Family of Six

Tentatively...

2011-08-20T21:31:00.007-07:00

...trying this again.

I once loved posting our comings and goings. As I stopped writing faithfully, I did not know where to start back up.

Our year at a glance:

Two exchange students! Margarita, from the Ukraine, lived at UM and spent time with us on weekends. Valentine, from France, lived with us for almost a month this summer. What an amazing experience to welcome new family members, however brief. We were lucky to get the great kids we did and it was fun to view Montana through their eyes.

Clark became the CFO at work (our state-wide food bank). Wonderful! Though, he works more which is a bit less wonderful.

Jake is a Senior in High School next week. HOW HAS THIS HAPPENED!?! All my efforts to stop or slow the growing-up process have been unfruitful. He has his first job and is about to begin driving the kid-car; he is also looking into the Air Force.

Liam will attend High School with Jake, as a Freshman. Definitely an advantage to have an older brother in school! Liam practiced with the Varsity soccer team all summer, and made JV this week. We are proud of his hard work.

Simon takes on the role of Middle School student with gusto this year. We spent the week looking for just the right shoes and backpack to make the year a success. He turns 12 in thirteen days.

After much deliberation (and assessment) we have decided to place Sylvie-Aganoti in Kindergarten. She is either a small five-year-old or a very smart four-year-old. Either way, she is ready and is absolutely thrilled. Her goal is to learn new words every day. I love her passion for learning and can not wait to see what school brings her.

Myself... ...never too sure what to say. I am busy. I am happy. I am thankful for my family and friends.

It sure feels good to blog--like slipping on a favorite sweatshirt.

posting from afar with limited technology!

2010-07-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

At a stand-still...

2010-06-29T08:06:00.003-07:00

...in blogging.

Our office is moving downstairs ssssllllllooooowwwwllllyyyyy!

I do not have picture-posting abilities at the moment and have great pictures to share.

We are enjoying summer. Busy building a garage/shop and eagerly planning our summer vacation to the coast.

Lastly, we know what a turtle-ferter is!!! I'll tell soon.

I promise!

Can someone pleeeeassse tell me what a "turtle ferter" is?

2010-06-13T19:59:00.004-07:00

Sylvie-Aganoti frequently asks, "Remember turtle ferters mama?". I have NO IDEA what she is saying. Clark has NO IDEA what a turtle ferter is.

Of course we have questioned her. The following are facts about turtle ferters.

1. They are generally yellow--mostly on their backside.

2. Though, if I had one it would be blue.

3. Mine would be bigger than Sylvie's.

4. Turtle ferters can be found at Grandma's and Grandpa's. Whom, by the way, have NO IDEA what a turtle ferter is.

5. To eat one would be inappropriate, funny and even yucky!

This is what I picture occuring on Fridays at Grandma and Grandpa's when nobody is looking...

Make a Difference

2010-05-31T10:00:00.013-07:00

Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing.

He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day he was walking along the shore.

As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer.

He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day.

So he began to walk faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?"

The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean."

"I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"

"The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die."

"But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said...

"It made a difference for that one."

Have you ever...

2010-05-27T17:41:00.004-07:00

...run a mile-long track event in the sleet with your shorts falling off?

Liam has.

The harder it sleeted, the wetter his shorts became. The wetter his shorts became, the heavier they got. The heavier they got, the harder they were to keep up.

Our guy ran across the finish line holding on to his waistline. But he finished. And we are proud of him!

Mother's Day at the Scare-ousel

2010-05-09T14:25:00.011-07:00

Our Mother's Day tradition includes a huge, amazing brunch followed by a spin at the carousel. We prepped Sylvie-Aganoti for her first ride, "It will be so fun, there are horses carved out of wood in beautiful colors, you get to sit on them and ride around and around, tinkly music will play. We know you'll love it!"

Minutes before we leave brunch, I take S-A for a pit-stop in the bathroom. While going potty, she squeales, "I is soooo esssscited! We are going to the Scare-ousel and it is going to be SCARY!" I try re-frame the way she is thinking, but decide it doesn't really matter, as she does proclaim to be "soooo essscited".

Right before the ride begins...

Everyone looks happy, right? Then the ride starts. So does the screaming, wailing, shreiking, demands to get off NOW. Add that to the fact that everyone's huge, amazing brunch is whirling around in their stomach like a tornado.

It was HORRIBLE!

This is what the carousel riders looked like when they were done.

Sometimes it is such a blessing to be the picture-taker rather than a participant.

Funny thing about this story is, over the year, it will somehow be dulled, or even erased, from our memories. And, next Mother's Day, we will end our brunch with tears, shouts of dismay and scrambled stomachs.

Scare-ousel is a comprehensive way to put the experience into words Sylvie.

Flyin' High

2010-05-03T19:23:00.011-07:00

Daddy had a GREAT idea today! It was a Sylvie-Aganoti first...

And, she loved it!

So did Simon.

So did Daddy.

Name one person that doesn't insist on eating cashews WHILE flying kites...

Sylvie-Aganoti, did you feed that dog cashews?
Hmmm..... I think you might have.

What a wonderful time we had!

Big Mama

2010-04-21T19:33:00.005-07:00

Sylvie-Aganoti views her surroundings as one would a science project; an opportunity for comparison and contrast; a venue to examine, discover and label; a chance to hypothesize and categorize.

Currently, she is fixated on color, shape and size. She is a "yummy, chocolate-brown girl". I am a "pink-skin mama". She has "tiny, brown shoes". I have "big, blue shoes". My personal favorite has to be, Sylvie-Aganoti is a "little girl" and, yes, I am a "big mama".

Never thought I'd like being called that. I feel like I need a leather biker vest sporting the words "Big Mama" across the back! Wouldn't that be a hit?

April Showers???

2010-04-13T07:48:00.012-07:00

Snow Showers would be more accurate! Aaarrrgggggg! Winter, please, please, please go away!!!!!
I need some sunshine. I want to water my flowers, pull out the beach towels, frolick in green grass, sleep with windows open, wake to birds chirping, slather on sunblock, meander through Farmer's Market, go barefoot all day, enjoy a cup of steaming coffee on the porch, let Sylvie run around outside in her birthday-suit, star-gaze from our rocking lawn chairs, try to eat an ice-cream cone before it melts, take the kids to the pool, pack a picnic, wear my flip-flops...

The following are pictures taken this morning!

Right out the front door.

Snow, snow, go away. You make the sky oh-so-grey.

Boys on their way to school. I should have shot lower, as Liam is wearing SHORTS. He suffers a bad case of denial.

Wouldn't he look better spouting water into our pond?

Snuggled up.

It is quite possible the cold I am home from work with contributes to my CRUMMY attitude and outlook. Nothing some sunshine wouldn't help... :)

"Silly" Snaps

2010-04-11T20:21:00.015-07:00

Awkward Affection

Crazy Cousins

Loony Lemons

Cheesy Cheeks

Silly String

Terrific Tongue

Mad Money

Happy Hair

Goofy Gesture

It was a Happy Birthday

2010-03-27T07:48:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday. It was wonderful. We had a family dinner (barbecued salmon, wild rice pilaf, fresh pineapple, a great bottle of French wine, finished off by various chocolates) and watched The Blind Side. We got to bed rather early and slept beyond eight hours.

Again, it was wonderful.

And the gifts! Chocolates from the boys, a treasure hunt from Clark (which was SO much fun), and this from Sylvie-Aganoti...

One last time, wonderful.

Confession

2010-03-23T16:41:00.005-07:00

Months ago I proudly blogged about our status as a TV-free family. We spent our evenings playing Yahtzee and Chess, reading books, eating family-dinner, conversing... Life was perfect, ideal. Ok, ok, life wasn't exactly rainbows, puppies, and walks on the beach. But pretty darn close.

Then came the Olympics. And the justifications. Just these two weeks. What kind of Americans are we if we do not watch our best and brightest perform? The kids would be missing history. We love sports. Sadly, even the old stand-by, everyone else is doing it.

Well, we watched those two weeks like we were addicts on a bender. At our house when we do something, we do it BIG. And, I must be honest, we are still using. Three times a week. "The Amazing Race", "Survivor" and "Parenthood". Tonight, in fact, is TV-night.

I need to apologize to other TV-watching families. I have judged you in the past. As we had wholesome, television-free evenings, I imagined you hooked up to the Tube, aimlessly amused, with drool running down your chins, and brain-cells leaking out your ears. Now we join your ranks. Humbly.

So, I confess. We are watching TV. Cautiously. And liking it.

Ready... Set... Action Figure!

2010-03-17T06:31:00.005-07:00

Sylvie-Aganoti is one little girl being raised with a pack of boys. This has many impacts. She loves to wrestle and throw a football. She can be demanding and bossy, as they hop-to any time she asks. She also adores action figures.

Sylvie-Aganoti bypasses her doll-house daily to play with her brother's ensemble of men with weapons stuck to their sides. She has them walk and talk. She sneaks them into her pockets, and includes them on many-a-family car ride. But what she is really enamored with is hiding them in various tuck-away spots in our home.

Arriving at the point of this post...

Liam has a solo trumpet performance yesterday. He is good at playing the trumpet. Really, really good. Though, this piece in particular he struggles with. He has been playing this song, this one and only song, for weeks and it just does not seem to be evolving.

Picture him standing in front of an audience. Feeling quaky. Feeling unsure. Feeling insecure about the piece he is about to play.

He starts out with a wobbly note, continued by several others. He hears some classmates giggling. Liam is getting that stomach-sinking sensation. The giggling is becoming more enthusiastic. Liam considers bolting for the door.

One lone voice rings out, "Liam, you might have a guy sticking out of the bell of your trumpet."

"What?", Liam thinks. "A guy? Did I hear that correctly?"

Band Director intervenes. Sticks his hand deep into the trumpet. And produces... ...an action figure.

Thank you very much Sylvie-Aganoti!

p.s. After this traumatizing experience, Liam prevails. He plays his piece better than ever!

In Sticking with the Star Wars Theme

2010-03-08T18:35:00.006-07:00

We have a new student who is reserved and fairly introverted. On approximately her fifth day of school, her mom has braided her hair in tiny little plaits and pulled them up into two sloppy buns. Her hair was soooo fabulous!

What does the School Counselor say to the new, shy student?

She says, "Student, I really like your cute buns!!!"

!!!??!!!!!!?!!!!?!!!

Yep, that is what I said.

Sinking to a new low in putting my foot in my mouth.

I admit it here, right now, publicly. When I begin praising student's buns, it is a clear indicator that I am loooooong overdue for Spring Break.

Connections!

2010-03-06T19:43:00.005-07:00

I was reading a book to Kindergarten students about a character named Harry when...

In the sweetest voice you've ever heard, "Mrs. T., I have a connection! My daddy's back is really hairy."

Is is wrong to have pictured this????

Love those connections!

If I Could Write My Child's Teacher a Letter...

2010-02-28T09:22:00.012-07:00

...it would say:

I loved my child, your student, when he was just an idea. A maybe. A hope. A dream.

He and I functioned as one for nine months and seven days. When he was born it was a loss as well as an indescribable gain.

As a baby, he held qualities beyond his time. We laughed, finding him an old man in a young boy's body, possessing an uncanny understanding of his world and those around him. Yet, ironically, that is his bane--functioning successfully in this world and with those around him.

It hurts my heart in ways immeasurable to see him struggle and it is hard not to point my finger at you sometimes.

He is special. He is valuable. Do you know that?

I want you to care enough to know him.

He lives for bugs and treeforts, taking things apart, reading a book until (in his sleep) it drops to his chest, throwing pebbles into water, the color purple, his stuffed bear, shattering rocks to find what might be inside, getting a letter addressed just to him, asking "why", riding his scooter over a bumpy course, wearing tennis shoes without socks, having his hair ruffled, eating homemade popcorn, exploring nooks and crannies, receiving a compliment.

He is a shining star.

He knows you groan inside when he walks into your classroom, yet he climbs out of bed each morning to spend his day in your care.

I ask you to change some things for me. For him.

Please do not sit him furthest away from where you teach--that alienates him.
Please do not have him write his name on the board with a sad face underneath--that humiliates him.
Please do not pull him out in the hall to tell him you think he is mean, a bully--that deflates him.
Please do not put him at a table with others who have a hard time concentrating, telling him you don't want him make hard-working students less successful--that beats him down.
Please do not reward kids by table when you've put him in a group where everyone struggles--that sets him up to fail.
Please try to feed him more positive feedback than negative--that builds him up.
Please give him a genuine smile--that makes him feel worthwhile.
Please treat him like an individual and give him goals he can achieve--that empowers him.
Please write nice things on his paper in your red pen--that encourages him.
Please place your hand on his shoulder from time to time--that refocuses him.
Please tell him a joke or give him a hug every once in a while--that humanizes him.
Please remember he is a little boy, trying his hardest, who wants more than anything to please you--that is his intent.

I wish I could wrap my arms around him all day long and protect him from unkindness. Sit on his shoulder and guide him seamlessly through social situations. The depth to which I hope he succeeds is immense.

You, he and I want the same thing. He is a boy who leaves our home each morning, declaring, "Today is going to be a good day Mom."

Please be good to him.

Her words...

2010-02-25T18:55:00.002-07:00

...make us laugh every day.

Tuesday morning to our dog, "Margaux, you are soooo smart. Just like me!

After bursting into daycare, "I am here!!! It's Sylvie! I am here and I am brown like chocolate!!! And chocolate is YUMMY!"

Looking at our friend's new referral of a beautiful baby boy, "He's Ethiopia!"

At the grocery store after being told she's cute, "Yep, I am cute!"

When asked her name, "Sylvie-Aganoti Teresa Tower Stinker-Pants." Guess what we've been calling her?

This kid is FANTASTIC.

Book Club

2010-02-09T18:49:00.011-07:00

I belong to the best book club in the world. It is absolutely one of my favorite things in life. There are nine of us girls and we've been a group for a little over two years, rarely missing a month. We read great books, have wonderful conversations, eat chocolate and drink a glass of wine. It is lovely.

The boys are frequently jealous of this event. They repeatedly, to no avail, beg invites. Jake usually reads the book when we are done and he and I club it together.

So, we had a family book club night the other night. A nice compromise (minus the wine!). Here are some snaps...

Incidentally, "A Mother for Choco" has to be one of the best adoption books we've read. It is a favorite of Sylvie-Aganoti's. In fact, I bet any one of us could practically recite the entire book we've read it so many times! I highly recommend it!!!!

Victoria's Not-So-Secret

2010-02-08T07:42:00.002-07:00

We spent some time at the mall this weekend.

I needed some new undergarments. The boys waited (they'd rather not go in!) and Sylvie-Aganoti made her first trip to Victoria's Secret.

Not five minutes in the so, so busy store when Sylvie loudly declares, "Momma, Momma!!!! These breast-es are HUGE!!!!!"

I don't know if she was talking about our fellow shoppers. I don't know if she was referring to the displays.

In either case... ...she's rather accurate.

What would you pay?

2010-01-18T16:08:00.013-07:00

For a beautiful bag...

What if it was funding an adoption?

Bag number one!

Bag number two!

A sister for Sylvie-Aganoti. Just considering...

...for now.

MLK on Love

2010-01-18T08:53:00.002-07:00

Love is the key to the solution of the problems of the world. ~Martin Luther King, Jr., Nobel Prize lecture, 11 December 1968

Hurting in Haiti

2010-01-16T20:05:00.004-07:00

Thoughts are with those in Haiti tonight, and those for with loved-ones in Haiti.

A couple of months ago a woman had her eye on us (mainly Sylvie-Aganoti) in the Good Food Store. After a bit, she approached and introduced herself as a fellow adoptive mom. I LOVE these moments. She has a Haitian son who is home and another they are waiting for. They have been waiting a long time to bring him home. As we exchanged information, she showed S-A a photo of she and her husband visiting their son in Haiti. Sylvie hugged the picture to her chest and did not want to return it. The mom gave it to her. She said, "It isn't often our kids see a family that resembles theirs. I have more at home." Sylvie carried their photo around for days.

The picture of their family has been lost for quite awhile. Sadly, the same can be said for her contact information. But, she is on my mind and heart. May her son be unhurt and his needs met.

There are many orphans in Haiti waiting for U.S. families in harm's way at this very moment. Two hundred and fifty four to be precise.

Tonight I emailed my state senators. I asked them to support Humanitarian Visas to bring the 254 waiting orphans home. Quickly.

It was a simple thing to do. Do it! http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

It is one small way to help those hurting in Haiti.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T10:56:00.006-07:00

So much to be grateful for...

Intense concentration!

Is he mocking me????
Overstimulation!!!!!!!!!

One year ago...

2009-12-16T23:24:00.004-07:00

...we were landing in the Missoula airport with our beautiful, oh-so-sick, silent, scared, amazing daughter.

Tonight we celebrate our beautiful, absolutely healthy, oh-so-noisy, fearless, amazing daughter.

WHAT A YEAR. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE YEAR!

This is our referral photograph!

This is Sylvie-Aganoti today!

Crackle...

2009-12-03T21:44:00.003-07:00

That's her first name?

That's her last name?

That's who took pictures of our readoption. Check it out!

http://www.cracklephotographyblog.com/index.cfm?postID=406

Making News

2009-11-25T13:50:00.002-07:00

Our local newspaper printed an article on the readoption of three children in Missoula.

Sylvie-Aganoti was one of them. Her photo made the paper. Click the link below to see...

http://missoulian.com/image_72a8f050-d3db-11de-b4e7-001cc4c002e0.html

We were the last of the three readoptions. When our names were announced, Sylvie took off like a rocket for the front of the room, yelling, "My turn. My turn right now!" She was very excited and called the whole event "my party".

Nope, stage fright does not appear to be an issue. How fitting that the event took place at the Missoula Children's Theatre!

Readoption Today!

2009-11-17T08:53:00.003-07:00

Which means, we adopted S-A in Ethiopia almost one year ago. So hard to believe...

Much has changed this last year. In our crazy, busy lives we often forget to slow down enough to appreciate all that is well and wonderful.

Today we pause to celebrate our family, our Sylvie-Aganoti.

Today, we celebrate life!

A few more pictures...

2009-11-01T08:46:00.013-07:00

Minutes before she stripped down into her birthday suit. I'll spare you those pictures!

This handsome guy got his braces off. Wahoooo!!

Meet "Orange Blossom", S.A.'s sidekick. When Sylvie says her name it sounds like "Large Bosom". That makes everyone giggle a little!

New jammies--size 3T.

Spirit Day. You are getting a one-time look at Super Spartan Man.
Going for a walk in the gully behind our house.
Simon hiked around with us. He would "hide" and we would seek. We could hear giggling long before we would find him.
Yep, still sporting the wings. A LOT!!! Could it be an identiy crisis? Was she a butterfly in another life? Does she lean toward theatre? ...only time will tell.
Ta-daaa! Look at this awesome quilt made by Clark's family--it has a storybook theme. Clark's mom, Teresa, started the tradition of making a quilt for the firstborn of each family. What a treasure for Sylvie to have.

I Love Her

2009-10-26T20:50:00.002-07:00

Disgusting.

2009-10-22T17:35:00.004-07:00

There has been some coughing in our house. And achy muscles and joints. And headaches. And sore throats. And stuffy noses. And fevers.

And some throwing up.

Today Simon emerges from the bathroom looking devestated. "I just threw up. I threw up in the sink because I felt so bad I couldn't make it to the toilet. Can I have a carrot? I'm hungry."

"No, Simon. No, you may not have a carrot."

Disgusting.

Oink! Oink!

2009-10-21T19:12:00.001-07:00

Two down...

...with the swine flu.

Liam and Simon. Keeping a keen eye on Sylvie-Aganoti!

Why were the high school kids screaming?

2009-10-08T18:13:00.011-07:00

A few weeks ago we had a day filled with running errands.

Blah!

A trip to the Dr.'s office for Sylvie-Aganoti's fungus. A chunk of time dedicated to the pharmacy. An oil change. Additional school supplies for the boys. Some much-needed household items. Groceries. You know the drill...

As we zip around town, S-A falls asleep in the car. While sleeping, she has an accident. No big deal; she is wearing a dress over her jeans. I whip the jeans and panties off and we are good to go. I am a little worried about pee-pants sitting in the warm car but, with four kids, our car has seen worse.

At the end of our list is a swing by Jake's high school to take his class photo and get his student ID. While there,
S-A is being her silly, crowd-crazy self. LOVING the attention from hundreds of Jake's peers. LOVING the admiration from the photography team.

Jake, by the way, does not appreciate the ruckus she is causing...

The head photographer comes over to say how beautiful she is. He offers to take her picture, promising a pint-sized activity card. I explain that she hates to get her picture taken. How it takes tricks and dozens of tries to get a good one. He laughs me off and boasts about all the pictures he's taken of hesitant children.

Good luck buddy.

Mr. Photography scoots us to the front of the line. You can imagine high school students' response to being cut by a TWO-YEAR-OLD and her embarrassed brother.

He takes his time, arranging a kiddie stand so Sylvie-Aganoti is the appropriate height to his camera. Again, picture those not-so-patient teens waiting their turn. Scathing stares. Eye rolls. Sighs. Huffs. Arms crossed. Whispers.

And Jake, thinking this can not possibly be over soon enough.

Mr. Photography asks me to position S-A on the stand, directly on his red X.

Right! This kid hates getting her picture taken. She is not going to stand on his red X with a camera the size of a small car pointed at her!!!

Amazingly, she stands on the X.

And SMILES!!! Maybe Mr. Photography knows what he's talking about?

Then...

...she grabs the hem of her dress and lifts it up, way up, over her head. Baring her oh-so-naked behind to all of those angry high school students.

A chorus of boys shout, "Oh my God!" A symphony of girls shrilly squeal and laugh. The room reverberates with sounds of shock. Mr. Photography's jaw hits the floor.

And then there is Jake. Poor, poor Jake. Who utters, "Sometimes having a sister is absolutely the pits."

That, my friends, is why the high school kids were screaming...

It is confirmed. We are unusual.

2009-10-01T20:10:00.005-07:00

I got a survey phone call yesterday. She was asking about our television-viewing preferences. I explained that we do not watch television.

Long pause...

She, "At all?"

Me, "Nope."

She, "What do you do for entertainment?"

Me, "We read books, spend time outside, work puzzles, play boardgames..."

Longer pause...

She, "Well, if you were to turn the television on, what would you watch?"

Me, "Our television does not receive channels. We do not watch it."

Longest pause yet...

She, "Can I send you a form to fill out? It is very unusual to find a family that does not watch television and we would like your feedback."

Turns out we are a rare find!

As Red as a Lobster

2009-09-17T20:57:00.007-07:00

This weekend Liam had a soccer tournament in Sandpoint Idaho. Sandpoint is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

On the way home from our crazy, soccer-filled weekend, we decide to treat ourselves to Red Lobster. We've never been and have great expectations. Well...

...you know how that goes.

We are not off to a good start, as the couple being seated in front of us, when asked their seating preference, say with snotty looks cast in our direction, "We would not like to be seated by children." I am offended. Our kids are being good. Really good. No screaming. No whining. Quietly, politely waiting our turn.

What is the deal with people like that?!?

So, I am feeling protective of our kids and cranky at this woman. Clark appears nervous. The kids are totally missing the boat.

When asked our seating preference, I quip, as I hold Sylvie-Aganoti and am surrounded by a variety of young boys, "We would not like to be seated by children."

Funny, right?

Nope.

Turns out, we have a different hostess than the one who seated the snotty couple. Turns out, our hostess might think I am saying Clark and I would like to not sit by our own children. Turns out, she also might think I am asking her to watch our children while we enjoy lobster.

Plus, the kids are wondering why I suddenly do not want to sit with them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Embarrassing.

Totally, totally embarrassing.

Have I mentioned that I've been asked to consider teaching some parenting classes in Missoula?

I am sure you are racing each other to sign up right now!

Whew!

2009-09-06T10:14:00.040-07:00

Life is busy!

Back to work. Back to highschool, middleschool, elementary school & daycare. Back to soccer. Back to blogging.

As promised, here are pictures from this summer...

S-A's 4th of July dress!

After looking for the right home for our Ent for years, he is finally settled in our backyard.

A great picture of my dad.

Liam waiting for his soccer ball to drop from the air.
Sylvie-Aganoti and Olivia Rose.

Petunia.

Liam, Jake & Simon at the Pacific Science Center.

Clark got a great picture of this b-fly and its shadow.

Mmmmm, I love this baby.

Jake in a HUGE guitar.

Clark riding a bike two stories up. Yikes!

Surprise!

A day's never complete unless you touch a brain.

Clark and boys "rock climbing".

This is one of my favorites!

Clark and Casey doing a little golfing...

The bordello!

Beautiful Grandma Benny.

Eating her Grandpa's yummy sourdough pancakes.

Daddy and "The Sylv", as Simon likes to call her.

My mom and MaryAnne.

Sauna time, followed by a quick plunge in the lake!

Sylvie and her co-pilot, Margaux.

Remi, the super-sized puppy!

She was insistent on driving the boat!

Jason, my childhood friend, meets S-A.

Fabulous Simon!

Jake and the girls.

Fantastic Liam!

Very corny! We are at the Twilight shop in Port Angeles...

Even cornier!

Some lunch-time closeups!

This girl melts our hearts...

Braids, Baseball & Bladder-trouble

2009-08-19T12:17:00.012-07:00

We made our first attempt at braiding this week. She was awesome, sitting so still.

I found the trick was to give her rubber bands and let her "braid" mine too.

Looking in the mirror telling herself how pretty her hair is.

I put them in pig-tails, as they were sticking out crazy-like.

Our braids made their debut at an Osprey baseball game. (she loved popcorn and the mascot, Ollie, not so much the game though...)

We left the game with wet pants... ...poor Daddy's neck! Can you see she is plugging his ears? I imagine her thinking, "Maybe if he can't hear he won't know he's been peed on."

All good things must come to an end. Conditioner was a huge help in taking those little suckers out!

Leaping...

2009-08-17T14:10:00.004-07:00

I am mailing one of the children's picture books I've written to Boyds Mills Press today.

Scary.

Thrilling.

Hand-wringing.

Laughable.

Believable.

BMP says it takes three months to get back to potential writers. That looks like mid-to-end of November.

Inside the Self-Addressed-Stamp-Enclosed envelope they send your manuscript back in if your story bombs, I put a sticky-note with my favorite quote and life-guide, "It is never too late to be what you might have been." (George Elliot) G.E. inspired me to go back to college, to get re-married, to adopt. His words fit many commencing moments in my life.

Today, I am leaping!

Estoy muy decepcionante!

2009-08-15T18:30:00.004-07:00

Or, as you would say in English, I am very disappointed... ...in my recent putchase at Amazon Books.

Free time is a luxury for the adults in this house. My only selfish pursuit is book club. I love it. I crave it like I crave chocolate, coffee with creamer, hugs from loved ones.

This month's read is "Ana Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy. A mere 500'ish pages.

Book club is in NINE days.

I despise going to book club having not read the book.

I ordered "Ana" from Amazon many weeks ago and have yet to find a moment to crack it open.

Until today.

Clark took Sylvie-Aganoti to run errands. I had about two whole hours of me-time. I was not going to work on the house. I was not going to spend it in the kitchen cooking or cleaning.

I snuggled up in the office chaise lounge. Put on my glasses. Pulled up a blanket. Flipped the reading light on. Peeked past the cover for the very first time...

...and

...IT IS IN SPANISH.

AAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGG to Amazon Books!!!! Leo best captures my feelings writing, "Oh, why didn't I die? It would have been better!"- Book 4, Ch. 23

Does anyone have a spare copy of "Ana Karenina"?

Life Jacket!

2009-08-14T15:31:00.004-07:00

Sylvie-Aganoti quickly accustomed to the lake rule that young ones must don a life jacket prior to leaving the lake house. She loved boat rides. She loved throwing rocks into the water. Hence, she loved her life jacket.

Yesterday, Angela and I are at the Good Food Store with my sweetie pie for lunch. S-A yells, "Life jacket Momma! Life jacket, life jacket! Liiiiiiifeeee Jaaaaaaaaaaaacketttt!" I follow her pointing finger to a man who looks as if he just exited the emergency room. He is wearing a neck collar and back brace.

Life jacket.

Cute.

Why is it

2009-08-13T18:24:00.002-07:00

that the threat of no more computer motivated me to paint the bathroom and finish the heat register in the office? Hmmm... ...this could be very, very useful.

Cut off!

2009-08-13T13:50:00.002-07:00

There are vacation pictures to post, but they are stuck in Clark's camera for the time-being.

I notice that I am spending time on the computer in order to avoid painting the bathroom. The sad part of this is I already have one coat on it. Ok, it has been on for two months.

I am officially cutting myself off of the computer until that room is done, done, done...

Ahhhhhh...

2009-08-09T14:55:00.001-07:00

...we are home. We had such a nice time and it is so good to be home. Little Sylvie-Aganoti is not the best traveler. More tomorrow!

We made it!

2009-08-01T17:22:00.001-07:00

We are here (as of midnight last night). We enjoyed the Pacific Science Center all day, complete with a picnic in the Seattle Center park. Sylvie-Aganoti loved watching the fountains, and all of the people. Olivia is having her 2nd birthday tonight--afterward we will have some Ethiopian food for dinner. Soooo excited for that!

You are staying in a bordello, like it or not!

2009-07-28T09:04:00.008-07:00

We leave in just a few days for the Pacific Northwest. Spending a few days in Seattle with Michelle, Casey and kids... Touring the Pacific Science Center... Enjoying Ethiopian food... Ordering a cake from the famous Borraccini's Italian Bakery... Staying in a historic sea-side bordello... Taking in a Bluegrass concert... Gaping at the views from amazing Hurricane Ridge... Relaxing beside the lake in the Olympic Peninsula... Hiking various waterfalls... Frolicking in the ocean-spray...

"What?!? A bordello? You have got to be kidding me!?! In all of the reading I've done about bordellos, they are filled with ghosts. It is not safe! I WILL NOT stay there!! I can't believe you'd have us stay at a bordello!!! This is ridiculous!" These were the words of our oldest, Jake.

Some thoughts Jake's mom has about his outburst: When did the ghost phobia start? What horror movies have you been watching on the sly? When have you found the time to peruse readings about bordellos? Did you skim over the historical significance? Did you miss the part where bordellos were often a rare moment in our country's past where women had some measure of independence and control over their own finances? Wouldn't it be just a little bit fun to tell your 16-year-old peers that you stayed in a bordello this summer? And again, afraid of ghosts???

Sorry kiddo. We've already paid. You are staying in a bordello, like it or not.

Did I really have to say that out loud? Is this a bad episode of Twilight Zone?

Can you picture Clark, a trembling-Jake, and I snuggling up together during our bordello-stay? That is what it will look like friends...

Oh brother... Washington, here we come!!!

Sparkling Moment

2009-07-22T09:40:00.003-07:00

Simon and Sylvie-Aganoti have had the toughest time adjusting to "Who is the baby in this house?". Simon has been pretty good with her; though, definitely needing some extra cuddling and reassurance from us. S-A targets Simon sometimes. I don't know if it is that he is closest to her age (a seven year spread), that he is least likely to play with her, or that they both vie for the role of the youngest. Sometimes she will walk by him and with complete unsolicitation say, in a very snotty voice, "NO Simon!". Sometimes she will go into his room and mess with his things--not playing with them, but knocking them over and mixing them around. If he's on my lap, she wants up...

...on and on and on...

So, yesterday imagine my joy and surprise when I spied them on the deck giggling and playing together. Simon was writing words in Sylvie's blocks, reading them to her, then laughing when she stirred them up. I took my camera out to capture the moment when I found this....

"I love you Mom", ahhhh, my heart melted.

2009-07-16T20:14:00.013-07:00

The boys are coming along. We have been working on eating and sleeping issues. Smaller meals, more frequently and a solid bedtime routine (with music and a good book). It seems to be helping, as is the passage of time. The boys are doing much, much better.

Last week kept us busy. I co-directed Camp Invention and all boys participated (Jake as a teacher's assistant, Liam a volunteer, and Simon a participant). Much fun was had!

A few snaps of last week...

On the potty. Again!

The skirt we love so, so much.
Planting our Ginkgo trees. Patting down the soil. S-A LOVES to help!!! Heading in for a much-deserved break.

Tandum diaper change (Go Daddy's Go!!!).

Sweet Singing

2009-07-09T09:15:00.004-07:00

Sylvie-Aganoti sings us a beautiful "I Love You" song, inserting different family member names... There is nothing nicer than hearing our sweet, singing girl!

Sorry for the neck cramp; I am having trouble turning this clip the right direction.

2009-07-08T16:15:00.002-07:00

Two of our boys were witness to the accidental death of an 8-year-old girl on the 4th of July. She was electrocuted. Our kids were right there while it happened and while paramedics were unable to resuscitate her.

They are sad, confused and grieving for this little girl and her family.

One of my boys asked me if I would help him write a will because he's afraid he could die at any time. He is right, any of us could die at anytime. Though, usually kids do not spend time mulling that possibility over.

I've been having trouble staying asleep. I wake up to a pounding heart, grinding my teeth. It could have been my boys and the thought terrifies me.

We go to a trauma counselor tomorrow.

Anniversary

2009-07-07T08:33:00.029-07:00

Today is the day I married my best friend. I love to think back on that evening. My favorite pictures of the day we became a family...

The Ceremony

The Music

The Friends

The Family

The Cake

The Begining

Can One Like Purple Too Much?

2009-07-06T13:27:00.010-07:00

I can not express the extent to which Sylvie-Aganoti enjoys the color purple. If given a choice, she hand's-down picks purple. She loves it!

This morning after waking up in her purple bedroom...

she opts for this yogurt...

and chooses to wear this shirt.

After running a couple of errands, I head to the director's house of the summer camp I am involved in to pick up my syllabus, where she plucks....

...this purple beauty right out of the flower box!

Oops.

Yes, one can like purple too much...

Playdate

2009-07-04T14:14:00.013-07:00

Here are some pictures of Danny and Sylvie-Aganoti enjoying themselves (and each other!).

"En da poo goin wimmin," as S-A likes to put it!

We have a toy scorpion that Sylvie plays with in the pool. When it floated near Danny, he screamed, "Ouch, ouch!", and jumped out of the pool. He was very cautious when he got back in and kept checking the grass far, far away where the scorpion was newly located.

This is an honest-to-goodness pout face! Can you believe that lip???

Lunchtime! They had left-over pizza and strawberries. Danny ate both of their pizza slices and Sylvie-Aganoti ate both of their fruit. Perfect! S-A insisted on sitting in Danny's chair with him; he kindly obliged.

You are about to see some lunchtime etiquette from toddlers. Beware: these pictures are not for those with a weak stomach...

Lastly, a wagon ride. Thanks for your efforts Danny, playing with this girl is hard work!

What a fun day. Thanks for coming over Danny!

Worrying

2009-07-03T12:05:00.008-07:00

I am spending a lot of time the last couple of days worrying about Linsey, Danny and Abdisa's mom, both adopted from the same orphanage as Sylvie-Aganoti. Linsey also has two daughters, Taylor and Kailey, and husband, Rick. I've known Linsey for several years and she is a wonderful person, so kind-hearted and such an integral piece of her family and community.

Linsey has been very sick for almost two months, with no answers to her symptoms. She, Rick and Abdisa flew to Mayo Clinic in Arizona on Monday to further look into her situation. I am concerned about her and my thoughts are preoccupied with her well-being.

I picked Danny up for a play-date yesterday. He and S-A had fun splashing around in our kiddie pool, eating lunch and going for wagon rides. He seems be holding up pretty well; though, definitely misses his Mommy.

My thoughts and prayers are channeled to Linsey and family. I am hoping they get good news soon! She updates her blogsite, if you are interested in following her progress, supporting her, knowing her... http://wiesemannadoption.blogspot.com/

These are pictures Linsey got of Sylvie-Aganoti when she went to Ethiopia to bring Abdisa home. Linsey brought S-A this bear all the way from us in Montana! These pictures, as well as Linsey's recounts of Sylvie's personality and health, are what got us through our wait during the rainy season.

Six-Month Homestudy

2009-07-01T09:08:00.011-07:00

Yesterday was our 6-month homestudy. We look forward to these visits with our adoption social worker, Betsy, who is fabulous! Reflecting on the last six months, it is hard to believe a half-year has passed since Sylvie-Aganoti has come home from Ethiopia. We are so lucky to parent her!

In the last six months S-A has gained 13 pounds (doubling her weight exactly), grown 5 inches, learned a new language, adjusted to our family, overcome her fear of dogs, tried dozens of new foods, crawled, stood up, walked, run, danced, jumped and climbed, she has learned to sing, color and kick a soccer ball. She loves to ride in her wagon, water the flowers, point out airplanes, have pancakes at Grandma and Grandpa's, read books, play with her dollhouse, wear her Daddy's shoes, push dump trucks around on our deck, take pictures with the camera, wave at Poppa Doug in the morning, eat whipped cream, go for rides in the car, brush her teeth, nap in Daddy and Momma's bed and play with her brothers. Sylvie-Aganoti brings us all so much joy. We are endlessly thankful to her birth-parents, Hope Adoption Agency and the Ethiopian officials who entrusted her care to our family.

Here are some of the pictures enclosed in her Six-month Homestudy Review...

RUNNING LATE

2009-06-30T09:24:00.008-07:00

Those of you who know me would agree I have a RUNNING LATE problem. Just reading this title you may snicker, groan, or even bristle a little (Mom, is that you bristling?).

I am working on it.

I know, you've heard that before...
...many times
...ever since you've known me
...my whole life.

The addition of a new little one has exacerbated this problem of mine. Still, I am working on it.

Getting on with the story:

Monday I am RUNNING LATE to get Simon to the orthodontist. We are going because Simon has lost his retainer (AGAIN!!!) and we need to re-evaluate his progress and possibly purchase another new $900.00 mouth-piece. So, I am crabby and RUNNING LATE. As my hand reaches for the front door handle, Simon announces, "I need to go to the bathroom and will be back in a teence." ("Teence", by the way, is a word he has invented that is supposed to sound like whatever is about to happen will happen quickly when, in fact, it takes a very, very long time. Whenever I am in a hurry and hear "teence" come out of his mouth I cringe.) He heads to the bathroom where he remains for a very, very long time. During his bathroom-break, I recall the road construction on the street where our orthodontist is located; our re-route is going to take about five minutes longer. My heartbeat accelerates and I take deep breaths while asking the man above for patience. Simon emerges from the bathroom with an enthusiastic grin on his face, apparently he thinks this "teence" was of the short variety. He is wrong.

Walking out the front door I inquire, "You brushed your teeth while you were in there, right? We are going to get your teeth looked at, remember?" He looks guilty, pivots and says, "I'll be right back in a "quick-teence". Folks, if you thought a "teence" takes a long time, a "quick teence" is the kiss of death. Before I can respond, he is gone.

If you were an observer to this situation, you might see trails of smoke seeping from my ears.

I buckle Sylvie-Aganoti into the car, walk a few laps, work on the deep breathing some more, throw in a couple of count-to-tens. Many, many minutes go by in slow, slow, slow motion. We are beyond RUNNING LATE and have moved into the apologize-profusely-and-promise-to-do-better-next-time zone.

FINALLY, Simon bounds, triumphantly from the house.

What is on his face? Is that hot pink surrounding his lips, on his cheeks? Oh my gosh, he didn't?!? He gets closer. I demand, "Simon stick out your tongue!" He DID!!!! What on earth? HE DID!!!

Backtrack to last week. Simon goes to the pediatric dentist for a routine checkup. As we leave, the hygenist and family friend, Brenda, hands Simon some reveal tablets. She instructs that every once in a while Simon should chew a quarter of a tablet and it will reveal areas he needs to hit harder with his toothbrush. "Fun," I thought. "Wow, what a great idea," I thought. "This will really motivate him to be a good brusher," I thought.

OMG!!!!!!!

We are now so, so RUNNING LATE and my son has a hot pink face and teeth with revealed plaque. As, in a rare moment of expedience, Simon eliminates the brushing step to save time. Simon, with chagrin, admits to chewing a whole tablet rather than a quarter. We are now going to the orthodontist, where he will peer into this kid's flaming-pink, plaque-covered mouth to give us an opinion on the retainer that has been lost for the second time.

Those tablets are definately not fun, not a great idea and, apparently, he has not been a good brusher!!!

Is this really happening?

Of course it is...

This is life with four kids. This is what it is like as I get back into the swing of summer off with the kids. This is why Clark is not one bit jealous of my free-time during the summer.

I laugh (a little maniacally) because, what else is there to do? I call Clark, we commiserate and he expresses appreciation for my being home to take the kids here-and-there, what else can he do? And, I vow to work harder on not RUNNING LATE, what else can I do?

Lastly, after our visit with the orthodontist, I take a picture of the kid with a red-hot mouth. I wish you could see him prior to the appointment!

p.s. We do not need to spring for a new retainer, as Simon found his yesterday!

Our little girl has turned.....

2009-06-22T15:12:00.014-07:00

.....into a Vulcan.

Oh yeah, and she is TWO also!!!!

When we ask how old she is, Sylvie-Aganoti proudly dispays four fingers split into two groups of two. I wish I had a picture of her Vulcan fingers, instead, here are some snaps of our super-duper two-year-old!

Poor kid had to make her own birthday cake--chocolate with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles.

Cheese, I'm TWO, TWO, TWO!!!

Can you believe we get to have a pink soccer ball in this house!?!

Who has the coolest Daddy on the block?

If you live in or near Missoula, you might spy us out and about in our Fairy Princess skirt that we like to wear happy and sad, rain and shine, day and night. You get the idea!

She is learning to love the water park.

This is one of my very favorite pictures. She has such awesome big brothers!

Reading a magazine together.

Out to dinner with Aunt Charmin, Uncle Mike and girls.

Just today!

Catching up...

2009-06-01T16:40:00.021-07:00

Here are some pictures from way back and a few recent ones too. I am disappointed to confess that I took a month off from any kind of picture-taking. Moving has been so, so much work!

Look how our girl has grown!

My friend (and soon to be adoptive Mom) Angela, her mom Denise and S-A at a baby shower.

Going for a walk. Thanks for the ride Daddy!

Beautiful Montana winter berries...

Simon and mom walking the train tracks at Fort Missoula.

St. Patricks Day! Sylvie was overtired and a huge pill!

Science Circus put on by High School kids. Can you believe skewers through balloons?!?

Simon eating a cricket (he opted for no chocolate on his). Yuck! Oh, and a black eye to boot...

What a pretty girl! Grandma Steffie brought this dress home from Mexico.

Still at the Science Circus!

Sink bath, one of S-A's favorite activities.

Liam was in a play and did an AWESOME job. We had no idea he was a talented actor!!!

Jake reading a book in the new house.

S-A thought it was hilarious that he was UNDER the chair not in it.

Sylvie-Aganoti and her Daddy.

She asks for "pretty" in her hair. Look how long it is getting!

Breakfast outside on the porch of our new house.

She asks for a "ride" and likes to gallop through the house on willing shoulders.

Thanks Grandpa!

Simon doing homework. We do not have all of our furniture at the new house, hence all the lawn-chairs and laying around on the floor...

Ta-daaaa!!!

Still Here!

2009-05-25T08:53:00.002-07:00

We have moved... ...mostly. We are in the process of selling our old home and cannot yet move all of our things, but we are in and remodeling--yikes! With the school year coming to an end, the boys wrapping up sports and moving, moving, moving I've been too busy to post. That will change in a couple of weeks.
Thank you Clark for getting my computer up and running! I will post pictures of Sylvie-Aganoti soon. She has grown soooo much!!

Yikes!

2009-04-15T21:08:00.001-07:00

No posting for so long! What's gotten into me?!?

Soccer, tennis, life....

AND MOVING TO A NEW HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!

More later.

Sports

2009-03-25T19:52:00.005-07:00

Jake plays tennis five nights a week. Liam has soccer practice three nights a week, a game last weekend and a tournament this weekend. Simon starts soccer soon. All the boys in this house are antsy for golf season to begin.

Sports, sports, sports!

Sylvie-Aganoti... ...maybe she'll be into ballet. Or science. Or gardening. Or acting. Or reading books.

Or sports!

Let me guess...

2009-03-13T13:48:00.006-07:00

...black beans.

After my second Dr. appointment for relentless ringworm, I take Sylvie-Aganoti to lunch at a Mexican restaurant. As I order, the burrito-guy says with a smirk on his face, "Let me guess... ...black beans."

Maybe because I am wearing a black shirt and vest.

Maybe because I look like someone who likes black beans.

Maybe because I am holding an Ethiopian baby.

Maybe this guy is a complete ass.

Maybe not.

Three months ago I would have thought the burrito-guy was quirky and nothing more. I find with Sylvie-Aganoti in my arms the world looks a bit different. People's comments sound different.

Surprised and trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, I say, "No thank you, pinto beans." Retrospectively, I could have asked, "Why would you guess black beans?". I wonder what he would have said?

If he was making a racially-charged comment, what was his purpose? Did he think it was funny? Did he intend to be nasty? This three-second incident has stuck with me for hours. I keep thinking about how this will feel for S.A. when she is old enough to realize the hang-ups some people have with ethnicity and non-traditional families.

I am hopeful that the burrito-guy did not mean anything by his comment. Though, sadly, my gut says otherwise. I wish I could turn back the clock and handle things differently.

Maybe I would stick a bean up his nose...

Keep on keeping on...

2009-03-08T13:31:00.003-07:00

A picture of our sweetie pie eating lunch...

It has been too long since my last post. Sylvie-Aganoti is growing like a weed. She is close to double in weight from our first day together in Ethiopia. She is still a picky, picky eater. No thanks on the fruits and veggies! We've visited a pediatric dentist. Her teeth are in great shape and reaffirm her given age. SA's birthdate truly looks like June 10th 2007. She continues to have intestional issues and we may be looking at surgery. Her growth, combined with the severe malnutrition she experienced in her first year of life, has weakened her muscles. Details aside, an operation will ensure that everything is in place and working as it should. It is very scary to think of surgery without any knowledge of her past medical history. Another interesting component of adopting internationally.

This weekend we had the pleasure of meeting a family from Ethiopia. They are living in Missoula as the wife, Waganesh, completes her Master's Degree. They have a 13-month old son. It was such a treat to visit with them about Ethiopia and adoption. Waganesh used to be involved in international adoption; specifically, reuniting adoptive families with birth families. She has offered to help us find SA's birth-mother. What a blessing it is to get to know them.

So Many Firsts...

2009-02-16T21:20:00.026-07:00

It has been two months that Sylvie-Aganoti has lived with our family. Below are some of her "firsts" that we've been lucky enough to share with her.

First Open Gym

First Children's Museum Trip

First Time to the Mall with Cousins (not wearing her game-face)

First Superbowl (this was the best part of the 3-D hype)

First Life-Sized Doll

(their relationship has progressed to hair-pulling and long drags down the hall)

First Wedding and Meeting Clark's Mother's Side of the Family

First Lady Griz Basketball Game, where she got to...

...sit by this kid, and...

listen to this kid play in the marching band (Liam is top row trumpet, second kid in).

Ready for Her First Hike up Blue Mountain

First Time Sitting Nice With Her Baby...

...almost.

First Wooden Toy Made for Her by Grandpa Doug (a REALLY great duck!).

First (hopefully last) Glimpse of Brother Jake Dressed as a Crazy-Guy!

First Dental Visit (her teeth are in wonderful shape).

Lastly, Her First Jello With Whipped Cream ( a Reff tradition).

Got it!!!

2009-02-10T22:26:00.003-07:00

Enjoy the laugh. We do! We love, love, love this baby...

Where are you?

2009-02-04T17:22:00.004-07:00

I've been back at work since Monday. We had huge concerns about Sylvie-Aganoti's attachment with us... Have we had enough time together? Does she know we are her parents yet? Will her care provider understand the needs of an adopted child? Will Sylvie feel abandoned? Will she attach to her provider more than us?

Worries aside, this situation is optimal. The woman providing her care only offers before and after-school and after-school care for a few kids. In-between these times, Sylvie is her one-and-only charge. Even better, her house is located across the street from the school where I work. It is literally less than a minute from my office to her front door. The location enables me to scoot over there for my lunch break, feed Sylvie and rock her to sleep. We feel so fortunate for this arrangement!

We have visited her care provider for the last few weeks to try and ready Sylvie for our work transition. She liked visiting when I stayed with her. However, when I left her for three hours alone and Clark picked her up, she refused to make eye-contact with him and hit at him a couple of times. Then she cried all night, absolutely all night long. Again, we were very, very concerned for this week.

So, Monday I dropped her off at 8:00 and was back by 11:30 for our lunch and nap routine. I walked in the house and Sylvie, seeing me, tosses her toy, and runs toward me laughing like mad. About three feet away she comes to a screeching halt, bellowing, "Where are you?". The look on her face was, "Where the heck have you been!??!" I scooped her up, hugged and kissed her and pointed at my school across the street. She seemed pacified. We had lunch, she napped and when I picked her up after work she was ok. Every day afterward has been just fine. Her provider is wonderful and has been open to reading articles on adoption and attachment, and is very sensitive to our need for alone-time during lunch.

We are incredibly relieved this is going ok. Not just ok, but better than we might have hoped for. Though, now she asks, "Daddy, where are you?" We have to arrange for Clark to pick her up soon.

A fungus among-us

2009-01-30T08:30:00.008-07:00

So, I've had this irritating spot on my chin that got a little bigger, then turned into two spots, then spread to my lower leg. Burning, itching, driving me absolutely crazy... Our Dr. says S.A. shared a fungus with me.

A fun-guy has officially joined the family; he's all the way from Ethiopia. And, he's NOT so much fun!

One of the joys of international adoption.

Tent-building and dancing

2009-01-29T17:43:00.007-07:00

We have been creating indoor-fun during this recent cold spell. The boys got a tent for X-mas and set it up in the dining area; though, it ended up being much too small for them. It was Sylvie-sized!

Liam and Simon, fearless tent-builders.

A little assistance was required.

Happy camper!

This girl loves to dance! So does her daddy...

Momma, at last!

2009-01-26T08:33:00.017-07:00

I have been upgraded, from Poo-poo to Momma. Finally!!! While Poo-poo was cute, I felt the world come to a standstill when Sylvie-Aganoti looked at me with a smile and said "Momma" this weekend. So, if were wondering what that small blip in time was on Saturday morning, there you go!

Speaking of her language abilities, our Yahoo group's recent conversation has been how many words kiddos her age know and use. So, we started counting. We landed at a solid 35! Thirty-five words are absolutely incredible. S.A. has only been exposed to English for six weeks. She heard Oromo her first 10 months, Amharic her next 10 months, now English. She's on her third language in a year-and-a-half! What an amazing challenge.

Drum roll... They are, "Good girl (after using the potty), Hi, Bye-bye, More, Goodbye, All Done, All Gone, Apple, Milk, Juice, Yummy, Uh-oh, No, Remi (sometimes these last two are said together), Daddy, Momma, Cracker, Up, Eat, Baby, Down, Poo-poo, Sit, Peek-a-boo, Go Potty, Dog, Ball, Tea, Out, Woo-hoo, Yes, Hat, Pretty, Yea, Nice."

She has a soft, sweet little voice that is kind of husky. Unless she is mad, but that is a whole other post. We love hearing her talk!!!

Fresh out of the tub. Lois, I bet you recognize this shirt!

She loves to wear Jake's juggling rings on her head!

The snow in her hair was making her head sparkle!

Green is her best color.

Sharing custody...

2009-01-25T12:21:00.005-07:00

...of a dog is a wild ride.

We pet-share with my parents. For a myriad of reasons, that I won't bore you with, Remi lives with our family part-time and my parents part-time. Remi is a Labradoodle who was supposed to be small. He is only 9-months-old and going on 70-plus pounds. He is not a small dog.

Not only is he large, he lives life large. He wags large (watch your head if you are 1.5 yrs old). He eats large (several bowls a day). He drinks large (gallons and gallons). He sleeps large (snoring, licking himself loudly, running in his sleep). He plays large (knocking chairs over on a daily basis). And he has large accidents (I will not traumatize you with details on this one).

Yesterday was a large day, even by Remi's standards. I knew by the tone in Clark's voice that something was wrong when he shouted, "Crystal, I need you to come look at Remi, quick." Remi had been outside for just a few minutes when he frantically needed back in. He was pawing at his face and hitting his head into the floor. He was breathing, but foaming at the mouth. I thought he'd cut his mouth or had something stuck in-between his teeth. I took a warm washcloth to his snout and tried to look inside of his mouth. He refused entry and I noticed every time he tried to close his mouth, his teeth gnashed together.

To the animal emergency room, pronto.

They take a quick look at him, sedate him and say they fear a dislocated jaw or fracture. We sit, stunned, as they usher him away. We imagine feeding this bounding, bundle of dog through a tube with his jaw wired shut.We imagine the phone call to my parents to tell them this horrible news. We imagine what it will feel like if we end up going home without Remi.

The ER veterinarian emerges less than 15-minutes later with the remainder of a branch held in her fingers. With relief, she informs us, "Remi wedged this nub up into his soft-palate. No stitches were necessary. Watch him closely for infection and do not leave him unattended for the next 24-hours. He is on narcotics and may not be himself for awhile."

While we decide that while we like the "Remi-on-narcotics" version of our dog, we appreciate his reckless-abandon toward life with new perspective. Remi is an adventure.

Why was I cleaning the floor at the mall today?

2009-01-23T14:30:00.004-07:00

Miss Sylvie-Aganoti enjoyed her very first Dairy Queen ice cream baby-cone today. The employees at DQ ooh-ed and ahh-ed while she reveled in her first six bites. Ice cream running down her chin. Huge smiles. A few giggles. Such a sweet, sweet baby.

Then she makes a nasty face, tosses the whole cone over her shoulder and yells, "ALL DONE!"

That is why I was cleaning the floor at the mall today...

The Princess and the...

2009-01-21T13:36:00.003-07:00

Sleeping has been a challenge lately. In our room we have two adults (who are prone to snoring), two dogs (one of whom bites her nails. really!) (the other sticks his head under our covers at night, presumably to make sure we are still there. cold nose in our privates!!), and one baby (who has messy pants throughout the night and makes scritchy-scratch sounds with her fingers on the side of the crib). Lest I forget the nocturnal visits we still receive from two of the three boys sleeping upstairs.

Would you want to sleep in this room? I didn't think so...

Falling asleep and staying asleep has always been a difficulty for me. As my sleeping hours are more of a scarcity, I've become fiercely protective of them. Weekends are supposed to be about catching up. Right?!? Wrong...

There is a point to all of this background information:

This weekend we decide to take the kids to the bookstore and dinner out as a treat. At the bookstore "one of our younger boys" wants an adult-fiction book on war and terrorism. No way. I offer three compromises. #1. We buy the book and I pre-read it. If the book is appropriate, you can read it too. #2. We look for a book in the young reader's section about war. #3. I help you find an alternative topic that's appropriate to your level. Is he happy with any of these options? Not in the least. We spend FOREVER looking, he and I. He dislikes all of my ideas. We enlist the help of the very nice bookstore employee. She actually finds three books on war. Is he appreciative? Nope. He dislikes all of her ideas. It is time to leave. Angry boy. Huge fit. Rude words said by him in the bookstore. This is not turning out to be a treat for any of us. On the way to the car this child turns to Clark (who was not involved in the bookstore experience whatsoever) and says, "I hate you!!!".

At this point, plans change. This child will not be going out to dinner. We drive him home and tell him to sit tight for two hours. We will be home after dinner. With amazing foresight, Clark places his PSP out of sight. No video-game enjoyment for this kid. He is supposed to sit at home with a ham sandwich regretting his stinky behavior and rude words. I know this part is a mother's fantasy, but still, I indulge.

That night as I toss and turn and can not get comfortable, I return to the situation. With this child in particular, a treat can go oh-so-wrong sometimes. Why does he sabotage the fun? Is there something we can do to premeditate his meltdown? Why do the natural consequences not seem to make an impact? Why am I so darn uncomfortable? Toss, toss, turn, turn. Worry, worry. Baby up and poopy. Dog biting her nails. Snoring husband. Scritchy-scratch, scritchy-scratch on the side of the crib. Cold dog nose in the privates. Toss, toss, turn, turn. Something about this bed is not working tonight. Reaching up to rearrange my pillows for the umpteenth time, my hand grasps something cold, slim, and covered in buttons. You've got it, the PSP!!! In my sleep-deprived state, I wake Clark to remind him where he hid the PSP. He's not surprised, as he put it there. If he put it there, why didn't he take it out? You know how those conversations go at 4:50 a.m....

The next morning, Clark and I reflect on the night's happenings, deciding I must be the modern day Princess and the PSP. Though, we remember the Princess as beautiful and unruffled. And she definately was not changing poopy diapers!!!

p.s. After time passed, the above-mentioned child apologized all on his own. That my friends, is the fairy-tale ending you were looking for...

Inaugural Moments

2009-01-20T15:00:00.002-07:00

Beautiful, monumental, inspiring...

THE LAUGH

2009-01-16T14:59:00.005-07:00

So, Sylvie-Aganoti sports this laugh from time-to-time that sounds like "The Bad Guy" on cartoons. I have tried to catch it on video but have proven unsuccessful.

Here is a clip of her playing Jake's guitar, which she loves. A small giggle at the end but not... THE LAUGH. I'll keep trying!

Basketball-Baby

2009-01-16T14:53:00.005-07:00

Do I carry them, bounce them or just lay on them???

Tomorrow...

2009-01-13T13:03:00.010-07:00

...somehow turned into a week. We have had company and a new puppy. More on that later. For now, pictures of our sweetie:

Huge fit if we take her food away before she is done + she asked to go potty= eating eggs while going potty. Don't tell me you've never done that!?!

Please put that camera away and take us for a ride in the car!

Don't look at me, I didn't eat that cookie on the counter...

Sylvie-Aganoti and cousin-Olivia!

Things are good...

2009-01-07T23:25:00.001-07:00

Sylvie seems to be feeling much better. We are all well.

I am going to bed, but promise to post some cute pictures tomorrow. And, I'll tell you a little bit about S.A.'s new laugh. WOW, it's a doozie!

C.

!!!Bio-Hazard!!!

2009-01-05T21:37:00.006-07:00

The last time we took Sylvie-Aganoti's poo in for a test we warned the nurse about it's odorific-ness (that will be on this week's vocab. test). Her words, "We've seen a diaper or two before," sniff, sniff, gag, gag. She proceeds to leave the room, returning with this:

Sad thing is, we'd already wrapped it up in an airtight Ziplock. She was smelling the thing through plastic. It was bad, bad, bad. For the postitive piece of this disgusting story....

We have an answer to S.A.'s diapers! Her second test showed Giardia. What a relief to treat it and know her little tummy will feel better. Her pediatrician was pleased she has gained 2 pounds, 6 ounces and grown 1/2 inch (in three weeks!). He said her gains surpass what he hopes for newborns. Since the orphanage, our girl has gained 6.6 pounds! Wow...

Today was awesome. I think she is a two-nap-a-day kind of kid. That is what we did today and it was marvelous!

Tomorrow we might visit her child-care provider for the first time. Stay tuned....

Hmmm...

2009-01-03T17:02:00.002-07:00

Sylvie-Aganoti woke up with a cold today. This helps to explain yesterday, which has been our very hardest day so far. She was so unhappy. Tylenol might have helped. It is helping today.

Have I mentioned that she is getting four teeth at once? Yikes, definitely part of the picture.

We are now feeding her soy milk. We'll see if that does something with the diaper dilemma.

I went to the international adoptive parents meeting. No parents were meeting. I don't know if it was cancelled due to the holidays or if I confused the information. It was kind of silly, as I'd invited Linsey to go and it was just the two of us. We got a chance to visit though and it was so good to brainstorm with another adoptive mom. I need to read more about toddler adoption and attachment. If anyone has suggestions let me know!!!

Just a dream

2009-01-02T10:27:00.013-07:00

Last night I had the strangest dream and my wheels have been turning.

Tomorrow morning a meeting in Missoula for international adoptive parents takes place. I am thinking about going. In the words of the mom who invited me, "It is a chance for us all to sit around with a cup of coffee, cry about how hard things can be sometimes and lend each other support." I am excited to go. I am nervous to go.

Back to the dream.

Clark and I are at dinner with friends and they kindly bring us a bottle of wine. Not having enough arms to carry that plus the paraphernalia S.A. requires, we put the wine in her diaper bag. We forget the diaper bag in the car overnight and temperatures dip way below freezing. The next morning I am running late for the adoptive parents meeting and feeling hectic. On our way to the meeting S.A. poops, blowing out her outfit. We get to the coffee-shop and, hoisting S.A. out of the car, I whack the diaper bag on the car door quite hard. I enter the meeting to find a large group of composed, well-dressed moms who did not bring their children with them, sipping lattes. I am standing with a poop-saturated kiddo, holding a diaper bag that is slowly leaking wine out the side. I look down and see the lace of my boot trailing behind me on the floor and I think, "I can't believe my boots are untied."

Dream over.

I can't believe my boots are untied...

Waking up, I realize this dream is about my feelings of incompetence as Sylvie's mom. Her pooping is out of control; I've never seen anything like it. She burns through outfit after outfit all day long. We have changed diaper sizes and brands. We changed from cow's milk to goat's milk, which seems to have made it worse. Today we are trying soy milk and are re-testing for Salmonella and Giardia. It seems I've forgotten how to baby-proof. I've had three kids but somehow feel like this is my first time. Sometimes Sylvie cries and I can't help. She's outraged if I hold her, outraged if I put her down. The look on her face says, "You are doing this the wrong way!" Getting her to eat is a Herculean effort.

About these certain things I feel incompetent. I know coming into her life after she's had 18-months of we-don't-know-what is difficult. She has history. She has ways of being soothed that we are in the process of learning. Foods she's used to we can't offer. Everything here is different than in Ethiopia. Parenting a child from birth can be a shot in the dark. Parenting a child who has a year-and-a-half under her belt is much more complicated.

I am trying to cut myself slack.

I love this baby. I do not want anything about her to be different. That does not change how hard some days are.

It was just a dream. However, sometimes my boots are untied.

Take a deep breath, lace them back up, things are ok.

Goodbye 2008

2009-01-01T15:14:00.003-07:00

2008 was a huge year for our family; nostalgically we say goodbye.

In 2008 Jacob entered high school, thus beginning a new phase of his life. He is evolving into a remarkable young man with interests in music, the arts, animals and medicine. We are very proud of him. Liam became a middle school student, got braces off and glasses on. He earned a position in competitive club soccer; he will love the challenges and experiences it brings. It is thrilling to be a part of this enthusiastic, dynamic kiddo's life. Simon grew physically and spiritually over the past year. He is such a serious, determined child. We often wish we could have a peek into his future, as we know he will find an interesting niche in life.

Clark wrapped up the tail-end of his accounting degree and, though we had decided to wait until our adoption finalized to actively job hunt, an accounting opportunity arose that Clark gladly accepted. His new employer, willing to hold his position until our return from Ethiopia, is a family-friendly, community-oriented organization that Clark is thrilled to work for.

Our biggest feat of the year was bringing Sylvie-Aganoti Teresa Tower home. Words can not describe the importance of her joining our family. We waited for so long. Bringing her home feels like a happy ending.

Looking back to this time last year, we were wrapping up our home-study for Vietnam. We spent much time reading books on the country, immersing ourselves in culture, history and food. How interesting the turns we take in life, as several months later we were adopting from Ethiopia. Our path in adoption is a bit frightening, as had we not been on the exact time-line we were, we would not know our daughter. We can not imagine our lives without her.

In summing up this past year, we are so grateful for our health, the glue that holds this family together, our jobs and home, the supportive people we have in our lives, and the beauty and possibility surrounding us. We feel very fortunate. Goodbye 2008 and thank you.

Picky eater?

2008-12-30T14:30:00.010-07:00

Sylvie has an extremely finicky palate. It is easiest to list the things she will eat: oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, bread with peanut butter, sometimes rice, scrambled eggs, select crackers, & sometimes potatoes. That's it.

Until.....

Today we went to Linsey's to play and then the boys had an ice-skating party to attend. After all of that I realized we were over-due for lunch (and cranky!). We swung through McDonalds (I know--gross and unhealthy--but fast). Guess who ate a cheeseburger? Miss Picky-Eater likes McDonalds cheeseburgers. Never would have thought to try that. She will be disappointed to find cheeseburgers are not a staple food at this house!

Some eating pictures...

Are you kidding? I ate these crackers yesterday!

Mmmmm, peanut butter toast!

Clark makes this face every time he gives her a bite. Think that's why she's not eating? Mean, that was mean (and a little funny)....

All done! This high chair was my grandmother's. It fed my mom and her siblings, as well as a cousin and all of our boys. I love that Sylvie-Aganoti uses it!

Things are coming together!

2008-12-29T15:09:00.003-07:00

Childcare has been an unanswered problem for us. My parents offered to watch Sylvie, but will be in Texas until March'ish. I go back to work the first week of February. The original plan was for Clark to take five weeks of paternity leave and patch together the rest of March. Then he got a new job (which we love) and lost his paternity leave (which we do not love). We ABSOLUTELY DO NOT want to have S.A. in a daycare-setting. Too soon and too much like an orphanage. Have I mentioned that Sylvie has been in 6 different living environments in her little life (more than one orphanage)?

We have spend a lot of time brainstorming what to do... a nanny (so expensive), patch something together with friends until the end of March (too inconsistent), a small-scale private learning center (no openings), Montessori (she is four months too young), quit my job (out of the question financially). I lose sleep about our childcare problem.

A co-worker put a bug in my ear a couple of weeks ago about a woman across the street from our school who does after-school care for older kiddos. I had no idea if she would be interested in a little one. We visited right before leaving for Ethiopia and she said she would have to check into licensure. This woman is so nice. She is someone that I know Sylvie would be comfortable with. My fingers have been crossed...

Well, I called her back today and she will take S.A.!!!! We go next week to talk nuts-&-bolts and for Sylvie to meet her. This is the IDEAL situation. I can bring her there right before 8:00 am and come back for my lunch-break to feed her lunch and put her down for a nap. I am off by 4:00 and S.A. will be in my arms within minutes of walking out the front door of school. Attachment should be less of a worry with this schedule, as I am still there during the day. And, we will not have to pay for summer-care to hold our spot.

Thank you, thank you, thank you--it could not be a better arrangement than this!

Da-deeee and who?!?

2008-12-27T10:40:00.003-07:00

We have some new words floating around at this house. Miss Sylvie-Aganoti knows who her daddy is and shouts it out full-volume, "Da-deeeeee!". We LOVE it!!!

It seems there is another name she is using. It is for me. Are you ready for this? It's not Mama. Prepare yourself. It's "Poo-Poo". Yes, sadly, that is what she seems to be calling me. "Poo-Poo". Is it because I can handle her nasty diapers with a stomach of steel? Is it because I set her on the potty and cheer for poo? Or, is because it makes us all giggle?

Dear friends, never would I have thought I would be so proud to be lovingly called "Poo-Poo".

With that said, it is ONLY for S.A.'s use. Do you hear that? No phone calls asking for "Poo-Poo". No emails or letters addressed to "Poo-Poo". No gift-tags, no jokes directed at, no conversations started with "Poo-Poo".

All my love,
Poo-Poo

Favorites from Ethiopia

2008-12-23T12:25:00.015-07:00

Rub-a-dub-dub, one Aganoti in the tub!

Daddy's girl.

We held this position for most of our week during the day, during the night, awake, asleep, happy, cranky. You get the picture. She is so, so nice to snuggle with...

Again, snuggle time.

Daddy wants this girl to be a golfer. She loved this golf ball and played with it the whole time we were there. Sometimes she would start her nap holding it and would still be hanging on tight when she woke up.

This is her Embassy outfit. She looked so pretty. Yes, the golf ball went to the embassy.

Is this getting redundant? Really, we did this all week long. She is such a snuggler!

We tried to go swimming but were told it was not "International Hour". I am not sure what that meant. They said it was not time for children the next time we went. We never did swim, but doesn't she look great in her little suit?

This is one of the beautiful Ethiopian scarves Clark bought while we were there. Clark got something for Aganoti's half-birthday (also our Embassy date) for the next 20 years! We will celebrate half-birthdays with traditional ET food and an Ethiopian gift.

This is the kind of meal we ate every night. The food at Bole Rock was wonderful. I have been craving the spaghetti ever since we've been home! Aganoti is eating rice with roasted chicken and diced tomatoes--she loved it.

Lastly, this blankie was her favorite. Thanks Grandma Jeanne. She feels the soft fleece with her hand and runs her fingers down the satin binding. It is her bedtime blankie. In this picture we are trying a hat on her, as it was -40 in Missoula with windchill when we got home. Yikes!!!

"Up-a"

2008-12-22T21:32:00.003-07:00

Her new word!!! "Up-a" with arms thrust upward. That one word has so much power. The five important people in her world jump into action when it is uttered. And it is uttered no less than 300 times per day. Our biceps are getting a great workout. Tomorrow we will work on "more". Will her first sentence be "More up-a"?!?

Tomorrow, pictures. I promise. I am sooo tired tonight. Crawling into bed immediately......

Dog Days

2008-12-20T05:51:00.009-07:00

Sylvie and Margaux (our dog) have a rocky relationship, exclusively on S.'s terms.

Monday: M. enters room, S. screams, shakes, sweats. M. is quickly escorted out of eyesight.

Tuesday: M. can be in room, only if laying on dog bed. If M. yawns, wow (see Monday's reaction).

Wednesday: S. pushes toast on the floor and is ok if M. belly-crawls to retrieve. If M. looks at her with appreciation, yikes (see Monday's reaction).

Thursday: M. can roam about the house, only if her tail is between her legs and she looks appropriately brow-beaten. S. whacks her on the nose with a toy and snickers.

Friday: I take a shower and have S. playing in the hall with blocks (bathroom door open). I open the shower curtain to find M. and S. sitting side-by-side waiting for me. No screaming, no shaking, no sweating. Only lip pulling.

This picture is from later in the day. I predict best friends by January...

First Playdate

2008-12-19T13:15:00.005-07:00

Sweet Sylvie's orphanage survival skills made a raging appearance today. Little Brooklyn Hayes came over for a visit this morning. Apparently it is extremely offensive for one's new friend to show ANY interest in playthings. Sylvie was vocal, physical and territorial. Brooklyn was stunned. Moms were not sure what to do.

So, anyone with experience in this type of playdate, please feel free to pass along some advice...

Meeting Sylvie-Aganoti

2008-12-18T11:46:00.004-07:00

The first picture is of me meeting Sylvie the first time. She was so shy and quiet. She pulls her lip when she is nervous, which is what she is doing in this picture...

This picture is of the second day when we went back to the orphanage. I did take a picture of Clark with her on the first day, but I had not turned on the flash. Once I figure out how to edit it, we'll post that. This is Sylvie and her Daddy, day two!

We love this baby!!!

Home

2008-12-16T12:56:00.002-07:00

It feels so good to be home. I have so much to write about but am feeling overwhelmed and tired. This is such an emotional experience...

Aganoti is doing well. She was amazing on the 40-hour trek home. She sat, she snuggled, she slept, she ate. She was the baby that people kept coming up to at the end of each flight to say they'd never seen a baby travel so well. It was unbelievable.

Yesterday we took her to see our pediatrician. If you can believe it, she has already progressed to a size 12-month in clothes and is wearing a size 3 diaper instead of size 2. It has only been 8 days! She weighs 17 pounds and our Dr. feels really good about her health overall. He did refer her to a pediatric opthalmologist, as her eyes have some dark spots in them and do not react to light like typical. Though she appears to see well. I am making that appointment today.

My sweetie-pie is awake and calling my name. :) More later....

Coming Home!

2008-12-14T11:29:00.002-07:00

My mom and Clark are in Washington D.C.; they are flying to Denver Colorado where they will have a seven hour wait. They both tried to get a different flight plan so that they wouldn't have to wait. Mom called this morning well I was asleep; She said Agnoti traveled very well, she also let my grandma try to talk to Agnoti on the phone. Agnoti likes to crawl on the floor and on mom and Clark's legs; she likes to laugh, play and eat. She also takes huge naps, she is a very easy-going baby and she is very smart. She will call again in Denver we're counting the hours.

Jacob

Almost Coming Home!

2008-12-13T10:33:00.004-07:00

Hello. Sorry I have not written in a few days. Power has been unreliable and I was very sick. Thank goodness for Cipro!

Aganoti is doing so well. Crawling a bit, walked a couple of steps to us, eats like a champ, sleeps like a narcoleptic... You are going to love her! She babbles a bit and is very, very shy. She becomes fearful and withdrawn when we leave our guest house room. I hope the airplane ride is ok for her. It is so much fun to give her new foods to try. I know she is just going to love the boys!!! Wait until you hear her giggle...

I can't wait to see you all and it won't be long. Our driver will be here to pick us up and take us to the airport in three-and-a-half hours. We were told to come four hours early to check our bags in. Isn't that crazy? We did find out on our last flight that if you get on the airplane first you get first dibs on the baggage bins. That is very important with all of the baby stuff we are hauling!

Well, that is all for now. We are going to eat an early dinner so that it can settle in our stomachs long before our flight. Our health has felt precarious and unpredictable between the extreme altitude (amazing what that does to your body!), our sleeping difficulties, and the introduction of a host of new germs and bacteria. For the most part it's been ok though...

One last thing, Clark and I were talking about when we all come back as a family. We were thinking about ten years from now so that Aganoti can remember Ethiopia. Jake and Liam, will be in college or beginning careers, but we want them to come with us. We feel like it is so important that they have this experience too. Jake, Liam & Simon, we are so proud to be their parents. They are amazing, wonderful boys who are going to go so far in life. We feel lucky that they are ours.

Feel my hug from Ethiopia and my hand on your heart... Lots of Love, Crystal!

Aganoti News!

2008-12-11T15:05:00.005-07:00

Aganoti is having a great day. She crawled! And she took a few steps to us!!! She is much more outgoing, smiling and laughing. And, yes, crying a little. All good signs that she is settling in with us. I can't wait for everyone to meet her!

We notice that when we leave our room, she gets nervous and quiet. She tucks her head into my chest and grabs onto my shirt tight. We are trying to stay in as much as possible.

Clark is out getting gifts and fun things from Ethiopia today with our driver, Ayalie. I wonder what surprises he will bring back?

Some fun things about Aganoti:
1. When she eats, she holds her hand up for a kiss between bites.
2. She loves eggs and does not like citrus.
3. We say "Ahhhh" and she opens her mouth to brush her teeth. She uses her tiger toothbrush.
4. Her diapers are horrible smelling--worse than the Zoology Museum (dead animals). Ok, that one isn't much fun.
5. When we say "up" she raises her arms to be picked up.
6. She is getting four teeth at the same time! The sharp, pointy ones, ouch!
7. She sleeps all night long. And takes two huge naps during the day.
8. She isn't very ticklish, but likes the game where my fingers crawl toward her like a spider.

I am looking forward to Sunday night at 11:41 when we fly in. Hugs and kisses, Crystal!

Update.

2008-12-09T16:06:00.004-07:00

Here are some news from my mom; she sent this to us.

Agnoti is very small. Did I tell you that yet? She is wearing some of the 3-6 month old clothes and 6-9 month clothes. She has very tiny hands with long fingers. She pulls at her bottom lip when she feels nervous. She does not make ANY noise. I've never met such a quiet baby. I am sure she still feels surprised and sad about leaving the orphanage. We did get her to smile today though. She likes it when we take her socks off and blow on her toes. You are going to love her soooo much!

It has been Muslim holiday for the last two days. I am not sure how long it lasts. There is singing over a loudspeaker that reaches the city of Addis. Our hotel is very close to the Orthodox Church (where the Muslims are gathering) and it is VERY loud. I am so glad that Terri (another mom from Hope) told us to bring ear plugs.

It is hard to get used to the time change. Last night was the first time we slept and I woke up feeling so much better. Between the high altitude (climbing stairs to our room is a killer) and the lack of sleep, last night I was feeling a little crazy. I felt homesick and had been struggling to eat. Sleep was what I needed! Today has been wonderful.The guesthouse is very nice. It has a pool, fully-staffed spa, restaurant, deli, laundry service, transportation, balconies off of the rooms, and on and on. We are very glad to be staying here.Our trip to the orphanage to get Agnoti was incredible and overwhelming! When we pulled up kids mobbed the car. They were shouting "Poppa, Poppa!" at Clark. As soon as we were out of the car, they were hugging us and climbing our legs. We crouched down and the children flocked to us taking turns for hugs. They were beautiful and so, so sweet.

A couple of kids stick out in my mind: A little boy about 4 years old wanted to play catch with me. He had a soft ball that was losing it's stuffing, which I think he would have thrown back and forth all day long. Another boy about 2 years old would run up to me and stick his tummy out. If I would touch his tummy, he would squeal and break into peals of laughter. He was so cute. Daniel was very quiet and serious. He came up for a hug and Clark took a couple of pictures. He was wearing a cap with Pooh Bear on it. The nannies sure love him; he was held and cuddled almost the whole time we were there.

Clark's camera stopped working, so we are going to go back to give kids packages from their parents and take pictures today. When we got our donation bags out, the kids all came inside to see what we had brought for them. We took out the Twizzlers and balloons. They all sat so still waiting for their turn for a treat. If we forgot someone, one of the little girls would tap my arm and point to the child that got skipped. In one of the donations bags were pairs of socks with cherries on them. A little girl, about 7 years old asked if she could have a pair. I gave her one and she asked for another and pointed at her sister. They took the socks and put them on their chairs and sat on them. We went upstairs to visit the toddler room that Aganoti has been staying in. It is very small and about 10 kiddos stay in there. It is amazing how quiet they all are. The nannies had given them big Lego's and they were playing with them on the floor in a big circle. I also visited the tiny baby room. So many babies and they are so little. The nannies do such a good job caring for all of the kids. It is a really nice environment. I have so much to say but I don't know how long my computer connection will last I will write as soon as possible.

Aganoti!

2008-12-08T16:06:00.003-07:00

We have had Aganoti with us for four hours. She has been completely silent. She does not want to make eye contact; though, she likes to be held. I can imagine the shock she feels with us coming to pick her up. Especially since yesterday they moved to a new orphanage. She must be reeling from change. She fell asleep earlier in the car ride to the guest house and snores in her sleep. Clark told our driver that she sounds like me. Thanks Clark... About a half and hour ago she was wet and poopy. I changed her (and her clothes). When I left the room to wash my hands, she cried. It was the first sound she had made. We both felt relieved. Clark picked her up, cuddled her close and she fell asleep.You would not believe how beautiful she is. The pictures we have seen of her do not do her justice. She is absolutely breath-taking. I could look and look at her.

We will not be able to get a cellphone. I am sorry boys, and I am disappointed. We will keep working on it, but we might just have to email back and forth.Jake, please make sure you read my emails to your brothers. We love you boys and miss you. I was glad that you did not have to ride the airplane with us, it was really difficult. Hot, smelly, lights on at night-time, and quite a bit of turbulence. It was not dangerous, but Clark and I felt really sick the entire time from Washington DC to Ethiopia. I can't wait for you boys to meet your sister. I think you will bring the smiles and giggles out in her.

Love you, Mom and Clark

Finally There!

2008-12-07T21:56:00.002-07:00

We got in last night (later than anticipated). The email connection was not working and we do not have phone access yet. All flights went well and our driver was waiting for us at the airport. When we arrived at the guest house, they had kept the restaurant open late for us. The food was fabulous, as well as everyone we've encountered. All is good, other than we have been too excited to sleep!

We are going to go have breakfast and then call Rahel, our lawyer, to set up a time for a driver to bring us to the orphanage. What an amazing day.

As I type, Muslim singing echos in the background. Today is an important Muslim holiday. The singing is beautiful.

We will call the boys the moment we have an opportunity! Our love, Crystal & Clark

Heading Out!

2008-12-07T16:11:00.002-07:00

This is the my last email before we leave to Ethiopia to meet our daughter. We leave tomorrow and work all day, and have a basketball game and birthday party to go to tonight. Yikes! I keep telling Clark that it will help time pass (like a lightning bolt!).

Jake, will be posting on our blogsite while we are gone. He feels like it is a big job and is very excited. His practice post was last night. http://familyofsixgoingtoethiopia.blogspot.com/

We hope to come back with lots of pictures. Clark's camera has memory space of 1200 pictures and he is determined to use a great deal of them.

We are so excited for this monumental event in our lives. Sylvie-Agnoti, here we come!!!! xoxo, Crystal and Clark

Go Jake!

2008-12-04T20:25:00.002-07:00

From here on out, Jacob will be posting on our blogsite. What a big job for our 15-year-old! I am confident he is up to the task, as he could teach me a thing or two about the computer.

My parents will be at our home with the boys while we are gone, which we soooo appreciate. It is so important that their day stays as much the same as possible. There has been quite a bit of worry going on about our big trip. Sylvie-Agnoti will have very excited boys waiting to meet her at the airport.

So, please stay tuned for updates from Ethiopia and a BIG THANKS to Jake for being a blogger extraordinaire! Crystal

Snacks

2008-12-02T19:29:00.007-07:00

Clark and I went to the Good Food Store to pick up snacks for Ethiopia. Snacks for us, snacks for Sylvie-Agnoti. This still does not seem real. Maybe it will by the time we board, by the time we land on African soil, by the time we curl up in our guesthouse bed, by the time we are hugging our sweet little girl...

Another picture of S.A. It looks like she likes snacks!

Five Days!!!!

2008-12-01T23:11:00.003-07:00

WE LEAVE IN JUST FIVE DAYS!!!!!!!!

Head-cold

2008-11-29T08:27:00.004-07:00

I've been battling a horrible head-cold for over a week. It has been affecting my ability to sleep, which in turn has been affecting my ability to parent (and Clark might say have a little something to say about the kind of spouse I've been lately!). Three days ago I lost my voice, those listed above might have done a little behind-my-back celebrating... Two days ago I became extremely emotional (I had myself a little cry at Thanksgiving dinner while everyone was sharing what they are thankful for). Yesterday I broke down and went to the doctor, as I was afraid to board an airplane with my new emotional, voiceless, uber-cranky personality. Diagnosis: double ear infection, strep throat, sinus infection. Yuck! I am now armed with HUMONGOUS antibiotics and, 24-hours later, a little bit better attitude. :)

I took the kids in to be swabbed and Simon has strep as well. I am so relieved that we both are back on the road to "better".

Clark, by the way, has been popping Vitamin C like a junkie. I hope he stays healthy for our trip.

Here is another favorite picture of S.A.; look at those eyelashes!