Woman of Honor

Thinking of my sister - Tunsitu's beautiful, courageous aunt, Worke Birhanu.

May the love we're sending across the seas and sky and through the earth reach your heart.

Here's 1 way to help

Gladney has been able to access free shipping of several crates to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Many of you may remember we did this back last spring. We have several infant incubators which our local Children’s Hospital donated that will be going in the crates, but we would like to fill the remainder of the crates with diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, and baby carriers from www.diapers.com. They deliver diapers, wipes, and other baby necessities at great prices with fast free shipping (if you order $49 or more).

If you would like to help by donating items, you can enter the Referral Code “Gladney” on the shopping cart screen at www.diapers.com, and you'll get an extra $10 off your first order of diapers with a $49 minimum purchase. And Gladney gets a $1 credit each time you order. It's a great way we can both save!

Remember the Referral Code: Gladney

When ordering items, please have them shipped directly to Gladney at this
address by November 15th:

Gladney Center for Adoption
Attn: Scott Brown
6300 John Ryan Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76132

Here is a list of the products the children and in-country caregivers need which you can find by clicking on the links below:

Babyganics Germinator Hand Sanitizer - 250 ml - http://www.diapers.com/ Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=16258

Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers - Extra Large Case - (sizes needed size 1 through size 3) - http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=3

Huggies Natural Care Fragrance Free Baby Wipes - 360 Count Refill - http:// www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=8145

Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Original - City Black - http://www.diapers.com/Product/ ProductDetail.aspx?productId=7710

Thank you for your generosity,

Gladney Ethiopia Program Team

I can do something

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/?ref=main-menu

Thank you caring Mommy of wee to three.

Not much is making me smile more right now...

than dance shoes!

I stumbled upon these as I was hunting for my new blog -- Shine On Mom

All feedback appreciated.

That's what friends are for. (part II of a large series;)

Lucky Us.

That's what friends are for.

3 little Pumpkins

More pumpkins and her first train ride. Leave it to LA to be burning hot during pumpkin pickin time. LT had a blast with her BFF's Simone and Mimi.

A moment

Just like the day I did LT's twists, there was something about her wearing a hat today that made her look older. We've been home 5 1/2 months and she's quickly approaching 19 months. It's photos like this that make me stop and examine how far we've both come.

I am so happy that I had an overwhelming feeling the Christmas of 2007 that I acted on.  I can't imagine my life without this special girl.

CAKE Please

I stumbled across another blog mom who made this for her son's bday and NO CAKE HAS MADE ME HAPPIER. Recipe here.

Show support

I HEART ADOPTION

It's a special special day when someone materializes an idea that comes from a place of purity. Today, my friends, is one of those days where we get to witness true inspiration. Please take time to look at Danielle's site and support her wonderful gesture to the world. What a great gift this makes. We love you everyone at TesFesh.

Pumpkins!

LT and I took a trip to the pumpkin patch with Julie, Sentayehu & Uncle Sandro.

Day of 1sts

This morning we were at the park playing with our special friends, JLo & M&m and I "had" a moment because my babe graduated from the baby swing to the kid swing. Her first big girl solo swing ride. Can you believe it?

Then there was her first Halloween costume try on...

And then, during the afternoon shift there was her first ER visit.  

I won't get into the details of the emergency but it was scary and now she's doing VERY WELL. 

Liv Tunsitu blows me away constantly.  She handles stress with peace.  She trusts those who love her.  When she looks in my eyes, she understands she will feel better at some point.  She shows me that my job is to take care of her and not freak out or console myself.   My control and calm soothes her.  She reminds me that she IS equal parts special & strong.  You know, I normally don't think that babies are supposed to be or nor should you expect them to be strong but that's the only word that describes the powerful path and spirit of my wondersome little warrior.

Today, we both grew up a little -  as mother and daughter.