Judah seems to be attaching more quickly then I expected. People told us to except a good 6 months before even thinking about leaving him with a sitter. Within the first two weeks home my sister, her husband and their 6 year old came and stayed with the boys so Dave and I could go get dinner. We were only gone for 2 hours but Judah did greaat. He remembered my sister from the weekend before when she spent a good portion of a Saturday with us. He didn't cry when we left and was fine the whole time. Last Sunday I took him to children's church assuming I would need to stay with him. He walked in without turning back, sat down and joined the other kids. They said he did great and was way too smart to be in Liam's pre-k class. So, this Sunday he went off to CC again and once again did well. It's so nice knowing that he trusts us to return.
He is very loving and even after some discipline he will hug and kiss us and wants to snuggle. He is smiling and laughing most of the day and seems to love living with us. We're so thankful that ew haven't had bonding issues. The first week was hard cause it felt like I was babysitting someone else's son and that I didn't know him like I knew Liam and Gabriel but that's gotten better and more and more he feels like he belongs with us.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Speach
Judah is understanding almost everything we say. He is so curious and repeats everything he hears. He's just a little sponge.
He picks up the camera and says, "Mommy Smile. Cheese!"
He tries turning something on and if it doesn't respond he'll say, "It's not workin'."
He will say "I love you." but only after I say it.
He loves telling Gabriel "no".
He picks up my cell phone and say, "Hello!" then jabbers on in Amheric and ends with, "Bye bye!"
There are a lot of other things he says but I'm drawing a blank right now. He seems to get most of what we say though and I think soon he'll be responding in English to it.
He picks up the camera and says, "Mommy Smile. Cheese!"
He tries turning something on and if it doesn't respond he'll say, "It's not workin'."
He will say "I love you." but only after I say it.
He loves telling Gabriel "no".
He picks up my cell phone and say, "Hello!" then jabbers on in Amheric and ends with, "Bye bye!"
There are a lot of other things he says but I'm drawing a blank right now. He seems to get most of what we say though and I think soon he'll be responding in English to it.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pictures of the trip to Ethiopia
On the plane from DC to Addis Ababa, ET
On the monitor in the plane. . .we're getting ready to land!
The first meeting!
Judah's Nanny
The first day at lunch
He wanted the camera
The group of families we spent the week with
Nesibu and Birtukan who run the Morning Coffee Guest House where we stayed
Our room
Bathroom
With our good friend Melissa who traveled with us and our guide Abel
Dinner at Yod Abyssinia restaurant
Sisay went to court on our behalf in December
A common sight in Ethiopia
On the monitor in the plane. . .we're getting ready to land!
The first meeting!
Judah's Nanny
The first day at lunch
He wanted the camera
The group of families we spent the week with
Nesibu and Birtukan who run the Morning Coffee Guest House where we stayed
Our room
Bathroom
With our good friend Melissa who traveled with us and our guide Abel
Dinner at Yod Abyssinia restaurant
Sisay went to court on our behalf in December
A common sight in Ethiopia
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
God is so Faithful
So Dave and I were just talking today about how every day we have at least one small break through or victory with Judah. It just seems like after having a few really hard days everything is getting so much easier and he is responding to us so well.
He is saying sorry to his brothers when he hurts them.
He took a nap in his bed today without crying.
He is starting to share more.
His fits are starting to be less frequent and are shorter.
He isn't asking for food once every hour anymore.
He is *usually* sleeping through the night.
He is saying sorry to his brothers when he hurts them.
He took a nap in his bed today without crying.
He is starting to share more.
His fits are starting to be less frequent and are shorter.
He isn't asking for food once every hour anymore.
He is *usually* sleeping through the night.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Good Day
Things have been pretty over whelming with 3 little boys but today was a very good day compared to the last couple. I know a lot of it has to do with my attitude and perspective. I got out a little this morning while Dave stayed with the boys and got some of my Bible study homework done. This always helps me see things through the eyes of Christ and makes parenting much more apealing to me when I am reminded that I am on this earth to bring glory to God. If being a mom is what I am called to do right now (which it is) then I need to use it to bring my Savior glory.
Judah still throws little fits but over all they are less often and shorter. I'm getting used to them and not getting so stressed over it. He is still waking super early and having struggles going to sleep at night. Most nights he is still crying plenty when bedtime comes. Liam's been quite the trooper sharing a room and listening to Judah off and on for a good half hour before he finally sleeps. Tonight Liam asked why Judah cries at night. I did my best to explain that Judah might want to continue playing or just doesn't want to be in bed. I think we're making breakthroughs with J though cause things get easier and he's starting to respond more positively each night. I think it might be awhile still and we have to work through these things but both my other boys have had periods of sleep issues. We'll get through it.
Judah still throws little fits but over all they are less often and shorter. I'm getting used to them and not getting so stressed over it. He is still waking super early and having struggles going to sleep at night. Most nights he is still crying plenty when bedtime comes. Liam's been quite the trooper sharing a room and listening to Judah off and on for a good half hour before he finally sleeps. Tonight Liam asked why Judah cries at night. I did my best to explain that Judah might want to continue playing or just doesn't want to be in bed. I think we're making breakthroughs with J though cause things get easier and he's starting to respond more positively each night. I think it might be awhile still and we have to work through these things but both my other boys have had periods of sleep issues. We'll get through it.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Breakthrough
Last night we had a break through. Judah climbed into bed without us picking him up and putting him there. He then went to sleep without us pressent. We left the room dark with the hall light on and the door mostly open. It was so wonderful to know he felt safe without us in sight.
Unfortunately he woke very early (5 something) and came into our room. Dave was back and forth over and over because Liam and Judah kept fighting instead of going back to sleep. I finally took them downstairs for breakfast. I am sick with something and didn't sleep well so I was a zombie. I turned on the baby sitter (AKA TV)and was able to sleep off and on through the whole movie while Gabriel was still sleeping in his crib. That was nice otherwise I am not sure how I would have gotten through the day.
Unfortunately he woke very early (5 something) and came into our room. Dave was back and forth over and over because Liam and Judah kept fighting instead of going back to sleep. I finally took them downstairs for breakfast. I am sick with something and didn't sleep well so I was a zombie. I turned on the baby sitter (AKA TV)and was able to sleep off and on through the whole movie while Gabriel was still sleeping in his crib. That was nice otherwise I am not sure how I would have gotten through the day.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Life in our house
The boys are acting like brothers now. . .which is good and bad. They are fighting more and we're trying to teach all three how to share with each other. When they play together they laugh a ton which is wonderful to listen to. But most of the time it's one boy wanting the other's toy.
Since we got home from Ethiopia Judah would ask for food numerous times in between each meal. I would feed him as it was comfort for him and probably his body craving nutrients he hadn't been getting. I felt like I was giving him food constantly. The past two days he hasn't been asking quite as often. I don't know if he's just getting comfortable and doesn't think of food as often or maybe his body is adjusting to the new foods. It's only been about a week since we got home and I expected this to be something that lasted a lot longer.
Judah's been napping but it's not something we make him do or set a time for. In the afternoon he just ends up falling asleep on the couch. We wake him after an hour so that it won't affect his sleep at night. It's a nice little break for me if he happens to sleep when Liam and Gabriel are napping but I'm not always that lucky.
He still won't go to sleep at night without us in sight. He's slept through the night many times but there have also been many nights of waking and calling for us. It's unpredictable so far. Some nights he wakes once a couple hours after going to sleep and other nights he would wake at like 2AM. I feel like we have a large newborn who can talk and get out of bed.
Liam has this tendency to act like other kids who are younger then him. Now, Judah is older but acts younger then Liam and now we are getting a lot of mimicking. Liam will make gestures to tell me what he wants or even use some of the Amheric words he's learned. I try to encourage him that we love Liam the way he is and want him to act like Liam and not Judah.
Judah saw the pediatrician today for the first time since being home. Dr. Mike had no concerns at all. There are things we need to watch for and keep an eye on but he isn't concerned about anything that would need to be treated right away. His body mass index is good because even though he is short he is not under weight for that height. He could also be small because his birth parents might have been shorter. We don't know. But it was good news to hear that there was no need for any tests.
Since we got home from Ethiopia Judah would ask for food numerous times in between each meal. I would feed him as it was comfort for him and probably his body craving nutrients he hadn't been getting. I felt like I was giving him food constantly. The past two days he hasn't been asking quite as often. I don't know if he's just getting comfortable and doesn't think of food as often or maybe his body is adjusting to the new foods. It's only been about a week since we got home and I expected this to be something that lasted a lot longer.
Judah's been napping but it's not something we make him do or set a time for. In the afternoon he just ends up falling asleep on the couch. We wake him after an hour so that it won't affect his sleep at night. It's a nice little break for me if he happens to sleep when Liam and Gabriel are napping but I'm not always that lucky.
He still won't go to sleep at night without us in sight. He's slept through the night many times but there have also been many nights of waking and calling for us. It's unpredictable so far. Some nights he wakes once a couple hours after going to sleep and other nights he would wake at like 2AM. I feel like we have a large newborn who can talk and get out of bed.
Liam has this tendency to act like other kids who are younger then him. Now, Judah is older but acts younger then Liam and now we are getting a lot of mimicking. Liam will make gestures to tell me what he wants or even use some of the Amheric words he's learned. I try to encourage him that we love Liam the way he is and want him to act like Liam and not Judah.
Judah saw the pediatrician today for the first time since being home. Dr. Mike had no concerns at all. There are things we need to watch for and keep an eye on but he isn't concerned about anything that would need to be treated right away. His body mass index is good because even though he is short he is not under weight for that height. He could also be small because his birth parents might have been shorter. We don't know. But it was good news to hear that there was no need for any tests.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Judah Cheneku . . . .just Judah
So, We called our son Cheneku while in Ethiopia. The last couple days there I started saying Judah Cheneku. Since we've been home he sees pictures of himself and says "Dudah!" We've pretty much dropped "Cheneku" and he always answers to Judah. It's surprising to me as we expected to use both names together for quite some time. I think this is a good transition for all of us. Him having a "new" name is good. "Cheneku" means "worry" on Amheric and "Judah" means "the praised one". GOOD change!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
"Mommy, dank you!"
I forgot to share with you the new favorite phrase of my little boy. Judah learned "thank you" somewhere. What I mean is that we hadn't intentionally taught him to say it. But he is saying it and fairly consistently and always in the correct context. It's so cute. I will give him something walk away and I hear, "mommy! mommy!" When I turn and say, "what?" he responds with a huge grin and says, "Mommy, dank you!" So, even though he still has his occasionally melts downs and temper fits he's pretty polite. :-)
Fun Moments
Judah loves Bailey, our dog. He calls him "Baby" cause he doesn't get the "L" in Baily. He likes hand feeding Bailey the dog food and treats. He also tried to ride on Bailey since he's the perfect size dog to be a child's horse.
Liam and Judah found some paper to color on and when Judah started to color on Liam's piece of paper Liam said in a cute little "parent" voice, "Oh good job!" I was proud of Liam for not getting mad about it and instead he encouraged him.
Last night my parents brought us dinner and a great very kid friendly dessert. Judah isn't used to sweets and doesn't like desserts and most candies. He and Gabriel were at the table with their bowls and Judah would barely lick a tiny bit off his spoon and give a huge reaction. But he kept doing it over and over. I think he liked the taste but the pudding consistency was new and weird to him. Gabriel thought it was hilarious and belly laughed everything single time. This encouraged Judah to continue and he started to giggle about it too. It was quite the scene and made Dave and I both laugh.
Liam and Judah found some paper to color on and when Judah started to color on Liam's piece of paper Liam said in a cute little "parent" voice, "Oh good job!" I was proud of Liam for not getting mad about it and instead he encouraged him.
Last night my parents brought us dinner and a great very kid friendly dessert. Judah isn't used to sweets and doesn't like desserts and most candies. He and Gabriel were at the table with their bowls and Judah would barely lick a tiny bit off his spoon and give a huge reaction. But he kept doing it over and over. I think he liked the taste but the pudding consistency was new and weird to him. Gabriel thought it was hilarious and belly laughed everything single time. This encouraged Judah to continue and he started to giggle about it too. It was quite the scene and made Dave and I both laugh.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Our travel home AND since we've been home
Travel home:
So, we headed to the airport Friday night and were all so excited it was time to head home and see our two boys who were waiting for us in Colorado. We got to the airport and made our way to the airport entrance with all our luggage when we were stopped and told that our flight was postponed till the next night due to feet of snow in Washington DC. My eyes welled up and I tried to fight the emotions. I was so excited to be headed home and now we had to head back to the Guest House and spend another 24 hours in Addis living out of very unorganized suitcases. It was tough to be optimistic and not just cry and cry. When we got to the GH Judah threw a major fit when bedtime came. The emotions soared and I let it go. . .
The next day we got to go visit Birtukan and Nesibu's boys' home and see the ladies roast the coffee. We also got to see them serve lunch to a ton of little kids. The kids were thrilled to see us and it was quite the experience. It killed a little time but the rest of the day we stayed at the GH counting the hours with Kevin and Lori (the other family staying at the GH). They would be heading to the airport a few hours after us that night.
We went to the airport that night fully aware of the fact that the flight could be delayed again. Luckily, it was on time as scheduled. Getting through security and what not was tiring and very overwhelming and it was good to finally sit down on the plane. 18 hours later we landed in DC. Judah did really well on the whole flight sleeping a good amount of the time but during landing he didn't want his seat belt on and cried and screamed for a long stretch. Nothing we could do since he had to keep the seat belt on. The comforting part was that there were MANY other families on the plane with newly adopted kids and throughout the whole flight there was plenty of crying from other kids.
Once in DC we found out that our flight was canceled because they didn't have a plane since so many other flights hadn't come in with the weather the day before. Again, the tears came fairly quickly when we were told we couldn't get on another flight till Tuesday (two days later). I couldn't help it and could only think of how badly I wanted to see Liam and Gabriel. We called our travel agent who told us that we were actually confirmed on a Monday flight instead. This was a relief although that would mean we'd still have to get a hotel. Our travel agent booked us a hotel and gave us the number to call a shuttle. We waited around on stand by for the next flight to Denver but didn't get on. So, we took off for the hotel.
We had a nice restful time watching the Super Bowl and eating pizza. Judah had fun investigating the room and was a good boy the WHOLE time. He fell asleep on his own and slept most of the night through which was great since he was in such a different time zone. It turned out to be a blessing staying the night cause we got a fresh start to a much shorter day of travel. We didn't fly out until 4:30 so we took our time getting back to the airport.
We had a little hiccup when trying to check in though. They told us only Dave and I were booked on the flight and Judah was on a flight the NEXT day. What in the world? I was not happy. Found out United did it and our travel agent missed it when checking. We tried getting Dave's seat changed to Judah so Dave would stay behind catching the next flight. God worked a miracle and somehow got all three of us on the flight that afternoon which had been totally booked. God is good! I was so thankful.
We got home from there without any problems and were welcomed by many friends and family at the airport. I was a little tearful again just due to lack of sleep and the relief of being home. What a wonderful homecoming for our little boy!
Now that we're home:
Liam and Gabriel weren't too sure about their new brother. I think they were just intimidated which is ok. Gabriel's very hands on which Judah doesn't get. Gabriel gets close and pushy not in a mean way. Liam tries to talk to him a little but seems reserved. They're all going to get along like brothers soon. . .:-) The fighting will be like typical brothers eventually.
Judah's not a fan of bed/nap time so that's been our biggest challenge. He cried for over an hour yesterday when we tried putting him down for a nap. The crying is the usually worst when he's tired so we really felt like he needed the nap. Anyway, he finally fell asleep but went to bed without a fit that night which was good. He woke at 2am and then 3 when I ended up sleeping in his bed with him. He doesn't like being "alone" (although Liam's in the room) so I had to stay with him since he seemed very awake. His little body is figuring out the new 10 hour time difference. We're hopeful that we'll get better sleep soon once he starts sleeping all night again. After that's worked out we'll work on him getting to sleep with out us in the room.
So, we headed to the airport Friday night and were all so excited it was time to head home and see our two boys who were waiting for us in Colorado. We got to the airport and made our way to the airport entrance with all our luggage when we were stopped and told that our flight was postponed till the next night due to feet of snow in Washington DC. My eyes welled up and I tried to fight the emotions. I was so excited to be headed home and now we had to head back to the Guest House and spend another 24 hours in Addis living out of very unorganized suitcases. It was tough to be optimistic and not just cry and cry. When we got to the GH Judah threw a major fit when bedtime came. The emotions soared and I let it go. . .
The next day we got to go visit Birtukan and Nesibu's boys' home and see the ladies roast the coffee. We also got to see them serve lunch to a ton of little kids. The kids were thrilled to see us and it was quite the experience. It killed a little time but the rest of the day we stayed at the GH counting the hours with Kevin and Lori (the other family staying at the GH). They would be heading to the airport a few hours after us that night.
We went to the airport that night fully aware of the fact that the flight could be delayed again. Luckily, it was on time as scheduled. Getting through security and what not was tiring and very overwhelming and it was good to finally sit down on the plane. 18 hours later we landed in DC. Judah did really well on the whole flight sleeping a good amount of the time but during landing he didn't want his seat belt on and cried and screamed for a long stretch. Nothing we could do since he had to keep the seat belt on. The comforting part was that there were MANY other families on the plane with newly adopted kids and throughout the whole flight there was plenty of crying from other kids.
Once in DC we found out that our flight was canceled because they didn't have a plane since so many other flights hadn't come in with the weather the day before. Again, the tears came fairly quickly when we were told we couldn't get on another flight till Tuesday (two days later). I couldn't help it and could only think of how badly I wanted to see Liam and Gabriel. We called our travel agent who told us that we were actually confirmed on a Monday flight instead. This was a relief although that would mean we'd still have to get a hotel. Our travel agent booked us a hotel and gave us the number to call a shuttle. We waited around on stand by for the next flight to Denver but didn't get on. So, we took off for the hotel.
We had a nice restful time watching the Super Bowl and eating pizza. Judah had fun investigating the room and was a good boy the WHOLE time. He fell asleep on his own and slept most of the night through which was great since he was in such a different time zone. It turned out to be a blessing staying the night cause we got a fresh start to a much shorter day of travel. We didn't fly out until 4:30 so we took our time getting back to the airport.
We had a little hiccup when trying to check in though. They told us only Dave and I were booked on the flight and Judah was on a flight the NEXT day. What in the world? I was not happy. Found out United did it and our travel agent missed it when checking. We tried getting Dave's seat changed to Judah so Dave would stay behind catching the next flight. God worked a miracle and somehow got all three of us on the flight that afternoon which had been totally booked. God is good! I was so thankful.
We got home from there without any problems and were welcomed by many friends and family at the airport. I was a little tearful again just due to lack of sleep and the relief of being home. What a wonderful homecoming for our little boy!
Now that we're home:
Liam and Gabriel weren't too sure about their new brother. I think they were just intimidated which is ok. Gabriel's very hands on which Judah doesn't get. Gabriel gets close and pushy not in a mean way. Liam tries to talk to him a little but seems reserved. They're all going to get along like brothers soon. . .:-) The fighting will be like typical brothers eventually.
Judah's not a fan of bed/nap time so that's been our biggest challenge. He cried for over an hour yesterday when we tried putting him down for a nap. The crying is the usually worst when he's tired so we really felt like he needed the nap. Anyway, he finally fell asleep but went to bed without a fit that night which was good. He woke at 2am and then 3 when I ended up sleeping in his bed with him. He doesn't like being "alone" (although Liam's in the room) so I had to stay with him since he seemed very awake. His little body is figuring out the new 10 hour time difference. We're hopeful that we'll get better sleep soon once he starts sleeping all night again. After that's worked out we'll work on him getting to sleep with out us in the room.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Flight 7312
So, as of now our flight into Grand Junction get us there at 9pm on Sunday. Our flight number is 7312 for you all who want to come. At least it won't interrupt the SuperBowl. :-/ We got through last night with a victory for the parents. We didn't give in to what he wanted and he eventually laid down and went to sleep. It's tough to listen to him cry and get angry but I know we need to be consistent with him for him to learn he can't get away with it. He still seems to love us this morning which is good. . .at 6:30 he woke and said, "Daddy! Daddy!" Dave brought him into our bed and he fell back sleep laying between us. This is not something we'll do at home but being in the same room makes it tough. We got another hour of sleep which was needed after last night. Judah is full of energy and happy this morning. We have a pretty laid back day and I am counting the hours until we head to the airport tonight. They are supposed to be done getting snow in DC and have it plowed in time for us to land there and get our flight to Denver so please pray that there is no other delays. Thanks for your prayers!
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