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.

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!

Simeon Andrew Tekalegn Brill

Family & Friends-we are so thrilled to share with you all that we have been approved by the Ethiopian government and are now legally the parents of our sweet little boy!! It has been a crazy & very full year-we began this whole process on December 4th, 2008 and will get to meet our son in person on December 21st, 2009! We could not be more excited and grateful for all God has done to make this possible. Thanks to you all for your constant prayers, encouragement, and questions as we've made our way. Simeon will be almost 15 months old when we get to him. We have cried and prayed and rejoiced over him and can't wait to have him in our arms. More details to come...

We Celebrate Today

We celebrate today because our little Simeon turns 1! We have never touched him, held him, kissed his ouchies, rocked him to sleep, put our hands over his, tickled his tummy, or run our hands through his hair. At least not in person. But in our minds we have many times. He is far away still but today we celebrate because he has life. Given to him by our Heavenly Daddy. And soon we will celebrate more than we can now imagine when we hold him in our arms and tell him HE is our son & we love him like crazy! Happy Birthday my sweet boy. Love, Mama

because she's so cute

change of face

So recently I've been motivated to give my blog a facelift. I've procrastinated doing it for a bit because I keep thinking...I don't know what to do, how to do it, what even I want. I enjoy reading others blogs but I realized that it can be dangerous for me because I can get wrapped up in blog land and it gives me blog envy. So, I decided to stop thinking so hard about it & comparing mine to others & just do it. So here it is, along with a new goal of blogging once a week. I know most people who read my blog are thinking...it's about time seeing as I haven't posted since Juneish. So we'll see if I can do it or not. I promise to keep pictures of my sweet little gal but I'm thinking I might throw in every once in a while some shallow, deep, silly, or thoughtful thoughts. Here goes.

Big Day

Today is a big day for our fam. First, it is our 6th anniversary. I'd just like to say I love my sweet husband more now than ever. And to add to the joy of the day, Madeline says, Happy Father's Day! Daddy-you are the best. Thanks for making me laugh, tickling me, touching my fingers, chasing me around, tossing me in the air, swimming with me, reading with me, teaching me, singing silly songs with me, taking me on walks, loving me & so much more. You are the best!

We love you tons!