We also haven't had time to post any pictures of Ethiopia itself so here are some of something other than the baby (although she is the best subject of all)
Monday, February 20, 2012
Even more
Shannon wanted me to write again and say that we ate having such a great time and all we do is laugh and laugh and laugh. The baby is so great and really as long as she isn't tired she is super zen. I am so glad I got to come on this trip it really has been life changing already.
We also haven't had time to post any pictures of Ethiopia itself so here are some of something other than the baby (although she is the best subject of all)
We also haven't had time to post any pictures of Ethiopia itself so here are some of something other than the baby (although she is the best subject of all)
Internet is back!
For the moment at least. After a day without power and three without Internet we are so happy to have the modern conveniences we are used to...for as long as it may last.
Today was visa day! We went to the Canadian embassy this morning to pick up the visa for our girl. Cindy and I ere very naive and forgot to bring our passports so we waited outside with Gurmachu while Shannon was escorted into the compound. She said it was like a high security prison in there with guns and rules and name badges. What Shannon has learned about her new daughter is that she does not like falling asleep in someone's arms because the way she puts herself to sleep (learned in the orphanage) is to kick and wiggle and needs a flat surface. We laugh about it but are now considering making a suitcase bed for her for the many hours in the airport we have ahead of us.
Anyway in the consulate she was tired and fussy so mama had to wait in line with a wailing baby and much advice from the bystanders but in the end all was well and we have a little Canadian citizen on our hands!!
Our day of bureaucracy was not over as we headed to the Italian embassy for the visa to get her into Rome. The embassy was far out of the city and getting a photocopy out of a hut somewhere was interesting but we didn't! Shannon got ushered in again but it was quick (still with a crying baby I'm sure it didn't feel short) and we should be able to get her visa tomorrow afternoon.
One screaming ride home and the baby went right to sleep as soon as Ashe was horizontal in her bed.
Tonight we may treat ourselves to the Sheraton dinner again as chef boyardee has lost a bit of its appeal after a five star dinner last night.
Tomorrow we go to the coffee ceremony at Abeneezer which should be happy and sad too when she says goodbye officially. We alsoare going to do a bit of shopping for silver and scarves. The days are busy but we are all happy and healthy. The babe has a bit of a cough that we are keeping an eye on but doesn't seem too alarming. She drinks lots of water and eats lot of mush and seems to be adapting.
We hope the Internet will stay up by again we have no idea. Lots of love.
Today was visa day! We went to the Canadian embassy this morning to pick up the visa for our girl. Cindy and I ere very naive and forgot to bring our passports so we waited outside with Gurmachu while Shannon was escorted into the compound. She said it was like a high security prison in there with guns and rules and name badges. What Shannon has learned about her new daughter is that she does not like falling asleep in someone's arms because the way she puts herself to sleep (learned in the orphanage) is to kick and wiggle and needs a flat surface. We laugh about it but are now considering making a suitcase bed for her for the many hours in the airport we have ahead of us.
Anyway in the consulate she was tired and fussy so mama had to wait in line with a wailing baby and much advice from the bystanders but in the end all was well and we have a little Canadian citizen on our hands!!
Our day of bureaucracy was not over as we headed to the Italian embassy for the visa to get her into Rome. The embassy was far out of the city and getting a photocopy out of a hut somewhere was interesting but we didn't! Shannon got ushered in again but it was quick (still with a crying baby I'm sure it didn't feel short) and we should be able to get her visa tomorrow afternoon.
One screaming ride home and the baby went right to sleep as soon as Ashe was horizontal in her bed.
Tonight we may treat ourselves to the Sheraton dinner again as chef boyardee has lost a bit of its appeal after a five star dinner last night.
Tomorrow we go to the coffee ceremony at Abeneezer which should be happy and sad too when she says goodbye officially. We alsoare going to do a bit of shopping for silver and scarves. The days are busy but we are all happy and healthy. The babe has a bit of a cough that we are keeping an eye on but doesn't seem too alarming. She drinks lots of water and eats lot of mush and seems to be adapting.
We hope the Internet will stay up by again we have no idea. Lots of love.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Gotcha Day!
Another big day and still no Internet atthe afroland lodge. We may haveto get Marcos to take us to a Internet cafe to get the post up.
Today we took Adéa home!! Mama and baby are now taking a much needed nap back at the hotel.
We had Marcos take us to Abeneezer orphanage around 9:30 this morning. When we got there, after a quick trip to see the new babies we were back in Adea's room. She was dressed up in the traditional Ethiopian dress Shannon had brought for her the day before and looked so beautiful. She seemed to recognize Shannon and was happy to be picked up and held while we were there.
We were not in the orphanage for as long as yesterday since we were eager to get A home before nap time. The nannies were so sad to see her go, and that was a hard part, but they seemed to be happy as well that she had a home.
The cab ride home was interesting, no seatbelts or car seats but our girl handled it like a champ. We got back to the hotel for a bunch more firsts - bottle, diaper change, several shoe attempts, and finally a nap.
It was a great day and we are all so happy. Seeing Shannon as a mom is just incredible, it comes so naturally to her and really this baby was so meant for our family, you can tell already. They are both doing great. We took a ton of pictures and videos that we would love to share if the Internet would just cooperate. We'll try and update as much as possible as we settle in to this new reality!
We are now at the Sheraton for dinner again to use their Internet. So far she is really quiet and chill and seems relaxed. Watching and interested in everything. Slept really well for her afternoon nap. She loves to dance and she loves loves loves water. The biggest smiles we saw was when she was splashing in the fountain here and ready to jump in! She loves water. We are out at a fancy unplanned dinner and are all starving.
Today we took Adéa home!! Mama and baby are now taking a much needed nap back at the hotel.
We had Marcos take us to Abeneezer orphanage around 9:30 this morning. When we got there, after a quick trip to see the new babies we were back in Adea's room. She was dressed up in the traditional Ethiopian dress Shannon had brought for her the day before and looked so beautiful. She seemed to recognize Shannon and was happy to be picked up and held while we were there.
We were not in the orphanage for as long as yesterday since we were eager to get A home before nap time. The nannies were so sad to see her go, and that was a hard part, but they seemed to be happy as well that she had a home.
The cab ride home was interesting, no seatbelts or car seats but our girl handled it like a champ. We got back to the hotel for a bunch more firsts - bottle, diaper change, several shoe attempts, and finally a nap.
It was a great day and we are all so happy. Seeing Shannon as a mom is just incredible, it comes so naturally to her and really this baby was so meant for our family, you can tell already. They are both doing great. We took a ton of pictures and videos that we would love to share if the Internet would just cooperate. We'll try and update as much as possible as we settle in to this new reality!
We are now at the Sheraton for dinner again to use their Internet. So far she is really quiet and chill and seems relaxed. Watching and interested in everything. Slept really well for her afternoon nap. She loves to dance and she loves loves loves water. The biggest smiles we saw was when she was splashing in the fountain here and ready to jump in! She loves water. We are out at a fancy unplanned dinner and are all starving.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The Internet in our hotel has been down all day so we are unable to post as much as we would like. Hope for better tomorrow!
Today has been a happy, exciting, emotional day. We woke up this morning for our 'good breakfast' at the hotel, delicious fresh fruit and strong coffee. As soon as breakfast was done Shannon got on the phone, getting in touch with the people that could bring us to Kalkidan. This was followedby an insane panic we were told to be ready in 20 minutes when Marcos was coming to bring us to Adéa!!! Today we could visit, and tomorrow we get to bring her home.
We managed to get out the door and suddenly there we were on the way to the orphanage through the crazy streets of Addis. The traffic is so insane with cars veering all over the road and people and dogs and goats...somehow they all manage to stay in one piece and happy and smiling at each other. Yet somehow montrealers can't handle turning right on red.
We pulled up to the gates at the orphanage and it all seemed to happen so fast. Cameras got pulled out and there we went. I was having a hard time keeping it together but Shannon was a star leading us right to the room where they kept all the babies and toddlers. We walked down a hall to the baby room and we passed an open doorway, I looked in and there was our girl sitting on a mattress all alone surrounded by toys in her pretty pink dress. I barely had time to process it and we were ushered away into the tiny baby room. There were about 6 babies there, the tiniest babies I've ever seen, just lying and looking at us. We got to say hello to them and even get a few to smile at us, it was incredible.
After the babies, it was time for our mama to go meet her girl. Cindy and I went in first, set the cameras rolling and Shannon came in after us. I lost it a bit at this point so most of the videos have me sniffling and crying, but Shannon was nothing but smiles for her girl. Adéa was so happy and right away was curious about Shannon, letting herself be picked up and danced around the room. From then on it was nothing but smiles and we got to spend a good 2 hours with my new niece and all her friends from the room. The babies were so sweet and just wanted to hold my hand, pet my pale skin and see what I had in my cites. They especially loved my straight hair and kept putting their hands on it. They were all so sweet, I can't wait for them all to get the same love as we are going to give to Kaloo.
The nannies were so great, and they obviously loved Kaloo. They even had all the kids sing along with her favorite song while she clapped and clapped. They said she loves to sing and dance. Shannon fed her a bit of lunch and then she started to look a bit tuckered out. She rocked her a bit and then back in her crib she went,where she passed out right away.
We spent some more time looking around the orphanage and then Marcos took us to the grocery store to get some food for Adéa. Now we are back at our hotel, looking at all the pictures and setting up the rooms for Adéa's arrival tomorrow!!! After this we're headed out to the sheraton for a swim and early dinner. Today was intense and so full of joy, tomorrow will be the same and more when our girl comes home with us to stay.
We have a ton of pictures and videos and will try and share as much as possible. Tomorrow is another big day. Sending lots of love from here in addis.
Friday, February 17, 2012
We made it
After a long day of flights we made it in one piece to our hotel in addis. We are exhausted of course but also excited and eager for tomorrow to arrive!!
Flights went well but we had a couple of small delays along the way. Our plane leaving Montreal was delayed and when we arrived in Frankfurt we were told the workers were on strike! Luckily By the time our 5 hour wait was over things seemed to be moving and the plane left on time. We managed to sleep bit on both planes and were amazed that we were feeling pretty good when we landed.
Tomorrow is still a bit of a mystery but we are waiting to see how the schedule will work out. We will keep you all posted. So crazy that we are in Africa, can't wait for tomorrow. We are calling it a night here since we are all exhausted. Send us your good vibes for tomorrow!
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