Happy Holidays!

A belated happy holidays to everyone! The kids have had a blast the past few days, especially with Da home all day!!
Mimi and George sat through the Christmas Eve service--George slept through most of it. The music was fabulous and there was lots of it!!
Our neighbors, the Hogans, along with Sally, came for Christmas dinner--we had 7 kids under the age of nine at the table. It was a wild evening but everyone had fun! Jason made a figgy pudding which was delish and very entertaining!
Boxing Day (or at least the 26th of December) was spent with our Sunday night group--lots of delicious leftovers...
So, we have spent the last two days vegging...which I guess we all needed!
Check out the Picasa album for Thanksgiving and December pictures which include a birthday party and Christmas (don't do a slideshow or you'll miss the video clips).
Hope everyone had a great holiday!

Dudley Rose rules!!

I just came home from a delicious luncheon for the staff at our church prepared, obviously with love, by our minister, Dudley (or "Dully" as he is called around here!). I didn't catch its official recipe title, but OMG--it was divine!!! I sat Natan a little behind me so I couldn't watch him stuffing mac and cheese into his face (which I bought from Publix so I wouldn't have to share my food!) and enjoyed my lunch with Mimi, George, Mary Clare, and our friend Stephen. Poor Jason misses every luncheon because he his at his first job--Big Jack made him a plate for tonight.
Thanks, Dully! And it didn't even give me gas! Amen!

Meet Vincent!

Yep--we're having ANOTHER boy! Mimi is very happy--George still insists that we should call him "Pincess..." Natan really could care less!

Today's ultrasound looked good--everything is where it should be and the right size...I go in one month to have a detailed look at his heart.

Boy oh boy!!!!!!

new name for the baby

George and Mimi have once again chosen names for baby girl/boy:
George: "Pincess" (if it's a boy)
Mimi: "Baby" (it WILL be a boy)
George is still going with "Fiona" if it's a girl.
Mimi refuses to even consider it being a girl, so it's "Baby" or nothing.
Natan just keeps yelling "Booby! Booby! Booby!"
sigh.

Oh, and...

I just read the little baby ticker--I can never tell if this baby is moving, because it always turns out be gas.
Just thought you all should know that!!!!!!

Random Ramblings

Mimi: "Is Santa going to eat my lights?" (referring to the lights on the tree) This whole Santa thing is not as easy as one would think!

George: (Standing in front of me with a large stick outside): "I look like Moses. I am Moses."

Natan is still just copying everything the other two say, but I know the time will come when I have three mouths running at the same time--gee! I wonder where they inherit that from??!!

For anyone who watches "Big Love" (HBO show about polygamy which we hate and love watching!), I have decided Jason should take a second wife--I could use the extra hands around the house!!!!! It has to cheaper than a maid--which we do not have!! (And for all you serious types, relax...it's a joke!!).

WHY?

Why?
Why would a small (almost 2) child-who-will-remain-nameless take off his diaper and smear the poo on a leather chair?
Why?
And then, why would he think it's funny?
Why?
It was not funny...and it was very stinky.
Not the high point of today...and it will likely stay with me through the night. It was gross...
Why?

Bedtime sweet nothings...

Natan: "I uv you..." (with that SWEET smile and big, brown eyes)

Mimi: "Mama...I your daughter."

George:"Woody!"
"To iffinty...be-ond!"

ALL (singing): "I've got the joy, joy, joy, in my heart...in my heart...to play!"
(Compliments, I believe, of Judy Alfele..."Miss Judy")

On our list of goodbyes tonight when we sang "Good night, babies"
--Sally
--duck
--house
--Duddy & Dorsey
--Julie (Julie S.--they apparently were thrilled that you visited with them tonight!)
--Nana

Most people relish the time when their kids are in bed so they can be without them...we can't stand leaving them--I have to pick a weeping Jason off the floor at bedtime because he's right...there is never enough time.

The season is upon us...

We are off and running with the holidays!
Yesterday, Jason and I had three choirs perform at "Christmas with the Arts" in Henry
County--they were amazing! Now, we are preparing for something each week until Christmas! The kids are over the top excited about the holidays and we have already had to put a barrier around the tree to keep Natan from pulling all the ornaments off! They saw Santa at the mall last week and no one screamed!!!! They all looked pretty stunned in the picture, but that is just what one would expect!
We have also been enjoying some rain here--never enough, but it is a start.
Here's to a chaotic Christmas season (we LOVE the chaos!!!).

Oh, and here is my "5 things I'm grateful for today" list:
1. Aunt Sally (just because she's awesome!)
2. Christmas lights (because they make our kids go crazy)
3. Cornbread dressing (duh)
4. The name "Shrek" for our new kid if it's a boy (chosen by Mimi!)
5. Holiday music (could listen all year long!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

We made it home! We left Cobourg Tuesday at 4:00 pm...made it to Bowling Green, OH by 10:30. VERY surprised to find a huge whirlpool in our room--big enough for all five of us! What a way to wind down! (Of course, there are pictures in Picasa!).
Had a nice long visit with Nana before we returned her to Canada--she is now recovering in peace at home!
We got to see all the Gaymans, the Everests, John Jewell, the Stinnys, and Dad, and had a whirlwind trip in Cobourg for only 4 days. Saw the Cobourg Santa Claus parade with Uncle Neb--it really was too much for him to handle...
Natan made our trip up and back interesting...diarrhea in Knoxville, KY--Jason did the honors while mum and I watched men wretch on their way out of the bathroom!
And then, in Dalton, GA, last night as we went through the drive thru at Chik-fil-et (late night chicken noodle soup!!), Jason was tickling Natan's leg and realized his hand was COVERED WITH POOP!!!!!! He literally exploded in his seat! I was very helpful-- I sat in the back with G and E gagging, laughing, and exclaiming that the car must be sold--we will never get the smell out!!!! So...Jason did the honors again (I offered but he said "it's a job for dad!"), so I didn't argue.
And to think...I had pointed out that the car smelled like stinky feet from all three kids' shoes for most of the trip--oh, how I missed that odor!!
So, we're back and in recovery...
Oh, and it's raining-finally!!!

Are you kidding?????

I was told today at my second appointment that I am having a "high-risk" pregnancy because of my "ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE!!!!!" In other words, I'm old! Nice...two days before my 35th birthday! Well, also because of our previous birth defect history, although there is a 1/1,000,000 chance of this baby having what George has.
They referred me for a fancy ultrasound and offered me amnio which I refused--hello...needle in my belly button!!!!!
So...the old mama is feeling great, considering her ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE--and I was down one pound. Very unlike the first time around!!!
Mimi and George were very excited to hear the baby's heartbeat, but were even more fascinated by mommy wee-weeing in a TINY plastic cup. Mimi wanted to know "do you drink it?" Umm...no. It's pee. I gave them their own cups with their names on them which they filled with water and tried to have labs done on. Man...what a morning!!! Nana survived...barely!

Quotes...

OK, here are some quotes from the kids:

#1
MIMI: These are M & M's? (eating some Halloween candy)
MAMA: Yep.
MIMI: They taste a lot like chocolate.

#2
GEORGE (at Mary Clare's birthday party after stripping): I just need to be naked!

#3
GEORGE (had control of my new camera and knows how to snap pictures): Mama...take a picture of my penis! (Umm...NO!!!!!!!!)

#4
MIMI: Mama...I can't wait to see Nana. I gonna scare Nana in bed. (She has a gross furry "animal" and she is waiting to use it on Nana--should be good!!!!)

Kids by the Dozen...

Had trouble sleeping last night, so I watched a TLC show called "Kids by the Dozen." It is one of those shows following the lives of large families. However, this one is pretty good--they are not some freaky religious family, but a normal, Massachusetts family who just happened to have a lot of children. The woman said, "Once you have three, you may as well have thirty." She is a stay at home mom, and he is a US Postmaster. They do not live extravagantly as you can imagine, and they have a super loving group of kids. So, I told Jason (who was asleep and not with it) that we can have 12 kids, and he mumbled, "OK."
Hee. Hee.
Oh yeah...check out our new photos in the Picasa gallery--major cuteness from Halloween, if I do say so myself!!!

Woo hoo!

Made it to the doctor today for the first official visit. They couldn't measure it the regular way (no details needed!!), so they did an ultrasound...I saw it AND heard the heartbeat!! Very cool...
I am due May 19th. Everything's fine and there's only one!!!!!

Grab a tissue...

The foundation we support on Mimi's behalf, "Love Without Boundaries" sent an update on a little girl we are sponsoring in China. She is getting ready to undergo her second heart surgery (her heart defect is the reason we elected to support her). They sent this YouTube video today. In light of what the Heart Walk does to raise money for the American Heart Association, and dealing with George who has heart disease, this got me (could also be those hormones!). I am not posting it as a plug to support it, just as a reminder that man, are we fortunate...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceAmyu1FpBc

Oh, Baby!

OK, the first one was NOT like this!
My stomach never bothered...my boobs did not hurt this much, and my joints did not feel like they were being ripped apart!
Not complaining, well, maybe a little, but man--I'm whooped!
One of the few foods I can tolerate are sub sandwiches...lovely. Coffee is off my list as of Sunday. Can still eat PBJ! Yea!!!!
Other than that, all is well!
My mum is finally home from Scotland so I can resume our daily phone conversations!
Mimi's favorite thing to say depending on her level of undress: "I naked." or, if she has pants on but no shirt: "I naked on top." Even better, if she is fully in the buff: "I naked as a jaybird!"
Silly, silly kids!

Prenatal Yoga Part One

Not successful...
I dusted off an old DVD from my first pregnancy: Prenatal Yoga. I think my first indication should have been that the woman hosting it spoke far too calmly. I know, Sara...that's Yoga!! My sister is a Yoga expert (seriously, I'm not being fecicious). I applaud her efforts now.
So...the kids are all three excited! "Yoga! Yoga! We going to do yoga!" We all sat on the floor in our sunroom, wonderfully bright on a gorgeous fall morning--67 degrees outside. Perfect yoga weather, right?
No sooner does it start, then George revs up his new garbage truck (loud).
Natan climbs into my lap where I am trying to do a "calming sitting thing" and focus on my breathing and pelvis (yes, I am aware of my pelvis because he is jumping on it!).
Mimi is doing all the moves, but is right in front of me, so I have to pretzel myself to get around her. Then, she runs to the bathroom in a rush to wee-wee, holding her own pelvis which she has now too become aware of.
Then, I hear, "Mama...I sorry..." from the bathroom. I pause the yoga DVD, disentangle myself from Natan, and step over the loud garbage truck.
I find Mimi standing IN FRONT of the potty, with a puddle of wee-wee under her. When I take off her BRAND NEW running shoes, another gallon of wee-wee spills out. She is sorry, and I am not feeling very zen, or namaste, or whatever you are supposed o feel.
Granted, I only made it through the first 2 minutes, and one downward dog.
Perhaps one should attempt any kind of calming, pelvis-y type event when the kids are in bed!
I went for a run on the treadmill while they napped instead!

what a week!

To recap: last Saturday morning, we went to see "Sesame Street Live, Elmo makes Music!" It was fabulous--I want that woman's job! I didn't realize when I bought the seats that we would be on the floor, so when the characters stepped out, they walked right past us! Our three just stared the whole time with looks of utter awe on their faces! Then, on the way home, all we heard from the back seat (Nati was sound asleep by now!), "I wanna see Big Bird! Where's Elmo?" etc. We had a BLAST!
Saturday night was spent at the annual "Meadows' Music Party" which is always tremendous fun!
On Sunday, we gathered together some folks (the usual suspects), for George's third birthday. The theme was "construction/building/tractor/gaggo." It was all pretty good!
Spent Sunday evening at the Knoll's for our weekly Sunday night dinner.
So, this week will be a quiet one--zoo with Aunt Sally and not much more!
Note: I would like to say that Dudley responded to the offensive email and I am more grateful than anyone could imagine. I do not know many ministers who would reach their necks out like that and ripple the waters by acknowledging stupidity head on. Thanks, Dudley...and thanks to those who felt the same anger I did.

Enkutatash!

Happy Ethiopian New Year! (on September 12). We are doing an assortment of things to celebrate Natan's first NY with us. We headed to the Atlanta millenium Festoval on the weekend and saw some traditional dancing and heard some fabulous music. The food, of course, was delish!!! Natan was practically drooling! We took Mary Liz, Mary K-K, and Sally along to help us celebrate!
This Friday, we'll head to our fave place, Queen of Sheba for some Ethiopian food and hang with the folks who work there.
Here is a blurb from the agency website about the Millenium:

This month, Ethiopia celebrates its Millennium. Ethiopia uses the Coptic, or Julian, calendar, which is seven years behind the Gregorian calendar used in the Western world. The new year begins on Meskerem 1 -- or September 11 on our calendar. This year Meskerem 1 will mark the start of the year 2000.

The Ethiopian Millennium

Enkutatash, as the new year holiday is called, is traditionally celebrated by giving bouquets of flowers, or more recently, greeting cards. This year, Ethiopians count down the days to the new year as they converge on Addis Ababa for massive celebrations. Ethiopians in the diaspora who can't make it to their homeland will celebrate in their new homes , in the United States and around the world.
The coming of the millennium is a time for Ethiopains to reflect on their nation's history, as well as its future. Because of the unusual timing of the millennium, shortly after the Gregorian millennium and on a date significant in recent history, the rest of the world is paying attention. Coverage in Time Magazine and England's Independant are highlighting this exciting event.

You must read this all the way through!!!!!

I got this from a fellow blogger on an Ethiopian adoption website. It is hilarious, especially to those of you with kids...and those of you who, like me, hear this question constantly: "Are they all yours? Don't you have your hand full!"
Click the link below and read. It's an expired Ebay sale item ad.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LOT-OF-POKEMON-CARDS-THAT-MY-KIDS-TRIED-TO-SNEAK-BY-ME_W0QQitemZ130144061675QQihZ003QQcategoryZ60238QQ

Nothing much else happening here. Just a lot of pooping and wee-weeing...life in the fast lane, baby!

Atlanta Heart Walk 2007

Yes, folks--it's that time of year again for The Atlanta Heart Walk which raises money for the American Heart Association. George is living proof that money = research = life!

So...mark your calendar for Saturday, November 3rd and join us for a fun-filled morning at Piedmont Park! This is our third year walking, and this will be the best year yet!

If you are unable to walk, you can still help us out by joining our team and raising at least $150.

There is no fee to join Team George, and you will receive a cool Heart Walk t shirt if you raise $150 (Imagine...if 20 people raise only $150 each, we would have $3000, almost half our goal!).

You will also receive an official "Team George 2007" t-shirt!

Don't miss out on a few hours of easy exercise, beautiful Atlanta weather, and a wonderful event celebrating lives like George's!
Click on the "Atlanta Heart Walk" above or to the right--both will take you to our Team George page!

JOIN TEAM GEORGE 2007!

Is stupidity contagious??

In my new but probably short-lived lengthened nap time (due to George, the Instigator having a double ear infection so he's zapped!), I can blog. I remembered something from our trip to Nova Scotia that I can't believe I let go unmentioned, although it was placed immediately upon arriving home in my "Stupid People" journal which now has 27 entries! It goes something like this:
"Umm..._____ (name of idiot husband/father) wanted me to ask you, umm, well, Natan and _______ (name of kid) accidentally shared a water bottle yesterday, and, umm, well, we were wondering, does Natan have just a regular cold, or is it...??" Followed by an awkward silence b/c she didn't quite know how to put the rest of her ignorant question!
At this point, I spoke up because a) I was tired of the Prozac-smiley face and soft voice b) the overuse of the word "Um" which should never be used anyway, and c) I knew that she was concerned that we had brought our African baby near hers and OMG--he might catch something African!! I said very curtly, "No. It's a common cold." My inner voice was saying evil words which I cannot print!
What I DIDN'T tell her was that at the time, we were still waiting for his Hepatitis C results to come back!!!! HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!! Hep C is transmitted through sharing of utensils, cups, water bottles, etc. HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!
Based on my knowledge of this person, she and her husband probably think being black is contagious. I wonder now if I should be concerned that in sharing the water bottle in question, Natan should be in jeopardy--are stupidity and blandness contagious??????!!!!!!
I wish now I had been creative and outlined to her all the things he was being medicated and had been tested for: HIV, HEP A, B, C, ringworm, intestinal worms, impetigo, giardia, TB, typhus...you get the picture.

Grateful Things...this week!

In keeping with those who think about what to be grateful for...here goes:

• Jason, Mimi, George, and Nati
• the Ingrams (future in-laws!)
• macaroni and cheese--what did people do before??
• air conditioning!
• generosity of others (I spent the morning sorting 6 large bins of donated clothes!)
• Dudley Rose's musings on missing the parenting side of things (in a random Sunday morning conversation). We so often hear parents of older children say they are so relieved that they're kids are grown and/or gone. It was nice to hear that he misses parenting.
• people who stay at our church in spite of the fact that they may not agree with everything that is said or done--I can't stand a quitter! How boring it must be to only hang out with those of like minds...yikes!
• NyQuil (oh yeah...)
• Ababa & Enat Alemu...

Olympic Gold???

We started gymnastics last Friday with the most awesome "Coach Dave." Man, is HE patient! He asked that parents be in for the first one or two times, so I got to enjoy watching Mimi and George try to be in a group atmosphere where they are not the center of attention--something they are definitely NOT used to! They did forward rolls, puddle jumps, walking on the black line...it was fantastic! We love Coach Dave! I managed to get a couple of pictures which are to the right!
Some nasty cold has attacked George and I and we are both feeling like CRAP! I have no voice and he is currently losing his. I took my first nap in forever this afternoon...it felt pretty good! Usually nap time is sacred "Let's-get-everything-done-in-two-hours-before-they-wake-up" time, but today was pure joy!
I have also posted a picture of Jason in his new classroom. We were at Woodward's new Primary School on Saturday for a BBQ and tour, and I have to say, best elementary school I have ever seen. I think Woodward's standard of excellence just shot from excellent to "WOW!"

I will survive!!!!

Like the song says...I WILL survive!
Two days without Jason and no one has been voted off the island yet! Although...(!), George pulled a fast but cute one yesterday at nap time. He kept opening his door, then, upon hearing me on the stairs, would slam the door, jump in bed and fake sleep. He blew it with the faking, though, because he was laughing and saying, "I not bad Mommy...hug??" I then tried my best mean mom and shook my finger and whispered angrily, "You get back in that bed this instant!" Greeted by more laughter and a Scary Monster from George (Scary Monster invloves hands up and a growling sound--Nana is often subjected to these on the phone!). I give up.
today was more successful. They are all asleep!

Mimi is changing like crazy each day--it's wild. Today's new comment was, "You look great, Mum" as I changed into a flashy t-shirt! Ok, I didn't say she has good taste, she just knows how to rip off a good compliment!

Natan is speaking more each day, just words right now, but it's getting easier to figure out what he wants:
"Juicy Ammo" (he wants juice in his Elmo sippy).
"Mimi" (referring to his sister--hard one!)
"Dorgie" (yes, referring to his brother!)
And he has two new loves: the dogs and the pool! Loves to be dunked and loves to jump in!!!

Jason is back at work for planning week in the new Primary School. he said it is great and he loves his new space! They're cracking down on cleavage (for teachers), though, so we'll be doing some shopping this weekend--no more deep V-necks for Jason!!!!!

Finally, we've changed the name of yet another children's song...it is now officially " Mr. Eldon Had a Farm," and there's no telling what kind of animals we sing about!! Sometimes Uncle Dane is on the farm and we say "vroom, vroom here..." to imitate the four-wheeler.

That's all, folks!

eh??

We made it to and from Nova Scotia with very little incident...except for an aborted take off in NY...and a 12-hour trip home due to delays!
The kids were in love instantly with their new "Uncle Dane" and they had a blast being in the country!
They finally got to meet Eldon and Janice and now include their names in our nightly "Good Night Babies" song...(tune: Good Night, Ladies, but replace ladies for whatever you want to sing.)
The wedding was very nice...as was the party the night before with some true down home music!
The best surprise was the arrival of Uncle Neb, Jeff, and Heather Gayman! Much merriment caused and I am very impressed with the cover up skills of Auntie Gail! Job well done!
We spent the week lazing around, riding ponies, hanging out at the "Back Shore," and riding four wheelers and tractors.
Natan had a little surgery on Friday and is recovering nicely--pretty loopy from the codeine! Mimi and George are very concerned and keep telling us that "Nati's penis is boken!" Yes, boken. George actually may be concerned that his might break too and is being extra careful!!
It's late...I wonder if I can go to jail for using the P-word??? I hope not.
(new pictures on picasa from the trip)

Mimi's is three!

It's hard to believe Mimi turns three this Monday...
We celebrated with a few friends on Friday since we will be en route to Nova Scotia on her actual birthday. Everything Thomas the Train--she woke up Friday morning and said, "Today's my Thomas cake?" Finally, after weeks of asking, the answer was YES!!!
There a couple of bday vidoes if you follow the YouTube link, and some more photos added to the Picasa gallery.
Three??? Where has the time gone...

no apologizing...

Jason showed me the news link below thinking it would outrage me. It didn't, mainly because I am becoming numb to stupid people (defense mechanism)!
My advice to those of you who are annoyed by babies/toddlers/children on planes: Stay home. Fly Business or First Class. Did I mention STAY HOME?! Granted, this story is about a flight attendant and not other passengers. In fact, the other passengers seemingly could not have cared less about the kid.
Pet Peeve: People who get on planes and then are annoyed because they cannot sleep or read or watch a movie in peace. A plane's purpose is to get you from Point A to Point B. That's it. If you want to enjoy a movie or sleep, STAY HOME!
Ok, so not outraged, but really p---ed off!
Here it is (turn your volume on):
http://www.breitbart.tv/html/2933.html

Life is good...

In preparing for Mimi's upcoming third birthday, I have been thinking a lot about my trip to Africa. I think on my next trip there, it will be much clearer tome how incredibly poor it is. Not just "I-want-those-shoes-but-have-to-wait-for-them-to-be-on-sale" poor, but the kind of poverty that makes you physically sick because you don't enough food, clean water, milk--it's not about material items when you're that poor, it's about not having medicine, clothing, soap. But...everyone we saw had a smile--a real smile. They were just happy to be there, no matter what the circumstance. Life is good if you choose for it to be, I guess. (Admittedly, we were not in the middle of a country at war).
Jason and I, each birthday and Christmas, make a point of not wanting to overdue the gift thing. Our goal is always to make the occasion memorable without the presence of tons of gifts. We are getting better each time at lessening the gifts and making the occasion exciting.
I have been thinking about how much we have, right here at our house compared to what so many throughout the rest of the world do not have. And we have less than some...! For a long time, we made joking comments like, "We're so poor..." or "Oh, to have more money!" As a family which subsists on a teacher's and church musician's income, we thought we would never have enough.
Now I know we'll never know the meaning of poor, or never be without. In this country, even a stay-at-home mom with a teacher for a husband can dream about her many kids going to decent colleges without having to sell any vital organs!
The average yearly income for a basic working person in ET is $120. Some of our weekly grocery bills are larger than that...
We are fortunate to be here. As we swim in the pool, or watch the kids play with one of their many toys, I can't hep but feel like I'll never be able to do enough for all those other children. People criticize those in Hollywood for doing what some rich folks around us do not have the heart to do--adopt.
So, as we slather on the $350 medicated cream that insurance covered most of, and give Natan four other medicines that will clear up what ails him, and as we give George his blood pressure meds three times a day which is literally his lifesaver, and as we spend as much on Mimi's birthday as some folks make in a year, I am grateful for all that we have--health, medicine, food, shelter, clean water, a safe street, family, good friends--that's all we really need. All the other crap is just extra. Nice, but not necessary.
Life is good...

Seriously cute...

Go to the youtube.com (top link over on the right) and see the latest clip of the kiddos...exercising with Elmo!

Riding the potty train!

Yesterday was a big day! Mimi made it through the night without wee-weeing...and had her fourth poopie on the potty! This entails Mimi sitting in the bathroom alone, "reading" her Archie Digest (remember those?), and waiting about 30 minutes. Then, we hear, "I POOPED!!!" and there it is! After we all look (as instructed by the pooper), she can flush and wash her hands (a must in any bathroom situation!). You gotta' love the toilet ring evident on the back of her legs after this!
So, both older kids are almost fully potty-trained (yes, they're almost 3...it happens naturally...Yes, I know YOUR kids were trained at 18 months...blah blah blah!)!

Settled in...

Happy 4th of July! Belated Happy Canada Day!
Everything is going well around here...all three are settling in, no more diarrhea, no more skin stuff...cross your fingers!
After two very busy weeks, we are taking a breather and laying low this week!
Natan is imitating everything we all say (scary!).
Mimi made it through a nap and last night sleeping WITHOUT wee-weeing! That earned her a chocolate cookie for breakfast!
George is attached to an orange toddler golf ball, much like other kids attach to blankies...sleeps with it, eats with it, you name it!
All is well...

Official Campers!

Whew! We made it through a grueling (!) week at Camp Calvin. Jason, Mary Liz (Ingram) and I led the "Music/Art/Drama/Dance" camp and had a blast! All 4 kids (all under three!) played and played and then played some more! Major Mary-K-K time for M, G, and N!
George is upstairs now crying, "I wanna see camp...I wanna see Steben (referrring to ML's Stephen!)..." Hard work getting their brand new camp shirts off--a very nice gift from Paul and Robin Humphreys!
Tomorrow we start on VBS, so our Ingram withdrawl will be delayed!
Today is Mum's birthday...she said she actually enjoyed an elegant meal at a fancy restaurant for the first time in a LONG time.
One month to go until we head to Nova Scotia for SaSa's wedding...and seafood for Jason, Swiss Chalet for Minna!
I'm tired...the pool is calling me...hope I can stay awake long enough to dive in!

We belong in the zoo!

Today was Natan's first trip to the zoo and he had a blast! We saw all the usual suspects, and of course, rode the carousel and train. He was a little scared and sat with George (great picture in the photo album!). All three kids snored for most of the trip home! They would go every day if we could!
Also figured out that Natan really prefers his food with hot pepper flakes...takes after Jason!
Things are fairly calm around here...I think Mimi and George have realized that "Nafinnatan" as they call him, is not just a guest, but a permanent fixture! A few little meltdowns but it's all good!
What a lame post...! Pictures from the zoo are in the picasa album.

Holy poop, Batman!

Wow--all three kids have diarrhea! Not just "soft runny poop" but full-out, run-down-your-leg, leave-a-trail-in-the-house, STINKY diarrhea!!!!! T.M.I.? I don't care--I think everyone should feel our pain!!!!!
On a brighter ( and cleaner) note, we had some folks over last evening to celebrate our tenth anniversary. They were instructed to create something out of aluminum/tin (it being our aluminum ann.) that represents what marriage means. Here's what we got: a beautiful heart-shaped peace creation...Chinese lanterns...a ball and chain...hands wrapped around a heart...a bed with an antique doll laying spread eagle on it(!), and a thong! I think everyone did a splendid job!!!!!! (Pictures are in the gallery).
Even sitting here, away from the kids in my studio, I can still smell the diarrhea--I think it's embedded in my nostrils!

NY Times, Baby!

The article is out! We are mentioned in it near the end, but I encourage you to read the entire article--it's quite good! Also, if you click on the photo under "Multimedia, Audio & Photos" there's a shot of Natan & I in Addis.
Happy reading...
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/04/us/04adopt.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp

Pancakes!!!!

Yea!! Natan ate three small pancakes this morning for breakfast! Add this to the list of other breads he'll eat--nice diet! Bananas are still good, and tonight I'll cook Injera and Lentil Stew...may not be as good as the original, but I'll do my best in my first attempt to to cook ET.
I'm really pleasantly surprised with how all three are adjusting. Amazing!
I'm just now going through my suitcase...It's fun to go through and find the stuff that I collected on the trip. I hung an African mask on the wall in the kitchen, and to my surprise, both Mimi and George noticed. And, this morning, I used one of my new ET mugs, and Mimi said, "that's from E-Opia." Man, I'm impressed!

Ahhh...time to breathe!

We are finally sitting back and (almost) relaxing a little. My youth choir presented its program on Wednesday evening and I have to say, they were fantastic! I am glad it's over though, so I can focus on planning music for the fall, and keeping three kids semi under control!
George's MRI went fine--his left artery is still small, but they will discuss this further at his next appt. in three months. He and Natan are up to no good instead of napping...we need to get a sister for Mimi to balance out the testosterone upstairs!
Someone asked me the other day, "Be honest--at any time during the trip, did you think you were making a mistake?" (in reference to Natan's adoption). Ummm...no. It's amazing how adoption is perceived by some...like it's a "satisfaction guaranteed or you can return it" process. Natan has been ours since the day we sent our application in. No mistake. No regrets. No wishing for someone else. We only specified "boy" and left everything else up to the choices made by the agency. And what more could we want...

One week...

Today marks the first full week being with Natan!
He seems to be adjusting well, although his eating is hindered by bland Western food choices which will be remedied asap by some Ethiopian recipes. Someone said we should immerse him in "American" food--why! Why, when we can all make the switch to excellent ET food??
He is slowly attaching to Jason and me--this will take time, and we knew that beforehand. Most people do not understand adoption & attachment, especially when the child is older. You have to offer opportunities to bond, and not assume it will happen. It can take months, no matter how loving you are. Natan has been very loved by many people, so we need to move him from viewing us as "nanny" figures, to being mom and dad. Just because we already love him, doens't mean he feels the same...
He is asleep now with George in their room. I left them with Natan groggy and George rubbing his back (I think mainly to keep him from crying again because Mommy really had to pee!).
George goes for an MRI tomorrow...just another day in the life!

Here is an article written by Will Connors, the writer from the NY Times who spent time with us in Ethiopia. He moved there because he was feeling reseltess, and has been living in ET for two years. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/20/world/africa/20lights.html?ex=1337313600&en=0b2a1e60dd40d357&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
The article on ET adoption has not run yet--I'll post it when it does.

I haven't written much about the trip, mainly because it is still an overwhelming jumble of thoughts/experiences that I am having trouble putting into words!
Most people, when they think of Ethiopia, think POVERTY. I certainly do not want to downplay that side of it, however, there is the promise of something better there, seen in the faces of the people. Yes, there are beggars--children and elderly beggars--lining the streets for food and birr. But if you can look beyond that, you can see a whole other side of ET. It is beautiful. The culture is rich and old--Lucy--they didn't find her in Georgia!!

Home Sweet Home!!!!

We made it safely home--Natan was fantastic on both plane trips. Mimi and George are very good with him and do not seem bothered by the extra attention he is getting right now. I think George REALLY likes having a roomate, and Mimi loves having another baby budder!
Natan is a very happy boy now, although I am sure he is still very disoriented and sad--he has only been away from his family for four months...has to be some strangeness there for him.
Selena...got your email and we would love to see you!! (Mimi calls you "eena!")
And, Deforia, of course you're an auntie!
Thanks everyone for all the great messages...the trip was more than I dreamed, from meeting his parents to the very last day. Can't wait to go back!!!!
Click on the Picasa album (right hand side) for pictures of the trip.

Second message from Ethiopia

Hi all,
Well, Natan's adoption is official--we made it through the embassy yesterday and it was easy! Two hours of waiting...three minutes in front of an official! While we waited at the embassy, I gave Natan the two pictures of G and E and he kept pointing at them and looking--like he knew they belong to him!
We are getting ready to have the Farewell Ceremony in about a half an hour--it's the party that is thrown for the kids in our group as they leave this wonderful place. I cannot say enough about this care center and its staff. They truly love what they do, and they love the children beyond measure. Natan held his arms out to the nannies yesterday when we returned from the embassy, clearly glad to be rid of the strange woman who had been holding him all day (me!). He is so sad and so fearful...
We had a wonderful evening last night at a traditional ET restaurant complete with fantastic music and dancing--I kept Sally fairly under control!
This group of people we are with is great, and we are grateful to be going through this together. Actually, we had our lunch today with a writer for the NY Times who is writing an article on ET adoption...very cool!
Jason has missed out on some fabulous food--every meal has been delicious--I am really going to miss that part of the trip! ET is a beautiful country, and the people are warm and welcoming. I hate to leave...
Direct quote from a couple who is standing here with us: "Sally is a blast--what a riot!" Need I say more...she has taken a fancy to one of the young men on the trip...there's no stopping her!!!! We are now just calling her my mom, since that is what everyone assumes!!! Not sure she likes that!!!
As you can tell, we are getting some good sleep now, so the typing is coming easier! I won't bore you anymore...
Take care...
Araminta

First message from Ethiopia

Hi,
JuST A QUICK note on a computer i am not famliar with!!!
After a long trip here, we made it late saturday night.
The trip to hossana on sunday to meet birth parents is impossible to put into words.
I finally met natan this morning. he is very sad with me, but i expected that, considering what he has gone through. i have held him twice, and both times, he cried himself to sleep.
he is beautiful and when you get to see him smile, it is heartbreaking...
the food is out of this world--homemeade ethiopian dishes!!!! I am loving it!!
ethiopia is a beautiful country with a sharp contrast between poverty and wealth. the countryside which we saw on sunday is lush in parts and then turns slightly drier. the weather is great, especially at night to sleep.
we are with a great travel group and we are having a wonderful time getting to know each other.
it is hard to write what an experience this is...it is beyond words.
i can't post photos here, but there are some great ones to show once we're home.
wednesday we go to the embassy and natan will officially belong to jason and me!!!!
sorry about the typing---not working with a full deck of cards, without much sleep!!! for those at home, give mimi and george big hugs!
bye for now...araminta (mother of three!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Last snuggles...

Tonight was pretty difficult. I kept the kids up too late, just to hold on to those last moments before I leave. I love bedtime snuggles, when they're sleepy and all they want to do is snuggle. Ten days isn't that long...I know...it just feels long right now! I have never spent this much time away from both of them...but I survived China, I'll survive this. I don't understand why some parents relish their time away...I love these kids and before you know it, they're going to be busy and then gone. I don't ever want to wonder where the years went or wish I had spent more time with them. If I need a break, I'll take when they're in college!
Bon Voyage!

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go....

Everything is packed...for the third time! Two bags of donations and one bag of mine and Natan's stuff. Usually Jason is there to lug everything around, but this time...it's all on me!!
Sally met a woman who lives in ET as a missionary and we are meeting up with her in Franfurt and will be on the same flight to Addis. What a journey this will be!!!!
I will email updates to Jason and he will post them here--hopefully daily, but maybe not! This website is blocked there so I can't do it myself.
Send us positive thoughts for a great trip--although it will be great no matter what!!!
Ciao for now!

We belong in the zoo!

Took Nana to the zoo today and had FUN!!!! We saw the new baby panda, Mei Lan...a baby gorilla, and the elephants!! As always we ended our trip with a carousel ride and then a trip on the train. George was asleep almost out of the parking lot, but Mimi was a trooper and stayed awake for the entire ride home!
Mimi is asleep now for the evening with her new stuffed giraffe, and George is asleep with his plastic elephant...not so comfy, but he loves it!
And...both kids wee-wee'd in the potty at the zoo!!!!!!!
Hard to believe I'm leaving this Thursday...better check on Sally and see how she's doing!
Don't forget to check the link for pictures..."Picasa album."

The journey has begun...

Well...the journey has begun with the arrival of NANA!!!!!! The kids were very excited at the airport, and it was actually Mimi who spotted Nana. We had a delish supper at Truman's (I believe George has a boy crush on David--Sally, you've got some competition!!!).
Nana is already exhausted and concerned that the kids continually ask where Mommy is if I step out of view for a moment...

Officially ours!!!!!

We received Natan's birth certificate yesterday. Yes, his name isn't Nathan as we were told. It is "Natan." We will wait to see what his nannies call him and go from there...
Anyway, we are that much closer!!

7 1/2 days to go!!!!!

Getting everything ready...Nathan's stuff is ready to be packed (OK, it has been for weeks!!), and the donations fit nicely into our two checked luggage pieces. Jason and I are wading through the paperwork, some of which cannot be done until we get Nathan's birth certificate next week. Basically, I'm ready and excited to be going!
Nana (my mom) flies in this Saturday...I think she's a wee bit nervous! Can't imagine why!!
It seems most people do not realize that Addis Ababa is a modern city. Yes, there is extreme poverty there, but it also has businesses, shops, restaurants, etc. Someone commented to me the other day that it "certainly won't be like China" (duh...it's on another continent!). China also has extreme poverty--we saw it while there. I know of cities in North America that have poverty, and there is no excuse for it here...
My pet peeve for this week is people who make assumptions and moreover, comments, regarding places and people they know little or nothing about. If you haven't left this state, country, or continent, kindly shut it!!! You have no business talking to me about what you think I should expect!
I know that it will be difficult to see the poverty, but it's not another planet--it's just another part of the world. I am not afraid of places/people that are different...and I feel sorry for those who are.

Poop City!

For anyone who has ever gone through toilet "training," you will appreciate the fact that both Mimi and George pooped in the potty today--not the first time, but a memorable time!

Choo...Choo!

Yesterday was awesome! We spent the day in Chattanooga, TN at Day Out with Thomas. Met Sir Topamhatt (M & G were SO excited but then freaked out when we stood next to him!), rode on Thomas, had our picture made with Percy, and then headed downtown to one of our favorite haunts for dinner where George and Mimi each wee-wee'd three times ON THE POTTY!!!!!!! The funny part was that they announced it to the entire restaurant each time they did it: "Mommy/Daddy...I WEE"D WEE"D!!!!!!!" Yeah, we thought it was cute too!!
We did see something rather unsettling at the Thomas event. We had been waiting in line to have a picture made in front of the Thomas train, and he started to pull off. A young woman with two kids (sadly), jumped in front of an older grandma (not much better) and had her kids' picture done. Young mother did not like that , and they began to fight. It was horrendous! We just stood there, frozen. The word b--ch was thrown around--remember, kids present. Both women will someday wonder why they've been called in to school because their kids are rude and act out. It was awful!!
Anyway, it was a great day--I'm trying to move all our website stuff to this blog, but pictures are still at jasonminna.com for the time being--lots from yesterday!

WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!

Finally got our travel date--we have to be in Addis on Friday, May 18. Took alot of juggling, but we are flying out on the 17th, and leaving on the 25th. We ended up not being able to go via Paris and use Sally's airmiles, but how cool that she even offered...!!!! Sally is da' bomb!
The main thing is that we have a date!

Bobby K

Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others — he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. And crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.
— Robert Kennedy

Gut-wrenching.

I watched the Idol Gives Back show last night. It was very well done, and even though I was already aware of the situation of poverty, it reminded me again. The African Children's Choir was fabulous.
Some stats that as usual, blew me away:
Every 3 seconds, a child dies from starvation and/or disease. That is staggering.
In Africa, a child dies every 30 seconds from Malaria--a disease for which I will have medicine when I travel. That child could have been Nathan had he not been placed in the Care Center.
I'm sure many people watched thinking, "well it's their own fault...I'm not responsible...they should use birth control..." All comments made to me on a regular basis. The bottom line: We, none of us, are doing enough in our own country or abroad. Sending a check isn't enough...adopting isn't enough...
Jason keeps telling me (I think in fear that I am going to move abroad sooner than he is ready for!), that bringing one child home is helping. But...Nathan shouldn't have to leave. He should be able to live with his family in his village.
However, since this is not the case, I feel lucky that they chose us to be his family.
I WANT TO GO MEET NATHAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I admit, each day that I do not receive "the call" is dragging me down. I look at his picture and it breaks my heart...

More info on Nathan...

We received an email today entitled "Continuance" which FREAKED me out, thinking it was something to do with the courts in ET.
It was just two pieces of paper giving a medical update on Nathan. He is right where he should be...climbing, walking, and they said he has begun potty training--maybe he can help Mimi and George (who, by the way, both wee-wee'd many times in the potty today!!!!!).
It's all about the wee-wee, man...

American idol!

I have not watched one lick of American idol this season, however, tomorrow night (Tues.), this is what is happening (I got this from my wonderful Adoption Forum that I am totally addicted to!):
"Tune in to FOX tomorrow to watch the first of a two-night special that will benefit organizations that help children living in extreme poverty in both the U.S. and Africa, including the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Viewers will be able to vote for their favorite contestants via toll-free numbers and text messages. For each vote cast, corporate sponsors will make a donation to benefit children in need. A vote on Idol is a vote for UNICEF and a vote for the children of the world."
There will also be a performance by Josh Groban and the African Children's Choir--they are Ugandan orphans (for lack of a better term...) and they are fabulous. They were actually in McDonough last year.
Watch!! I know we will!

Off-Topic but SWEET!!!!

So, tonight at bedtime, we (all 4) of us were crowded in Mimi's bed reading Goodnight Moon. She started to whack her head around (for no apparent reason) and hit me not once, bit three times in the nose--third time brought stars to my eyes!!
Thought it was bleeding so I went to the bathroom. While I waited to see straight, there came Mimi...padding into the bathroom saying, "Sorry, Mommy" and I was the grateful recipient of a fabulous hug! Jason had not told her to do so--she just knew to do that.
That made me feel like the best mom in the world, just because of that small gesture! I guess they are listening...
Tell you what, folks. There is nothing like those bedtime snuggles to make you feel better!
Carly--thanks for your email! I am so glad you love our kiddos! They love you too!

Killing time...

Three more people that I know of have travel dates...that really means nothing, so don't get too excited!!
OK, so while we're waiting, Jason and I are watching movies to keep our minds off the fact that Nathan is growing older by the days...
Some recommendations:
I mention Borat again (in spite of the tremendously gross naked seen!!) You have to understand that while Cohen was filming, he never broke his Borat character, and his goal was to show the ignorance of certain people. I think he does a great job!! It was filmed unscripted and most people have trouble with it.
The last King of Scotland--Oh. My. God. Fabulous. About Uganda in the 70's--based on factual events with lots of fictional characters thrown in. Very graphic.
Babbel--GREAT film.
Bobby--Wow! Loved it. Doesn't touch on the Kennedy's at all, or Bobby himself for that matter. More the lives of various people on the day that he was shot.
And of course...my all-time (current) favorite--The Family Stone. It's got everything!

Week 6 begins...

OK, folks! April 16th begins Week 6 after receiving our referral. Keep your fingers crossed that we get a travel date this week!
Need to order my Malaria prescription...!

Trip to Hosanna...

Well! I just got off an hour-long conference call with our agency regarding the trip south in ET. It is an opportunity to go to the place Nathan was brought to (city of Hosanna) first before going to the care centre in Addis. Even the call was an emotional roller coaster!
Many of the people in the south live in huts (literally), and because the threat of hyenas is so high, they bring their animals (all) in at night to sleep with them. It is also why we have to introduce any dog slowly to N. They told us most of the children are deathly afraid b/c of the hyenas.
Now I am excited and even more impatient.
Once again, I am in shock and awe of what the world holds...we are to give a family photo to the people that we meet there. This picture, however, cannot contain any "stuff." Our social worker said that no matter how strapped we may be b/c of this adoption (gee, was she talking directly to us??!!!!), or not matter how middle class we think we are, we are wealthy compared to the people living in the ET countryside and farming villages. I will never worry again about the fact that we have no more retirement money--it has been put to a much better use!! Jason doesn't want to retire anyway!! Makes me ask again why more of the people with so much more money than us AREN'T adopting...Jason says it's because they are just not cut out for the journey. Too bad for them...
Well...I hear two little voices calling, "Minna! Minna!" through the monitor--love that they feel confident enough to call me by name!!
Life is good.

Black Gold

Tonight...10 pm...PBS...the issues of coffee in ET. Worth watching. Getting all sorts of great links from my adoption forum folks!
OK, this is week 5 since we received the referral. It is very hard not to get impatient, espcecially when his picture is facing me every day!
I think Mimi and George are going to be great--they know they have a new "baby budder" and that his name is Nathan (you must imagine the name yelled, as it is the way they express it!), and Mimi will even tell you where he is from: "E-o-pia!"
What a boring post...it's much more interesting when people are slagging me!
George and I have a bug...lovely. No details necessary--use your imagination.
I miss my Hello Dolly people but I am so happy to have my evenings FREE!!!!!!
Yawn...

Around the corner!

Applied for and received my ET visa within a week! Score!!!!
Got my vaccinations from a terribly rude woman at the health Dept. who questioned why anyone would want to adopt "a foreign baby..." No, I didn't actually hit her, but I sure thought about it. Her office was full of "Christian symbolism" (quotes denote the fact that I think it's all malarky). FYI...having religion does not give you values, people. Contrary to what most religious folks think, morals are not ordained by their imaginary God or gods. Rather, morals and values are what you set for yourself. The Golden Rule makes for a very good guide to life, and no, Moses did not write it!!!!!!
OK, little off track, but she did offend me...I calmly explained to E & G as we left the building that there are three kinds of people in the world: stupid, even more stupid, and people who think before they speak (the third group we like)! Jason said that most people just can't think outside the box...and that I don't even have a box I'm so way out there!! I took it as it was meant...as a compliment! He really knows the sweet talking stuff!! It's why I married him...he just gets me.

Getting ready...

Our official acceptance went to the agency, so now we're back to waiting for our travel date this time. We'll only have one month's notice until I go, so there's lots to do!! I can't believe I'll be in Africa in 2 months!

Nathan is on his way!!!!!!!

I cannot believe I was whining last night about the wait, and today, we got the call!!! Diane from Lutheran Services of GA gave us the great news and we accepted before we saw the picture!! There has never been the question of accepting or not. I am over the top in love with him...he looks like he'll give George a run for his money! He's fifteen months old (DOB December 20, 2005) and walking!! Yikes!
Now, the preparation begins with shots, visa application, tickets, all sorts of stuff. Totally worth it...travel usually happens 8-10 weeks after referral (of course, the referral usually comes 4-6 months after dossier is sent, and ours came 2 months to the day!!).
Looks like a late April/May trip...I'll have a month's notice before I go. I'm wasting time sitting here writing...need to go start packing!!!!!!!
Julie S, you are definitely right about the pregnant thing!!!

Waiting...

This waiting is killing me. He's there, waiting for us, we're here, waiting for him. Ahhhh!!!!!!
I think I have underestimated how poverty-stricken Ethiopia is. I know it's poor, but I think I will be shocked when I'm there. Not out of naivety, just out of an inability to comprehend how poor people can actually be.
I am reading other people's adoption and travel blogs about Ethiopia, and they all say the same thing--the level of poverty was so much greater than they'd anticipated.
We bought some little bears to take with us, and we will be asking for supplies donations before I go--one site reported that the orphanges are in need of plastic diaper covers. I'll have to get a final list before I start collecting.
Mum finished his afgan, and it is waiting, along with some other things I will take. We can mail photos and albums before we go that he will have while he waits.
I am rambling...can you tell I'm tired of waiting??? I may have to get pregnant to pass the time!!!!!!!

Orphan Petition approved!

Yea! We received our I-797 "Notice of Action" last week--basically means the US government has approved us to adopt.
Still waiting...