2 weeks home!

It already seems forever ago that we were in Ethiopia picking up sweet Anna! I can't even remember what I did with myself BA (before Anna)! She has had a busy couple of weeks and as hard has some moments have been, I remind myself how much has been accomplished:

* many loads of laundry- folded and put away!
* several trips to Target and Babies R Us- all of which required her mom to get out of her pajamas, brush her hair and put on at least a little make up
* Anna's first UT sporting event
* baths or showers for everyone on a regular basis
* her first Stage 1 baby food- thus far she had tried squash, bananas and apples. She's not thrilled with the idea of eating from a spoon but getting better at it
* pictures from our trip to Ethiopia ordered, sorted, and put into albums
* two trips to the pediatrician, who pronounced Miss Anna to be in good health; pneumonia is gone, Praise God!
* Anna has increased from 3oz bottles to 6oz bottles- whooohooo! More sleep for mom!
* visits to my work
* weight gain of 1 1/2 pounds for Miss Anna- she's now over 10 pounds
* a little bit of developmental play everyday to help her get stronger...and it's helping!

Although we are still figuring each other out, we have done a lot of smiling and laughing and snuggling. In Ethiopia, Anna could put herself to sleep beautifully. Once in the US, however, that has been a skill she is having to relearn- getting to sleep has really been a struggle. My mind goes back and forth between not letting her cry for the sake of good attachment and letting her cry it out so she can eventually get herself to sleep. I think this has been equally hard on both of us! Any thoughts or advice out there from those who have BTDT would be appreciated!

And now for Miss Anna's newest trick:TaDa! She's getting better at this each day and her mommy is so proud of her!
Some other fun pictures from our time at home:
Hello Bee! She's not so sure about this baby food stuff!Tomorrow is our Africa adoptive families get together...hope to have lots of pictures to share! Enjoy your weekend!!

Take me out to the ball game

After an unusually snowy winter, we had our first beautiful weekend in East Tennessee! It was so great to see the sunshine and get outdoors. We headed over to the baseball park to watch the Tennessee baseball team- Anna got lots of love and I'm sure enjoyed the game, too. I hope we get to spend lots of pretty spring afternoons at the baseball stadium.
Bill loved showing off his grand daughter at baseball!Anna's first time as a rail bird.Anna seemed to have a good time, too!

Wordless Wednesday!

Overwhelmed!

If travelling to Ethiopia to pick up the most amazing incredible little girl wasn't enough, I have been overwhelmed by the support, love, and encouragement from my friends and family at home. Prior to leaving, I had given out my flight information, as some folks had wanted to meet us at the airport. My mom had said to me not to be disappointed if there weren't many people there; I counted maybe 6 or 8 folks I thought might be there. Then we were an hour late getting in. Truly, I had no expectations......but, wow, was I wrong! I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for me and my daughter! Special thank you to all of those who were there- I know I didn't get to speak to everyone; I would have loved to spend a long time talking to each of you about our trip and letting you each meet Anna individually. Tracie, another adoptive mom with a son from Ethiopia, and very talented photographer, surprised me with this treat! I think I've watched it a million times already. Thanks, Tracie for preserving that event in such a special way. Happy Valentines Day to you all! I'm over the moon to have my Valentine home!!!

OK, cant seem to upload the video, so just click here: Anna's Homecoming video

Wow!

Home less than 24 hours and we have already been busy....a trip to the pediatrician for follow up on pneumonia that Anna brought home, Babies R Us for bottles, and an All American breakfast of a biscuit and Diet Coke for me! Soooo yummy after a week without ice, Diet Coke and cautious eating!

On October 1, 1009 I got my referral for this little peanut who weighed only 3lbs 9ozs... This morning at the doctor, that same little gal weighed 9lbs 4ozs! Wow!

We're Home!

After 24 hours of travel, we have made it home!! I cant believe my little Anna is upstairs sleeping as I type. Cant wait to post pictures of our trip, but first meet my most amazing little girl....her disposition is just as sweet as her smile!

The evolution of a Nursery!

Still a few thing to put away, purchase or hang but Anna's nursery is nearly done!! At least it will be functional for her home coming! Check out the transformation from January 1 until today...

It started as a guest room that was convient for folding laundry
Finally, a little progress
This is Jerry, my super painter- he did in 3 1/2 hours what would have taken me 15! Great job Jerry!!
It's Peppermint Pink!
Still a disaster, but look, a changing table! It's beginning to look like a room for a baby!
See the crib over there in the corner? It's a hand-me-down from my friend Julie. There's a lot of love in that crib already!
After a quick 47 minutes of work (yes, I timed us!) the crib is up! Thanks dad, for your help.
Just a few more things to do and it's finally ready!
I love her bed and I will love it more when she is here to sleep in it! Must start packing...we leave in about 36 hours!!!