How to make an American-Canadian-Ethiopian Family

I have not posted lately, I am sorry! But truth be told, this summer is going so fast, I hardly have the time or the energy. JF just got back from Fiji. I did 12 days of single motherhood. All of you single moms out there deserve a massage! Ladies, I don't know how you do it!!!! Sheesh!! JF got back on Wed morning, took a nap, and we were off to Chicago to celebrate my grandmother's 85th birthday.

She is still as sharp as a tack and a joy to be around. It was the first time that Jacob got to meet his great-grandmother, along with great aunts and uncles and second cousins. He had a blast!!! He went swimming and ate a little doughnut and got passed around from hug to hug. It made my heart melt!

But that was just half of it because then we were off to Wisconsin for a family reunion with my mom's side of the family. More eating, drinking, hugging and kissing took place. Once again, Jacob was a huge hit. He has started walking, and he had so many babysitters around to help, it was AWESOME! This time, he got to meet great-great aunts and uncles- it was so cool! We have a picture of him with his great-great aunts. He is the youngest of the family and they are the oldest. Isn't that cool? I don't know when we will get those photos, but when we do, we will be sure to post.

We got in last night around 8, too exhausted for words. But now that JF is back and we are home, I should be able to post a little more!

One year ago, sweet boy, I was sitting at work, feeling excited. Your dad was going to come home from Fiji that night after 9 weeks away. It was a Thursday afternoon and I was going on vacation starting the next morning. Aunt Jan and Uncle Jeff, and Brendan, Lauren, and Ethan would be coming the next day. We were going to the Cape for a week. My phone rang and it was Radu. He told me I made a mistake with my form and that he was sending it back to me. Did I get his email with the attachment. My heart sank- I couldn't believe I had made a mistake and they didn't notice until my dossier got to Ethiopia!! I clicked on the email with a heavy heart. But it wasn't a form. It was you, dear boy! Looking all wide-eyed and nervous. You looked so cute my heart just about burst. I couldn't really understand- where was the form?? Who was this? I told Radu, "I don't understand. Who is this? Is this my baby???" and he asked, "Do you want him to be?". I said, "YES!!!" without a moments hesitation. Vanessa ran in, and she had to help me call Aunt Jan, because I was so excited, I forgot how to dial the phone. I called Grampa, and told him, "It's a BOY!" and your Grampa laughed with joy. Tara left work and came over to see your picture. I called Jenna and told her the good news. Elizabeth let us all work early so we could celebrate. It was one of the most joyful days of my life. Vanessa and Tara printed out a million copies of your picture and we posted them all over the apartment. They were EVERYWHERE! When I finally reached your dad on the phone, he was so tired and he was calling from the immigration line. I tried to get him to go to a computer but he couldn't. I really tried! When he asked what was so important I blurted out, "You have a son!" He was speechless. Your Oma and Opa called me and so did Charles and Genie. Everyone was so happy and excited. I met your at the airport late that night with a teddy bear in the Moby wrap. Jeramy was so nice to drive me there around midnight! Your picture was taped to the front of the teddy bear. People thought I was crazy but I didn't care. I was so proud of you. I was your mom!!

On August 7th, your day was no different from any other day. You woke and ate and played with your nanny just like any other day. But on that day, we began to cherish you and love you without limits. One year ago today, you became our son. We are so grateful that you made us a family! Dad and I love you with all of our hearts!