Janissa and I had a great time visiting my brother in Phoenix. We also had the opportunity to meet Tracy and Sean Lowery and their new twins, Owen and Poppy in Tucson. On Sunday, Joe drove us to Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona and Jerome. We had visited Jerome when we were kids, so it was fun to go back and take pictures in the same places. We also got to spend time with the Diaz family. They adopted Josiah and Jeremiah from the same orphanage as Janissa. There was a connection between them and Janissa, so I think they must remember something. I also got to introduce Janissa to some people I used to work with. Overall it was a great and relaxing week. Janissa and her Uncle Joe love each other so much and thoroughly enjoyed their week together.
October 20, 2009
October 5, 2009
Three Months!!!
Janissa has been home for three months. I feel like she has been with me forever. I just love her so much. She is doing so well - growing up so fast. She is a full-fledged toddler. She doesn't know it yet, but she can walk. She thinks she still needs to hold on to my fingers, but really there is no need to. She is going to take off by herself any moment now! She cries whenever I put her in the stroller because she wants to be walking around (holding on to me, of course).
I am driving to Phoenix this weekend to spend time with "Uncle Joe". On Saturday I'm driving to Tucson to meet The Lowery's and their twins, Owen & Poppy. I'm looking forward to it. I'll post about it when I return. In the meantime, here is a short video of Janissa's past month.
I am driving to Phoenix this weekend to spend time with "Uncle Joe". On Saturday I'm driving to Tucson to meet The Lowery's and their twins, Owen & Poppy. I'm looking forward to it. I'll post about it when I return. In the meantime, here is a short video of Janissa's past month.
September 22, 2009
Trip To Seattle
Last month my sister-in-law called and told me she missed Janissa - so would I please visit. Since I wasn't working and won't be able to take a vacation for awhile once I find a job (yes, I'm still unemployed), I found a good airfare and flew up with Janissa and my niece, Sarah. Because Sarah had never been there, we did a lot of touristy things which was a lot of fun. We hung out together, saw some friends, rested and just had a great time. Our last night there, Kathy had Janissa sleep in her room and for the first time in over two months - I got to sleep through the night uninterrupted. Thanks Kathy!
Here are some pictures to show you what fun we had.
Here are some pictures to show you what fun we had.
September 11, 2009
FOR SALE
Not Janissa - my house. I had no choice. After searching for a job along the entire West Coast for 5 months with no prospects, I decided I better sell before my savings account dwindles away to nothing. So after 7 years in this home, I will be moving on. It's sad because this was Janissa's first home. She has been through so much in her short little life and now I have to move her again. We'll be going inland where homes are less expensive.
Janissa has been home for two months and is doing great. She is now 29" and about 21 pounds. She still amazes me every day and makes me laugh constantly. Here are a few pictures of the gorgeous little girl.
She's adorable, isn't she? Janissa, my niece Sarah and I took a trip up to Seattle to visit Tom and Kathy and the boys. I will post a montage of those photos next time. In the meantime, please pray that I find the job and home that are meant for Janissa and me.
August 19, 2009
August 16, 2009
Special Gifts
Janissa has received so many gifts - all of them special. I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support she and I have received from so many wonderful family members and friends. There are, however, a couple of gifts that I wanted to share with you; and those are the hand-made items. I am not the least bit talented when it comes to sewing, knitting, crocheting, etc., so I am always in awe of those who can make such beautiful things with their hands.
The first item is a little yellow sweater made by my good friend Marcia. I can't wait until it fits Janissa!
My cousin Frances wove this darling blanket and also made the mama and baby hedge hogs. So cute!
My sister-in-law Kathy, who lives in the Seattle area and traveled with me to Ethiopia, told a woman at her church my story. The woman's name is Elaine and she crocheted this beautiful blanket that Kathy surprised Janissa and I with the first day we were together.
Finally, a friend told a friend about my adoption journey and this wonderful lady has been following along via my blog. At Janissa's welcome home party, my friend gave me this incredible scrapbook as a gift from her friend - the most amazing scrapbook I have ever seen! She (Marja - www.ppftreasures.com) even downloaded comments and photos off my blog and put them in the book. Janissa and I will add special photos and treasure this book forever.
Thank you to everyone who has welcomed my little Janissa home with open arms and loving hearts!
The first item is a little yellow sweater made by my good friend Marcia. I can't wait until it fits Janissa!
My cousin Frances wove this darling blanket and also made the mama and baby hedge hogs. So cute!
My sister-in-law Kathy, who lives in the Seattle area and traveled with me to Ethiopia, told a woman at her church my story. The woman's name is Elaine and she crocheted this beautiful blanket that Kathy surprised Janissa and I with the first day we were together.
Finally, a friend told a friend about my adoption journey and this wonderful lady has been following along via my blog. At Janissa's welcome home party, my friend gave me this incredible scrapbook as a gift from her friend - the most amazing scrapbook I have ever seen! She (Marja - www.ppftreasures.com) even downloaded comments and photos off my blog and put them in the book. Janissa and I will add special photos and treasure this book forever.
Thank you to everyone who has welcomed my little Janissa home with open arms and loving hearts!
August 5, 2009
Home a Month
Janissa and I have been home for a month now. It was a month of many firsts for her. First time in the USA, first time in a swimming pool, an outlet mall, meeting family and friends, having her own room, tasting different foods (she loves pancakes and toast with peanut butter). Everything was new to her. She has adapted so well. At her doctor's appointment she was 18 lbs. 12 oz. and 27 inches tall. She will have her follow up visit soon. It's apparent she has grown!
Janissa is incredibly smart and has made such progress in only one month. She went from not being able to use her lower legs (muscles hadn't developed) and doing the army crawl to crawling on all fours and climbing to stand on her own. She now has 6 teeth and 2 more are breaking through. She imitates everything I do. She can say mama, outside, pancake and Janissa (sounds like A-Gee-Juh), and many other words.
One thing is for sure - this little girl is LOVED SO MUCH - and not just by me. She steals every one's heart. Okay, now for the moment you've all been waiting for - 11 minutes of Janissa (below) with a few friends and family thrown in. Enjoy!
Janissa is incredibly smart and has made such progress in only one month. She went from not being able to use her lower legs (muscles hadn't developed) and doing the army crawl to crawling on all fours and climbing to stand on her own. She now has 6 teeth and 2 more are breaking through. She imitates everything I do. She can say mama, outside, pancake and Janissa (sounds like A-Gee-Juh), and many other words.
One thing is for sure - this little girl is LOVED SO MUCH - and not just by me. She steals every one's heart. Okay, now for the moment you've all been waiting for - 11 minutes of Janissa (below) with a few friends and family thrown in. Enjoy!
August 2, 2009
Beautiful Ethiopia
I love Ethiopia; it is a beautiful country. But it isn't the scenery, weather or food that I love so much (although I did love the coffee, which they call buna) - it is the Ethiopian people. They are what make the country so beautiful, so rich in culture and tradition. It is the people that will bring me back there some day. Every person I encountered was kind and compassionate. We were treated as one of their own. It is a country where Jews, Muslims and Christians live together in peace. It is a country filled with respect for its past, present and future. I will never forget that they gave me my daughter and look forward to the time when I can bring Janissa back to visit her homeland.
July 23, 2009
Toukoul Orphanage
My favorite memories of the trip would have to be the times I was able to visit the orphanage and see the other children, where Janissa slept, and the nannies running around chasing the kids. I've put together a slideshow that I hope reflects the love that overflows from within its walls. Sorry for the irritating music, it just seemed to fit so well.
July 21, 2009
The Guest House
Our first two nights in Ethiopia were spent at the new guest house, the third night in Lalibela and the remainder of our stay at the Villa where Mr. Ferez, the owner of the orphanage, lives. The accommodations were excellent, the food was great and the people were unforgettable. I loved Aster who took care of all our whims from site-seeing to our meals. She was there whenever we needed her. Our driver, Kitama, is someone who will remain in my heart forever. He recently married a young woman named Tigist and I wish them the best. The young girls who worked at the guest houses were awsome. They loved taking care of Janissa while I ate. Everyone who we came in contact with were friendly, loving, happy and helpful. I miss them very much because they were the ones who made the trip to Ethiopia so memorable.
Below is video montage of our stay at the guest houses. You will see my sister-in-law Kathy, Meg DeZutti and her adorable little boy, Sam, as well as my Janissa and me.
Below is video montage of our stay at the guest houses. You will see my sister-in-law Kathy, Meg DeZutti and her adorable little boy, Sam, as well as my Janissa and me.
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