Weekend in San Diego

Orin's best friend Tim's wedding was in San Diego over the weekend. Nyah got to fly down there with us because she is free being under the age of two. She was such a good girl on the airplane.
"I love San Diego weather! Reminds me of Ethiopia!"

This was Orin's idea of feeding Nyah when it was his turn.

She prefers Pepsi. It was hilarious when she started getting upset because nothing was coming out.

Mr. GQ getting all spiffed up for the big day.

What a lovely wedding. The catholics really know how to make a wedding feel so sacred, the way it should be, with all the pomp,liturgy, and formality. It was touching to be reminded of the purpose for marriage: the symbol of Christ's love for his bride- the church

(not the building, but the body of believers :)

An adoptive mom-from Ethiopia-in waiting meets Nyah and gets excited for the day when it will be her turn to hold her princess!

The bride and groom. Isn't love beautiful!

They say a couple looks more and more like each other the longer they are married. At this rate we are going to look like full-on brother and sister in a few years.

Orin and the groomsmen delaying Tim's getaway to the honeymoon.

Two men trying to tie a bow when neither has ever wrapped a present in his entire life probably. He hee ;)

Its finished!

Mmmm, tastes good.

I wonder if Nyah likes whipped cream...

Yep, she does!

swimming at the hotel

She loves it!

The water was so cold it took my breath away everytime we got deeper but Nyah didn't seem to notice :) She was just having a ball and didn't want to get out. I really want to sign her up for a Mommy and Me swim class this summer.

Father's Day

Nyah likes to drink water in the shower!
"I'm serious, this better not go on the blog."

Marquez made a bookmark of himself for Daddy's Bible.

Orin likes Nyah's present to him.

Nyah's getting more mobile. She doesn't stay on her alphabet quilt anymore. She's on to playing Barbies. (Makaylee is glad.)

Meeting great-grandpa for the first time.

Who loves baby Nyah? Grandma does!

Grandpa

Uncle Jeff

Nyah doesn't want Grandma to leave :(

Happy 8 Month Birthday, Nyah!

Nyah just turned 8 months old and she babbles all day in her sweet little voice. The only thing she says- da da da da! Just in time for Father's Day :)

I am so happy that the attachment/bonding process is going so smoothly. She now clings to me when I hold her instead of arching her back and trying to get away. She always wanted to be picked up, she just didn't want the cuddling part of it. Now she initiates the closeness, putting her arm around me and her head on my chest or shoulder. Eye contact is improving as well, and she lights up everytime I walk into the room because she knows that she is going to be picked up. It is fun to see all the changes she is going through, both developmentally and emotionally.

Watching her grow in pictures, halfway around the world

The first picture we received of our daughter. She was 2 months old.
Biruktawit at 3 months

Her at 4 months, and with the chicken pox, poor baby.

5 months old

Biruktawit at 6 months old. Here come Mommy and Daddy to bring you home, baby girl!

Family Reunion

Makaylee wanted to do her hair all by herself this time. "Whad'ya think, Mom?"

"Looks like a scary 80's flashback. No, just kidding honey, its great!"
Marquez and his dad working on the free play structure we inherited from the neighbors.

By the time we replace all the rotten boards, we might as well have just bought a new one. Oh welll, it is fun for Marquez to learn "man stuff".

Marquez wearing the diaper bag with pride. "I think pink is my color."

Family reunions are a blast! But I am a nerd like that...

"Push me, Makaylee!"

"Okay, now its my turn."

Come on, boys.

"How many people can we fit on this thing, anyways?"

"Quit taking pictures and play with us!"

Marquez's got skill...

...but apparently not at croquet.

Tribute to Toukoul

After spending a month and a half in her regional orphanage, Biruktawit (Nyah) came here, the Toukoul Orphanage, to wait for them to find her a forever family.
Four and a half long months later...Orin and I arrived at this wonderful place. You could just feel the love, the sounds of children laughing and playing, the smell of traditional Ethiopian food cooking, etc. It was magical, such a happy place. I would love to show you all the beautiful, smiling faces of the other precious children but we were asked not to take pictures of them to protect their privacy.

-Orin, amused at how they dry the shoes


-a toukoul (typical thatched dwelling seen in Ethiopia)




-walking to the baby building

-Nyah in her crib

-the empty crib where her friend Hiwot stayed (who is now home in Arizona)

-the nurse who spoke English very well and was so helpful to tell us all about Nyah's personality, routine and feeding/nap schedule

I will always remember the nurse. Her love for Biruktawit was so touching. She hugged and kissed her smiling and and said "Brukie! Brukie" (her nickname) and told her to come back someday. I had tears streaming down my cheeks. She got very concerned and told me not to cry, that they were all so happy for Biruktawit! I was mourning the loss of this little baby's rich heritage, culture and people and she was giving me permission to give her another one as well. It forever will be a beautiful moment in time.