OneYear Ago We Passed Court!

Happy Mothers Day

We went to Marco Island a few weeks ago and had a wonderful weekend away! It was Jaden's first beach vacation and now every day we put his lotion on he says "go to beach". He is doing so amazing!! He and Jared love each other sooo much ---anything big brother says or does so does he (good or bad). He is now talking in full sentences and asking quesitons. He has grown almost 9 inches in 9 months (and not gained a pound). Such a wonderful life we live and we are all so grateful for our family to be so complete!! Last mothers day I was in tears because I didn't get our referral--we did however 2 days after that--and this one they will be tears of joy!!!

Anyone ever wonder if international adoption can be happily ever after.....yes yes and yes!!

God Bless!

Happy New Year!

Jaden's first trip to the zoo....the look on his face seeing the animals for the fist time....so amazing. We have had the most wonderful two weeks at home as a family and I am so sad to see it end (Jeff is a teacher and the boys were on X Mas break). Happy New Year....this will be our best yet!!

Jaden turns 2!!!

So Jaden turned two yesterday! I was so emotional all day yesterday...tears tears and more tears. I am so not the cryer by the way. I think that I was on survival mode for the first few months and then thrown into work and then for the last month everything that I experienced and saw in Ethiopia has finally hit me. Weirdly enough I still can't write about it. I barely talk about it...but it's all coming together. So to know that Jaden was 12 pounds this time last year when he turned on (my boss's 3 month old weighs that) and how he spent a year in the care center...that his uncle and sisters must be missing him terribly... too much emotion to hold in I guess.

Also, it was on Jaden's birthday last year that Jeff and I decided to adopt from Ethiopia and use Gladney!! That in itself is so overwhelming. That God has shown us his plan was for him to be with us and everyone else.....that it was not random!!

He is such an amazing little man who is so healthy and thriving amazingly! Very loving and super smart and funny. However we have hit a ton of tantrums lately welcoming us to his terrible two's I guess but when he's not throwing a fit...he is so charming:)

My driver while there, Henock, was so amazing and one of my greatest people that I will remember there. He shared their culture with me as well as the Ethiopian values! He has recently opened a guest house and I am going to post the website for it. Our family will surly use it when we return and I hope that you all will consider it as well. Please click on:
http://www.bnbguesthouse.com/

Jaden's 1st School Pictures

Jaden is continuing to do really well in school and at home. His new thing is to say I love you and then run and jump on my tummy (like berlly flop onto me) and then put his nose to mine and laugh. Then do that over and over for an hour at a time. To hear I love you all day when he's been with me as little less than 3 months is so mind blowing!! What an amazing transition and we are soooo greatfull to be together as a family. He talks non stop and is definatly even ahead of many of his classmates in language and maturity they tell me:) Jared and Jaden play together really well and haven't had their brotherly fights yet. They just are so happy to be with eachother and thankfully Jared loves to share everything with him at this point. Life is good!

Starting School

I can't believe that it's been two months and I am heading back to work! Here is Jaden visiting his school the other day. Thankfully we did this because sadly the school that Jared went to for 3 years I assumed would be perfect for him but it wasn't. Even though this teacher has taught for 16 years there (I was impressed at first) she is not a love on your child type of person. In fact she was very mechanical about handling the children. I know they are toddlers and need a lot of policing but they need attention, love, and bonding (hugs and kisses a plus). So two days of trying I about had a panic attack yesterday with the realization I work on Monday and he doesn't have a good school. Thankfully I found another place right next to me and she is all of what I was hoping for personality wise. She isn't a certified teacher like the other but at this age I will take love over certifications. Jaden walked over to a African American boy in his class and kissed him on the lips. Then went to the teacher and did the same. SOLD!! Later on we may switch to Jared old school but for now I need him feeling love and security all day every day!
That being said it has been absolutely amazing!! Almost no words to describe how well he has done and how much we all are so in love with him!! He eats everything (except cheeses) sleeps 12 hrs at night and then an hour and a half during the day. His goal is to make you laugh at all times but if he is mad he will make it loud and clear (no not knowing where you stand which is great). The worst part has been that there have been a million Doctors apts..pediatrician...urologist..and dermatologist..each a lot of times and they all know and love him there. He's not been sick at all actually but had parasites..needed circumcised (it was a piece of cake and he was totally fine by 3pm that same day)..and warts all over his head and thighs.
Anyway, I think that's it..praying now that his transition to school will be as great as with our family transition has been:) Glory to God for all of our wonderful blessings!!

Our 1st Family Photos