Embassy Appointment - CHECK!

We had a very long day today. Last night we went to an Ethiopian restaurant with the 2 other families that are here adopting through BFAS as well. The restaurant was SO GOOD. I just love Ethiopian food. During the dinner there were songs and traditional Ethiopian dances. It was very cool to watch and listen to. While we were at the dinner, we left our kids with their nannies. This was really hard for me. The kids were a little confused and sad when we left. However, the dinner and show was good enough to distract me from my worries. When we got back the kids were both sleeping, but we had to put them in the car and transport them home. Liliana slept all the way until we walked in the door of our room. Michael was awake in the car. This interrupted sleep late at night made for a tired next day (today). The kids still got up at 6 am even though they had been up later than usual (we have been putting them to bed at 7).

This morning we cuddled in bed, which was nice. Then we did our normal morning routine: pre-breakfast picnic on the floor of our room, Matt and I taking turns to shower, getting the kids dressed, playing. Then at 7:30 we have breakfast (today we had french toast). After breakfast, more playing. And of course, more snacks. These kids could eat all day if we allowed them too!

After an early lunch, we headed to the Embassy. We were there from 1:15 - 4:30. There was a problem with our paperwork for Milkias (they had the wrong age on something) and so we were moved to the back of the line while Agitu (director of the agency) quick ran to the office that approves paperwork to fix his birthdate. But, this wasn't really a big deal, I guess. At least not for us... we just sat around and talked and the kids played (and of course had many snacks).

Our actual Embassy appointment was very fast and easy. They asked us a few questions and then we signed some paperwork. Tomorrow the agency will go back to get our visas.

Up next in the last 2 days here: going back to the orphanage to deliver the care packages for our neighbors, visiting another orphanage, having a celebration coffee ceremony with the agency, going shopping, and site seeing. Should be a packed, but stress free (yay) next two days before we head home.

Liliana is still feeling sick. She is sneezing a lot and has a runny nose. We are going to go to the pharmacy tomorrow to get cold medicine for her as well as a de-worming medicine and a medicine for their stomach parasite. Please keep praying for her. I would hate for her to be miserable the entire plane ride. Although she will be quite pleased with the fact that she'll get to sleep in my arms the entire time! The girl loves being in my arms, which is really nice. Last night one of her nannies tried to take her from me, but she would not have it. Very encouraging. She also loves her daddy. They love kissing, tickling, and teasing each other. She is babbling a lot and it is so incredibly cute to see the tiny little thing walk around (although she doesn't do much of that since she prefers my arms). :)

Michael is doing great. We are starting to deal with some behaviors as he is getting more comfortable with us. He is testing boundries and when we try to discipline him it doesn't work because he can't understand us. Plus he flashes us that toothy grin and it's hard to say no. :) He is talking a ton now and is even picking up some english words. Of course Matt taught him to say "cool" right away. We have him signing "please" when he wants something too. He has started to give us kisses although he is still not a hugger. I asked him for a kiss today on the check and he kissed me on the lips instead. So cute.

The kids love each other very much. It's so cute to watch them play and interact. Hearing Michael call for Mihiret is very precious. They tease each other and give each other kisses and hugs. They are also good sharers... for the most part.

Tonight we gave the kids baths right before bed. Liliana tolerates a bath, but Michael LOVES them. He was all wound up afterwards. Matt is upstairs right now with the kids. Liliana is fast asleep. When I left, Michael was bouncing around his bed in the dark. Hopefully he is asleep now.

Well, I think that is all for now. I hope everyone is doing well. We are feeling so incredibly blessed by our kids. We are grateful for all your prayers and support. And we are so super excited to introduce them to everyone. I am one proud mama!

Blessings,
Matt and Becca