Two Months in Ethiopia.....

It has been 8 1/2 weeks since we arrived in Ethiopia now. And we have had the boys with us for 6 1/2 weeks now. Here's a little update on each boy and our time here:

Isaiah really has been doing great!! I know I keep saying this (and I am waiting for a change) but he really is such a fun and loving boy! He likes to say bye and I love you many times before going to bed and hanging up on the phone or Skype with Brad. One time just isn't enough! He is such a sweet big brother too. God seriously has prepared him for this roll. He hates when either of the little boys cry and he is always willing to help them with anything. He loves to play outside on the scooter or inside playing games. He is willing to do any school work or read books to his brothers. He is really excited to start school when we get home and to join a soccer team this spring and a baseball team this summer. He hopes to get a bike, scooter, skateboard, legos, a tennis racket and a remote control helicopter for his birthday. That list seems to grow when he watches a new movie. Ha!

Kaleb has come along way, but still has a long way to go. Adopting toddlers is tough! We would really appreciate prayers for him. He still has a long way to go with the bonding and attaching to us. He looks to anyone to comfort him or pick him up. He likes me fine, but not necessarily more than anyone else. This process with him has sure taught me a lot about Christ's love for us. Even when we run from Him, disobey Him, and steer clear from Him- HE still loves us. We don't always mean to run away from God. I am trying to remember that each day with Kaleb, trying to love him through this transition like Christ loves us through each of our transitions. Kaleb has become cuddly first thing in the morning and likes to be held when Jacob is being held :) He enjoys using a spoon or fork to feed himself from a bowl.

Jacob spent the first month here scared and sad. But he also has come far! He is a little more clingy to me than before we left, but he loves playing with his brothers. When we left Illinois he was only taking a few steps, but now he can run after his brothers all day long! He also got all his molars here (not fun). He is saying more and more words each day too! But his favorite words are dog, juice, and hat. All liquid is juice, all animals are dogs, and anything on your face or head is a hat, haha!!

Our time in Ethiopia has been so different this time around. We are renting a house and finding our favorite places to shop this time. I am even brave enough to walk places by myself this time (but not in the dark, of course). I am busy each day, but this is life now! Bonnie (the other mom renting the house with me) and I were talking about how much we can't wait to get home. We keep thinking it will be easier at home. But one day we starting laughing when we remembered that we will also be cooking and cleaning when we get home. Isaiah can't believe we don't have a maid and cook at home, ha!