Another Chicago Stop

While on our trip to Chicago, we spent the afternoon/evening with one of T's cousins. He and his wife have two adorable boys. They were all wonderful hosts who made us a great dinner and the kids played all afternoon and into the evening. The moms and kids enjoyed a walk around the area while the dads caught up over some wine. G was tickled pink that they have a very friendly (and huge) dog. 

Here cousin M (he's 6) is patiently letting B play with the toy car kit we brought. The last time we saw him, he was 6 months old at our wedding. I love his curly long hair! Think of it as a goal for B's hair! 

Here the two toddlers were harassing the (most patient) dog. Little C (he's 15 months) was a bit in awe of G, since she is pretty outspoken, even in a new setting. I am not sure he knew what to do with her.  She did show him how to climb backward down their steps. (I am not sure if his parents were excited by this development. ) Either way, G keeps saying his name over and over again. 

I really wish we lived closer to T's extended family. We always have such a nice time when we see them. What a wonderful and relaxing day!

As seen on a recent bike ride...

We recently got bikes and a bike trailer so we can go on family bike rides. A few nights ago, we went on an evening bike ride and came upon this sign in a local park. I literally made T ride back to read it and then snapped a photo with my phone. I knew we were a dog friendly area, but wow. Or should I say, "Bow wow." Sorry. Can't help myself.

Catching Up

One of the magical connections made with international adoption is when you are able to spend part of your journey with other families a little bit like your own. Shortly after our referral for G, I started trading email with a lovely lady in Wisconsin. She received a referral for a beautiful boy, MZ, who is just a few weeks older than G. As we waited for the court in Ethiopia to make it all official, we traded messages back and forth, trying to make sure we both knew all of the latest details. Those emails were such a wonderful lifeline during those long days of waiting. We were given US Embassy appointments on the same day, which meant we got to travel to Ethiopia together. Not only did they have a baby waiting for them in Ethiopia, but they also had a blue-eyed blonde 3 year old boy with them at home. 

Well, 14 months have passed since we said good bye to this incredible family. When I planned our long weekend in Chicago, one of my main motivations was to be able to spend some time with this great family, face-to-face. Introduce our now 4 year old boys. Let the youngest play together.  It was a beautiful day of just chatting and playing. We were fed well and everyone was happy. I just wish we lived close enough to see one another more often.

Our lovely hostess, R with MZ.

Host P, with MZ

The glorious spread of fresh fruit and veggies kept us all well fed that day.
Playing at the park
I had a hard time getting a picture with B & Q facing the camera - because they were always working on something. Here they are singing or yelling or something else crazy.

Q set up a very elaborate "alarm" system for the gate, to make sure G & MZ couldn't get out and wonder across the driveway. B was happy to help keep the babies safe. 

Oh, no. Baby approaching gate.
Quick. Keep her on the patio.
OK. She is safe. Our job is done.

Later in the day, we kept the toddlers inside while B & Q continued to work on their alarm system. MZ is explaining to G some very important information.
Q was happy to pass out hugs to all of us. Here G leans in for a little extra. 

We were all as happy as their smiles!

On His Own

Six Flags was a big hit. B is finally old enough to ride certain rides
without Mom & Dad along.

To Chicago

Four hour flight. Takes off just before nap time. When do my kids fall
asleep? 10 minutes before we land. As we descent into O'Hare. Sorry to
the poor people in front of us who had to endure the seat kicking,
tray table fiddling and general commotion. If you looked older, I
would have bought you a cocktail. Next time I plan to distribute
Starbuck's cards.

Descent

19 Months

We had a scheduling conflict so that G's 18 mo appt ending up just
before she turned 19 months. She weighed 26 pounds 2 ounces and
measured 32 1/4 inches, which puts her at 75% for height. She
demonstrated some of her skills for the doc, like putting on her own
shoes and speaking in sentences. She is a true mimic these days, so we
are all extra careful when we choose our words.