Chera and Kenenisa are home!

After over two years of waiting, Chera and Kenenisa are finally home! They got in late last night at 9:15. Chera running to hug me when he walked through the gates was the greatest feeling ever. Both boys were very excited to meet their new brother and immediately gave him kisses and tried to hold him. They still constantly give him kisses. It's a good thing he is a pretty laid back baby!

There were a few other kids at the airport. The boys and the other kids very naturally began playing together. It was pretty sweet. I'll post some pictures of the airport later.

Overall the boys slept well. I guessed that their sleep schedule would be off since Ethiopia is 4 hours ahead and they took a four hour nap at the airport in Washington. They went to sleep at 11:30 and woke up at 7:30. It was much more sleep than I expected they would get. We have had a great day so far. The boys have been busy with soccer, puzzles, coloring, and swinging. They are the sweetest boys. Here are some pics of yesterday and today.

Thanks for all the prayers and support!

Another Change.

It's changed again! They are estimated to arrive at 9. There is a small possibility that they could leave earlier. I will send out a message if they do. I understand that it is late for people to come to the airport, especially with kids. So please don't feel bad if you planned to come and can't now. :)

Changes

Justin's itinerary has changed. He will now be arriving from Washington at 6:30. Flight number UA6029.

The boys got some sleep on the plane, but were pretty restless for the rest of the flight. I think they are having fun checking out all their new surrounding. Justin said that they had their first water fountain experience and Kenenisa thinks of it as more recreational as opposed to drinking.

Thanks so much for the prayers!

Update

Talked to the boys today. Everyone was doing good. They actually all got sick from the food they ate on Wednesday night, but seemed to be better by Thursday evening. Everyone is ready to come home and I am ready to have them home. I know Brittney and her kids are ready to have James home as well.

Tomorrow night they will start their journey home. Here are some specific prayer requests that we have:

-That everyone stomach fully recovers.

-That they are able to make it to all of their flights in time.

-We are expecting the trip home to be exciting but scary for Chera and Kenenisa. Prayers that they are able to sleep and stay calm.

- That Justin and James get some rest on the way home.

Thank you so much for the encouragement, prayers, help, and food. We appreciate it all!

Airport Arrival

As most of you know, adoption airport celebrations are pretty fun. A few people have asked when Justin will be back with the boys. He will be arriving on Saturday at 4:00. They have very little time to get to their plane in Chicago. Lots of prayers that their plane from Washington is on time. Check the blog on Saturday and I will post if I know he is running late.

Since I haven't seen the boys in a while, I would ask that instead of meeting at security, it would be great if everyone could meet downstairs at the bottom of the escalators. I could get a gate pass, but taking a double stroller and two kids through security is difficult. Thank you to everyone for understanding!

Also, for the first few days we will be "cocooning" with our new family. Coming home is going to be an exciting, overwhelming and new experience for the boys. This will give them a little time to adjust and help us to provide a stable and consistent environment. We ask that everyone saves their visits until we have had a little family time. This doesn't apply to people bringing meals! We really need you to come! :)

Here are some great pics from Zoey's airport arrival.

Embassy Appointment!

Just talked to Justin and the boys passed their embassy appointment! This was a huge relief since it is really the last hurdle before bringing your kids home. It's rare that families have any problems at this stage, but glad it's great to have it over with.

I think the all the boys are finally a little rested up. They seemed a lot more calm this morning. Both boys are ready to come home. They are talking about America and getting on a plane. After being in an orphanage for almost 3 years, I can understand why. They were also the only older kids in the transition house. I could imagine they were pretty bored.

The boys are really into everything. They want to tear through every single thing Justin brought for them. Justin is trying to gradually get out things so they stay entertained. It sound like they are really into arts/crafts, puzzles, and of course soccer. They love their backpacks and want to put all their belongings in them.

This was pretty sweet. I have menioned that Zoey is having a hard time when Asher cries. While I was talking to Justin, Zoey started crying because she heard Asher over the monitor. Chera immediately ran over to the webcam and started trying to comfort her. Hoping he is successful at this once he gets here. I could use the help!

Thanks so much for all the prayers! I will post more updates as I get them.

Happy Gotcha Day Zoey Hiwot!

One year ago today Justin and I brought home our beautiful Zoey Hiwot. This past Tuesday was the anniversary of her "Gotcha Day", the day we first came together as a family. We celebrated by putting Zoey in one of her Ethiopian dresses and going to the Queen of Sheba, our local Ethiopian restaurant.

It's hard to imagine she has been with us for a year now. It feels like we were just walking into the orphanage picking up our chunky baby. I am so thankful that God put her into our lives. Deciding to adopt her was a scary decision. She had so many unknowns and we were also in the process to adopt Chera and Kenenisa. We are so grateful that God made it very clear the path we needed to take.

She has come so far this past year. Our little girl who could barely hold her head up has improved by leaps and bounds. Zoey is the happiest little girl that brightens my mood if I am feeling down or tired. She is such a little social butterfly and makes friends wherever she goes

Although it's been hard waiting for Chera and Kenenisa, our year with Zoey has been precious and we will always treasure it. Happy Gotcha Day Zoey Hiwot!



Our first meeting with our beautiful girl!


Arriving at the Airport


Our Gotcha Day Dinner

They made it!

Justin and James made it to Ethiopia! i was able to skype with Justin and the boys this morning. The plan was for the boys to stay the first night at the orphanage. We both thought it would be an easier transition for them. Both boys didn't want him to leave them, so he went ahead and took them back to the hotel. After all this waiting, it sounds like they are ready to come home!

The boys were super energetic and hyped up about everything. It sounds like they were really excited about their pajamas. I doubt they have ever had any before. It's crazy to think that pajamas could be so special. There are so many things that we are just used to having in the US. I can't imagine what they are going to think about their own room, a closet full of clothes, bikes, etc.

I will hopefully get to skype with them again this afternoon. Praying that they all get some sleep. Justin seemed pretty tired.