Learning Each Other

Abel and I have known each other for exactly 2.5 weeks. I still can't believe it. Was he ever not here?

We have spent many hours of our first week in Chicago just staring in each other's faces and cooing. A friend of mine was joking and said, "So do you just sit and stare at him all day?" Yep, pretty much. Oh, we have done lots of other things... doctor's appt (16 lbs!!!), lunch with friends, the zoo, shopping, visits to work, etc... but every day has several hours of the staring and cooing. :)

I find myself forgetting, then remembering again that he's here and just can't believe how incredibly lucky I am to have him in my life... in the flesh!

Here are some things I've learned about Abel in our time together...

1. He HATES to be bathed. Even a quick wipe down with a warm washcloth brings on the tears. Thank God for this (thanks, Auntie Joc!) and these which have been a total life saver, considering the kid's constant boogie nose. (I recommend Grape flavor which leaves his nose smelling and tasting like a Jolly Rancher... as if I needed more reasons to kiss on those sweet cheeks!)

2. He has started making this high-pitched 'Squeeeee!' that I swear can only be fully heard by dogs and dolphins. Every time he does it, he cracks himself up. Every time.

3. He loves anything that beeps or squeaks.

4. He is ohhh so close to crawling. He gets where he wants to go with a combo of repeated rolling, lunging forward and kicking off whatever is in his path. Earlier I left him on a blanket in the living room by the window only to return to the room minutes later to find him by the TV with a Netf1ix envelope ripped to shreds and slobber-fied. Hmmm... either he and the cat are in kahoots or the kid is on the move!

5. He wants so badly to be independent and hates to be restrained. He'll deal with the stroller or car seat for a while, but when he's done, he's done and he lets me know.

6. Re: letting me know. Gone is the quiet boy from Ethiopia. Let's just say he's found his voice! Of course the only time he gets close to saying 'mama' it's while crying really hard. "Mnaaaaaaaaa! Mnaaaaaaaaa!" It breaks my heart. :(

7. His favorite song is "Take me to Jamaica" by Ziggy Marley. He never fails to smile and attempt to sing along to this tune.

8. Although there are no nubs to speak of at the moment, teeth are on their way. Seriously, this drool can't be for nothing, right? And he takes every opportunity to gum what's in front of him.

9. Apparently, the most hilarious sound is "Nguh." Who knew?

10. His nose is double-jointed. Okay, I'm sure that's not actually possible, but I have never seen a nose crinkle like this one's. When he laughs or cries really hard, I swear it might break off!

Here are some things I've learned about myself...

1. I cannot stand to hear my boy cry. It's getting better, but that first bath in Ethiopia had me fighting back tears just as hard as he was crying.

2. I never thought I would be the one with all the baby 'gear'. It's ugly, obnoxious, and why does a tiny baby need so much stuff?? Right. Bought the most obnoxious ExerSa4uc3r the first day we were back. Seriously, if I want to shower, I need the gear. No regrets.

3. I don't care about my Blackb3rry any more. At all.

4. I love being a mom even more than I thought I would.

5. I have no idea how I ever got through a day without seeing his smile.

Photo credit to Yitayal!

Travels

Photos of my travels to Sidama.

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A day of firsts.

Abel was a busy guy today.

His first walk around the neighborhood.

First stroller ride (if you don't count the Frankfurt airport).

First time on the swings at the park.

First dining out experience in the Loop.

First time rescuing a friend who locked herself out.

First time helping a lost dog find his owner.

And first time eating solid food...

And, yes, I am trying to wear him out so he'll sleep through his jet lag! :)

Family.

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It makes you wonder.

Last April, I was in Ethiopia and made the biggest decision of my life--to become a family.

Yesterday, I got confirmation of my embassy appointment. I can't believe my time is here to travel again to this place that has a big piece of my heart and meet my son for the first time.

I started looking back at my adoption timeline and got goosebumps. I know I'm a little more sensitive to these things than most, but I can't help but wonder about the coincidences and meant-to-be's.

On April 27, 2009 I faxed my application to my home study agency, officially starting my process.

On April 27, 2010 I will board a plane that will take me to meet my son.

On May 4, 2009 I was officially accepted with my international agency.

On May 4, 2010 I will have an appointment with the US Embassy in Addis Ababa where my son will be issued his visa to come in to the United States.

But, I think the thing that struck me the most, and it's with tears in my eyes that I write and remember this... in early November 2009 I wrote this. This post, I found out later, was written within just days of my son's birth and the decision made my his birth family which will ultimately make my family.

It is so heavy and difficult and painful and breathtaking and beautiful.

I have found myself extremely emotional for the past few days. As I get closer to this big, this huge, this hugest thing I am in awe more and more of the strength and love of Abel's birth family.

This is big, friends.
I'm going to meet my son.

P.S. To make it all extra amazing and tie it up with a bow, we return to Chicago on Mother's Day!

Special

I am so thankful for good friends that gathered round last weekend (from near and far) to celebrate my final days sans-kiddo.

My friend Heather flew in for the occasion.

Friday night we had all of my favorite foods (cheese, cheese, olives, cheese, cheese).

and favorite drinks.

And my good buddies gave me SO many cute things for baby Abel.

Saturday, I was treated to brunch at Frontera Grill.

Yes, that's a Spring Green Bloody Mary. And, yes it is life-changing.

I love Rick Bayless.

Rick Bayless loves me.

Thank you so much to my beautiful buddies for a truly special weekend.

Love you.

That volcano sucks ash.

I wish that big, ugly cloud would just go away. It is really messing up things for a lot of nice people I know.

And, I am flying one week from tomorrow. Through Europe.

C'mon ash, move it along, will ya?

There is a really cute, pudgy-cheeked baby boy waiting on the other side.