Hello, Simeon!!

The internet at the guest house is more off than on, so we're just going to give you a quick update.

The flights were fine, but it was rough flying overnight two straight nights, so we were pretty tuckered out Saturday night, and slept for 14 hours, waking up 35 minutes before Simeon was due to arrive. We got ready quickly, and then waited outside the guesthouse, as Simeon pulled up (he was sitting in a carseat in the front seat). The Gladney contact warned us several times that he probably would not like us at first, but when he passed Simeon to me (Andrew), Simeon was a bit nervous but didn't cry. Then, we gave him some Cheerios and we immediately bonded. (He didn't get to be Madeline's weight for nothing!)

Since then, he's gradually warmed up more and more to us. He's already calling Ashley "Mama" and will run/waddle to us smiling and laughing. He's gradually talking more with us, and we've learned a few of his words, especially car ("bee bee") and ball ("qwas"). (Of course, we can't tell the difference between babble and Amharic, so we can't really tell how much he's saying). He also seems to like rough play more than Madeline, because he loves growling and banging his cars together. He slept through the night last night and is napping decently well. The bath is about the only thing he doesn't seem to like so far.

The only downer so far is that Ashley's a bit sick—sinus and stomach, probably a mix of jetlag and new allergies and maybe something else. Otherwise, though, we're doing great. Our appointment at the U.S. Embassy is Wednesday, and we'll also spend some time this week at the Gladney Foster Care Center (as well as some government orphanages).

We hope to do pictures soon, but with the Internet, this is the best we have to offer so far. Thanks for your prayers.