What I learned about my 2-year-old in just a few short weeks

He LOVES watching cars drive by. When we were at the Guesthouse in Ethiopia he would stand on the balcony and watch for cars - if we were in our room, he was there.

He LOVES brushing his teeth - his record is 30 minutes of straight bushing. And look at that smile, doesn't it show.

He LOVES his "Mommy-yeh" (that's the way a child says mother with affection). He has attached so well. He prefers me over anyone and clings to me when people come around. He also refuses to feed himself. I have to hand feed him everything. He won't even take a bit of something from my hand, I have to break off a piece and put it in his mouth. And sometimes he is as specific as me using one hand over the other. Oyh, mealtimes are very long and mommy always eats last :(

Although he prefers mommy, he sure loves daddy too!

He thinks that his sister is not so bad either...

He LOVES stickers.

It is almost impossible to get a picture of him without him doing this...

The one I've been waiting for...

Then...

and now.

The first few hours

We arrived in Ethiopia late Saturday evening - we crashed for a few hours and then a combination of adrenalin, excitement, nerves, and jet-lag got us through the first couple hours before meeting Seth. This is us Sunday morning - waiting...

The drive to the Transition Home from our Guesthouse was only about 10 minutes. We kept saying to each other "OMG, I can't believe this is actually happening!" (we said that a lot over the last couple weeks). This was our first glimpse of Seth.

It took Seth about 30 minutes to warm up to us. You can see in these pictures the gradual progression of him warming up to us.

And then he let us each hold him - he of course came to mommy first :).

Then he really started to show his beautiful personality.

They made coffee for us too...

Then it was time for all the caregivers to say good-bye to their sweet Biruk and for us to be on our way to our forever family.

Seth had just as an emotional day as we did; within less than 5 minutes (no exaggeration) of us being back at the Guesthouse he had fallen fast asleep in my arms.

WE 4

Diapers, wipes, and sippy cups - oh my!

So last night I went SHOPPING for all our essentials for Seth. Well, holy cow do toddlers come with a whole lot of crap! I had completely forgotten all the things you need to lug around for a toddler. BUT, I had a BLAST shopping!!!

While I was shopping I think it all finally fit me. Touching all these tagible items for Seth was making everything feel so much more REAL!! I almost started crying in front of the diapers - not sure whether it was the fact that I was buying diapers for my son or that I was so overwhelmed with the selection...

We are all packed and SOOOOOOOO ready to go! I will check in if I can.

Take care and blessings to EVERYONE who has supported us through this VERY long journey. We have felt ALL the love and could not have done this without you!!

Almost...almost DONE!!!

Until we are 4...

OMG OMG OMG VISA VISA VISA

OUR VISA HAS BEEN ISSUED - WE LEAVE ON FRIDAY TO BRING OUR SON HOME!!!!

We are in shock and completely freaking out...

Our visa was issued within 8 days of arriving in Nairobi - I think we had a angel helping to make this happen!

More to come!

The many faces of Seth!

"Ya, so what? So I drool a little from time to time. What's it to you? I'm only 2-years-old and it is perfectly normal for children my age to drool. Besides, I'm cute no matter what I'm doing!"

"Ya, I'm a little stinker and proud of it. I going to give my mommy and daddy a run for their money! They think I'm pretty darn cute, but I got LOTS of personality to go along with ALL my cuteness. Just wait until I can show them all I got!"

"Seriously people, I didn't do it. I didn't do anything, I swear. Would this face lie? Come on now, does this look like the face of someone who could EVER do anything wrong?"

"Really? You're going to look at all my cuteness and just leave, just like that - without even one little comment - Do you really want me to sit here all day waiting for you?"

A very special thank you to Alicia and Sharon for taking time out in Ethiopia with their own sons to spend a little time with mine! They were able to capture some very special pictures+ and provide us with comfort about how well he is doing and being cared for. This gift they gave us is more valuable than gold - I will forever be grateful.