Dedication Day

For Ellie's 2nd Gotcha Day, we had her dedicated at church.  Our intention was to do this immediately after bringing her home, but she was so very shy and probably would not have appreciated going up in front of everyone.  Even 2 years later, she was very nervous about it, but she did great.

In our church, parents dedicate their child, promising to raise them in a Godly home with the church's support and blessing.  When the child is old enough to understand what baptism is and what it means, they can be baptized.

Here's a few pictures from the big day!  (note, Ellie is now doing this funny thing with her eyes when she smiles -- it's totally Ethiopian -- we've heard Ethiopian's talk with their eyes... and we agree!)

She is finally getting to wear her traditional Ethiopian dress that we purchased for her while in Ethiopia.  It's beautiful... hand stitched and embroidered. The little scarf can also be used as a head-dress or wrap, but I couldn't get it to look authentic, so she wore it like a scarf.   Ellie was very proud of her cross necklace and heart bracelet.  She said her bracelet had hearts on it because she has "Jesus in her heart..."  Such a sweetie.

Ellie with cousins J & N

She looks suspicious! 

ahhh.. those funny eyes! 

Two Years Ago

I've always heard you should live in the present and not in the past ... But I can't help to think that 2 years ago today, we landed in Ethiopia for the second time to bring our sweet girl home forever.  Oh how I miss Ethiopia!!    

It was a whirlwind trip that we prepared and left in a matter of a few days.   Then, we were only in Ethiopia for 4 days before we headed home to experience life's adventures. It's sure been a quick 2 years full of many sweet and crazy adventures.  Our boys, who were 13 and almost 16, are now robust young men of 15 and 18 years old.  Faith, who was just a little peanut is now 3 and quickly catching up to her "big" sister Ellie.  

Things that I can easily laugh about today --  not so much 18 months ago... and the little shy girl that we brought home is now a confident almost-4 year old.  Even though Ellie came to us at a very young age, it's still apparent today that her heart is not fully healed from her grief and loss. Many days are wonderful, and some days, not so much.  As parents, we hurt for her and are here to love her no matter what.  We still stand in awe of the progress and transformation that has transpired in just 2 short years with her physically, emotionally, and socially.  We continue to eagerly wait to see what God's plan is for Ellie.  Whatever it is, she will rock it.  

To celebrate her 2 years home, we plan to have her officially dedicated at church on Sunday, even though she's already made herself at home there!  We hoped to have this done WAY before now, but this weekend is the perfect time. I'll be sure to post some pictures.. if someone takes them (hint, hint....)  

I'm reminded today that God is faithful, even in trials, and that His timing is always perfect, even if we don't understand it.  

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11 

Happy almost Gotcha Day Sweet Pea!  

Two Little Leprechauns !

St Patrick party day at school.  Our little girls look gorgeous in green!  

Nail Shop Fun

The girls have been asking for sometime about going to the "Nail Shop" to get their nails done.  Since it was Faith's Birthday (Princess and Pirate Party Pics coming soon!) I thought it would be a nice treat for the girls.  

So, we grabbed our little purses and off to the Nail Shop we went!  They had a fun time picking out their color.  Ellie picked a bright pink and she got a design put on.... Faith picked a pink sparkle polish.  They both did great!  Ellie has only picked the polish off of 2 fingers;  All of Faith's polish is gone :(   Thank goodness it wasn't expensive as the Owner of the shop basically did them for free  :)  

Ellie asked if they could get their toes done next time... hmmmmm..... not sure about that.  

Merry Christmas In Ethiopia

January 7 is the Ethiopian Christmas.   Merry Christmas to our Ethiopian beauty! We plan to celebrate soon at our favorite Ethiopian restaurant.   

Merry Christmas!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." - Romans 15:13

Little Hands

Ellie and Faith while riding in their car seats.  So cute! 

Hershey Park Happy

We made a visit to Hershey's Candy Lane.  It was a perfect night to go -- almost 50 degrees and not at all crowded.  The girls made a visit to see Santa.  They weren't overly impressed -- but Ellie did ask for a puppy!!  We also got to see real reindeer and an awesome light show. It was a fun night.  

Preschool program.

Today was the girls preschool program.  Here's a few shots I took on my phone before we left for the program.  Not the greatest quality -- but you get the idea.  The girls did great singing and ringing their jingle bells.  Too cute!  

First Movie

 We decided to be brave and take the girls to their first movie -- Disney's Frozen.  We went in without having any expectations -- afterall, how many potty breaks can a two and three year old take in 90 minutes :)

Armed with a very large popcorn, two sippy cups and two slightly sleepy girls, we headed into the movie.  They were super excited! 

They actually did really really good!  Each girl only took one potty break and they only spilled their popcorn twice ;).  And, we all thought the movie was cute... Especially, Olaf, the snowman.  

Maybe we will try it again soon!