Off to School...

 

Today was "G" official first day of school.

  

  He's so cute with his school t-shirt on!!

 

I never planned on him starting school so quickly after coming home, but God worked it all out :) 

 

A couple of months ago, I really started thinking about his education and kindergarten.  (This kid is very smart, and his English is progressing so fast.)  I kept going back and forth on what would be the right thing for him.  I didn't want to do anything that would jeopardize our attachment/connection process, so I started praying and sought out the advice of our post-adoption support person.

   

Finally, I decided to email our director to see if by chance there would be an opening in January. I really didn't think there would be.  There's always a wait list, and I had turned down a spot earlier. (I had been on the waiting list since before I knew who he was.)  Still being unsure of what was best, I just asked God to either slam the door or bust it wide open.  The next day she responded saying that she might have an opening depending upon his age.

  

A few days later I went to meet with her.  As it turns out, there was an opening, and it just happened to be in the 3 yr old class.  It just happened to be the days that I wanted.  The teacher just happens to be one of the sweetest most nuturing people.  The class just happens to have 2 other multi-racial / adoption families in it.  It just happens to be the best possible scenario ever.    God busted the door wide open!!  A little girl in that class moved away, and the spot hadn't been filled yet.  I told the director that God meant for "G" to have that spot.  (If it wasn't going to work out at our preschool, I wouldn't have tried another.)

  

I took his teacher out to lunch to explain our situation and my hopes, and we discussed a transition strategy.  She was WONDERFUL!!  We have slowly been working on getting him comfortable.  It has worked.  He was excited to "officially" go to school today.  He walked right in gave me a hug and a kiss and said good-bye.  When I picked him up, he shouted Momma and ran right to me and gave me a big hug.  At home, he couldn't wait to show me the artwork he made for "mommy and daddy".

  

He is so proud of his school bag and Toy Story lunch box and thermos.  He has "A" old school bag.  It was in pretty good shape before he started dragging it through the parking lot :)  But, he wants to carry his bag like his big sister "B" does.

 

I am so proud of him!!!   

It's Official x4

  
In March, we officially accepted the referral of a precious 3 year old boy - "G". 
 
In June, G was officially our son according to Ethiopia Law.
   
In Aug, G was officially our son according to US Federal Law and was issued permanent residence status.
  
Today, G was officially our son according to our state law and was issued US Citizenship.  It was another wonderful day in our famiy's life.

We arrived at the courthouse at 9:40ish.  We immediately found the "readoption group".  8 families were scheduled.  6 were in our group - 4 Ethiopia, 1 Uganda and 1 domestic.  The groups are not normally that big, but everyone was trying to get in before the end of the year, and the judge was kind enough to come in special for us.

As we walked up, we immediately recognized some fellow AGCIers, Missy and Mark.  It was great to see them.  They are about 8 months ahead of us, and they had adopted an older child as well.  So, it was nice to compare notes and get some helpful hints.  We also ran into one of "S" work friends, Rob, who has 2 adopted children of his own.  He was there to support some church friends who were readopting and asked if he could come back to the judge's chambers with us.  We were glad he was there.  He was able to take pictures for us.
  

We are patiently waiting our turn out in the courtroom. 

 

It's our turn in the judge's chambers.  (Our lawyer is across from us.)  The judge immediately made us feel at ease and like we were the only case he had that morning.

 

It's official.

Afterwards, we waited outside for the rest of our group.

As I was explaining about today for "A", she couldn't understand why we had to go through the re-adoption.  "I thought he was already my brother."  "Will I have to answer any questions?"  "If we aren't doing a good job, will he have to go back to Ethiopia." --- All so cute.

It is done.  Look at that smile!!

In celebration, we ate lunch at Mellow Mushroom, and then ended the day with an Ethiopian dinner.  It was perfect!!

 

All I want for Christmas is...

 

a singing bunny

  

an ipod touch

 

big cars

We went to see Santa tonight, and it was just precious.  The experience is always magical, but this year was just sweeter.  The girls anxiously waited their turn with Santa, and they were equally excited to watch G with him.  It was just so precious.  I had been talking about Santa all day, and we had been role playing and practicing for when he got to meet him.  It was truly a blessing to see his face just beam with excitment.

Let it Snow!

We had an unexpected snow last week, and it was really nice to have a "break" from normal activities.  It gave us a chance to put together our Advent wreath.  (Yes, we are a little late this year.)

Even though it wasn't time to light all the candles, we took this time to read about each candle in an effort to get "G" excited about the lighting of the candles.

The next morning it was time to introduce "G" to snow. 

The girls were ready to go!

A wasted no time making a snow angel.

We almost waited too long to head outside.  The morning sun was brutal.

Even though most of the snow had melted, "G" thought it was awesome.  Of course, he kept wanting to take his gloves off.  Finally, I said sure.  He reached down and picked up a handful of snow with his barehands.  He just gave me the most pitiful look.  (No, it's not like sand.)  He quickly changed his mind and wanted the gloves.

A showed him that you can eat snow.

I finally had to tell him to stop eating snow :)

The girls were determined to sled.  Dad had to really push to get any distance.  Poor daddy...but someone has to take the pictures.

He didn't quite get the hang of it :)

After all the snow disappeared in the front yard, it was time to move the fun to the back yard.
 

Maybe it is like sand???? :)

 

Don't Do That....

 
A conspicuous family...that is how "the world" describes my family.  Now being a conspicusous family naturally brings about lots of looks, comments and questions.  For the most part, I welcome the looks, comments and questions - even the stupid ones.  It gives me a chance to talk about my faith, raise orphan awareness and educate people about adoption.

However, there is one string of questions that makes me dig deep.

Believe it or not, people will ask the child's story right in front of the child in a very casual manner - the question is asked in the same manner as to where I bought a shirt or what I am having for dinner?  "So, what happened to his mom...so what happened to his dad...what is his story..."  I don't think people ask this to be mean.  I just think that they aren't truly thinking about what they are asking.  And, at first glance, it may not seem like a big deal.  But, I assure you that it is a BIG deal, and it is VERY inappropriate. 

Would this person ask a 4 year old who's mother recently died with cancer about his mother's funeral?  Would this person ask a 4 year old who's suffered from neglect at the hands of his alcoholic father about what's happening to his father?  Would this person ask a 4 year old about his brother that recently committed sucide?  Of course not - it is totally inappropriate.  You wouldn't ask a 4 year old about any of these "traumatic" events.

All adoption stories have a painful start. There's trauma. (See July 15, 2010 entry) If there wasn't loss, then there wouldn't be a need for adoption. This person is basically asking me to recount my child's trauma right in front of my child - my 4 year old child who is trying to process and cope with "his" story.  Afterall, isn't it up to him as to when and to whom he shares his story with?
 

Struggling...

   
I'm struggling this CHRISTmas.  I'm having a hard time rectifying that there is an orphan crisis in a world filled with believers.  I'm struggling this CHRISTmas knowing that only 34% of CHRISTians consider adoption and even more shocking is that only 1% do it.  Now, I know not everyone is called to adopt, but probably more than 1% of 34%.  If you are in that 33%, what is holding you back?  Actually, I know one common thing that holds people back - fear.  How do I know it's fear?  Well, I have people tell me all the time that they have thought about adoption at one time or another, and then they explain to me why they can't.  Fear is a powerful tool in the devil's arsonal.  It stops...on earth as it is in heaven.

This CHRISTmas I'm pondering how would the story have been different if Mary and Joseph let fear instead of God rule their hearts.  I mean - Jesus, born in a manger, wasn't Joseph's biological child.  Would he be considered Mary's biological child?  Just something to ponder this CHRISTmas...

Watch this heart moving video...
Deprived Indifference....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWHJ6-YhSYQ
 

Thanksgiving Weekend - 1st Thanksgiving, ER Visit and Anniversary

   

First Thanksgiving!!

Thanksgiving time is always a busy time for us, but this year was especially busy with 3 kiddos.  Despite some injuries and minor sickness, we had an awesome 1st Thanksgiving as a family of 5. 

So much to be thankful for!!!

As tradition, we head to visit my family for Thanksgiving day.  I was a little anxious to see how "G" would do on his first car ride and with all the new places.  He did great!

Our 1st stop was my Mom's (Nanny) house.  "G" did great, and we had such a wonderful time.  Luckily, the weather cooperated, so we spent a large majority of the time outside playing.

As soon as we hit the door, "B" goes straight for "Whoopie".  She is such a great dog.  She lets "B" carry her around the ENTIRE time we are inside.

 

"A" with cousin Rachel - Rachel is one of the sweetest teenagers I know.  "A" just adores her.

Outside the kiddos introduce "G" to all-time favorite - tag.

He joins right in, but doesn't quite get the concept of "base".

One of the bonuses of Nanny's house, besides the yard, is the playground right next door.

Everyone shows off their monkey bar skills.  "B" hopped right on and went all the way across and back.  I had no idea she could do that.  I guess I still think of her as my baby.

Not to be outdone by little sis, "A" takes off.

Even "Daddy" has to show the girls that he still has it.  (BTW, he is doing a flip.)

"G" keeps shouting "bigger".  He wants to go as high as big sis.

Papa Stan and "G" playing peek-a-boo around the tree.

Next, it was to my Granny's house.  Again, "G" did great.  It was a bit more challenging with so many "fragile" items around, but we managed our 1st visit without breaking anything.  Whew!!

"G" is starting to overcome his fear of dogs.  About 2 to 3 weeks ago, he announced that he wanted to pet our dog, Symba.  (And, Symba is a large hynea looking dog - in a cute way of course.)  He just openned the door and went right out and pet her.  "S" and I just looked at each other puzzled as to what had changed.  I guess he had just made up his mind.  I'm constantly amazed at this boy! 

Anyways, Max, my aunt's dog, was the toy of choice at my Granny's.  He was such a good sport.  He let the kiddos chase him around and then carry him around.  After a couple of hours, he did finally go behind the couch, so little arms couldn't reach him.

This girl could do this all day everyday.

"B" with Granny.  Granny always puts on a good feast!!!  Nothing like garden canned grean beans and cornbread dressing - YUM.

Happy 3 Months Home & ER Visit

"G" has been home for exactly 3 months, and to mark the date, we made our 1st trip ever as parents to the ER.

  

The day after Thanksgiving, we went over to Uncle M and Aunt K's house to celebrate.  We all had a great time, until "G" ran into the counter and punctured his forehead.  At first, we didn't think he needed stitches, and the phone nurse said that it was right on the border of needing them.  So, he continued to play for another hour after his head wound.  Yes - this boy is one tough cookie!  Once we got home and could really exam it, we were off to the ER. 

Yes, this little boy was perfectly happy and content to wait in the ER.  We were in and out in under 2 hours.  I was thoroughly impressed with the staff.  They were great! 

(I know he has a Halloween shirt on, but I wanted to put something on him that I didn't care if it got messed up and that he could sleep in - this one met both objectives.)

"G" thoroughly got a kick out of decorating the house for Christmas.  I did have to chuckle when he tried to hang his flashlight on the Christmas tree.  Here, he is posing in front of his Christmas tree.  His tree was a little smaller than his sisters, so to make it "BIG" like his sisters, we put it on a chair.  He was satisfied.

As usual, the girls loved decorating their trees.

All of the kiddos think that their Dad is the bestest Dad.  They were all amazed that he jumped up onto the playhouse to put up lights.

Happy 12th Anniversary!!!

Finally, Sunday was our 12th Anniversary.  I started the day at the local Walgreens health clinic for a sinus infection.  But, I wasn't going to let a little sinus infection keep me from going out :)  This was the first time that we have had some time alone since we brought home G".  He cried when we left, but he quickly got over it.  It was important for us to go out if only for a couple of hours.  We needed some time just to talk.

I have to say that "S" is my best friend, and that I am so blessed to do life with him!