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Monday, December 28, 2009

because my babies are so great...







Here are a few more Simeon pics plus one of us with Madeline when she moved to her big girl bed right before we went to get Simeon. Today was a fun-filled slightly crazy but wonderful day. We spent the day at home with family coming over and just enjoying our two kiddos. I still can hardly believe it! So thankful for God's goodness to us.

Finally, pictures!







Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Sorry, I tried.

I (Andrew) tried to put a video here, but the internet connection couldn't handle it. Maybe pictures in a couple of days?

In the absence of a working video, just an update to let you know that all is well--we're loving our time with Simeon and learning more about him--things like "scrambled eggs are delicious" and "Walking is great. Nearly as much fun as having someone carry you!"

The only issue continues to be Ashley's health; her sinuses are causing her a pretty good amount of pain. We've been humbled by the amount of prayers offered up on our family's behalf, so that's something specific you could pray for. Also, tomorrow iw our embassy appointment. We don't expect any negative surprises, but we'd still appreciate prayers that all would go smoothly. Thank you!

Looking forward to introducing you to him. Sorry for another picture-less, video-less blog post.


Monday, December 21, 2009

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.

Friday, December 18, 2009

On our Way!

Hi everyone! We are sitting in the London airport getting ready to board our final flight to Addis! So far everything has been smooth and we are feeling good. We had a nice, long, leisurely dinner and are ready to get going to go get Simeon! We are so thankful for all your encouragement, prayers, & support and are looking forward to sharing more of Simeon with you all! We love you all!