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."