Animal Instincts

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Liv Tunsitu - Blossoming

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Dear M & M,

The first time ever I saw your face 

I thought the sun rose in your eyes 

And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave

To the dark and the end of the skies 

The first time ever I saw your face

Congrats Julie and Steven and Congrats to all of us for the honored opportunity to have these two little bundles in our lives.

LT's 1st trip to the salon

Thanks to Lori for setting up a special Black Hair Care workshop for adoptive parents.  I had done a good amount of reading online but the benefits of being in front of a stylist who can touch LT's hair and give suggestions was so helpful.  LT's hair is beautifully curly curly and super duper thick and dense with a lot of red in it.  So here's what I learned:

--moisturizing is essential (I was not using enough product even though I was doing twice a day, so I drench her hair now).  The stylist said LT's hair was WAY TOO DRY.  The good news is I did have the product already that she recommended (Organic Olive Oil products - Target).

--comb through every day (even though her hair is short)

--blow dry to get scalp dry after shampoo as water can get trapped and create mildew

--Spend time everyday pulling on her hair, rubbing it and combing it.  Because her hair is pretty short right now and she absolutely hates it being touched I have to have to have to get her used to it being pulled.  The curls are so tight to her head that it can be uncomfortable but the more I work with it, the easier it will get.

--Dedicate a savings account to salon visits starting at her young age.  She recommended comb twists for LT until she can sit long enough for braids.

--Tears are part of the process.

I must say that I'm hoping that hair time turns from torture to bonding soon .  It's pretty hard knowing she's so uncomfortable but with mentors like Althea at Spice Salon, I look forward to us sharing many great memories through beautiful curly hair.

A story about the workshop is featured on NPR you can check out here.

ALSO, sending love to all the families who passed court, waiting or who will delayed this week.  

In Honor of Dad

Today is the 3 year anniversary of my father's passing.   A man who could light up a room.  Light up my face and light up a basketball court ;)  Dad is in my heart everyday and in Liv's spirit.  I feel him all around me and tear up with love when I think about how he shaped my life.   

Today I'm lucky enough to celebrate him by going to watch Maya Angelou speak with many great friends that I've met through the adoption process.  Thanks Carey for setting this up.  

It feels perfect.  He was a student.  He loved to write.  He loved to inspire and teach and he loved to use words to make people think, feel and act.   Two heroes will come together in my heart tonight!

I love you poppy and Liv Tunsitu does too!

Words by Maya Angelou:

 A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.

One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.

I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.

The honorary duty of a human being is to love.

The main thing in one's own private world is to try to laugh as much as you cry.

If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.

At the Park

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

SO MUCH FUN!

Teeth and Food

It's crazy how much things change every day. Every day LT's teeth are growing so much.  

and she's moved from baby food to solid food and is enjoying learning to feed herself. 

 
Thanks Grandma Skippy (Russell's grandma) for sending us the beautiful high chair cover.

Beach Day Fun

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Love Arrives

I know that I mentioned how great this was  but I'm still soaking in all the love when we arrived.

Thank you Auntie Julie for this post...

and

It doesn't get much better than this...Thanks Mimi.

It's a homecoming that I will never forget :)

SMILE

What a difference a week makes.  We are all smiles here.  So many good things have happened this week.  Liv Tunsitu is now sleeping through the night, liking the car seat, stroller, high chair, play time, parks, baths, visitors and ME.  It just amazes me how she's sinking into her self every day.  Every time I stop to think about what she must be experiencing through her baby self I am taken back.  But she is resilient and sure is feeling more comfortable.  I know this because she smiles more and more.  

Touched

The intensity and power in these eyes just humbles me.  It' s a big thing, to be a mom.     It's a big thing to to embark on this journey so many of us have chosen to do.  Somehow these eyes reflect and remind me of the love around us and the constant friendship knocking on our door.  I have never in my life felt so enveloped by support and well wishes.  Saying thank you to my friends does not feel like enough.  But I can assure you ALL that Liv Tunsitu and I are blessed and so very grateful.  I am touched.

WE

We're home! I feel sad to have left Addis but feeling the warm wonderful welcome at the airport  (click the two links for more pics). Thank you to everyone for the love and support. I will reflect more on Amazing Ethiopia soon and my bonding with LT but right now I'm just trying to get through as the jet lag has taken a toll (such a very small price to pay for such an amazing trip). 

For now, here's my Top Ten list.

1. Holding Liv Tunsitu
2. Meeting all the other Ethiopian Children
3. My driver and friend Becky
4. Aleze Jazz Club
5. Getting called 1st at the Embassy
6. Staying at the Ayat House
7. Meeting Maria and Wode
8. Learning more about Belay and Travis
9. The streets and life of Ethiopia
10. The dancing

I miss Addis Ababa so much that I almost ache. We were lucky enough to be hosted by our local friends Rihan and Millard. And it sure makes a difference when locals are there to show you the way. I also want to thank Kris and Sandro for sharing the amazing experience.  It was  truly life changing.

For the families I owe pics to, I appreciate your patience and I will try my best to get you your beloved pics soon.