Friday, January 16, 2009

We are back and slowly adjusting. Ethiopia was absolutely amazing, but we are so glad to be back and growing as a new family. We arrived in Addis on January 3rd. We were able to drop our things off at our guest house and then we were able to go meet Brecken at the Gladney foster care house...Ryan brought Brecken down to us and she just stared and stared...no tears or anything. She just watched us. I started to rock her and she almost instantly fell asleep. We then went back to the guest house to just to start getting to know each other. She woke us when we got back to the house and then the tears started to flow. We tried it all and nothing would comfort her. She finally went to sleep and was out for the night. When she woke up that next morning she was all smiles...it was an amazing difference. We were able to check her out a bit more this morning...she was just so healthy! The care givers at the foster care center had taken such great care of her.
She was definitely more comfortable around us the second day. She loves to snuggle and just be held. We brought the sling with us to carry her and it was one of the best things we brought. She would just snuggle in and hangout.
Here is a little slide show of our trip.

I'm not really going to do a day by day breakdown of our trip...my brain is still a little shot from lack of sleep and jet lag...I will post some of my favorite things/recommendations from our experience later on.

PS - If you have your referral, I may have some pictures of your little one...email me a picture of your baby and I will look through my photos to see if I have something for you!

23 comments:

Amy said...

Loved the pictures... she is so so sweet! The picture of her and Blakely (thats right, right?) sleeping next to each other is so CUTE!

I am confused because it looks like you were able to go out and about with her in public. But yet I know other families have not been able to. Did you get to take her out with you all?

Adoption Cubed said...

Such wonderful pictures! I miss seeing you guys (the slideshow was a perfect reminder)and have thought of you often this past week.
Rebecca

Hannah said...

oh wow, brittlee - how beautiful. just crying over here with such joy. amazing. so happy for you.

Melodie Monberg said...

You are a beautiful family...what memories those pictures brought back of Addis...thank you for sharing a bit of your trip...hopefully we'll be able to take some of your travel advice this year?

Melodie

anita said...

oh my, thank you for sharing...i've been waiting on pins and needles to see pictures!

Eastiopians said...

Congratulations! What a lovely girl. I was very excited to see that you both took your pre-schooler with you to Ethiopia. We are considering taking our daughter with us. I would love to know more about that. If you ever want to chat or have time, my email is theresaeast1@yahoo.com

God bless!
Theresa

Ladybugs appear said...

Love, Love Love seeing you with your family. Thank you again for my pics too. I've been loving them.
best,
amy

Mommato4miracles said...

Rejoicing with you and celebrating the joy of your little girl coming home. She is simply stunning and I love the pics of her with her big sister. God bless!!

Karen said...

I am so glad you are all home safe and sound. What a return trip! We are all still recovering from it as well.
The pictures are beautiful.

-Karen (Anderson)

Erin said...

Britlee,
My daughter reacted the same exact way when we adopted her from China. No tears at the meeting, and then crying, crying , crying at the hotel room. And then, just like you said, the next day she was all smiles and happiness. It looks like you had an amazing time! I hope your jet lag passes quickly!

{B} said...

Hi Amy! We were able to take her with us for Dreamland and after the embassy appointment and that was about it. We were also able to take her with us when we visited the care centers...I can't wait for you guys to go again!

Rebecca said...

I love all your pictures Brittlee! Your family is adorable. Glad you're home and settling in as a family of FOUR!

Dan said...

Great slideshow! We are so happy for you guys. We want to come visit you so let us know when a good time would be. Tate can't wait to meet the girls.

Love,

Dan and Mel

mama becca said...

What a beautiful girl you have... what a beautiful new family! Congratulations!
becca

Courtney O. said...

it's great to see pictures of all of you together. welcome home.

~Laura~ said...

She's amazing! What wonderful pictures. Let me know when you get settled...I've have a few questions. We have court on the 27th so hopefully we'll be traveling soon. I'll email you as well with a pic of Mercy to see if you happen to have any pics of her. :) Welcome home!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. What an amazing and beautiful new addition you have added to your family. May your years together be filled with wonder, excitement and above all love.

I am so thrilled for you all.

Jill said...

Congratulations! What precious girls! Oh, and love the Africa shirt on your husband in one of the first pics ;) .... your mom ordered it from us.

Jill

the truman's said...

Hi. We have never met but I do feel I know you somewhat. Your mom and I had some great conversations while we have been in our process. She was so kind and generous to donate one of her necklaces to our silent auction. We just received our referral for a healthy 4 month old baby girl last Friday. I can hardly stand it. Since we too are here in CO I would love to talk to you more about your trip and get some more ideas. Did Emirates Air have the cribs on the plane for on the way back? Also, how was the stay in Dubai? Any worries? I just would love to chat sometime. Please email me when you are more settled. So happy for your family.
With many blessings,
Stacey
http://thetrumasjourneytogracie.blogspot.com
matnstace@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

My son and daughter are awaiting court referral--excruciating! Why so long?

Lipo said...

I like your entire family, and All of you are so humbled and its so beautiful. just crying over here with such joy. amazing.

Anonymous said...

Thank уou for sharing your thoughts. I reallу
appreсiate уouг еffortѕ and I am waiting foг yоur
furthеr ρost thanks оnce agaіn.


Also ѵisit my blog: dallas tx car insurance
Feel free to visit my website ... car insurance company dallas

Anonymous said...

Hmm is аnyοne else encountеring problems with
the piсturеs on this blog loading?
І'm trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.
Any feeԁbaсk would be gгeatly apprеcіateԁ.


Μy blog; Dallas Seo Client