Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Catching Up...

We have had a wonderful weekend settling back in at home, beginning the "new normal." Friday we began the slow process of going through all of our bags and unpacking. I finally reached an end to the laundry pile yesterday! Yey!

Minte has loved discovering his new home. It has been fun to watch him become acquainted with his new surroundings. He loves the wood blinds, the piano, the garage door that goes up and down at the touch of a button, the water hose, the treadmill, the water from the refrigerator door, riding the scooter, playing at the park near our house, and most of all, the dogs! He and the "wushas" get along famously! He loves to watch them catch food, and they LOVE to entertain him that way (LOL) so they have a great relationship!

We have had some precious times together each day. I wish I had the time to write a big ole update (which I'll hopefully do soon, for my benefit as much as anything... I don't want to forget all of this!) His English is coming along great. Two days ago he began asking "Where is..." and today he started asking "What is..." Yey! Sentences! After two weeks of mainly nouns, this is progress! He, however, doesn't feel that there is a language barrier at all. He said this yesterday on the phone when we called Ethiopia to talk to Tegist. We videoed him telling her all about the trip home. I just love hearing him talk animatedly in Amharic! She asked him if there was anything he wanted her to tell us and he told her the if there was anything, he would tell us himself... that we understand him perfectly. Well, alrighty then! Seriously, communication between us is wonderful, and I can only attribute that to the Lord Who has knit us together as a family and helps us understand each other.

I'll close this post with a slide show of pictures of our trip over and our first day together, which was two weeks ago today! Oh, happy day!

14 comments:

Linda said...

What a beautiful answer to prayer Cyndi. It really looks like he is a "perfect fit". How I prayed the Lord would knit your hearts together before you even saw one another. Thank You Lord for this precious family you have made!

Jill said...

Oh, Cyndi! I just love all of these pictures! I love seeing *all* of your 3 kiddos goofing around together. And, love the story about him talking to Tegist!! So grateful for a smooth transition.

Janis Rodgers said...

Cyndi, I am so glad that you are home safe and settling in. Minte looks like he fits right in-definitely a God thing. Isn't it amazing? Beautiful family!

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Every time I read one of these posts, I cry. Thank you for sharing Minte with us and all that God is doing in your family.

Vickie said...

What a BEAUTIFUL family!

My heart just SWELLED when I saw him in church Saturday.

We are really happy for you guys.

Lori said...

I'm still trying to figure out how you did not sob, hehe. What beautiful pictures!! Really I am speechless.

Susanne said...

I love how he's is melded in and fitting right into the family. The pic of the kids all making faces together cracked me up and teared me up all at the same time. You are a beautiful family of five. Praise God for His leading and goodness!

Kelly said...

Typing through tears--thank you for sharing! I continue to feel a pull toward adoption. It is a blessing to read about your journey.

Cheryl Read said...

I've been so blessed to read your updates from far and near! God bless you all.

Kim said...

How wonderful! You all look so happy! God is so good and He gives us so much, as undeserving as we are. What a handsome new son! Praying for his english and a joyful transition!

I am rejoicing with you, my friend!

Rebecca Jo said...

How touching! The pictures are wonderful. I have to say, my favorite is the simpliest - the one with his new dad's arm around him! How that must feel!

And to see the kids instantly connecting. What a wonderful family you have!

God Bless your whole gang!

girlmomx3 said...

I'm not sure who is more blessed! You guys have fit together perfectly. I said it before, but, he looks like you guys--big smile and bright eyes! I love the pictures!
His comment about communication is perfect! :o)

Blessings,
Jane

Lisa said...

What a beautiful story and a beautiful family! Everyone looks so natural, like it was never not this way.

Blessings to all FIVE of you!

Nan said...

Congratulations to your whole family... what an encouragement your story is.

Your new son shines. Truly, he shines.