One Month Home

Dear Grace Yeabsira

We have been home a month and what a month it has been!
You are the cutest and sweetest baby!  I really have to pinch myself.  I just can't believe that you are finally home and that we are so lucky to get to be your parents!

You have done so much in this first month!

You have had so many visitors (  I did not get all of your guests pictures but I am sure we will visit with them soon and this time I will remember to take pictures)

We went to Oneonta to see Grandma Bowen

Then of course had to go to Brooks'

You now play in the swimming pool.

You are a very happy baby, you love to giggle, and give lots of kisses!

You now have a routine and you now enjoy taking naps.  At night you take a bath and then we have a bottle and read your favorite book and then you fall asleep all on your own.  A huge change from when we first became a family of three!

You have gone to lots of graduation parties and are most likey the only kid that gets presents at other peoples parties!

We have spent lots of time exploring the house as you are an excellent army crawler and love to move!

You have started solid foods and have gotten much better at not wearing the entire meal.

Sweet potatoes are your favorite!

You went to Rudy's and loved it (to be honest you only got to enjoy the view but still loved it)

You have been to starbucks just a couple times.

You celebrated the fourth with mommy, daddy, mimzy and grandpa.

 

You went to the doctors and you did so good with all your shots and blood work!  All of which has come back all clear!!

Your social security card came! ( You were not please I would not let you eat it)

We are so lucky you are our daughter.  We love every moment with you even our 3am parties!!
We are so happy you are home!

 Our baby girl is seven months old today!!

Embassy Week June 15th to June 23rd

Dear Miss Grace Yeabsira!!

We were overjoyed to hear we could come get you!!  We left Syracuse on the 15th, flew out of Dulles on Saturday and on Sunday the 17th we were back in Addis. Small problem -- no one told the Ethiopian office we were coming.  After some calls and some quick moving by T we were picked up and brought to the house!!  They had to call in the staff because as we said no one knew we were coming.  Upside that meant we got to go get you right away!!

This is our last time going through the gates to see you!!

Happy Father's Day 

Daddy (and mommy) got to hold you on Father's Day!!  

It's going to be hard to top next year!

Pure Joy

Saying goodbye to her favorite nanny!! 

She was so wonderful!

First time in your temporary new bed!

Playing in the guest house

Big girls hold their own bottle -- you love being a big girl!

Tuesday we went to the Embassy!! 

Mommy and Daddy were a little stressed going to the embassy and more stressful it was our first outing with you!!  You were not so stressed you slept through the whole thing.  

Then two days later Mr. Alemu delivered your passport (with visa) and the important package!! 

Friday Morning we packed to go home -- you helped (at least with comic relief)

There was a coffee ceremony in your honor!

It had rained all week (silly rainy season) but on the last afternoon it was beautiful out so we went up to the roof to take the famous rooftop picture!!

The great staff at the house also wanted to be in the picture with you.

Not going to lie i was a little stressed when they put you on the edge of the roof.

These are the beautiful views we were surrounded by.

Getting ready for your first flight!

Baby's first airplane

The bassinet seat I had hoped and hoped we would get for you.

You didn't think it was for sleeping but it was still very helpful!

HI

This is your first picture as a US citizen!  They were not so keen on pictures in immigrations but customs was ok with it!

First escalator ride

First tram ride

Security was also charmed by you and let me take a picture

We are so happy you are home with us forever and ever!!  June 23rd was a such a great day!!  We got to introduce you to so many people who had loved you for so long!!  We are a very lucky family!!

We love you baby girl!!

WELCOME HOME