I forgot to mention that the day that was Gadisae's birthday I was putting two chickens in a roasting pan. She saw these two sad looking chickens (one son said they looked like bats!! I actually got a killer deal and it is no wonder! *grin*)
Gadisae's face lit up and she said, "Doro - me birthday - doro?"
Going with the program as it was being written, *grin*, I immediately said, "Yes! Your birthday. We have doro!"
She beamed.
I connected. When she lived with her mother and it was a special time - New Years or Christmas - they would have chicken. If they were very fortunate then they would have a little bit of butter to put on the chicken for baking.
This was a wonderful memory. Her face just lit up.
As Gadisae watched the chicken come out of the oven later, for testing to see if it was done, she was immediately talking again. Using her hands and a few words, she expressed to me what it was like when they had chicken:
"Me," and she mimed holding a chicken leg and gnawing down on it like a ravenous little monster. She laughed in delight when she told me how Mesai ate, "Mesai," nibble, nibble, on her piece of chicken.
It was so wonderful to see her tell this story, and Mesai said it was so. It makes sense knowing the two little personalities as I do. Mesai is the little lady, and Gadisae, well, just believe me when I say I can see her chomping on a bone! *grin*
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Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Learning to Communicate
One day, an older brother brought one Little Miss downstairs and told me that she was throwing game pieces around the room and not being very kind. I had her sit on a chair and wait for me, while I went upstairs to find out from the others what had happened.
They, including her sister, told me that there was a mistaken double turn taken by her sister. Little Miss was not happy about this and thought she was being cheated. She got up and walked off in a pout. A few minutes later, she returned, reached down and picked up some game pieces from the middle of the game and threw them across the room. Such a thing had not happened before.
Before I left the room, I asked my son, "Did she say anything, while she was walking around the room?"
"Yes, she was saying, "Me very very sad."
Suddenly, the whole picture shifted. This was a triumph, not something to be dealt with!
I ran downstairs and over to the couch where Little Miss was sitting. She was quite startled, as I took her in my arms and gave her a great big hug. She was expecting to be corrected for her unkind behaviour.
"You said, Me very very sad. Good for you!! I am so happy that you said how you were feeling!"
This was huge! Walking off in a pout has been long dealt with. At least, in my presence it has. I know it still goes on outside once in a while, where there is no adult watching. So for her to actually TELL her feelings was monumental! I was so pleased. I have been telling the girls to tell their feelings rather than pout. And it finally kicked in!
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They, including her sister, told me that there was a mistaken double turn taken by her sister. Little Miss was not happy about this and thought she was being cheated. She got up and walked off in a pout. A few minutes later, she returned, reached down and picked up some game pieces from the middle of the game and threw them across the room. Such a thing had not happened before.
Before I left the room, I asked my son, "Did she say anything, while she was walking around the room?"
"Yes, she was saying, "Me very very sad."
Suddenly, the whole picture shifted. This was a triumph, not something to be dealt with!
I ran downstairs and over to the couch where Little Miss was sitting. She was quite startled, as I took her in my arms and gave her a great big hug. She was expecting to be corrected for her unkind behaviour.
"You said, Me very very sad. Good for you!! I am so happy that you said how you were feeling!"
This was huge! Walking off in a pout has been long dealt with. At least, in my presence it has. I know it still goes on outside once in a while, where there is no adult watching. So for her to actually TELL her feelings was monumental! I was so pleased. I have been telling the girls to tell their feelings rather than pout. And it finally kicked in!
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Friday, November 21, 2008
Little Memories
It is interesting what will cause a memory flash. One day, I was making the videos for our trip. I had chosen one particular song that was popular in Ethiopia for one of our videos. It will be in the video with the traditional dancing in it. As soon as it began to play Gadisae stopped what she was doing and said, "This, Sintayehu." I can't remember exactly what she said, but upon talking further, I was able to gather that this was a song that she had heard on a radio somehow when she lived with her mother.
This was very important, because up to this point, Gadisae has not been one to give me any facts. Her speech is so limited. Mesai was out of the house, and so, instead of relying on her for information, I sat down with Gadisae, and tried to direct some questions to her about this song, and how had it played, who had listened, did any one dance?
It was interesting to hear her answers. Yes, they did dance - Her Enat, Gadisae, and her Dad. That confused me, as I thought she didn't know him.
When Mesai came in later, I put on the music and asked her if she was familiar with it. She said that yes, her mother had had this music. She told me that she didn't dance, but her Enat and 'Ethiopian Daddy' did.
Each time we get a tiny little tidbit of information from our girls it helps to put the puzzle a bit more together. This is wonderful, but at the same time it is quite devastating. At one point, our girls had a family and a home, with a hardworking dad and a loving mother. Yes, they were poor, very poor. But their house was a home where love lived.
Then trajedy stepped in and our girls happy lives came to a screeching halt. And then followed what caused them to be placed for adoption. It isn't fair and I don't know if it will ever make sense
.
This was very important, because up to this point, Gadisae has not been one to give me any facts. Her speech is so limited. Mesai was out of the house, and so, instead of relying on her for information, I sat down with Gadisae, and tried to direct some questions to her about this song, and how had it played, who had listened, did any one dance?
It was interesting to hear her answers. Yes, they did dance - Her Enat, Gadisae, and her Dad. That confused me, as I thought she didn't know him.
When Mesai came in later, I put on the music and asked her if she was familiar with it. She said that yes, her mother had had this music. She told me that she didn't dance, but her Enat and 'Ethiopian Daddy' did.
Each time we get a tiny little tidbit of information from our girls it helps to put the puzzle a bit more together. This is wonderful, but at the same time it is quite devastating. At one point, our girls had a family and a home, with a hardworking dad and a loving mother. Yes, they were poor, very poor. But their house was a home where love lived.
Then trajedy stepped in and our girls happy lives came to a screeching halt. And then followed what caused them to be placed for adoption. It isn't fair and I don't know if it will ever make sense
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Thursday, November 20, 2008
Attention Getting and Being Real
I love the little moments that bond me to my children. The other day the children were all outside playing, and trust me, when I send them out - I send them OUT! It is rare for me to have a moment where I do not have children under feet, so when I send them out to play I expect them to play outside until I call them in.
I have absolutely NO guilt over this with regard to our adopted children, due to the fact that most people who adopt, send their children to school. Those children do not have mummy in their sight for many hours a day. Our girls have me on and off throughout the day, so I figure they are just fine giving mummy a break, while they play with their brothers outside.
This one particular day had been a *loooonnnnggg* one!! I was thankful they were finally all outside, and I should just mention - the days are shorter, the children are all doing school now, so I don't actually get to send them outside for very long anymore! My quiet times are very, very short now!
Well, I come around the corner in the kitchen and their is a child coming down the stairs. In my sacred, quiet, house. WHAT? A Child? *laugh*
"What are you doing in?" I question her.
"I am potty," She replies.
"You are not potty. You are girl," I tease her.
She looks at me with the look I have come to know and love - the REAL child (not the child that is looking for attention with silliness) - and she shakes her head in exasperation and says, "Awwwww Mummmmm." Like: Come on!! You KNOW what I mean!
It was the sweetest thing and it squeezed my heart a little more. Those *real* moments are what are connecting me with these children. This littlest one can tend to put on what she thinks is cute. Simply to get our attention. But really, I don't like it. It is gooey and sugary, and simply not *her*!
She is learning that we love the Real Girl. I have talked to both of the girls, and her sister, Mesai, is old enough to understand what the Real Girl is versus the Pretend Girl. We found she was doing some very silly giggling whenever her dad was around. Totally not who she is. When I talked to her about being herself, she understood. I told her that we love her for her, not for the silly girl. We love the Kind Mesai, the Sweet Mesai, the Helpful Mesai. She understood and since then I have seen that she is so much more real. She realizes that she doesn't need to be silly and giggly to get our attention.
What I have noticed with Gadisae is that when she first came to us she would do the silliest faces and we lapped it up. Wasn't she cute! But it didn't take me many weeks before I realized it was all for attention. She made a face - we reacted - she felt accepted - it continued.
Upon reading about healthy attachment and attention getting techniques, I realized what was going on. I began to explain that she was being silly, and she, of course, knew she was being silly. Today, I see a different child. I love how she is now. Tonight, for instance, she was sitting on her floor. Ray and I were talking. He, sitting on her bed, and I, sitting on Mesai's bed. Mesai was in the bathroom. I looked at Gadisae sitting on the floor watching me, and I realized she was very deliberately watching me. So, as I looked at her I said, "What are you doing?" Kind of teasing her. Instead of being goofy and going off the top with faces and such because she had my attention, she simply replied, "Me sitting on floor."
But... she couldn't resist for long. As she got off the floor, she walked to her bed and began showing off. Making the most ridiculous faces. Ray and I continued talking and ignored it. But day by day, she is learning that that is not what gets our attention.
.
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I have absolutely NO guilt over this with regard to our adopted children, due to the fact that most people who adopt, send their children to school. Those children do not have mummy in their sight for many hours a day. Our girls have me on and off throughout the day, so I figure they are just fine giving mummy a break, while they play with their brothers outside.
This one particular day had been a *loooonnnnggg* one!! I was thankful they were finally all outside, and I should just mention - the days are shorter, the children are all doing school now, so I don't actually get to send them outside for very long anymore! My quiet times are very, very short now!
Well, I come around the corner in the kitchen and their is a child coming down the stairs. In my sacred, quiet, house. WHAT? A Child? *laugh*
"What are you doing in?" I question her.
"I am potty," She replies.
"You are not potty. You are girl," I tease her.
She looks at me with the look I have come to know and love - the REAL child (not the child that is looking for attention with silliness) - and she shakes her head in exasperation and says, "Awwwww Mummmmm." Like: Come on!! You KNOW what I mean!
It was the sweetest thing and it squeezed my heart a little more. Those *real* moments are what are connecting me with these children. This littlest one can tend to put on what she thinks is cute. Simply to get our attention. But really, I don't like it. It is gooey and sugary, and simply not *her*!
She is learning that we love the Real Girl. I have talked to both of the girls, and her sister, Mesai, is old enough to understand what the Real Girl is versus the Pretend Girl. We found she was doing some very silly giggling whenever her dad was around. Totally not who she is. When I talked to her about being herself, she understood. I told her that we love her for her, not for the silly girl. We love the Kind Mesai, the Sweet Mesai, the Helpful Mesai. She understood and since then I have seen that she is so much more real. She realizes that she doesn't need to be silly and giggly to get our attention.
What I have noticed with Gadisae is that when she first came to us she would do the silliest faces and we lapped it up. Wasn't she cute! But it didn't take me many weeks before I realized it was all for attention. She made a face - we reacted - she felt accepted - it continued.
Upon reading about healthy attachment and attention getting techniques, I realized what was going on. I began to explain that she was being silly, and she, of course, knew she was being silly. Today, I see a different child. I love how she is now. Tonight, for instance, she was sitting on her floor. Ray and I were talking. He, sitting on her bed, and I, sitting on Mesai's bed. Mesai was in the bathroom. I looked at Gadisae sitting on the floor watching me, and I realized she was very deliberately watching me. So, as I looked at her I said, "What are you doing?" Kind of teasing her. Instead of being goofy and going off the top with faces and such because she had my attention, she simply replied, "Me sitting on floor."
But... she couldn't resist for long. As she got off the floor, she walked to her bed and began showing off. Making the most ridiculous faces. Ray and I continued talking and ignored it. But day by day, she is learning that that is not what gets our attention.
.
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Wednesday, November 19, 2008
First Snow Day
I recently bought the girls their snowcoats, boots, hats, and gloves. I have yet to buy them their black pants to go with their snazzy coats, but in the meanwhile, they are borrowing leftovers.
We were waiting for the snow for them to wear them. The boots sat at the front door and the girls knew when the 'snow' arrived they could wear them. Now, they have never seen snow before, so all they knew was it was 'this' deep, and 'this' colour, and it was all rather mysterious, I am sure.
When the day finally arrived the girls were very excited. They have spent every day outside running around and playing, so I thought it would be interesting to see how long they lasted with the cold snow outside.
Well, they lasted. And they played. They ate snow. They threw snow at the windows. They were not wimps! Far from it! It was snow, glorious snow!
The first thing their brother did was build a ramp from our deck. He then put a jump at the other end. So now they have a wonderful place to shoot from with their sleds!
All we need now is a little more snow. That won't be long!
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We were waiting for the snow for them to wear them. The boots sat at the front door and the girls knew when the 'snow' arrived they could wear them. Now, they have never seen snow before, so all they knew was it was 'this' deep, and 'this' colour, and it was all rather mysterious, I am sure.
When the day finally arrived the girls were very excited. They have spent every day outside running around and playing, so I thought it would be interesting to see how long they lasted with the cold snow outside.
Well, they lasted. And they played. They ate snow. They threw snow at the windows. They were not wimps! Far from it! It was snow, glorious snow!
The first thing their brother did was build a ramp from our deck. He then put a jump at the other end. So now they have a wonderful place to shoot from with their sleds!All we need now is a little more snow. That won't be long!
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Saturday, November 15, 2008
What's In a Slouch?
When we brought Mesai home, we would sometimes see her stand with her slight little shoulders forward, her left knee bent in, and her hands clasped. It was a sweet little position. But more often, I would simply see her shoulders slouching forward slightly.
I thought it was simply a lazy slouch. I showed her how to pull her shoulders back, and when I would say, "Shoulders back," she would smile and throw them ridiculously far back.
When I took the girls to the paediatrican in Vancouver, she looked at Mesai's spine and it was as straight as a rod. After this visit, the concern of her back went out of my mind. I had other things to think about - parasites.
About a week ago, (about 4 weeks after the appointment), I suddenly realized I had not seen Mesai slouch for a long time. Since then, I have been observing her, and she no longer has poor posture.
It blows me away. This has not been about a little girl who learned to walk or stand with a slump. I believe this has been about a little girl who had a broken spirit.
I only say this because I know part of her history, and I know that she didn't want to come to Canada. Not at first. But now, when I see this child - today, she is the happiest little thing. Day by day, she is opening up more and more. Tonight, I said to my 15 year old son, "She is coming into her own." I actually had to ask her to keep it down a couple times! She was so noisy, I thought it was one of my boys. And she had a couple of days where she has tried the Waters of Misbehaviour, so to speak.
And, at the same time, she is learning to show her feelings. When she has had to sit on her bed twice for misbehaviour, she has sat there with no emotions whatsoever. When I came in and talked to her and asked her why she did not show her feelings the tears came. Big tears. And arms wrapped around me hugs. She is learning to tell me that she is mad. It is like somebody asked her about feelings and that told her it was okay to have them. And then they released.
I am so glad for this. She can't always be a happy little girl - and she certainly seems to be! There must be more feelings hidden inside than that. And now, slowly, she is letting them out. In a safe way. It feels like she knows that she is loved enough that she can tell me her feelings. And I will be there. I will not go away, or get mad at her. She just needs me to say, "What does your heart feel like, right now?" And then she has told me.
Seeing her run around and play without the slouch just shows me how much this little girl had bottled up inside her. Feelings that have yet to be let totally out. But at least, she has begun. And she is feeling confident and secure enough in her home to stand up tall. This is hugely rewarding to me
.
I thought it was simply a lazy slouch. I showed her how to pull her shoulders back, and when I would say, "Shoulders back," she would smile and throw them ridiculously far back.
When I took the girls to the paediatrican in Vancouver, she looked at Mesai's spine and it was as straight as a rod. After this visit, the concern of her back went out of my mind. I had other things to think about - parasites.
About a week ago, (about 4 weeks after the appointment), I suddenly realized I had not seen Mesai slouch for a long time. Since then, I have been observing her, and she no longer has poor posture.
It blows me away. This has not been about a little girl who learned to walk or stand with a slump. I believe this has been about a little girl who had a broken spirit.
I only say this because I know part of her history, and I know that she didn't want to come to Canada. Not at first. But now, when I see this child - today, she is the happiest little thing. Day by day, she is opening up more and more. Tonight, I said to my 15 year old son, "She is coming into her own." I actually had to ask her to keep it down a couple times! She was so noisy, I thought it was one of my boys. And she had a couple of days where she has tried the Waters of Misbehaviour, so to speak.
And, at the same time, she is learning to show her feelings. When she has had to sit on her bed twice for misbehaviour, she has sat there with no emotions whatsoever. When I came in and talked to her and asked her why she did not show her feelings the tears came. Big tears. And arms wrapped around me hugs. She is learning to tell me that she is mad. It is like somebody asked her about feelings and that told her it was okay to have them. And then they released.
I am so glad for this. She can't always be a happy little girl - and she certainly seems to be! There must be more feelings hidden inside than that. And now, slowly, she is letting them out. In a safe way. It feels like she knows that she is loved enough that she can tell me her feelings. And I will be there. I will not go away, or get mad at her. She just needs me to say, "What does your heart feel like, right now?" And then she has told me.
Seeing her run around and play without the slouch just shows me how much this little girl had bottled up inside her. Feelings that have yet to be let totally out. But at least, she has begun. And she is feeling confident and secure enough in her home to stand up tall. This is hugely rewarding to me
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Friday, November 14, 2008
No Sissy Girls At My House
I always knew that if I had girls, I didn't want girly-girl ones. I wanted girls that could enjoy playing with the boys, and at the same time, knew how to dress up as a little girl. But I didn't want a prissy little girl that didn't know how to have fun. One that cried when the boys played a little too rough.
Why should I have been surprised to see the little girls that God chose for our family running through the yard chasing their brothers complete with swords and icecream bucket headgear?
Or being quite ready and willing, and even pushing to go first, down a 16' slide and ski-jump into the snow?
But, at the same time, one little girl wanted to be a princess, when the other sister was dressed up as a knight.
We have a very happy balance of princess and tomboy in our house. Just perfect!
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Why should I have been surprised to see the little girls that God chose for our family running through the yard chasing their brothers complete with swords and icecream bucket headgear?
Or being quite ready and willing, and even pushing to go first, down a 16' slide and ski-jump into the snow?
But, at the same time, one little girl wanted to be a princess, when the other sister was dressed up as a knight.
We have a very happy balance of princess and tomboy in our house. Just perfect!
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Thursday, November 13, 2008
Back to School
I ordered a bunch of new schoolbooks for Mesai and Cooper. They finally came in. It was a fun first day of school (again). But now we have the real books - let the learning begin.
It was interesting to see. I had both kids doing the same curriculum, but the lack of language made it challenging! Mesai had to learn things like: different, same, circle, colour, cross out. And then she had to listen to stories that caused her to know which items to mark. It was tricky! But they enjoyed their new books.
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My Cutest Little Boy
I can't imagine life without Briton. I don't fault people who only choose to have one or two children, but I can say: they don't have any idea what they are missing when they limit the blessings God has for them! In the Bible you will not hear money mentioned as a blessing, but you will hear God tell you many times over how Children Are A Blessing.
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands. How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! Psalm 127: 3-5a
You see, before Briton came along, we were done. We had five children, and that was all we were going to have. I had great plans to go to Disneyland and having another baby would totally screw up those plans. wry smile. When I found out that I was pregnant, I was shocked! I had always wanted four kids, and the fifth was a well thought out decision, after seeing my husband's warm and loving large extended family. But that was it. We had our five and we were moving on. Or so we thought.
It took me a few months to wrap my mind around the fact that we were going down diaper lane again! After I got used to the idea, I began to enjoy it. But it was not immediate. But God knows best. He sent Briton and I love all my kids, but there is something special about Briton. He is so sweet-natured, so loving, so cute, so funny... I can't imagine Cooper having been my last baby. He is nearly 6!! I am so thankful that God overrode *my* plans for five children!
And then of course, He did it again, with numbers 7 and 8! And now Ray laughs: we might as well go for a dozen! LOL! Who knows with God at the wheel!
Making a Blanket Out of My Bath Mat
Big Sister Tying His Shoes - She So Loves Him
Who Else Would Dress Up With the Girls?
He so wanted to go to the Light Up The Night party as a princess. He was quite upset when I insisted he go as a dragon.
An Olympic Swimmer?
When I think about every one of the people that I know that was an Unexpected Blessing, I also think how dim the world's light would be without their presence! So when you think you are done having children, think very carefully about the blessings you are may be denying yourself.
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Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands. How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! Psalm 127: 3-5a
You see, before Briton came along, we were done. We had five children, and that was all we were going to have. I had great plans to go to Disneyland and having another baby would totally screw up those plans. wry smile. When I found out that I was pregnant, I was shocked! I had always wanted four kids, and the fifth was a well thought out decision, after seeing my husband's warm and loving large extended family. But that was it. We had our five and we were moving on. Or so we thought.
It took me a few months to wrap my mind around the fact that we were going down diaper lane again! After I got used to the idea, I began to enjoy it. But it was not immediate. But God knows best. He sent Briton and I love all my kids, but there is something special about Briton. He is so sweet-natured, so loving, so cute, so funny... I can't imagine Cooper having been my last baby. He is nearly 6!! I am so thankful that God overrode *my* plans for five children!
And then of course, He did it again, with numbers 7 and 8! And now Ray laughs: we might as well go for a dozen! LOL! Who knows with God at the wheel!
Making a Blanket Out of My Bath Mat
Big Sister Tying His Shoes - She So Loves Him
Who Else Would Be Such a Willing Prisoner?
Who Else Would Dress Up With the Girls? He so wanted to go to the Light Up The Night party as a princess. He was quite upset when I insisted he go as a dragon.
An Olympic Swimmer? When I think about every one of the people that I know that was an Unexpected Blessing, I also think how dim the world's light would be without their presence! So when you think you are done having children, think very carefully about the blessings you are may be denying yourself.
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Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Outdoors Kids
From the Inside
Outside These little munchkins were outside having fun and it was snacktime. They all huddled on the doorstep with their snack. So cute. Giggling away. Such pals.
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Fall Fun Party
In our home we don't do Halloween. Way back in the early days when Colt was born we did a little research and decided it was not a holiday we wanted to partake in. We only take part in the holidays that are uplifting, and dressing up as vampires, witches, ghosts, and ghouls is not something I want our kids to do. Given the spiritual background of Halloween, (and I don't mean All Saints Day, which is November 1), we don't have anything to do with it. Here is a one minute commentary on it:
BUT...
We always have a good time on the day, because we know that our kids, like any kids, love a good time! So instead, we have a Fall Fun Party. We have done many variations of this party - some public, some private.
Giraffe and Dragon
Ethiopian Princesses
Cowboy and Rock Star Toby Mac
What Else? Army Guy and CadetThis year, since the girls had not been 'out' too much, I figured this was a good chance for them to make their debut. Not that I like being centre stage. But we had to 'go public' at some point and up to this point everywhere we had been had been doctors, a quick shop, or another town shopping in Walmart!
A local church was having a Light Up The Night party. This was an outdoor party with a harvest/cowboy theme. Very positive and autumn-like versus scary and nasty. We arrived at the party and boy, I felt like Cheaper By The Dozen. We had kids coming out of all doors!! We even had one teenager in the baggage spot!!! LOL!!
Colt and Dane went and hung out with friends and I didn't see them again for the evening. Cassidy and Austin quickly found some friends, and I would occasionally see them around the party. Then it was just me and four little ones. Now that is somewhat challenging: all nearly 4, 4, 5, 6 years!
The girls thought the games were great fun! They got a candy at each activity.
When we came to the 'Seed Spitting' contest two thoughts crossed my mind:
1) Do I want to reteach them to spit?
2) If they do play Gadisae will win.
I decided to let them play. The four little ones all lined up at the front of the sheet and were each given a sunflower seed. They were told to hold them in their mouth and then SPIT. Moments later, the clear winner was declared. Gadisae. *laugh*
How clear a winner was she? Well, the other kids spat their seeds about: 1 foot, 18 inches, and 24" - Gadisae? About 5'. *laugh*
I proudly declared, "I am not surprised she won. She used to spit when she came." Meaning, this girl has talent. *grin* What a great keepsake of her spitting days! LOL!! And the little lady does not spit anymore.
But I have to tell you. The boys told me she spat. I didn't know this, until the day I was looking out the livingroom window, and then I saw this little girl do the most disgusting thing!! LOL!! Seconds later, we had a quick chat about how in Canada young ladies do NOT spit like that! And we are not talking 'ladylike spitting', either! Imagine your most seasoned cowboy and you have the right idea! *grin*
Seed Spitting
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Ethiopia Video - Days 1-5
This video is the first of a set of videos from our trip. I hope you enjoy it.
Justine
Justine
Happy Birthday Gadisae
Gadisae is FOUR
A little late to be reporting this, but life has been crazy! On November 1st, Gadisae had her fourth birthday. She was so happy. When she went upstairs at naptime to lay down she put her hands together to indicate sleep and said with a great big smile, "Sleep. Wake up. Glanny and Glandad come?" When I said yes, she exclaimed, "YEAH!"
They love my mum and dad. It is so wonderful to see how devoted already my parents are. I told my mum what Gadisae had said and she just beamed. I think it really made her feel great pleasure to know how important they are to these little girls. As I told my mum, to our girls family is very important, as we have emphasized this since the beginning. And my parents are the only ones that they are allowed to hug outside of our immediate family. That makes them *very* special. *smile*
But for me, to see my mum's obvious delight in seeing her little granddaughters when they came downstairs from their nap, was truly wonderful. A person hopes that their family will feel connected to a newly adopted child, but you have to be realistic. It doesn't always happen that way. Sadly, there are stories of families where it took time, sometimes a long time. We are very blessed! Every member of our family is in love with our little girls.
What I love about our boys is how excited they are to decorate and take on a birthday. Thank goodness for that, since I don't like doing birthdays. How sick is that? Eight kids and I don't like the big decorating dodah thing!! I like giving them the surprises and having their birthdays, but it is all the work that is involved!! LOL. So I have been very happy for the last 5-8 years when my boys have taken on parts of the birthdays!
This year, Austin decorated. He had paper balloons on walls, decorated plates, and organized the seating and hung a special thing from the ceiling that Gadisae was to pull. When she pulled it confetti fell all over her.
Cassidy painted a poster saying Happy Birthday Gadisae. And Dane helped Austin.
They love my mum and dad. It is so wonderful to see how devoted already my parents are. I told my mum what Gadisae had said and she just beamed. I think it really made her feel great pleasure to know how important they are to these little girls. As I told my mum, to our girls family is very important, as we have emphasized this since the beginning. And my parents are the only ones that they are allowed to hug outside of our immediate family. That makes them *very* special. *smile*
But for me, to see my mum's obvious delight in seeing her little granddaughters when they came downstairs from their nap, was truly wonderful. A person hopes that their family will feel connected to a newly adopted child, but you have to be realistic. It doesn't always happen that way. Sadly, there are stories of families where it took time, sometimes a long time. We are very blessed! Every member of our family is in love with our little girls.
What I love about our boys is how excited they are to decorate and take on a birthday. Thank goodness for that, since I don't like doing birthdays. How sick is that? Eight kids and I don't like the big decorating dodah thing!! I like giving them the surprises and having their birthdays, but it is all the work that is involved!! LOL. So I have been very happy for the last 5-8 years when my boys have taken on parts of the birthdays!
This year, Austin decorated. He had paper balloons on walls, decorated plates, and organized the seating and hung a special thing from the ceiling that Gadisae was to pull. When she pulled it confetti fell all over her.
Cassidy painted a poster saying Happy Birthday Gadisae. And Dane helped Austin.
Once my parents had arrived and everyone settled in I asked Mesai if she wanted to sing a song with Gadisae for Granny and Grandad. Yes, she did. So off they went. No shyness at all. Then Mesai took over. She kept coming up with songs and hand clapping games to show. They loved their audience. My mother was most impressed and told me what beautiful the girls' voices were.
Cooper joined them with what he knew. Later, he decided he wanted to sing a song also. It was very sweet. He sang a song about God, because the girls had sung spiritual songs that they learned in Ethiopia.
Granny Was Very Impressed
Grandad and Gadisae
He Calls Her "Cheeky" and "Little Madam." And, yes, she certainly is a Little Madam!! LOL! He got her pegged very quickly!
As soon as Mesai saw the shape of this package she knew it was the same as she received for her birthday - a pair of pajamas and slippers. Gadisae was totally out to lunch *grin*. She had the wrapping off, and the package at this point before she realized they were pajamas. So cute! "Pajamas!" *grin*
Horses!
Waiting For Confetti
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