Goodbye, So Long, Farewell

After speaking with my husband I have decided to delete my blog. Although I am currently reading "The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century by Thomas Friedman, and I am totally fascinated by the globalization of commerce thanks to technology among other factors, I have to use my head.

Blogging has been a wonderful tool for expressing my thoughts about parenting, advocating adoption internationally and abroad, and sharing my love for Ethiopia, but as a parent I must consider the privacy of my family a top priority. So I have no doubt I will probably start another blog at some point but I will probably focus on different subject matter.

I have mentioned the wonderful people I have met along the way, and there are many others who are joining the world of blogging so I officially pass the torch to them. Hopefully, they will encourage others to consider adoption and support Africa's efforts to care for her people. The world is indeed flat, and we can reach out to one another like never before. America does not exist in a vacuum, we are part of this global movement like it or not. We must learn to reach out beyond our own borders and beyond our own self interests, lest we become irrelevant.

Peace.

On the Road Again

I have not posted in some time as my parents caused me to become a bit paranoid regarding this blog. It is funny how parents can impact your actions even as you age and begin to turn gray...albeit prematurely! ;)

Parenthood has been one of the most joyful yet difficult undertakings. As a stay-at-home mom I find my day filled with activities, bubbles, bicycle rides and tantrums but it is rewarding. Especially when you hear your son speaking English more fluently each day. As you notice pants that fit perfectly 30 days ago start to inch toward the knees you realize this is not a static event. My son will eventually grow up and become an adult. So while each day seems like one long stretch in the marathon we call life, it is really only a blip on the screen and these precious moments will become precious memories. Good thing I capture many of them with my camera, lest some forget how glad I am that I had the courage to open my heart in the first place.

Sharing

Mr. Handsome does a really good job of sharing his toys with friends. Perhaps that is something he does naturally, perhaps it is something he learned at Horizon House but hopefully it is not a phase. After several challenging playdates including one where a playmate made it clear that he does not like to share, I wanted to encourage Mr. Handsome to continue his generous habit so I went online ordered a couple of the items he was denied access to and went out of town.

When we returned today, I discovered his toys had been delivered so I rushed downstairs to the garage to announce he had a couple of gifts upstairs. He ran upstairs and looked at the boxes and his eyes danced with excitement. As we opened them, he screamed "Thomas! and Potato!" (that's short for Mr. Potato Head) After he ooohed and aaahed for a few minutes, I told him, "Mommy and Daddy got you these because of how well you share your toys!" His reply, "God Bless You!" which he repeated several times. I did not expect that from a 2.5 year old, but it was probably one of the most heartwarming moments we have shared since he came home. We have certainly had our share of heartwarming moments and I look forward to many more.

Television...Be Damned!

Well, I must confess, Mr. Handsome is addicted to TV. Prior to his arrival it stayed off most of the day then once he arrived it continued to stay off. Then one fateful day it rained, and rained, so I reluctantly put in Chicken Little and poof! My baby is hooked. He asks to see it morning, noon and night. Finally, I decided to substitute some educational programming with mixed results. Sesame Street...no! Blue's Clues...no! Thomas the Tank Engine...sometimes yes, sometimes no! The Backyardigans...Yes. Dragon Tales...is that educational???

Yes his English is really taking off, but I have never seen something I can liken to crack! One viewing and it was over. So after his last playdate arrived and started playing with his toys while he barely looked away from the television to say hello. I turned it off. And I am going to continue to turn it off. My sister warned me about the evils of the tube, but I had no idea the magnetic attraction could happen so quickly. If I did not know better I would think someone is sending subliminal messages through the thing! Be afraid, be very afraid!

Social Life... Revised

Prior to our adoption, it seemed most of our friends had or were having children. We were unfamiliar with the culture of children that created a social network of playdates, birthday parties and outings. However, once we started to think seriously about the process of adoption, I joined the Yahoo Groups to learn more, but I also set out to build a network with other families so that I could transition to that culture with ease.

This weekend we were busier than I can recall us being in a long time. Mr. Handsome visited friends, attended a birthday party and met more family members his age who live in the area. I breathe a sigh of relief when I realize he is building long lasting relationships with others because I stepped out of my own comfort zone.

Reading Is Fundamental...

I have always heard how important it is to read to your children, so my husband and I try to read a story to our son everyday. So far, Mr. Handsome has Brown Bear memorized and has decided to insert us all in the "I Will Always Love You" Panda story. I never envisioned myself as "Mama Panda" but okay let's go with it.

The best part about reading to your children is when they grasp the concept. Sometimes the book is upside down but he's catching on to the concept of reading and bonding and that works for me.

Reunion

We just had a wonderful visit with another family that traveled to Ethiopia in the same group we did. Our sons are close to the same age, from the same region of the country and they arrived at Horizon House at the same time. All of the children had a great time, and the parents enjoyed reminiscing about our Ethiopian experience.

We often mention the great friends we have made throughout the adoption process and we feel a need to maintain those connections not just for the children, but because this experience is unique and we appreciate being able to keep in contact with others who have taken this journey. Tomorrow, Mr. Handsome will meet our friends who are waiting for their referral.

Collateral Damage

It is Labor Day Weekend, and so far we have a clogged sink and we just averted the overflow of the upstairs toilet. Why all the plumbling woes you ask? Well, Mr. Handsome forced a small bar of soap down the sink and later decided to unleash a whole roll of toilet paper down the commode after being reprimanded for diving in it, hands first.

When I was three years old, I tried helping out by covering the living room couch in Vaseline (I thought I was cleaning it and yes, my Mom had to get rid of it) so maybe this is payback? Oh well, here's to toddlerhood and Mr. Plumber!