Simply Beautiful Life

Pitls

2011-02-25T10:36:00.000-08:00

If there is one thing my baby loves....it's food.

And if she sees you open the fridge, most likely, she will see the pitls, and because Mama doesn't always give in, she will holler...

"Daaaaddddyyy pitl pees". And he gets her one (or three)

Ha Ha! Here she is with her pitl:

"my pitl (pickle) Mama"

Goat lovin'

2011-02-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

While I do indeed love my goats, this post isn't quite about that type of lovin'

Thor the love man has been hanging around the barn yard with my sweet girls.

Here he is in all his glory:

He isn't quite a year old yet, and so this was his first time with barn yard dating. I think he enjoyed himself.

My babies

2011-01-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

As in any family with children, one child is always the baby of the family. There may be other names for this position within a family---youngest, last etc, but regardless, one is always the baby.

Unless of course, there are no children in the family, then the husband is the baby, ha ha. Kidding. Sort of.

Moving on.

In our family, our second child was the baby for six years before our new baby moved in. And, I believe, like most families, we wondered how it would be with the new baby knocking the current out of his position and taking over.

Any concern we had was completely unnecessary. Our 6 year old was more than happy to move into the "middle child" roll and has filled the big brother shoes in ways we would have never imagined. He has said more times than countable: how much he loves his sister, how wonderful it is to have a sister, how happy he is we got him a sister.

Here are some pictures, the progression is from the first photos we have of them together, to the last. And it's no exaggeration when I say that of all the photos I have with more than one person in them, I have the most of these two....my babies!!

Photo below, after he "pay in leeps" with her, requires it's own post, those leaves in her hair were a nightmare!

Perfectly organized Mommy moment #91

2010-12-14T15:46:00.000-08:00

My boys had a dental appointment today at 2:10 pm

I knew that because I had it written in my planner!

This morning, I wrote two notes. One for each of them. And both stating the time I would be picking them up---1pm. Don't want to be late!

And then I came home and the phone rang.

It was the school. Did I know that the boys had early release today, and school would be letting out at 12:30?

Yeah. I didn't know that.

Box o' fabulous

2010-11-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

So we live in a rural town. And, although we have been to, and travelled through some areas that are a lot less populated than this place that we call home, we still are far away from cute shops and artsy whimsical places that would have me drooling on the perfectly worn wood floors.

This is why I love the internet.

Because then I get to wait for the UPS man to bring me boxes like this:

Containing treasures like this:

Oh how I love you new box of yarn. With all your softness and potential just waiting to hit the bamboo needles!

So that my friends, is how you get this rural town girl to feel giddy!

The words she says

2010-11-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

On to round two of "Guess what she's saying"

This is another one of those things that she says in a rather demanding way. And no, there isn't a nicer way to put it, she sees, she wants, end of story!

She asks in her two year old way for a bidit.

And points to the bidit.

And if you don't know what she's saying....she will say it again! "BIDIT!!!"

Here she is with her bidit:

She loves her bidits and actually we have had to store them in the cabinet instead of the fruit bowl or she will eat (demand) 3 or 4 of the a day. Or really, as many as she sees in the fruit bowl.

My girl is two

2010-11-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I'm even typing this....my baby is two. (or if you ask her, 13!)

And, no, her birthday wasn't today.

Or last week.

Or last month for that matter.

But really. Who's counting.

The family went up to her room when she woke up that morning and we started singing "Happy Birthday" to her, so in the pictures she was acting silly.

Still way cute in my opinion.

The funny thing is, in the pictures you can see all her requirements for a good nights rest...

"Baby Ann", the doll, "Moon" (passed down from brothers) the Good Night Moon book, "Ba-Ba" the doll face pillow, and "bintie" her blanket.

Halloween (not) fun

2010-11-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

For my boys, Halloween was great fun...for me, not so much.

Too much candy=way too much sugar high, which causes me to wish I could just run my nails down a chalkboard.

Top that with a two year old that has a horrid fear of masks of any sort, and big brothers that waited 364 days for the costumes that were on their "must have of this season" list....

Well, anyhoo. The proof is in the pictures. Baby hiding from "sarie masts" in the house.

Every house should have a Beagle inspector.

And, yes, I was trying to get some semi-cute kids with pumpkins photos, believe it or not, these are the best of them. Lucky day. The dog would not leave! The baby would not look, and on it goes.

gratitude

2010-10-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

Starting the week, remembering life's gifts.

16) Light through Autumn leaves

17) Cool, crisp mornings

18) Warm furry friends on the milk stand---a nice place for my hands!

19) Baby toes.

20) Children coming off their trick-or-treat sugar high, tucked snug-as-a-bug in beds, 20 minutes early!

Simple. Beautiful. Sunday

2010-10-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Seek out the simple beauty of today

Amharican

2010-10-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

As it goes with most two year olds, learning to speak and having those you're speaking to understand, takes a bit of trial and error. We're learning here. All of us. And we still hear words that we don't quite make out. We like to think it's a combination of Amharic, Ethiopia's primary language, and English...or maybe not and we just flat out can't figure out what she's asking for.

Well, why don't you give it a shot....

The little girl is saying:

Fute sats.

Didn't understand??

She will tell you again, louder, maybe with a bit of whine!

FUTE SATS!!!!

Ahhh, there you have it. See her happy smile? And what's that she's holding!??!?

Fruit snacks!

fruit thief

2010-07-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's most of the raspberries.

Sometimes it's the bowl of grapes.

Most of the time, the fruit belonged to her from the beginning.

But not this time.

This time, it was mine.

And it was the LAST one.

And it was just the right stage, juicy and yummy and, did I mention, the last one?!?!?

And she stole it from me! Ok, I kind of let her have it, but still.

~I'm not seeing guilt here...it was the last one after all~

A whining post

2010-07-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

It's hot. And muggy, which is really just humid and it's that too. And the mosquitos are huge. Think hummingbird size. And there's millions (could be billions, but I lost count at millions) of them. Everywhere.

And my kids are hot. And that makes them whiny.

And my dogs are hot. And although they try to hide it, they too are whiny----

SEE!

And yes, there is always a bright side. A glass half full side. A "but it is summer you know" side, but at this minute, I just don't want to see that side as I already mentioned in the title of this post that it's all about the whine! So there.

gratitude

2010-07-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

Monday morning~~~~~

everyday, looking for the gifts. that which fills the heart. which brings to mind all that one is grateful for.

11) working computers and the accompanying chargers.

12) the eyes that see the flowers blooming

13) the ears that hear the children laughing

14) raspberry jam from berries grown in one's own backyard

15) front porch chairs and ice in glasses after a long day of work.

2010-06-21T05:29:00.000-07:00

Looking for the gifts. Life's bits of happiness, if willing to open up and see.

6) Sunshine and blue ski after weeks of rain.

7) Remembering that the rain (but the sun helps too!) helps the garden grow

8) Our small town Father's Day parade

My boys "escaping" from the jail

9) Peaceful strolls on Sundays.

10) Daddys. His, mine and theirs. And remembering them not only one their special day, but always!

remember when

2010-06-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

Last year at this time.....

My garden helper found time to sample the garden goods:

Good dirt that is.

And this year:

Yum! Rhubarb! And she has left the dirt where it belongs (well, mostly!)

The weather outside is

2010-06-15T12:11:00.001-07:00

Rainy....again!!

Even the poor beagle-girl is unimpressed!

So what is one to do?

Create!

~Create warmth

~create art~

~create racing machines and the barrels to jump over~

~create music~

Create memories in finding simple pleasures.

Something new for Mondays

2010-06-14T04:36:00.000-07:00

I have long enjoyed reading Ann's blog and on Mondays, she, and others reflect on life's gifts. All different kinds of gifts. That are easy to overlook, but none the less, they are the little things that bring a smile to one's face. And bring a reminder of His daily love. So here it goes....

1) All the rain that's making our seeds grow.

2) All the rain that sings softly aiding sleep to come.

3) The girl parties that allow me to dress my favorite little one like this:

4) Summertime heat that gives plenty of reason to have banana shakes for supper (a family tradition!)

5) Bloggers that inspire me to keep my eyes open and be grateful for all of life's gifts.

Remember when

2010-06-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Remembering the first time our family traditions included our baby girl:

She sat in the seat we sat her in because she didn't know how to move. She throughly enjoyed her empty cone at our favorite ice cream and antique shop in Northern Wisconsin.

And now this year.

She won't even sit still.

And she didn't get to hold her cone because there was ice cream in it. And she had places to go and people to wave to and a stop to Mom for a lick was sufficient.

And it is after all a camping trip, don't mind the hair.

today

2010-06-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

in my wanderings today

beauty in my backyard

little gifts

growing potential

captured in the moment

in the newly sprouted bean plants

in the tiny little growing apples

in the diapers drying in the breeze

in the beagle relaxing in the sun

in a precious goat kid overcome with curiosity

in a smiley little one

better late than never

2010-05-29T19:26:00.001-07:00

Although my oldest baby turned 10 a bit ago (translated "weeks ago"), I decided it was time to post the good news!

And in an effort to not lose my traditional blogging style (that being, better late than never)~~on with the post!

~Happy birthday banner, highly recommended! Get yours here!~

~Little brother making birthday supper; homemade pizza~

~Birthday wishes from out of state family~

~My baby is 10! And requested his favorite, poppyseed torte~

New kids on the block

2010-05-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

For anyone wondering, yes, this was my idea. Hubby wasn't certain. Did we want new kids? Did we have room for new kids? Did we have the time for new kids?

So after awhile of wondering and so on and such, the answers to the questions were YES! New kids for us! Precious little faces and future milk providers!

Introducing:

Violet

And Cricket

The back side of the barn that Brian built

The girls hanging out

"Why hello there!"

Really, could they be any cuter?

It's Springtime in Wisconsin

2010-05-02T15:00:00.001-07:00

And this is how we know:

continued..

2010-03-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's proven that I am the world's worst blogger. But anyway...on with the posting.

Our trip to Ethiopia was amazing. I still dream about it, cry about it. Wish I was there now. Wonder if there is another baby waiting for us. I still celebrate with other families traveling, receiving their referrals, waiting for court.

I love Ethiopia.

The country that gave me this hand:

And this baby:

Also gave me these memories:

Everything I thought Ethiopia was:

Banana stands everywhere:
Donkey delivery service.

And that which I didn't

Children singing in morning sun at the school
Beautiful city parks
My injera lesson: I was not good at this.

And it was good...if only we could go back, if only for a moment.

If only

2010-03-09T09:41:00.001-08:00

If only we could go back, if only for a moment...

to the view out the window:

And only 30 minutes left on a more than 18 hour flight:

To a van loaded high with family's big dreams coming true, and donations, and a weeks worth of goodies:

And a view out the balcony of the guest home...so different from home. So much a part of me now:

To the moment when I felt the weight of my precious baby, years of wait lifted in counterbalance with her:

And to a celebration on that day with what can only be described as the best coffee in the world:

Last year at this time our baby girl was with her forever family for about 24 hours. Hard to believe it's been one year. There is oh so much more of this story....come back soon!

Gimme a C!

2010-02-20T16:34:00.001-08:00

Gimme a U!

Gimme a T!

Gimme an E!

last year at this time

2010-02-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

it was one year ago today

that i became a mommy

she didn't announce herself with two pink lines on a little stick near the bathroom sink

i never felt her kick my ribs

or see her first smile

i was a new mommy with a baby half a world away

with empty arms

and it hurt

but one year ago today

she became my daughter

she made this family of four

become a family of five

Ethiopian law said it was so

and how sweet it was

21 things

2010-01-21T19:00:00.001-08:00

In honor of my birthday....(and no, I'm not 21. But my birthday falls on the 21st of the month, so there!)

21) I'm a homebody.

20) I love cereal. Especially raisin bran--and oatmeal. And Rice Crispies, but only with bananas on top.

19) I have a very hard time picking my favorites of anything. I could not begin to choose my favorite foods, books, music, colors, hobbies, anything. I like so much.

18) Most of my family does not live in the same state as me....I miss them.

17) I had always wanted to be fluent in sign language (I'm not) And be left handed. (I'm not)

16) I work as a Registered Nurse. My husband paid for my college education.

15) I am very blessed by my co workers. They are awesome, I love them dearly. They challenge me and make me a better person.

14) I married my high school sweetheart. Lucky me!

13) DO NOT LIKE SCARY MOVIES!

12) I always wanted to be Laura Ingalls when I was a child. Actually it was probably Lauren Ingalls or something like that, as I wanted Laura to be my neighbor and best friend. And bring some horses too.

11) I was never boy crazy as a child, but I was very horse crazy.

10) I have never been, nor will ever be, drunk.

9) I love growing food in the garden.

8) I love making things from scratch, yogurt, jam, lotion, laundry soap, dishwasher soap etc, cookies, soup, you get the point. May have something to do with my childhood bff, Laura.

7) I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to mother children through birth and adoption.

6) I love my dogs, but am painfully aware that they have access to cleaner water, better quality food, and top rate health care in comparison to many humans in the world.

5) It makes me profoundly sad to know there are Mamas that are unable to provide even basic needs for their children.

4) I sometimes have a secret wish to live in a quiet small place with no power or water and just really live.

3) I have a real wish to travel to Ethiopia again with the same fantastic group of families that went with us the first time. They were awesome and I miss being there with them.

2) Traveling half way around the world to fill your waiting arms with a child is a phenomenal life changing event. I would never change it and would do it again.

1) It's only by God's grace and mercy that this girl's life has been possible. And I'm grateful.

Daddy's Girl

2010-01-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

Ayanna has really become especially fond of her Daddy. When she sees him, she kicks her legs, waves her arms and throws herself at him. Basically launches herself from my arms into the equally thrilled to see her arms of her beloved.

A few days ago, I was busy in our basement attempting to scale Mount Laundry, and a certain little lady's Daddy was taking a shower. The bathroom door was closed and she was waiting and evidently waiting some more for him to finish. And waiting is hard when you are just 1 year old!

She got all tuckered out, but refused to leave her post...

It's the way she rolls...

2010-01-15T16:07:00.001-08:00

Whether she is preparing food:

I think it's Ethiopian Night!

Modeling the latest fashion:

We call this look "Midwestern Baby Gladiator"

Managing her money:

Jackpot!

Reading the classics in the library:

"Do you mind....? I'm in the middle of the good part"

Or decorating the house:

"...And you belong over here, Mr. Donkey"

She will always be my favorite Little Pumpkin:

I love your funny face

2010-01-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

People often ask me how our baby girl is doing....

My response is usually the same~~"Oh, she's doing really well, growing so big. And she makes us laugh"

She makes us laugh. She loves to laugh. Big belly laughs. Big happy belly laughs. And funny faces.

Sweet sweet baby girl...

I'm coloring Mom.

I'm coming to your leg Mom!

Oh, it's all so funny when Mom says smile for the camera!

One year referralaversary

2010-01-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of "catching up"....

On 11/20/08 we received the call. You know the one. That call that every adoptive family waits for. Dreams about, longs to receive. Yep, THAT call. The news of our baby girl. I remember. I was shaking. I could hardly think. And Brian didn't answer his phone at work and I took the news myself. It was an amazing day. I love that memory.

And here is what came the next day--her face. Her history. Modeled by Jimmy. (and for clarification sake, we actually got an email just after the call with her face and history, but after our hard drive crashed, I lost all those pictures that arrived from Children's Hope by email and were saved there. Boo.)

And one year later...

Cutie cuteness.

The catch- up post

2010-01-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok, I know. Time for a bit of catching up around here. As I FINALLY uploaded some pictures (after the computer hard drive crash of 2009) and quickly realized that I'm a horrible blogger.

Yeah yeah, I already knew that, but anyway. On with the catch up post.

Ayanna at her baptism and birthday party (yes, this did happen in September)

Thanksgiving!

some for you....

why thank you, and some for you...

A visit with Santa:

Christmas Eve at Grandma's house:

Christmas!

cute little sleepy morning face.

This is what happens...

2009-12-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

...when the boys have a snow day at school (see post below)

...and they put a snack in the backpack

.....and then they don't eat it (because of the snow day)

....and you have a house full of naughty Beagles

.....that like to find food

....and rip open the package

....and leave the contents of the package lay around

....and you have a small toddler

...that loves to eat food

.....and if you think she had enough

Snow and then some

2009-12-09T18:14:00.000-08:00

Today was a snow day. If you saw on the news, the story of the storm coming through the Midwest, it hit us, well. The school was cancelled. I went to work and then found out that everyone was leaving and they were closing the building....after Brian spent TWO hours moving the snow out of our driveway.

And then he was stuck in our driveway and had to be pulled out--poor guy.

So, anyhoo, here's the day in pictures. And anyone that didn't get snow~whatever.

Stuck truck:

Getting ready to pull:

Unstuck now:

Now he had to shovel the snow from the back of his truck:

So he could put the snowblower on the back to help others stuck in their driveway:

What the boys think about snow day:

What the Beagles think about snow day:

The cotton behind

2009-10-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl has her behind covered in cotton most of the time. The other parts of the time, she is at Grandma's house because this Mama is at work and the baby girl has her behind covered in a standard paper disposable diaper.

Cutie cute cotton bottom... attempting a quick get away.

We most frequently use Fuzzi Bunz, in their perfect sizing. These are pocket diapers and have worked very well for us.
We also have a few Thirsties diaper covers for when we are out and about for the day. I then use the absorbent liners that come with Fuzzi Bunz, with the Thirsties cover. I find this to be a bit easier, and quicker while using a restroom diaper changer. Since Fuzzi Bunz are pocket diapers, the liner has to be pulled out of the diaper cover and each time a new cover is needed. It can also be a bit bulky in the diaper bag. With Thirsties covers, the liner is quick to remove (just drop it into the wet bag) wipe out the cover and re-diaper the behind.

For night time, we have a few different brands of pre folds in hemp/cotton combinations. I usually use a Fuzzi Bunz cover at night because I like the fleecy layer that actually touches baby skin.

I wash diapers every other day. Soiled diapers are stored in a plastic garbage can. I then soak them in cold water in the washing machine for somewhere between 1-4 hours, depending on what else is going on... After the soak, they are washed in hot water, double rinsed. I use Charlie's Soap powder and have had excellent success with this.

We also use fabric wipes. I just keep them in a little plastic tub, wet with water and a few drops of tea tree oil. I have a spray bottle with a combination of witch hazel, olive oil and a few drops of lavender essential oil that I spray on the wipe or on her bottom. I actually usually only need one cloth wipe most of the time.

I guess that means no good

2009-10-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

I have my hair twisted up, held in place by some chop sticks I have left over from a night of Thai food. And I have it this way because I am more than in need of a hair cut, my hair is way (way) too long. And then I can't do anything with it and seeing as I'm attempting to clean the toilet--mind you, there are three boys in the house that use the toilet. And I mean "use" loosely as I think they consider the toilet and three feet around the toilet, in all directions, a safe area in which to go.....and seeing as I'm cleaning this area, I'm trying to keep my hair out of my face, and the toilet.

So anyway, held in place with chop sticks.

My son, with a very quizzical look on his face, looks at me and up at my hair. I can tell he is wondering. He asks about it, and I explain.

The quizzical look leaves his face as he finally figures it out, and not because of my explanation.

My loving, precious boy figures that this hair style is part of a Halloween costume and I'm going as an alien.

Nice.

Chicago

2009-10-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

We were very fortunate to be able to spend the day in Chicago a few weeks ago while some very important people (at least to us) were in America for a visit. The very important director/manager from the Ethiopian side of our adoption agency, and his wife! We had a very nice time. The weather was great, and it was so cool to meet some more families with children not only from Ethiopia, but adopted using the same agency as us.

Here they are! Proof of my fabulous photography skills....

Yes, I did quick turn and snap. Further proof of my skills, because, they didn't even know. And you can tell too.

Contemplation on the boat tour.

I'm only hoping she isn't looking at Seagulls over head.

We has a great time and can't wait to see them again. Maybe next time in Ethiopia!!

What we've been doing

2009-10-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

This is a busy time of year. The boys are in school, which means spelling practice, math facts practice, reading, reading and more reading. And not much blogging, as you can tell.

Our little Ayanna is busy on the move. No walking yet, but boy can she speed crawl. And usually it's to the roll of toilet paper, or the bowl of doggy water. Or anywhere else that she really should not be.

Plus, time to harvest all that grows in our garden....here are some scenes of our lives lately.

Lots of carrots this year!

Yummy tomato juice

I'm always in charge of jar washing.

Applesauce in process

All our apples are organic so we cook the skins. The red skins give the sauce a pink color.

This is what the Beagles think of all the sauce making....BORING!!

So much....

2009-09-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Oh, we had a birthday, and kids first day of school and on and on. But being that our computer stole our pictures and our camera currently has a dead battery, and on and on~~~

As soon as able, I will continue to upload our pictures and SAVE THEM ON THE NEW EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE, and then post of the happier times!

Back again---again.

2009-09-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

Oh the sadness!

Our computer lost it's hard drive which in turn lost our pictures and our music and everything. And, just from saving you from having to ask---NO, we didn't have any backup on an external hard drive. BUT, now we do. And now we will. I was told by the powers that be at the computer repair shop that there would be no problems retrieving the data, he even put his ear up to our laptop and everything and said he heard noises coming from the hard drive (no really--he did!) and that they would gather all those precious memories and put them all on our new hard drive. I can assure you, this didn't happen. They did give me the old hard drive. I told the fella at the computer repair shop that I was a registered nurse, I could do CPR on people, but would surely fail attempting to revive anything like a hard drive.

So, here I sit, with a new hard drive with no memories, and an old hard drive with a bad attitude, holding prisoner all my pictures of my babies....mean old nasty hard drive.

Officially official

2009-08-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

Today we finalized our adoption FINALLY!

Ayanna Marie Bontu welcome home---again!

(And our computer is working again!! HURRAY!!)

Broken computer...

2009-08-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

We have a non functioning computer in our home...and that makes me sad. SO I'm updating this on a computer outside of my home and can't upload pictures and boo hoo! I'm sad. We are a family of 5 functioning with one iPod touch. Not funny.

Hope to be up and running soon. Love to my one reader! You know who you are!

Be on the lookout!

2009-07-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

There is a new Ethiopian driver in our area....

Chillin in her convertible. One honk---"I'm coming"

Assessing the situation--One tongue "Get out of my way!"

But don't worry, no exhaust fumes here. Hers is a hybrid, runs on brother power.

peeps and jam

2009-07-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

A chick and raspberry update!

Raspberry crop! Super yum!

Canning jam. And don't look at the yucky brown banana on the right.

The inspector reviewing the final product.

Approved!!

The first PBJ of the year.

The chicks having lunch.

They are fun to watch.

Peace

2009-07-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

I feel an indescribable peace in walking among the plants that grow in our yard. Everything from picking a raspberry and eating it on the spot, to taking out all my frustrations of life on the pesky weeds....

Here's what's growing someplace in our yard right now~

Our weekend hideout

2009-07-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

We have a weekend hideout in Northern Wisconsin. It is one of my favorite places to be. A beautiful, serene, peaceful place. The only sounds one hears are those of the birds, the children and the wind. I love it. There is no power, no water. It's just us.

Some scenes from the past weekend:

Working men:

Ayanna kicks back:

Herbie the Camper (and red truck)--home away from home:

Little plum lover:

The kids playing in Herbie:

A new friend

2009-07-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

A new friend arrived for Ayanna. She is actually meant to be a gift for Ayanna's birthday. But since this friend is so darn cute....I decided to introduce them early. She came from here. She is a beauty. And she helps support a good cause. What more can you ask for?!?!

Meeting for the first time

Hey....great hair

BFF's already!

But then I was reminded by someone's Daddy that this new friend is actually a GIFT for Anna's birthday, and that ISN'T until Sept 16--yeah whatever.

So now she is hiding behind my pillow. It seems as though she loves it here and is glad the birthday is still 2 months away. I'm thinking she doesn't want to leave this spot!

Get a little; give a lot. Go a bit more green.

2009-07-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

How darn great would your groceries look in one of these? What about this one?
Or my favorite....this!

Go get one or two or many for yourself!

Ice cream. Hair cream. We all scream

2009-07-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share the current products we are using on Ayanna's hair and skin. Prior to bringing her home, hair care was one of my biggest fears. Knowing she needed special conditioning for both her hair and her skin, and wondering what products to use, and what would work well for her, had me searching blogs and on line sources for what seemed like forever. And since I really did (almost) scream in my endless quest for the wonder products for my baby girl, and because she is beginning to scream (for real) when we are eating something and not sharing, (like ice cream): here is what we are doing---to ease both problems.

Skin: We have had a lot of luck using home made coconut oil/aloe vera/beeswax lotion. I make it myself and it works very well. We also use Carol's Daughter body jelly. Actually, in my opinion they work equally well. I just like making stuff from scratch. When she has a bath, about once or twice a week (like if she is eating mud) she is washed with either Burt's Bees baby bee shampoo and wash or California Baby tea tree and lavender hair and body wash. Again, I don't really see a difference or have a preference.

Hair: We are currently using California Baby calming hair conditioner, both to comb through her hair after a shampoo (while it's still wet) and daily to comb through her hair (when it's dry). I find this to work very well and I don't mind the smell. The California Baby is a leave in conditioner. After the combing we use Karen's Body Beautiful unscented Baby Locs. For anyone that isn't fond, or can't tolerate scented products, I would recommend this. They do make a scented version, but there are many scented products that I just can't stand, so I bought the unscented. It is indeed 100% free of any type of sniffies.

I actually have been using the California Baby conditioner since she came home along with Carol's Daughter Hair Milk. The problem with this combination is that the back of her hair, where it rubs in her car seat, or on someone's arm, was always VERY dry. It even felt dry and crispy. I didn't like that, and that's when I found the Baby Locs. I still think that the Hair Milk works well to give her cute, defined curls, it just does not moisturize like the Karen's Body Beautiful product.

And when she is demanding and screaming for us to share a bit of what we are enjoying, here is what we do:

SHARE!!

With a chick chick here...

2009-07-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

We recently got some baby chickens and the kids have been enjoying watching them grow.

My cute little peeps

Ayanna getting into the groove as a little farm girl...still not quite sure. Maybe if she was wearing overalls.

here a peep

there a peep

Will and Jimmy are old pros at farming.

Then and Now

2009-07-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

Then

We were a family of boys and dogs; monster trucks, dinosaurs. Red, blue and lots of camo!

It was good

Now

We're also lavender and ladybugs, daisies and eyelet lace. Frillies and softies and it is

Perfect

Cute as (mud) pie

2009-06-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

In my efforts to pull millions of weeds out of our veggie garden, and keep an eye on my little helper, I put Ayanna at the edge of the garden.

With a collection of fun toys mind you.

As I worked my way down the row, it seems as though the toys lost much of their allure and dirt and weeds caught her attention. And here is what I get. My beautiful preciousness....enjoying a sampling of what the garden has to offer.

Attempting to LICK the mud off her chin.

And she is so happy to have succeeded!

Buh bye mud. Cute little bubble face.

La vita dolce

2009-06-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

When the weather gets hot, we have a love like no other.....something that we all agree on no matter what. Something, I'm sure our little bit of a girl will no doubt love too! After all, she has come all the way from Ethiopia to America's Dairyland. What kind of Wisconsinites would we be if we didn't support (many times over!!) the ice cream shop---or two.

A beautiful night spent on the patio at Froggs.

My boy Jimmy perfecting his anti-drip licking

Will hiding his cone

No ice cream for Anna, she's got the next best thing however...

At Amburg Sweets Treats and Antiques a special treat for a baby girl...

Homemade waffle cones!

YUMMY!

Ayanna Bontu is 9 months old

2009-06-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

On June 16th our baby girl turned 9 months old. Hard to believe that on the day we got "the call" she was a 5 1/2 pound 2 month old. She is now 15 pounds, rolling all over the place, clapping her hands. She is amazing, beautiful, funny. She is the light in our lives.

Bontu in her referral picture. I carried this picture everywhere. I memorized every bit of her.

And Ayanna Bontu today.

Her Michael Jordan impression.....tongue hanging out

Just waiting for the AARP card

2009-06-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not certain when I passed through just the right age to way over the hill, however, lately my beloved sons have been here to remind me....

7 year old son just a few days ago: "DA DA DUDE!!!

Elderly me: Jimmy, what does that mean?

Jimmy:: Well, it's hard to explain, and you are too old to understand anyway!

And just today, another reminder:

Will: We haven't had root beer in awhile.

Elderly me: Well next time we go out for supper you should order some.

Will: You know mom that root beer is a really old type of soda.

Me again: I think you're right. It has been around for awhile.

Will: Yeah, I think it was invented in the '80's!

It's all about the F word

2009-05-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

Food that is! Our girl LOVES to eat. She will eat anything that we try to give her. She will eat any squash, sweet potatoes, bananas, apples, pears, banana/apple/pear combo, rice cereal, and so on, and that is just the baby food. She will also eat asparagus, bits of pancake, the point is, she eats anything. She also always wants to help me drink my morning kefir. And if anyone doesn't know what kefir is...it is like drinkable yogurt only more tangy/sour. She loves it and gets angry if I attempt to take the glass from her.

Recently, I was at work and when Daddy is left in charge, anything can happen. Turns out, she loves biter biscuit too. And a beautiful baby girl gets put in old clothes (a shirt that Brian himself wore!) and left to her own defenses as far as cleanliness goes. Believe me, I was not home to see this!

The boys do indeed love her!

2009-05-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

I know I said it before, but this Mama is blessed. I am so enjoying watching my three children form a bond that I hope each will treasure for a life time...

Easter baby....and her brothers.

2009-05-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, I will first say that I am indeed aware that Easter was, like, a long time ago. I tried to write this post and upload the pictures but Blogger was having a bad day and wouldn't load the photos. And what is an Easter post without the proof.

So this is the number two effort at this. And hey. Better late than never....

   Easter Egg pjs....

   Hard at work.

   Ayanna "eating" her egg.

The finished product

Baby sprinkle

2009-05-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

The awesome girls that I am fortunate enough to spend my time at work with, threw Ayanna and me a baby sprinkle. It wasn't a baby shower because she is already here....
But whatever the name, we had fun. They are awesome! And I am very very lucky.

And no sprinkle is complete without a visit with Jose....and some lime. And maybe a bit of salt.

Fun times!! Fun times!

This is what happens....

2009-04-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

..when Daddy is left in charge. And alone with a baby, some hats and the camera.

The too small pink infant hat:

Daddy's yucky work hat:

Now she has on two hats---hence the look. You just know she is wondering how do I get out of this? Before Mama sees her little girl!

Oh wait----there's more!!

"OMG!! The camo hat?"

I guess my daddy is kinda funny!

..

.

The big brothers

2009-03-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

My boys have been preparing to be big brothers to a baby sister since we applied with Children's Hope in September of 2006. I do believe that they, like us, never thought the day would come. Never knew how captivating it would be to have a little girl in our family.

They have become completely smitten with her. They want to hold her, carry her (yikes!) and play with her. They will, however, not kiss her. NO! No they won't. They both specifically stated that they don't ever kiss each other and they will not kiss her either. It doesn't matter that she is a baby. She is a girl, and she is their sister and kisses just aren't cool. And it ain't happenin'.

My children---how blessed am I?

Adjustments and gratitude

2009-03-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

We are all adjusting well. Ayanna is a very happy baby. She loves her bottle, and is just so curious of everything around her. She is sleeping well in her crib, I just wish it was for longer periods of time, I am tired! She doesn't sleep longer than 3 hours at a time. In Ethiopia they told us she eats every 3 hours, and boy does she ever. Almost to the minute, every 3 hours I hear her in the monitor. This Mama has been spoiled with full nights of sleep for years, so the midnight feedings are taking a bit of getting used to. Nap when the baby naps is my new favorite saying!

Our Ethiopian beauty:

-

--

Our trip to Ethiopia and our first week home have been possible with the gracious help of our friends and family. They have watched our boys, our home, our Beagles. They have picked the kids up from school, brought us baby girl clothes, have done our laundry and sent flowers. We are forever grateful for your love and prayers.

Will and Jimmy and Grandpa and Grandma's house.

Cutie Beagles doing what Beagles do best---takin' it easy.

HOME!!!

2009-03-19T16:51:00.001-07:00

We are home at last with our baby girl. Our trip was an amazing, whirlwind, wonderful, exhausting adventure. I will never forget it. A few of our first days together...

Meeting for the first time:

Meeting brothers and Grandma at the airport after a LONG trip home.

How cold is it...

2009-01-16T16:34:00.000-08:00

How cold is it you ask..?!?!? WELL......

It's been so cold here, the boys haven't had school the last two days. They have been forced to participate in Wisconsin cold weather sports.

Here is some pictures of them in action: Indoor baseball via Wii

The pitch:

He's out!

Fun times! Silly boys!

Weekend away

2009-01-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

We were out of town for the weekend, visiting family in beautiful Northern Wisconsin. I have been feeling incredibly overwhelmed lately and it turned out to be a nice change of pace. Having a court date and an ending point for our adoption has been a huge relief, however, with that has come a whole new set of feelings....just trying to prepare for a new little one, etc.

This is our current baby enjoying the weekend away----dreaming about the day when we have a Cheerio dropper in the house!

Our cute sweetie Beagle

Hurray!!

2009-01-05T17:00:00.000-08:00

Our court date is set for February 18th!

We got an email this morning, while I was at work and then that is all I could think about. Right now, if we pass court on the first go round (big prayers for that!) then we will travel the second week in March. I just can't wait to hold her in my arms!

If you can't say something nice...

2009-01-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

I feel as though my only blog writing inspiration has been of a poor me type. I so want to write about our court date and our travel plans etc and I have none of that info to speak about. So I have not written anything because who can stand reading it, not that I haven't thought about it (lots!) and talked about it at home. And then my sweet always optimistic hubby reminds me in his always positive way, that it wasn't that long ago that we didn't know anything about her, that we hadn't even gotten to see her beautiful face hanging on our fridge every day, and I should just enjoy the moment that is. Most of the time I think to myself--oh yuck, cut the optimistic hocus-pocus here and lets get moving, but then I remember how right he is, how much adoption is a walk on nothing more than a faith filled path. That this is God's timing, not mine. And so the waiting continues.....

No news is---sucky

2008-12-22T16:04:00.000-08:00

So our agency is now closed until Monday January 5th. We did not hear anything about our court date. BOO HOO. I am sad. It is so hard to wait. I used to pull up her picture on my computer screen at work so every so often I could look, but I had to stop. I want to touch her hair and hear her voice, her cry. I want to see her in person so badly. All the waiting in adoption is so hard. I have said, being pregnant at least allows a count down. Right in front of you, the baby growing gives you a week to week count down. Adoption has none of that. Moving on.... with some good news!

I am very excited for those that did receive receive court dates and Children's Hope has been hopping with referrals, and that makes me happy too! It is also helpful that we are prime in the season of the holidays. I need the distraction.

Free shirt and then some

2008-12-20T05:45:00.001-08:00

Click here and get your own FREE shirt. Help a child. Make a difference. Do something extraordinary with just seven dollars a month---the cost of two mochas.

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish" ~~Mother Teresa

The waiting continues

2008-12-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

It was three weeks ago today that we received our life changing call. Three weeks ago today that we saw her beautiful face on our computer screen. Her big brown eyes and little feet in too big socks. Three weeks ago today we got news of our precious baby girl.

We are still waiting to hear of our court date, and this version of the wait is beginning to get harder. I would say it's kind of like when the dossier leaves for Ethiopia. At first, you are just thrilled to have it gone, thrilled to be on the waiting list, but then the wait gets harder. That's what it's getting to feel like. At first we were just so happy to see her, to know something about her. But now, we want her here. To finally complete the final step in this all consuming process.

There is just one thing to do while one is in any one of the many steps in an adoption journey---BREATHE...Just BREATHE!

I totally agree!

2008-12-08T17:22:00.001-08:00

It's cooolllldddd!!

2008-12-05T18:06:00.000-08:00

It's almost too cold to type....but this cold Wisconsin wind and snow and blowing and OH-MY-GOSH-it's only December 5th, why oh why is it 6 degrees?!?!?! Well, it's got me thinking about a certain little love that will be taking a jet plane from a country very close to the equator to a state that might as well be in the arctic circle I have a way too cute for words pink fleece cover for her car seat, but I don't know, I'm tellin' you.

This is what Beagles do when it's cold out...

As for me, I should be somewhere around Phoenix right about now. Or maybe San Diego, or Cancun. But then again, we wouldn't be able to do this...

Just add a little girl!!!

Waiting for court

2008-12-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

We received our referral on 11/20/08 and we are waiting for our case to go to Ethiopian court. The hard thing about this wait, is it seems just as unpredictable as the wait for referral. So far there have been many cases rescheduled and sometimes the new date is 5-6 weeks later. Yuck! I can't imagine how flustered those families must feel. One thing about adoption, there is nothing that can be done to change it or speed it up. You must just chill about it all.

Many people have asked us when we will be able to pick our little one up. It's so hard to even guess and I can't believe that there's a very real chance (though I hope not!!) that we won't travel until March. I am trying to be more optimistic than that. But the flip side is, you don't want to be disappointed either. Adoption is such a path of the unknown. A path that you just walk, don't look back and don't stop and think....

Disappearing blog

2008-12-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

Ok...so it was holiday time, family visiting time, and somehow or other, the computer got to the person/child that was able to wipe out all the previous posts. So here I am, starting over!