Officially Official!

This is long past due, but on January 25 - Zebene was officially re-adopted here in Texas.  This gives us a U.S. Birth Certificate (easier for school/his future etc.) and also gave us the ability to change his name from how it must be given during the time of adoption in Ethiopia (they must keep their ET name for first name, Dad's name as middle and then the new last name.).  Because we decided to keep Z's first name, it didn't seem like a lot changed - however - he did go from "Doug" to "Levi" for the middle.

In any rate, one more thing checked off the "list" in the post-adoption phase.  One more round of finances spent for the adoption ($600).   With our year anniversary quickly approaching, I am looking forward to getting the last social worker home study update completed and move on with life - if that is even possible once you've completed an adoption.  Until Z is 18 we will have to submit reports written by us and photos yearly.  Whew!

Here's proof of the day.

Big Days for a Big Boy!

It has been a whirlwind week and to update you on the post from "Surrender" ... our little Z tested at the school campus less than 20 hours after I first stepped into the school to ask questions and we received word in - oh - about less than 1 hour after that test that he qualified for the pre-K program up at the school.  They wanted him the very next day.  Ahhh --- what!  Well, for one, this Momma needed a few days to prepare my heart AND as it turns out, he needed a few more immunizations we weren't yet caught up on.  All that being said, today - ONE WEEK - from the first time I put out there in FB land that I needed help and what should I do with Z for language acquisition etc - we have answers and a plan!  Yeah, apparently, when you say "I surrender" the Lord breathes a fresh breathe of air and is so thankful that you have finally given over your control - that he MOVES!

This morning, he went off for his first day.  I'll admit, I had to choke back some tears and the lump in my throat to say good bye left me short on words.   Cristie - short on words?  This never happens!  All in all, it was another beautiful little sign that the Lord is working on that big ol' ugly word in the adoption world called - attachment.  As I drove away from school, my eyes filled with tears again.  I think I can say from the pit of my gut and the bottom of my heart - I love that darn little kid to pieces!  He's stolen my heart and has grown his own precious place there.  I think I'll keep him.  HAHA.

But, not to be overshadowed by the first day of Pre-K was the very first birthday party!  Oh yes we did celebrate the big FIVE on Sunday before we started this school adventure.  His birthday was actually the Thursday before but seeing as how we're a big, crazy and busy family - we couldn't do a party that night.  Unlike the other kids, if we did a small celebration Thursday, Z wouldn't understand when we did a party on Sunday what was going on.  I mean - do we celebrate two days for our birthdays and WHAT is a birthday anyways?  I think not.  We ordered all the kids into a swearing of silence on Thursday and mentioned nothing within an ears shot of Z that it was indeed his big day.  To be honest, we don't know if that was the actual day of his birth anyways since his birth Momma only knows the "season" and timeframe of his arrival and not the calendar day.  Sunday?  Thursday?  Whatever ... it was celebrated!  He asked when he saw this presents if he could open "Christmas".  Um, he might be a tad bit confused.  I mean, we did say Christmas was a birthday ....
Here's the proof!

It's a Wrap!

Watching a Baby's First Christmas ... at just days away from 5 years old is perhaps one of the biggest blessings of adopting an older child.  I mean, seriously, every first through a child's eyes is incredible - but when those eyes are old enough to not remembering having it before - it will blow your socks off.

For weeks we had so many questions that I wanted to poke my eyes out question after question about Christmas.   Spotting the first tree "inside" that he thought was "on fire" at Costco should have given me a clue that we would have many laughs and much confusion of all the lights, decorations and Jesus's "birfday" to come.

I still don't think he "Gets it".  I mean, the day AFTER Christmas he awoke asking if it was time again to "open presents".  Did I mention that Zebene is the modern day version of Pavlov's Dog - only you don't have to keep repeating the whistle - after only one time - it's time to repeat.   That would be great if it worked for peeing in the toilet, putting away his toys or listening to instruction.  I don't know why Pavlov seems to be so selective.  Anyways ....

As I stood in the shower on Christmas Eve, it dawned on me that my boy had NEVER opened a gift.  We had talked of presents and gifts and he had seen me put colorful wrapped things under the tree,  but he had not one clue that inside each of those brightly wrapped packages was a toy or something fun to be discovered.  So as the water washed over my face - panic began to break out.  We were heading to Christmas Eve at Nana's ... the chaos of all mega chaos after our church service.  6 nephews and nieces and too many adults smashed together in one living room with presents and paper flying everywhere was not my idea of seeing my brand new son open his first gift.  And well - selfishly - I also didn't want to share that moment.  Hhhh mmm ... I am totally selfish like that.   Too bad.  I jumped out of the shower and peeked my half naked body out the door (outside door I might add) to let my hubby and kids know that it was time to come in and get this show on the road.  We were opening a gift BEFORE we left AND we'd also be making time for a few pictures by the trees.  Insert here the roll of their eyes and a big yawn reply.  Too bad again, call it my Christmas gift to me!  Anyways, I succeeded in getting a few shots of that first unwrapping of the gift and a few pictures of my kids all dressed up.  Unfortunately, the hubbs didn't realize that you have to focus the lens when he attempted to get one of me with my kids ... see what I mean.

Did I just make you feel like you needed new glasses?

Oh well - so much for the pic with Momma and her babes.  At least I got a few of the babes.

It was only after all 4 of the kids had piled into the car that I realized that hubbs hadn't focused ANY of the pics of me with my kids.  But, alas, their was one last ranger who hadn't yet made it into the safety of the car so I snatched him up for a Momma pic.  Lucky boy - it was my Christmas gift!

It's amazing what that focus will do

Here is a little peak at that first gift unwrapping.  Please note, poor lighting, poor focus again.

Does his eyes look crossed to you??  HAHA

Wait?  What?  That's all - Pajamas?

I know, and all that fuss for a pair of silly PJ's.  Poor kid - he also didn't know that the traditional Christmas Eve gift is a new pair of .... insert drum roll please .... PJ's!

Then came Christmas Eve service - only it was a Monday and Z was sure that we had just been to church the day before.  HAHA.
I love these next pics.  I had taken in my camera to church as I didn't want to leave it in the car during the service - You know, all those thieves at churches - snicker!  As we sang Silent Night and lit our candles, there became this beautiful moment - one I just had to get through the lens.  Me likey!

Then we headed to Nana's for heartburn and headaches a quick bite (because you have to eat quick when 10 kids are pawning after you to open gifts) and unwrapping of gifts.  We also always listen to Papa or one of the Daddy's read the story of Jesus's birth from Luke.  You know, that's the short version - just a few paragraphs too long for the little kids to listen to.  This year, Z told me he didn't have to listen to Uncle John as he said "He not talking Zebene".  Apparently, when amidst a group  the rules of listening don't apply and Z is invisible.   Don't worry, I am praying for his teacher!  We also sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and eat cupcakes that have each been filled with one of the nativity items.  If you get Jesus in your cake - your a winner!  HAHA.  I'm laughing at my own self here, I mean, we seriously put Jesus inside the batter of our cake and everyone digs around their cupcakes to see if they win the dollar that year by getting the gold Jesus in their teeth.  The things you do for kids!  Are we white trash?  This year, Z wasn't so sure about singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.  He was a tad bit confused ....

What in the world are they doing???  This picture CRACKS ME UP!  Yes, we are that crazy in America!

But all is well, he got the ass  Donkey in his cupcake

Seriously, a Christmas miracle.  Nana and Papa and all TEN of their grandkids looking and SMILING at the Camera at ONE time!

Two of my nephews and my cutie son

Then we headed home to put the kids in bed and finish our own Christmas preparations.  Here is my itty bitty tree in my new house.  It looked like a Charlie Brown tree at 6ft tall with our 20 plus foot ceilings.  HAHA.    The night before the chaos of the unwrapping and messes ... and please, someone tell me why it look so yellow?

Christmas morning.

Everyone with their sleepy eyes, with their Christmas PJ's and stockings.

But, really, all Maliah wanted for Christmas was her three  THREE front teeth she lost the week of Christmas.

Everyone got quite a loot between us, my parents and the in-laws.  After 3 Christmas celebrations, Z woke up the next morning and asked if it was time to open presents.  HAHA.  He has asked every day since if it is Christmas.  Poor kid.  

And because we could no longer stomach seeing him dressed up like this ...

He got a big box of dress up clothes for BOYS - including a police man and a Roman Knight!  Whew!!  This is more like it!  

He also LOVES talking about all the animals from "Af-ree-kuh".  So, appropriately he did tell Granny he wanted a Zebra, a Lion, a Giraffe and an Elephant-e for Christmas when asked.   In his stocking did appear his Christmas wish ... Yes, they do come true - even IF you don't know what Christmas IS!  

And here's a few more fun Christmas pics.  I have too many to choose from and too many I love.  I will add a few more just for my own enjoyment.  

Ah, aren't we cute ....

This is more like us!

Aunt Susie - as crazy as my four kids!

My whimsical beauty and her new crazy shoes.

And last but not least .... our Christmas gift!

Oh wait .... maybe Aunt Susie is actually the gift!

That's it folks .... That. Is. A. Wrap!  

Baby's First Christmas - and other notable firsts.

Still so many firsts!  As we turn the bend of 10 months home and soon celebrate the close of 2012, we continue to embark on the confusion, the joy and the bazillions of questions that come with a very curious 4.5 year old little boy learning all about "Mericut".  I have gotten so busy with life - and laundry (and taxi cab driving) with 4 crazy kids, that I have failed miserably to note some of the sweetest, some of the craziest and some of the most monumental times.  Maybe over the holidays I will get a chance to play some catch up.  Until then, might this bide some time.

August we moved into our new home.  Z has loved the discovery of the wild life we see out our windows.  He also loves riding his bike in the circle drive, sitting on the front porch in the rocking chair and learning to climb the trees.  We are loving the quiet hill country life, meeting new people and becoming "old" in our young age.  I for one have taken on a new love of humming bird watching and am already ready for the spring to come so my little friends will embark again at the feeder out my kitchen window.  We have seen fox, HUGE buck, doe's, roadrunner's and even an Audad.  Each day is a new discovery - and I am good with all those creatures above - just leave the sneaky snakes waaaay out back!

Seriously - this guy was less than 10 feet from me.  Good morning, Sunshine!

The end of August, the big kids started school.  Each year we begin our year with a Back to school "Celebration Dinner".  I pick a scripture for the year and place it as a name card in front of each seat.  We write down the kids teacher's names and pray for them by name.  I always use our good China and try to make it as special as possible.  Last year, we set a place for our little guy.  A promise that soon he'd fill that seat.  It was extra special that the Lord delivered that promise to us!  One year later - almost to the day we first saw his face - he was joining our celebration!

Last year's name card.  Indeed, we came for you, Zebene Levi Martine

September we embarked on our first real family "vacation"with Zebene.  We spent the 4 day labor day weekend (a yearly tradition) at Laity Lodge Family Camp.  Z got to sleep in a bunk bed (bottom bunk) in the same room with his whole family.  We quickly learned he is a noisy sleeper and by night two were all looking for our ear plugs.  He also got to play in a river, ride in a canoe and slip on the slippy slide.  It's an adventure we share each year with my in-laws and Doug's Sister's family who includes 6 kids.  Needless to say, it's full of energy and fun!

 Halloween was a muse.  I mean, really, I put on this crazy costume - knock on people's doors and they give me candy?  And yes, this kid still thinks any day can be Halloween.  I'm pretty sure he has decided that "Mericut Halloween" is a keeper holiday!

Of course, October also was the month our Daddy was away in Ethiopia visiting our kids at the Warancha CarePoint.  It was my first time with all 4 kids for that long alone (two weeks).  My folks were out of town and we had a gazillion activities going on.  I would wait each day for a skype call from Doug around 1:30 in the afternoon  - depending on the internet, some days it would work and some days it wouldn't.  It was literally those calls and sporadic text messages that got me through.  2 weeks felt like a lifetime and I realized that life is FAR more fun with my honey around.  Each day, Z would join the call from my lap and he was certain that Daddy was inside the computer.    

Some of the eyes that have stolen our hearts in Awassa, Ethiopia (Warancha CarePoint)

Doug praying over the kids at Warancha

There's Daddy in the computer.

Also, while in Ethiopia, Doug was able to see Mama MiMi (Z's birthmom) again.  We told her 8 months ago that we would return to see her.  I don't think she really believed us the first time.  The director of the orphanage that Z is from (and where they met up) said that in the history of adoptions - we were the FIRST family to ever come back after the adoption and visit the birth family.  I sent a photo album we put together of Z's first months and a picture he colored for her.  At first MiMi  seemed shy and almost shameful when they met.  As soon as Doug brought out the photo album and began showing her Z's photos, she began to cry.  At one point, she took the pictures and kissed each of them one at a time.  Doug said she loved hearing about his fun personality and Alex, the awesome HopeChest guide read/translated the letter I sent her.  By the end of the few hours together, she was all smiles and this time when Doug left and said we'd see her again soon ... she knew we meant it!  She is treasured and adored ... and I think she finally believes us when we say so!  I also believes she finally knows that I meant what I said upon our first meeting, "I am simply her hands caring for a son she loved so dearly.  I am not ever going to replace her - and she will always be treasured in our home".  In the photo album I had put on the last page a picture of the bookshelf in our living room that has a beautiful canvas of her face.  Doug said when she saw that photo, she was overcome in emotion.  Indeed, Mimi, you are always with us and very much a part of our home.
*For the privacy of MiMi and Z, I have and will always remain from showing photos of her beautiful face.  She has a smile that would light up these pages.

The picture Z made for his Momma.  I love that he wrote his name so beautifully!  She must have been proud.

Alex reading her my letter

November brought another first and milestone moment for Z.  He had his first hair cut.  Upon calling to book his appointment with a person a friend of mine had referred me to (a africa-american man who would surely not mess up my boy's girls), Mr. Bill asked me (after me asking him a few questions) "are you a white momma"?  I had to laugh.  In the end, he did an awesome job and this "White Momma" is THRILLED that I finally have someone to cut my little Ethiopian's precious locks.

His curls all brushed out were HUGE!  Can you say rockin' afro!

Awe, your so handsome!

November also brought our first Thanksgiving.  I was so Thankful this year that I forgot to take photos!  I got one of the kids before we left for our Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Betty's.

And now we are about to embark on our First Christmas!  Z is totally confused about Christmas.  Upon seeing a lit up tree inside Costco (from afar), he asked me "why tree inside - on fire"?   The hardest part of Christmas so far has been the night we decorated the tree.  As the big kids began to find all their ornaments from year's past that they made, the ones where we put in their photos, baby's first Christmas etc., Z asked "Where go my"?  The kids right away told him that "This is your first Christmas" with great excitement, however, I don't think he gets that.  The reality is, at 10 months home - I honestly don't think he even remembers much of Ethiopia and that he was once not here.  I know that is wild ... but so true.  Though he talks of "my Afreekuh", the reality is - he has little recollection and to Z - we are his home (which we love!)  I quickly began to look for the one Africa ornament I had made for him and the one Granny had gotten him this year.  And of course, all those 'unclaimed" random ornaments quickly became Zebene's.  He was as happy as a lark and tree decorating commenced.  And well - appropriately, this year Z got the honor of hanging the first one.

At the end of the night, he also partook in his first hot coco surprise followed by the annual watching of "Charlie Brown Christmas"!  He loved it!

So now here we sit, 3 days before Christmas.   My kids have settled in for the night, my peanut butter balls are complete, the presents all bought (but not yet wrapped).  Looking back on my blog, I realize how much of this crazy year I didn't get the chance to document.  I have photos upon photos, memories upon memories and the most hilarious things that this little boy has said that has never made it to the pages I hoped to fill- much like what happened to the other kids "baby books".  But alas, each of them are sewed into the fabric of my heart and as we get ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus ... I am one lucky Mama that he birthed into our family another precious little boy this year!  Zebene, Merry Christmas little guy!  And yes, their are "prizes under that tree for you too - AND - your very own ornament that says, "Baby's first Christmas - 2012"!