48 Hours to go (edit: post was delayed - closer to 36 hrs. now)

Wow! I am actually sad to be leaving Ethiopia tomorrow. We have really jumped into this week with a good .. Getting custody has certainly helped, of course.

Sarah is loving being here...she has really bonded with many of the staff members here and just plain had a blast! We will miss Ethiopia. Now that does not mean we will be adding to the family...we are complete. We will return to Ethiopia at some point. There is so much to do and see. What an incredible history.

We had a busy shopping day yesterday. We have a few more things to pick up before we leave. We are leaving that til tomorrow. Coffee and lots of it is my hope. :-).

We visited Holy Trinity Cathedral yesterday...just beautiful. The priest was thrilled to hold sarah's hand. Just so cute. The tour guide, an older gentleman, remarked to me that my son does not look like me. I smiled and said "nope". He was pleased as could be with adoption across race lines. The funny thing is they have never had issues with that here. There is little to no issues with different religions or races here. They live in peace...so refreshing. Oh what we could learn.

The highlight of the day was returning to the orphanage. Everyone knew Rebiras name and were happy to greet them. He has gotten to the point with us that he is NOT at all keen on others touching or picking him up. It is the culture here, to help with crying babies regardless for where you are and what is going on. He is no longer a fan of that custom. Honestly I am relieved...we are attaching as is necessary for healthy development. The doctor was at another appointment so I had a phone conference with her. She told me many things about our little one. She obviously knows him well. He has had constant ear infections. Tons of antibiotics, chicken pox twice and pneumonia. I even have chest x rays from that episode. She told me on the phone call that Rebira is very special boy who the staff loves. He is very affectionate and has been very sick. He needs good parents like us. Good grief! They must actually read our profiles to match us because she knew about us and our other children. After the call we received a gift of a traditional outfit and a cute embroidered bag. We walked around a little, took pics, and the boy held on for dear life while chilling in the Maya wrap. I told him he was not staying and we were taking him home. He looked at me with eyes as if he understood. Yes..then there were tears..just a few.

Dinner was out again at Sishu for hamburgers that were quite good. Then back to the guest home for bed. We were all zapped. Boy woke up in the middle of the night twice...but we are now over our poopy issues and yah...we are over it. Len and I take turns...yuck I forgot how gross that part is. We are ramping up his milk to full formula and not so watered down..see how it goes. He is eating like a champ today. One full container of babyhood at each meal and a bit of cereal with probiotics in it. Man does this kid needs probiotics for sure! 

Taking it easy today..rain again and kind of chilly...bring sweatshirts and sweaters if you are coming soon. It is chilly and damp. Out for a dinner at blue tops....ice cream for Sarah! Our guesthouse offers massages to new adoptive parents so sign me up! Len will be having his first massage here too.

Tomorrow we are going to hit a few places: kaldi's for some fun juice, tamoca for bagged coffee, perhaps beza international church for jewelry and hopefully a visit to Marta, sarah's compassion kiddo. We will pack for our long journey home. We have to be at the airport at 7pm. Our travel agent, booked us a bassinet....pray for that or it is going to be a much longer trip than it really is. Our flight takes off at 10 ish. We will be traveling with vivi, Pete and mawerdi. Their blog is on the side bar if you would like to follow their story.

Have a magical day back home...
Happy Patriot's Day! (Ethiopian holiday)

Michelle