A Good Reason to Moderate Comments.........

Someone (or automated program) tried to post a "no prescription pharmacy" link on my blog. REJECTED!!

Michael.......

As I got ready for work this morning, I found myself gazing at Michael (as I often do when he sleeps, I love that peaceful look). Today, I couldn't help but focus on how much he has grown & changed. He is no longer the baby boy I have spent hours snuggling with. Not the toddler learning to walk. Not even the pre-schooler learning to swim. He is a full fledged "big kid". Little brother, and all.

This morning, I was filled with the emotion that comes with the realization the the precious baby years have passed. And pride in the person he is becoming. He has experienced many changes through the summer, including two biggies: a new baby in the house, and kindergarten. While I will greatly miss "baby" Michael, I look forward to what is in store for him. I occurs to me today that raising kids is like getting a present on a regular basis. Each day, week, & year holds a surprise gift in the form of growth, accomplishment, learning, and caring. All of this, along with some outside influence, will determine who and what our kids will grow up to be. The ultimate surprise........

Thoughts on Ethiopia

It is hard to put to words the thoughts and feelings experienced while we were in Ethiopia. The capital city, Addis Ababa, is a very large metropolitan area. You wouldn't see anything like it in the US. Despite the many modern conveniences available, there is a lot of poverty. There were very few areas that we didn't see people obviously living on the street. You want to help everyone you see, but it is just not possible. You see a lot of people doing physical labor. Things that we would expect to be done with backhoes, jackhammers, etc. The people are very friendly, and we felt pretty safe in all the areas we visited. Because the reservoirs were low (Ethiopia's power is hydro electric), we had power every other day. In the city, life pretty much goes on as normal without power.

The country side was beautiful. Ethiopia has what it called "green drought". Enough rain for things to be green and beautiful, not necessarily enough to grow crops that are necessary. Driving out of Addis Ababa, was a gentle descent through rolling hills. As the scenery goes by, you easily observe the signs & effects of deforestation. The trees have not been harvested by companies & expansion, but by people heating & building their modest homes.

It was a life changing & perspective changing journey. Many of us think we need a bigger home if children have to share a room, or we don't have enough bathrooms. Rural families in Ethiopia may reside in a 100 or 200 square foot hut, where the animals live with the family. This experience has cemented what is really important in life: friends, family, and taking care of the ones you love.

The Long Way Home, Thursday, August 13- 14

Today we spent more time being a family of 4. WOW. I also spent a lot of time packing. Emotions were mixed between being anxious to get home & settled, and the sadness of leaving the place where we became a family with our new son. We will never forget our time in Ethiopia.

Our journey home was an experience of many frustrations. When you arrive at the Bole Airport in Addis Ababa, you go through security to enter the airport. Because of the power outages, we had purchase a "portable" battery pack for Pete's CPAP. It took us at least 30 minutes before they decided that they would allow Pete to bring it, but only if it was in his checked luggage.

When we got to our departure gate, we passed through security fairly quickly. Then found out our flight was delayed. We found a seating area where Michael was able to stretch out, and both boys fell asleep. We were awake. The flight ended up being delayed about 3 hours. The boys slept. We were awake.

We finally got going, and made the fuel stop in Khartoum, Sudan. This stop was supposed to be less than an hour. It ended up being about 2.5 hours. 77 + degrees outside the airplane, no AC inside the airplane. They had oversold & taken on too many passengers in Khartoum, then had to find and remove the luggage of those who they needed to de-plane. Melting, we were finally on our way. We were assured that all of our flight arrangements would be taken care of by the time we arrived in Amsterdam.

Our flight arrangements were not taken care of. We went to what they call the "transfer desk" (for people with connections). I was first in line, aside from the people already working with agents. The agent advised me that they were "too busy" at that station, and I would have to go to the next one. Got to the next station, and there was a long line. When I finally got up to an agent, she said that the changes were already made, and that she would just need to print boarding passes. During conversation, I discovered that she had 40 years working with KLM. Yet, somehow, it managed to take her 45 minutes to print our boarding passes; with the wrong seat assignments. She also gave us a bunch of coupons that would be worthless to us, because we no longer had time to use them. We had to rush to our gate, through security, and have the gate agents fix the boarding passes. Apparently, European airports are not air conditioned (according to another traveller). Amsterdam was no exception.

We were originally to go through Minneapolis. Due to our delays, we went through Detroit instead. We were sitting at the bulk head behind the first class cabin. Michael had to go potty, and both aisles behind us were blocked by service carts. I did what I expect any mom would do, and tried to take him to the forward lav. The flight attendant actually turned us away! I couldn't believe it (I know that this lav is generally reserved for first class, but I expect exceptions for handicapped, elderly, and children). For any of you that have had a child that is bashful about using the potty, you probably understand that this meant Michael wouldn't be going potty at this time. I was just lucky he didn't wet his pants. Then, when we landed, they actually made the coach class wait to get off the plane until first class (maybe they always do this, but I don't recall seeing it before). UGH! I thought stearage sank with the Titanic.

By the time we got through immigration, we had just enough time to get to our flight. This was challenging, because by now, the zipper was broken on one of our back packs. As we neared the gate, we saw that the flight was to be delayed. Michael was quite hungry, so he & Pete went to get a burger. I settled in at the gate, and approached the agent to ask about correcting our seat assignments. She told me I would have to wait for the other agent to arrive. When the gate agent arrive, she walked up and said "Get in line people, we're boarding". I walked up and asked her about our seating, to which her response was "You'll have to take care of that yourself onboard". So, I asked if she could at least make a general boarding call, since my husband and son left the boarding area (I thought this was a VERY reasonable request). She said "That's not my problem".

The highlight of this flight was definately the other passengers going to our city. One went to see if Pete & Michael were coming, many others helped carry our stuff (and the food Pete & Michael had gotten), and by the time we were on the airplane there were 3 seats (one in front of the other two) waiting for us.

Just to top it off, Sid let loose with a blowout while we were on final. So, before we could get off the last airplane, we changed a diaper. It was so nice to be home! We were greeted by Pete's sister Barb & her family, as well as our neighbor Molly & her girls. It was very nice to have them there. We went home, and Barb made us a nice supper. Thankfully, that first night home, Sid slept very well.........

A Day as A Family, Wednesday, August 12

This was our first full day together as a family. We spent the day getting to know Sid and his schedule. We also hung out at the guest house and visited with other families. Michael and his new friends did some plays & a talent show to entertain the families. I went out shopping for a brief time with a few of the others. We went to ALERT, which is a Leper Hospital. To support the hospital, they have a store there with goods that are made on site. We got to see them spinning thread and weaving fabric. The people there were so thankful that we visited their store, it was very touching.

Family Day, Tuesday, August 11

This was a big day with the Goodbye Ceremony in the morning, and US Embassy appointments in the afternoon, and at the end of the Embassy appointments, Sid is in our arms forever. No more visiting & saying goodbye.

At the Goodbye Ceremony, the nannies brought the children in wearing traditional clothes. The nannies also wore traditional clothing. The families circled the nannies, while they prayed in Amharic. It was a sad feeling to then be taking the children from the nannies who had obviously shown them so much love & affection. Handprints were made of each child for rememberance. Next was the cake cutting. By tradition, the 2 oldest children cut the cake. There were a lot of tears.

We returned with the kids to the guest house for lunch. After lunch, we loaded ino the "Magic Bus" for the trip to the Embassy for the children's US Immigrant Visas. While time consuming, the process was fairly smooth. The rest of the day, we spent time relaxing with OUR kids.

I will have to see if there are any pictures from the Goodbye Ceremony I can copy and paste here. We were not able to take any, as cameras are not allowed in the Care Center. Cameras/Electronics are also not allowed at the Embassy.

Tired mom giving Sid his bedtime bottle:

Touring Day, Monday, August 10

We were supposed to get to spend time with the kiddos this morning. Instead, they had to go to their final Embassy check-up. Many of us used the spare time to get our formula & baby cereal. They use different products in Ethiopia than we do in the US, and many children need time to adjust to the change in flavor/texture of what they are eating. In the late morning, we saw the kids for about an hour, had lunch with them, and had to drop them off at the Care Center.

The afternoon and evening proved to be busy. First, we toured some of the CHS projects in Addis Ababa. We went to Sipara Special Mother & Child Health Center. Considering the small size of the facility, what they do is amazing. The doctor estimated that they deliver 200 babies a month. On top of that, they provide pediatric care and vaccinations for children well into their youth. Payments are based on family income & ability to pay, patients are not turned away do to lack of income. In order to maintain a strict line between humanitarian & adoption services, parents may not relinquish their children at Sipara.

We then visited the school, convention, & conference center. This is clearly placed in a higher income area of Addis Ababa. This is important, because the goal of this project is to become income producing, in order to support projects such as the school in Hosanna. Children's families pay tuition for them to attend the school in Addis. They are adding a grade a year to the school, and currently serve K-6.

Next up was the Ethiopian National Museum. We didn't spend a lot of time here, and Michael was ready for a break by this time. He was having a hard time listening, and we spoke stearnly to him. He still wasn't listening, and at this point, I noticed we were being watched & followed. I got to Michael's level, and stressed how important it was that he listen to us and stay close, as there was obvious risk of someone believing that he did not belong with us. We visited the bones of "Lucy" there, although we aren't sure if they were the real thing or a recreation. There was a window in the room, so they could be exposed to sunlight. Seemed odd.

On the way back to the Guest House, a portion of our group stopped at Kaldi Coffee. The Starbucks of Ethiopia. As I understand it, the service was better. I think it was cheaper, too.

In the evening, we went to Yod Abyssinia for traditional Ethiopian Food & dancing. Michael actually liked the Zil Xil Tibs. Everyone enjoyed the music & dancers, too.

Hosanna Town, Sunday, August 9

Today was a LONG day! We made the trip south to Hosanna Town. Above is scenery on the drive. It is very green. In southern Ethiopia, drought is referred to as green drought, as there is enough moisture for grass and trees, but not crops. This is the area where many of the children are from, and it is our opportunity to meet birth parents or care givers (prior to becoming an orphan). We were on the bus and ready to go at 6 am for the 4 hour drive. We stopped about half way there at a hotel in a town called Butajira to use the rest rooms. The rest room here is a combined men's/women's room (used by both sexes at the same time). There was a urinal at the end of the row of stalls, so that a man using it would be facing away from those entering the rest room. You bring toilet paper with you, because it is not generally provided in places like this. Hotel in Butajira:

When we arrived at the CHS-ET south office, we all went into a room and waited our turn to meet with those who may have come. Another nervous time. Our meeting was very touching, we feel confident that we know Sid's story as accurately as possible.

After the meetings were complete, an entrustment ceremony was held that included prayers for the birth/first families of the children, and the adoptive parents. Following the prayer was the exchange of a candle symbolizing the passing of the child from one family to the other. It was beautiful and moving. I was crying quite a lot, and could barely speak the prayer. Here we are holding the candle from the entrustment ceremony:

When the entrustment ceremony was complete, a traditional Ethiopian Coffee ceremony was held. Yes, I did drink the coffee. Pete spilled his! We then walked down to the old orphanage building to use the rest room. We were followed along the road by many curious children! Pictured below is the setting for the coffee ceremony:

We loaded back in the bus to visit some of the CHS-ET projects aimed to help improve the lives of families in the area. First was a drive by a bakery provided where Injera can be made to sell at market for families to earn income. Next was a school that will be opening this fall. It will be tuition free for those attending. One of the CHS school buildings in Hosanna Town:

Our last stop, and maybe most exciting, was a visit to a traditional Ethiopian hut. A passerby saw us there and taking pictures of the children (who ask to be photographed), and was quite insistant about wanting to arrest us all. After quite a long discussion between the man, the Ethiopian social workers, & our bus driver, we were on our way. The social worker boarded the bus and exclaimed "Good thing you are americans!". I think they must have successfully convinced the man that arresting a large group of Americans would be too much trouble! Traditional hut we visited:

Care Team Meetings, Saturday, August 8

Today all the families had meetings with their children's care teams. Care teams include the doctor, one of the primary nannies, and the social worker. We had an opportunity to ask questions, and watch a video containing information about our children's lives prior to coming into care. Watching the video was the most emotional part of this day. Life for many in Ethiopia is hard at best. Makes you really grateful for the many blessings we have in our daily lives. While we waited for other families to complete their meetings, we were able to spend more time with Sid.

While this trip is to pick up our children, it is also about learning about their history, Ethiopian culture & lifestyle. The afternoon was spent on a shopping outing. We went to an open air market. It was quite crowded, the people in the shops were trying to get passers by to shop in their store, and people would approach you trying to sell various items. Adults with things like maps & sunglasses, children selling packs of gum & tissues. While it is expected to barter a bit at these shops, I always find that a difficult task when I feel so blessed. It was a very interesting experience. A little intimidating, too. Below are pictures from the Merkado, the largest market in Africa. This is NOT where we shopped, but they took us through so we could see it.

Meeting Sid, Friday, August 7

Got up early this morning to take showers. The power went out during Pete's shower. Power in Ethiopia is hydro-electric. The reservoirs do not have enough water for power 24/7 at this time, so the power is out every other day. We dressed Michael as he slept, and woke him up to go down for breakfast.

We roamed the guest house driveway and terrace momentarily, wondering which door of which building would lead to the dining room (building B, the long stairway, FYI). I was really excited to see that they were serving pancakes for breakfast, because I thought that Micheal would like that. Sadly, he was still in that "settling in" mode, and didn't eat much.

After breakfast, we boarded the bus to head to the CHS Office. There, we climbed the stairs to the 4th floor (numbering: Ground, 1, 2, ...) for the beginning of our orientation. It was short, but seemed long as we were waiting to meet our children.

We then headed over to meet the kids. All families waited nervously for their child's name to be called. When they called Sidamo's name, we followed the Social Worker & the camera man up the stairs to his room. I am sure I started crying on the first step, and I was nervously trying to keep the provided slip on shoes from falling off my feet.

We walked into Sid's room, and one of the nannies handed him to Pete (I think I was trying to set Michael down). Pete handed Sid to me. It was a wonderful moment. Sid is such a content baby, and while obviously concerned, he did not cry or push us away. We posed for the agency photgraphers to snap some photos (we are not allowed to bring cameras to the care center), then we were able to take Sid downstairs to the common room to play. The common room was scattered with parents anxiously waiting to meet their little ones, and other families just united for the first time.

After playing, we took Sid back to his room for lunch. We got to help feed him the very first day! After feeding Sid, it was time for us to go back to the guest house for lunch. The rest of the day was filled with more orientation, then more precious time with our beautiful Sid.

Arriving Ethiopia, Thursday, August 6

We arrived in Addis Ababa on time. After our flight landed, we went through the line to get our Visas, and the lines for immigration & customs. The wait for the Visas and immigration were quite long -- about an hour & a half. Ato (Mister) Girma met us outside of customs & we waited briefly for the other family that was on our flight. Whe they joined us, Ato Girma led us all to the CHS "magic" bus. After load our luggage in the CHS van, we boarded the bus and were on our way to the guest house.

We arrived at the Guest House around 11 pm. Ato Girma pointed us in the general direction of our assigned rooms, and the families all headed off to get settled in. We went to our assigned room, A6. The room is tan, and dimly lit. Outside is cool and damp, and so is our room. There are thick, warm blankets on the bed, as well as a traditional looking Ethiopian bedspread. The following description of the room is primarily for the benefit of future travellers. This room has a private entry. There are slide on shoes provided in the room. It is a large room with a double bed (what we would call a queen bed in the US), a single bed, and a crib in the corner. There are 3 locking cabinets. There is plenty of space to lay out all of your suitcases. There is a private bathroom. The floor is pretty much always damp feeling in the rainy season. The shower has an on demand water heater, there is no hot water for the sink. Also, there is no shower curtain--there is a hand held sprayer, so you can hold it and spray yourself (helps to keep the water from getting all over the bathroom). Sleeping was difficult the first night, and we had to get up at 6 am on Friday morning.

The busiest baby we have ever seen...

Sidamo is a very busy boy. So far, changing diapers is a 2 person job. He doesn't sit still for very long. He is easily contented and happy. He will cry only if he is hungry. He eats well, and figured out how to take a bottle pretty much right away.

Next up: 24 hours of travel with the busiest baby we have ever seen (or, How do you do a 2 person diaper change in an airplane lavatory?).....

Sidamo...

...in our arms forever August 11, 2009.

Here In Ethiopia

Hi All!

We made it to Ethiopia safe and sound. We got to spend quite a bit of time with Sidamo Friday. He is doing great! He is crawling, and starting to "cruise". It is obvious the nannies all love him very much!

Michael is doing great, too. He was sad that we couldn't bring Sid back with us on the very first day. He keeps saying, I love my baby brother. What a sweetheart.

Today we went to Hosanna. It was a long and emotional trip. Much more to share, but right now, I have to share this computer!

Love to all,

Paula, Pete, & Michael

Test Post

This is a post via e-mail to make sure the function works, in case we have the time/ability to post while in Ethiopia......

More about travel, etc.....

Okay, I am finally going to take a few moments to share more information. We now have 2 1/2 weeks to get ready to travel & for the arrival of Sid. Some of the things that we will be doing during this time to prepare include packing, completing another round of paperwork, trying to finish reorganization of the house. The list goes on, and in there, we WILL find time to see the new Harry Potter movie.

The travel agent called today and informed me that our flight arrangements have been made. We will be flying out of Rochester to Minneapolis, then Amsterdam, then Addis Ababa. Sorry, Tim & Cindy, that we couldn't go through Dulles. Our travel agent doesn't recommend Ethiopian Airlines for the month of August, because they apparently have a tendency to overbook. He would make an exception to that recommendation if we were bringing home an older child, where the ability of the flight attendants to translate would be useful.

When we arrive in Ethiopia, we will be staying at our agency guest house. Other travellers have reported that they are very hospitable. I think it will be much more like visiting in someone's home than staying in a hotel. Right now, they are rationing electricity in Ethiopia. We are hoping that the power will be on for a significant part of the overnight, so that Pete may use his CPAP. While we would love to be able to travel long enough to see some of the country, that is just not something we are able to do this time.

We will be kept pretty busy from the time we arrive in Addis Ababa. Here is an overview of what our schedule will be like:

Day 1: Orientation briefing, meet with case worker, meet & spend time with Sid.

Day 2: Visit Sid, observe/learn his routine, shopping, traditional Ethiopian dinner.

Day 3: Travel to Hosanna for entrustment ceremony between first family/adoptive family.

Day 4: Visit Sid, sightseeing, visit to agency sponsored relief projects.

Day 5: Going away celebration for children, US Embassy, settle in to have 2 beautiful boys.

Day 6: All day bonding with Sid.

Day 7: Ethiopian cooking class, pack, leave for home!

We will arrive back in Rochester at about 5:40 on August 14.

Leaving on a jet plane............

TRAVEL DATE!!! Woo hoo!! We will be leaving 8/5 from Rochester Airport on NWA via Minneapolis/Amsterdam to pick up Sid, and arriving back in Rochester on 8/14. We are so happy to finally know when Sid will come home. I will share more details when the butterflies in my tummy calm down.......

Birth Certificate Joy

I couldn't have been more surprised when I openned my e-mail a few moments ago and saw that we received Sid's birth certificate.

HAPPY DAY!

Now, his Ethiopian Passport will be obtained, as well as his U.S. Embassy medical clearance. Two more steps 'til we can bring him home!!!

Introducing...

After what seems like the longest 3 days EVER, I am thrilled beyond words to announce that we PASSED court!!! We are deeply grateful to now be the parents of 2 beautiful boys. Without further ado, introducing: Sidamo....

So, what's next? First, Sid's new birth certificate will be issued. After this is received and verified as accurate, his Ethiopian passport will be applied for, as well as his US Embassy medical clearance. When these two items are received, we will be able to travel to Ethiopia to bring Sid home. Currently, we expect this to be sometime in August. THE SOONER, THE BETTER THOUGH!

What's your brothers name?

Me: What's your brother's name?
Michael: Umm. Suzy!
Me: His name is Sidamo, we'll call him Sid.
Michael: Well, I want to call him Suzy.
Me: Suzy is a girl's name, honey.
Michael: So.
Me: Why do you want to call him Suzy?
Michael: Because I like Susan in Monster vs Aliens..........

Hmm. How do we argue the logic of a 5 YO......

Sidamo

"I have found something"

Michael's a big brother!!!!

I received the call at work yesterday at about 3:15 yesterday afternoon. I could not have been caught more off guard. I had made the assumption that when the call came it would be on my cell phone. So, I picked up my office phone when it rang "This is Paula". The voice on the other end said "Hi, this is xxx from CHSFS, is this a good time?". xxx is not our SW, so, at this point, it didn't actually sink in that it was "the call". I received the information from her, and have been stunned & excited since.......

I am so happy to finally be able to announce that after 12 1/2 months of (not so patiently) waiting, we have been matched with the adorable little boy who will soon be our son. His name will be Sidamo Peter. He is 7 months old, and looks like quite a content little guy. I can not post a photo for you until he is legally ours, so you will just have to take my word that he is, indeed, adorable.

So, what happens now? Again, we wait. We wait for a court date to be set in Ethiopia. The court date is usually about 8 weeks from now. At court, if all goes well, we will officially become parents again. Then, we wait. We wait for the Ethiopian birth certificate & passport, and for the final USCIS medical clearance. This is usually about 4 weeks after court (as many as 8 weeks). Then, we will be assigned a travel date (another 2 - 4 weeks). Then, we bring our peanut HOME!



Hopefully, I will have many good news posts until that time.........

9 Months and Counting

On January 11, we passed the 9 month mark of waiting for our new little one. Many of you already know that I expected to have our child home by now. That said, this serves as a reminder that adoption is just not predictable. The current estimate from the adoption agency is that families may expect to matched (referred) their child in the 11th - 12th month of waiting.

With all that said, our child most likely has been born, and is near entering, or has already entered, agency care. Our child's first family (birth family) may or may not have yet made the decision to make their child available for adoption. If they have made the decision, they are likely mourning the loss of raising, and loving, their child.

As I wait, it becomes more difficult to concentrate on daily tasks. In perspective, I know that waiting is easy compared to the decisions of the first family. I pray for them, as I do for Michael's first family. I pray that they be granted peace in their decision, and be comforted in the knowledge that their child, our child, will be cared for and loved.

Michael's 1st Vikings Game

Well, we broke down and bought tickets to the playoff game, to help ensure the rest of you could watch it on TV. Our day started with a slow drive up to the cities, as freezing rain fell the previous night. We parked our car, and took the Light Rail to the Dome. Micheal loves to go on the train. Actually, at his age, he is fascinated by most forms of mass transit. After working at so many events at the Dome (as an usher, during HS), it still feels a little odd to be on the other side. Attending the event. As we go in, and find our seats, I can't help but think back to that time. Running the stairs for smoke checks, rowdy Packer fans, drunk patrons having a "tickle fight" in the stairwell. All distant memories now.

We had about 45 minutes to game time when we found our seats. I was worried that would be too long for Micheal to wait. There was just enough going on to keep him entertained. Michael did great for the entire game, though. Here is a picture of him & Pete waiting for the game to start.

When we asked Michael what his favorite part of the game was, he said "the cheerleaders". Yup. All boy.

This was toward the end of the game, so we weren't scoring.........

True to Minnesota form, most Vikings fans left at or prior to the 2:00 minute warning. Micheal didn't even want to leave when the game was over.

Despite losing the game, we all had a great time. Maybe we'll do it again next time the Vikings have a home playoff game. Then again, maybe we won't wait 8 years.