleast try

'Tis the Season...

 

It's Christmas time and our house is in full Christmas Camo! Our trees are decorated with new and old, with glass and glitter, with snowmen and seashells. We have treasured knick knacks given by friends and made by our little angels. Each with it's own memory of Christmas' past. Our shrubs are lit, outdoor candy canes aglow, and two mini Christmas trees flock our front door. Candies fill the Christmas dish to greet guests and offer a parting gift to visitors. There are a few presents under the tree, along with a train set for little ones to see. And ofcourse our magic Advent box does not disappoint! Our little manger scene was a toy set given to the girls by their grandmother and all kids love playing with it. From entering our front door one might say we are ready for the great celebration!
You know what they say, "be careful not to judge a book by it's cover". For if you traveled past the front porch, down the decorated hall, through the scent of the cinnamon candle and past the beauty of the brightly lit tree you would find our bedroom. (insert Psycho scream here) I once heard a friend jokingly call her bedroom a frat house (not b/c of the fun but due to the mess) and that is EXACTLY what my bedroom looks like! Using your shoulder to push the door open you will be assaulted with the vision of wrapping overload! Overflowing containers of wrapping tissue, loosely rolled ribbon, tape (clear, packing, double sided), miscellaneous shirt boxes (good luck finding the matching pair!) and gift tags galore! Once you step over that chaos you will soon find yourself wondering what on earth all of those Kroger bags are doing in the bedroom. Fear not..there are no refrigerated items in there! That my friends is my brilliant disguise! All gifts are hidden in that quadrant, overlooked by wandering 7 year old eyes and dismissed by 4 year old curiosity as merely Kroger buys! B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T right? Unless you are a 37 year old woman needing a trip to the loo at 2 a.m. Then it becomes a test of agility. So far I've only one bruise. Not so bad. If you dare run the obstacle course (ironing board challenge is a doozy!) you'll find the pathway beside my bed that is at this moment storage for Kendall's new room, that has yet to be built. Her new bedding is lovely, sure to be a pleaser when given the chance to adorn her new bed..yet to be bought.
Now by this point you are wondering why you didn't tie on some of that ribbon to find your way back to the door. You might realize that yes, that is a bed beside you and you fling yourself onto the mound of covers (of course the bed isn't made..would it really make a difference??), you'll shimmy your way to the other side to find the only patch of carpet not covered with tinsel. Quickly look to your right, look for the shiny door handle and run for it! Careful, don't forget the wrapping boxes are there. Did I mention the cat? The sneaky, stealth-like black little hot-mess that likes to take a whack at unsuspecting bare feet while playing ninja under the bed? Hope you enjoyed your Tour de Roy. We are considering selling t-shirts...
We are totally absorbed in holiday happiness and madness! Loving every minute of it, well maybe not every minute. We are still looking for Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus that my great-aunt handmade...can't seem to find that Christmas container. And we're missing a few stockings that should be hung with care by now! The new cat is annihilating the glass ornaments one day at a time and the old kitty is puking daily due to his new diet of fake fir. My youngest has already asked if she has to wear that shirt again (she won't be able to wear this Christmas tree size 4 forever!!) and my oldest is asking more questions than I want to answer..can't we just have one last magical day?
So what do I hang on to you may ask...why do I do it? Read it again...it's really quite beautiful. Beautiful chaos, woven with great stories and memories of something other than ordinary. It's the effort, the knowledge that my chidren will one day, years from now, come home and ask why i didn't put the snowman on the shelf. Some random something that i won't think they paid attention to but they did. I know, I remember doing the same with my parents. It will be details that they remember that they leave here with and carry on with their families. It's the celebration of the best day of the year...the day you can't imagine not spending with the ones you love. All of them! And decorating for them, so that they know you want a party in Jesus' honor as a way to show your love to Him and to them. I'll take the chaos, the bruises, the sometimes snarly attitudes...as long as I get a chance to live vicariously through my children on Christmas morning, as long as I get a chance to connect with friends old and new, as long as I get to delight someone with a great gift, as long as I get to be delighted with others thoughtfulness, as long as my holiday centers around Christ and brings with it all of these things. That is why we all do it I believe. I do Believe.

Kendall, Mallory and Ty

OMG!! (as my Brownie Scouts would say) I can't believe it's been over 5 months since my last post. So much has happened in that 5 months! Where to start...
The biggest news to date is the referral of our little boy. Let me try that again..The referral of our little boy!!!! Because of all the rules and legalities I am unable to post his sweet pictures, but I can attest that he is quite the cutie. His birth name initials are T and Y, and we really love the name so we're keeping it and his nickname (everyone in this family has a nickname!) is Ty. Our little guy Ty. He's a healthy and happy little boy who wasn't afraid to show his smile in one of the two pics we received. We recently booked our first trip to visit him, we go after the new year. We will have a few days to spend with him while he is still in the 'months old' stage of his life. When we return for him on the second trip he will likely have celebrated his 1st b'day. We are a little sad over that and truthfully we pray that somehow we get to be with him on his b'day...but either way we are happy to say we know his sweet face, how old he is and the precious little background that was shared with us. Blessings all around!
The girls are definitely excited about Ty's arrival. They already talk about him and even their friends are referring to him as if he is already here. It's really a treat to hear and watch. Kendall presented a report last week on Timkat. Timkat is the Ethiopian festival of the Feast of Epiphany. She told her class how this festival is the biggest, most celebrated in Ethiopia and lasts for 3 days. In remembrance of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. ..hmm...I was just about to give a brief review of her report but I have a better idea. I'll video her and post it. She is really quite educated on the topic and would be able to deliver in a much better manner. I'll work on that today. Stay tuned...
Mallory has thrived in her Pre-k program and is sure to blaze a trail straight through Kindergarten. Her laugh has always been contagious but now she pairs it with honest to goodness humor and lights up the room. Today is her Christmas Program and she plays the ever popular role of 'the chicken'. Yep, there was a chicken in that barn, right there by the manger...go look it up...no time to argue this. She has voiced her own concern over being a 'turkey', we assured her that she was a chicken NOT a turkey, no way a turkey! For now she has accepted her chicken status, if only for the glory of being a level about the lowly turkey. Dear Play Director: We encourage you to stick with chickens to represent the fowl feathered friend of Jesus...we've noticed the chickens and turkeys have begun to separate themselves from one another, we have no idea why of course.

Birthday Wishes for Granma!

We're home now and today is an 'in between' day. In between day seems to happen often here during the summer for sure! What is an in between day? This represents the one 'free' day we have in between two busy days (or visits in this case). We spent this weekend traveling home from Rhode Island, unpacking (still more to do) and yesterday we celebrated my grandmother's 86th birthday. Tomorrow Aunt Amy and cousin Aaron will arrive for a week of family time. So today..we'll be hanging out and catching up on household chores (bummer).
Let me pay respect to the coolest 86 year old woman I know..my grandma! She rocks! All of my life she has been the ideal best dressed Southern woman I know. She and my grandfather walked their lives together for over 50 years (my other grandparents did too!) and she was the ultimate housewife. Clean house, dinner on time, attention to detail and family gatherings fit for royalty! One of the more endearing stories is that when they got married she woke up an hour earlier than he did just so she could be dressed, hair fixed and make up on before he saw her. That lasted longer than you'd think! As a 20 year old she was gorgeous with dark hair and a dynamic smile. I have to think that my grandfather was dazzled by her smile and those flirty eyes. He too was a looker, very handsome and she adored him. Together they raised 2 daughters and to them family was everything. He died over nine years ago and she is still very much married to him. His passing left her reeling and it took her many years to figure out how to live in this world without him. But yesterday she celebrated her birthday surrounded by the family she lives for. Dressed in her full length dress, strappy, shiny sandals and jewelry (always jewelry) she brought in her 86th year with style...like she does everyday! When asked what her plans were after our luncheon she said she hadn't decided. I asked if someone was taking her out, would she be getting into any trouble. Her response, with a grin, was "noone can keep up with me". She is like a tall glass of iced tea..sweet southern iced tea. She is refreshing, she is comforting, she is just what we all needed on her birthday. My favorite part of her is listening to her. Her southern drawl makes me smile. It paints pictures of a white wicker swing on a plantation porch. Sun bonnets and peach jam. Tall glass of sweet tea and honeysuckle vine. It rolls off her tongue in a melodic way. Every now and again I get to visit with my Aunt Sara, her sister. Sara visits my grandmother (Dorothy) every couple of months and sometimes I get to see them chatting together. It's such a treat. Those two with their whisky slow cadence. It wraps you up, a warmth that soothes your senses and heightens your curiosity. Dorothy(Darathey)...Dot...Mom...Granma. Here's to wishing you a year full of all things good! And a prayer of thanks for you and all that you have blessed us with.

Block Island

Today we headed over to Block Island. This island is a mere 13 miles away from Galilee..Point Judith, RI and by way of ferry takes approximately 50 minutes. So we packed our backpacks..3 to be exact and caught the 9:30 a.m. to the island. The ferry ride was a surprise for my girls as they had no idea what to expect. Their dad took them to the front of the ferry and they both leaned forward, as if Rose on the Titanic, in response to the whipping wind and the sea spray. They loved it! I enjoyed sitting quietly watching the Atlantic and all it's beauty.
Once we arrived we immediately set out sight seeing. We found a grassy path that meandered up a hill and so we followed it. This path led to a beautiful ocean view and a hidden path to the shoreline. We took in the sight and made our way back to the main loop. We found a little book store and cafe with outdoor seating. The girls hit the book store for new reading materials and post cards and the boy scoped out the menu. Before we knew it we had all plopped down at one of the outdoor tables and began reading/writing postcards and just lounging. Just like that..the island vibe had us lulled into relaxation. We sat there for over an hour! Enjoyed a few dishes from the cafe and loaded up on drinks. Then we decided we better find a beach..so off we went. We wound our way through the shops,stopping frequently.. until we found the state beach. Once there we laid out a few towels and the girls immediately began their competition of building the best castles ever!! Two hours passed before we knew it and we were packing up and hailing a taxi back to the shops. We picked up a few souvenirs, enjoyed ice cream and bought snacks for our ferry ride home. The ferry ride home was just as fun as the morning trek, but we were all feeling a little drowsy from all of that relaxing!
Tomorrow we head home and the girls are excited to get back to their own beds. I'm sure they'll be happy to see their toys too! They ask for their animals..Annie, Happy and Mr. Frank Jenkins nearly every day. I think it's safe to say we have had a blast here in Rhode Island! Nina is top notch vacation guide for the whole state and was always (ALWAYS) thinking of fun stuff for us to do. We ran out of time to do it all, but no one is disappointed. We'll just add it to our list for next time. And next time we'll have baby brother to share it with!