Bekeh's Camera

So Bekeh has discovered Brooklyn's digital camera and it's her new favorite toy. She woke up early from her nap today, and while Caleb continued his, we painted toes and fingernails and then had some photography lessons. It took awhile to coordinate finding her subject in the viewfinder, pushing the button, holding still, and not covering the flash with her precious toddler fingers, but she finally got the hang of it and WOULDN'T STOP!

Watch out Aunt Emily and Ms. Cindi, she's coming after your market niche!

I've spared you the pics of my waist or chest only, you're welcome, but she insisted her photos go on the "tumputer". You know how strongly her model hates to have her pic published, so you can begin to imagine how much she has me wrapped around her finger already!And no good artist can go without a self-portrait, we're calling this one "the contemplative one."

Easter

We enjoyed a beautiful spring day on Easter Sunday. We attended Easter services at our church on Saturday evening and then Jason's parent's church on Sunday morning. Afterward we took the kids to the park to see the ducks. Bekeh and Caleb loved chasing them off the grass and back into the water. Once Mom was satisfied that we had captured the moment on film we headed to Nana's house for lunch and Easter Egg hunting! It only took one egg for them to realize the whole point of this tradition, once opened, there was "CANY!" inside! They first wanted to stop and eat each egg til empty, but then soon realized they better hurry and get more or they'd be gone.One of our favorite traditions is dying eggs and trying to come up with creative ways to make them interesting. This year, between Bekeh drinking all the vinegar dye, and Caleb throwing the eggs across the table, we were lucky to get them out and back in the carton whole! Creativity is a luxury bygone.It's still amazing to me how quickly they catch on to being "All-American." In bed last night Bekeh told me all about her day. "Pretty dress, purple shoes, eggs! Open, and cany!" "Cany yummy." That about sums it up.

The highlight of the Easter season this year for the rest of us was by far watching, The Real Face of Jesus on The History Channel. If you have not caught this program about the Shroud of Turin, check your listings or buy it off their website. It is a must see!

Thank you Jesus for choosing to suffer and die on the cross for our sins. And praise you God the Father for sending your Holy Spirit and RAISING HIM FROM THE DEAD! He lives - and now so do I.

Daddy!

I was working on photos of our trip to Ethiopia today when Bekeh woke up from her nap and walked into my office. This picture was up on the screen and she instantly exclaimed, "Daddy!"

In Cancun, Caleb was calling Jason "Ababa" which he rarely does at home, and I looked at Bekeh and said, "Ababa?" to see what she would say since she's never spoken the word herself. (I know it means Daddy, but I wanted to see what she said.) She said, "Ababa is Daddy." It was the first time for her to "translate" for me. The only other words she still says in her native tongue are ooha and shint.

I had shown her video and pictures a week or so after we returned home and she didn't seem to have any reaction at all. I even wondered if she remembered her time in the village. But today she knew her daddy and she knew Askalech and was confident enough to tell me in English who they were.

I then showed her a picture of Jason and Lapeso together and asked her who they were. She said, "Daddy, and, uh, Daddy! Two Daddies!" It was so sweet.

We then heard Caleb stirring and she began calling for him very excitedly to come look at the pictures. I put one of just Lapeso up first and he looked at it for a minute and quietly said, "Daddy." But then when I put the picture of Jason up he began jumping up and down yelling, "Daddy Daddy Daddy" and laughing. I would point to Lapeso and he would completely ignore me until I pointed to Jason and then he would get excited.

I'm glad to know they remember their first father. I wish I could seal their good memories away so they'd never lose them, and hopefully keeping pictures around the house will help them do that. I cried for a while after they scuttled off to find their sippie cups. As much as I love them to pieces, it would have been better for them to stay with their first father if he had been able. I want to do so much for their village to help make it easier for them to keep their children and not have to make the sacrificial and painful decision Lapeso was forced to make for their lives.

Thank you heavenly Daddy for working all things for our good.

Two Months Together

Can it possibly have gone by so quickly? Month one was SSSSSOOOOOO LONG and month two flew by with a whistle.
So, where are we at. . . hmmm. That's a moment to moment, changing by the day answer.

Caleb

I looked up some symptoms of attachment/bonding disorder, here's what I found . . .

• Cries; miserable all the time, chronically fussy (Only when others are around and mommy is trying to interact with you too - just the two of us, you're happy)
• Resists comforting or nurturing (Again, if others are around, but can't get enough of me if it's just the two of us)
• Resists or dislikes being held (Every ear in Mexico can attest to this, again, just with momma)
• Poor eye contact or avoids eye contact (Painful screams when I even try)
• Angry or rageful when cries (I swear strangers think I'm pouring acid on you or something!)
• Exceedingly demanding (Well, you are two.)
• Looks sad or empty-eyed (When Mommy's holding you, and others are around, and you've given up screaming)
• Stiffens or becomes rigid when held (You are a strong little bugger too)
• Likes to be in control (Again, you're two. But you listen to daddy, just not momma)
• Does not hold on when held (no reciprocal holding) (Again, when it's the two of us I get lots of hugs, but forget it when anyone might witness it!)
• When held chest to chest, faces away (You will calm down until you actually look at my face and realize who's holding you. You refuse to look at me, but Corban told me I'm pretty today, so I won't take it personally!)
• Doesn't like head touched (combed, washed) (I thought surely dad combing your hair would get you to cry with him, but nope, another thing reserved for mom!)
• Generally unresponsive to parent (This is hard when I'm trying to take your picture and you won't respond AT ALL when I call your name!)
• Cries or rages when held beyond his wishes (Which is every time past one second when others are around!)
• Overly independent play or makes no demands (Nope, you're quite demanding, for everything opposite of what I ask!)
• Reaches for others to hold him rather than parent (Why does this hurt so much when I know it's not personal? This one is the killer.) (Ohh! Except at Xel-Ha this week when the waitress wanted to hold you and you grabbed my neck and said no! That was a momentary victory and I'll claim it!)
• Does not return smiles (Depends on your mood)
• Prefers Dad to Mom (Well, that's obvious)

So is mommy feeling hopeless? Well, I've had my moments. You and I had to walk into the jungle in Mexico and both cry it out til we couldn't breathe last week, but hopeless? No. We serve a mightier God than any situation, and there is always hope. You and I play together well, you do love me. You love to fall asleep in my arms, a sign to me that when your guard is down, you do feel safe. It's my kisses you really do covet when you're hurt, and you do show signs of jealousy when Bekeh or the other three are taking too much of my attention away from you.From all my research, things I believe the Holy Spirit has told me, and some evidence from the international pediatrician - I know you had a rough first couple of years sweet cheeks. I know you've got some trust issues with the momma's in your past, and God gave you to me because He knew we could work through them together. You can't help it Caleb, and mommy knows that it is my job to teach you how to calm your feelings, handle stress, and self regulate your emotions. You've got some catch up to do with your mental and emotional development, and we're going to get there baby, don't you worry. God is in control, and He's promised us a beautiful, healthy, bonded relationship, and we're not going to stop until we have it! This is a marathon, not a sprint and I'm actually in shape for this one.

So, other than your attachment problemo with mommy, you are the most adorable, hilarious, crack us up toddler on the block! Being all boy, you love to grunt, and make crazy noises while chasing us all around the house. You eat like a champ, love the playground, and to mommy's delight, love to do laundry! You and I could take clothes in and out of the washer and dryer all day long and you'd be happy, but mommy can only stomach so much housework at a time!!! :) You love to go tee tee in the potty, and haven't had a poopy diaper in almost two weeks!!!! Thank you Jesus!!!!!! You insist on having every thing anyone else is having. When Bekeh had her blood drawn at the Doctor you kept insisting it was "Caleb's Turn!" You do this adorable little chest beat whenever you want something. The Phlebotomist, Bekeh, and Mommy all tried to warn you that you didn't want your turn so desperately, but it wasn't until the needle went in that you agreed! You're still not the greatest talker in the world. You stick with the basics that get you what you want. Mostly what we hear out of you is, "Caleb's turn" - "Mommy" - "Daddy" - "Bye" - "Eat" - "Potty" - "Yeah Caleb!" - "More" - "Shirt" - "Water" - and "No." You are so brave. All week while we went cave repelling, cave diving, Zip Lining, Sky Cycling, rock climbing and all other sorts of adventurous activities, you would tense up and shake your head "no" vehemently, but with just a little encouragement, and one brother or sister ahead of you to show you how it was done, you manned up and dove right in (or off) every time! You have no fear of water, which is good and bad. You love to be dunked and if we take too long to push you under, you will throw your own head beneath the water! Your a bundle of brownie oohey gooey goodness and we love to eat you up!

BEKEH

Bekeh at the Shower at Daddy's work, stealing suckers and designer sun glasses.

Oh girlfriend have you had a busy and exciting month! After much prayer and consideration, Daddy and I felt the Holy Spirit was encouraging us to go ahead and put you into a pre-school program. You go each morning from 8am til 11am and you absolutely love it. It's so sweet to watch you walk into school with Nathan and Corban each morning, and when Caleb and I pick you up, you are so excited to see us, and can't wait to rip open your backpack and show us what amazing things you created in class that day. You love playing with other kids your age and are learning so much from them and your wonderful teacher Mrs. Hart. We've felt you bond with us even more this past month as your confidence and communication has increased, and so we believe we have made the best decision for you and us. It's also a good chance for Caleb and I to get major one on one time in together each morning, and that's been really good for all of us too. So, what have we discovered about you this month sweet girl . . .

• You love animals! Butterflies, Iguanas, Dolphins, and Fish are your favorites.
• You love to read books.
• You count, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, W.
• You sing your ABC's and every other song you've ever heard in a new mixture of Kembataan and English.
• You are putting 3 and 4 words together into complete phrases. "Mommy, Bekeh no panties shint!" Which means, Mom I made it all day without an accident in my panties!
• Your newest favorite words are Butterfahly, Dolphalin, Igooawhana, Lizayd, lowcean (Ocean, or "Big Oohwah", Messito (Mexico)
• You're a major trickster! You love to tease and pull practical jokes and then laugh a full belly laugh when we catch on.
• You love to tattle on Caleb
• Your favorite game is to say "Daddy!" and have him say "What?" and then for about 2 minutes it's, "What?" What What What back and forth. If we try and change the word or stop, you persist until we can't help but play along!

I love that you give the best hugs and kisses and when you lay down at night you first say, "Sing song!" and when we're finished it's, "Kiss!" and then "Mommy, Hug!" I don't love that you are the most stubborn 4 year old around, and how you shrug your shoulders and back away when I tell you to do something you don't want to! You throw major tantrums whenever you sense one of your siblings received anything in different proportion to you.I loved how you giggled all the way across the jungle zip line, and laughed hysterically when you rode the zip line into the underground river cenote. You were so scared going by yourself, but once you splashed down for the next 3 minutes all we heard was, "Itza fun! Itza fun! Itza fun!" You're not as big of a daredevil as Caleb, you prefer to stay safely on the edge of the action, but still in it nonetheless. Your sweet voice never stops amazing us, and we think you are the most beautiful, precious, smiley, and loving Bekeh God has ever created.

I love how Nathan still, STILL, walks around saying, "I LOVE THESE GUYS!" I love watching Brooklyn mother you two. Her heart and patience are growing every day. I love how Corban enjoys playing with you two until I notice, and then he acts like he's completly annoyed by you, but we all know he's not! And I especially love how when I ask daddy, "Hey, what should I write about Caleb's month?" he just breaks out into a huge smile, and an hour later when I pass him in the kitchen and say, "What about Bekeh" and he just instantly let's out a single laughing-snort. The thought of you guys just makes us smile, laugh, and feel happiness in a single instant.It's been two months, it's been difficult, it's been challenging, but I wouldn't ask for more. God has blessed us more abundantly than I feel worthy of. The Crazy Roots are a happy, adjusting, working it all out, giggling family of seven. Thank you Jesus.

We're Back!

The Crazy Roots are far more crazy than we ever would have 'thunk areselves to possumly be.' We are safely home from our Mayan Riviera vacation south of Cancun, Mexico. We barely made it there, and we have now survived the week and actually made it home "together." Together being the operative word. . . explanation to follow! Pictures by the gazillions to come too! The chocolate kisses loved the "BiG OOHAW" and Bekeh is now in love with "Igooawnas" and "Dolaphins."

One Month Together

One Month Today, wow, it's been an entire month since you have been completely and totally in our care. It doesn't seem like forever as some would say, and I'm sure it will soon, but for now, it seems like one month!

You two have come so far in that one month, and so have we. While you're down for a nap and I'm praying you remain there for a good bit today, I'll take a moment to retrace your progress!

Bekeh, you now speak non-stop. 80% in Kambaata and 20% in english-like words. You voluntarily speak the following:

• Mommy
• Daddy
• Brooklyn (Broot-a-lyn)
• Nathan (Nay-dan)
• Corban (Tour-bin)
• Caleb (Day-yeb)
• I love you, mommy or daddy or whoever you're speaking to.
• Mimi
• Hello, daddy, or mommy . . .
• Bye Bye daddy or . . .
• Shoes (Your first word to know)
• Socks
• Eat
• Nite-Nite
• Bekeh's turn
• Caleb's turn
• Kitchen
• Shirt
• Pony
• All Done
• Ella & Dog (who thank goodness is finally your friend)

You also pretty much understand most everything I need you to throughout the day. Yesterday from mommy's bedroom I asked you to go get Caleb's socks, and a few minutes later you came back with them, and clean ones from his drawer no less.

You both have slept through the night from the first night we had you, and you go down so easily for naps. You both love bath time, and even showers with mom when we're in a hurry. You especially love playing outside with your brothers, and scream with joy whenever your daddy walks in the door from work. You guys are both so happy and adjusted, and we're falling more in love with you everyday.

Caleb, you still mimic every word we say, but your skills at connecting them into useful language are still developing. You can clearly voluntarily communicate the word No, more, and EAT. That's your favorite word of all, Eat! Eat! Eat! and you place your fingers up to your mouth and do the sign language with it. It's pitifully adorable. You also say mommy, daddy and Ella, but you don't yell out your siblings names or other people quite yet. You'll say anything when prompted, but we're still working on getting you to talk of your own volition. You are a two year old toot and are an exceptional actor. Anytime Bekeh is crying from hurting herself, you immediately put your hand to the same spot on your body with full out crying and tears, although I was watching you the entire time and you never hurt yourself. I'll give you a look and say "Oh stop that," and you'll instantly stop and giggle at me. Anyone who wasn't watching you would swear you were in need of emergency medical attention!

Your behavior has improved the most these past weeks. You whine 90% less, are so affectionate, and are a true delight. You and I are finally friends, and you crave my hugs and kisses all day long. It's so much easier to be your mommy when you're not screaming every time I come near!

You go tee tee in the potty every time we put you on it, but you're not ready for training yet. You have a little surgery and some work on your communication skills before we start down that road. Speaking of your surgery, we are also going to have some plastic surgery work done on your lip. Because it is exposed to the air all the time, it gets chapped and sloughs off regularly. Your upper lip is often bleeding, and I can only imagine how painful that is, although you hardly let on. Last night as I was applying lip balm to it I said, "I can't wait until after his plastic surgery so this will be better," and Nathan says, "He's having Plastic Surgery? Is he going to be white afterwards like Michael Jackson?" He was so serious and daddy and I just busted out laughing so hard. It was precious. No, you're not going to be white, you'll always be your beautiful chocolate self!

More than anyone, you mimic your sister. Every move she makes, you make too. Every kiss she gets, you have to have too. You two love each other and play together so well. Bekeh, you love to find any of Brooklyn's bags and purses and fill it with your treasures throughout the day. You also, in keeping with your heritage, love to wear scarves. Caleb, not to be left out, you grab whatever you can find, normally it's a dirty tshirt and a plastic grocery bag, but today you found a bag of your own and a pillowcase to fit the bill.

You guys are so adorable and we've had a fun filled, exhausting, emotional, and amazing journey this last month. To many more to come, thank you Lord.

I Heart Tabasco!

Actually, I loathe you and the way you make my food taste, but my daughter thinks you're a little bottle of magic. Whenever my cooking doesn't suit her liking, or our American fare, especially veggies, does not make her taste buds zing, I sprinkle your magic potion over her plate and her eyes light up and the food begins it's vanishing act. Do not feel left out you cousins named Buffalo Sauce and Salsa, you work your miracle powers over her as well. God Bless you McIlhenny Co, and your precious nasty pepper sauce.

The Golden Arches

Perhaps I have gone a little crazy, because it seemed like a great idea to get out of the house for a bit today and go to McDonald's for your first time. Thank goodness they had Buffalo dipping sauce, you're still not a fan of ketchup. But Caleb, unlike your sister, you prefer the sweeter over the hot, and preferred dipping everything in the caramel sauce.
The Chicken Nuggets, and the cheeseburger were both hits, and we had our first McD's meltdown when you couldn't have your toy before you were finished with your lunch. Don't worry, Mommy's seen it before, I knew what to do, we survived. The room was filled with other busy two and three year olds, and you guys were captivated by how much they ran and played. You were both anxious to be "all done" so you could get down and see what was so fun about that plastic playground. Caleb, your poor little legs are so short you couldn't make the climb all the way up, but you were cool with hanging out and banging on the glass. You would giggle as the kids came screaming by you on their many rounds of going up and down the slide. Bekeh, it took you awhile, but you finally watched the other girls long enough to maneuver your way to the third story entrance to the slide. You got yourself sat down at the start, and immediately the extreme whining began. Mommy did her best to assure you from my spot way down below that it was fun, but you weren't believing me. I'd like to say you finally trusted me, but I think it was the sassy girl behind you that said, "Go already!" and perhaps gave you a little (or big) nudge, that finally got you started. I ran to meet you at the bottom and the smile on your face and the beaming pride were priceless! "You did it!" I screamed and you jumped up and down so thrilled and excited and ran to give me the biggest hug! After 30 minutes of watching you scale the heights and whirl down the slide I was ready to go, and like all toddlers at the end of their MickeyD's adventures, you weren't ready to go. But once again, mom's handled this before and we made it out the door with all our shoes, coats, purse, and camera. Mom hasn't lost her touch. I can still carry two melting down, screaming, toddlers out the door and to the car without melting down myself, and get a picture of it to blog about too!

Welcome to American Toddlerhood babies! I'd say you're getting it down just fine!

SNOW!

Bekeh and Caleb loved the frozen wo'á! It took a little convincing but I finally was able to assure them it was wo'á (pronounced oohwah, Kambaata for water) and they took a big taste!Bekeh loved chasing the dog around the back yard and throwing the snow up in the air, whereas Caleb preferred to stand in one spot and observe, touch, and catch the falling snow in his hands. I left them gloveless so they could experience all the new sensations, so it was a fairly short visit outside.Bekeh took her first face plant, and cried for a few seconds until mommy laughed so hard it made her realize she wasn't really upset, and decided to frolick along after Ella some more.
We can't wait for Brooklyn, Nathan, and Corban to get home so they can play with us! How's it going you ask since all of my posts lately have been about my sweet friend Jenny, who is being taken off the ventilator this morning, so please pray.
It's going, OK. And that's the best you're going to get out of me if you want honesty!! Things are most difficult for me with Caleb, although Jason would say Caleb's easiest and Bekelech is the difficult one. So it's all good and fair! :)
For me, the one who is home by myself all day with them, Caleb is having the hardest time. He chooses often to completely dislike me. He isn't at all aggressive with his disdain, he simply screams and whines whenever I'm around or holding him.

GO SAINTS!

Nonetheless, we have plenty of giggly and smiley moments, so no one worry about us, it's just extremely challenging and I'm having to work really hard at unconditional love. It's difficult to love some little person who acts like you're the last person alive they want to be around! But, I assure you it's all temporary and we're getting through it with all the prayer and resources we need. But you can pray for us.
Bekeh is truly blossoming for me. She sings like a lark in her Kambaata, and is now picking up and singing songs I make them endure all day long to their delight!

ON WISCONSIN!

On Tuesday we finally got her to begin answering questions. It was a huge accomplishment. The conversations usually went (with a ton of pointing and motioning accompaniment,)
Mommy: "What is your name?"
Bekeh: "What is your name?"
Mommy: "No, say Bekeh"
Bekeh: "No, say Bekeh"
Mommy: "My name is mommy"
Bekeh: "My name is mommy"
Mommy: "Your name is Bekeh"
Bekeh: "djsaklf djsakl Bekeh"
Mommy: "What is her name? (Pointing at Brooklyn)
Bekeh: "Wha jda ds name?"
AND THEN TUESDAY THE BREAKTHROUGH!
Mommy: "What is my name?"
Bekeh: "Mommy"
Mommy: "What is your name?"
Bekeh: "Bekeh"
and on around the house she named them all!!!!

And YESTERDAY!!! Whoo hooo!!! Brooklyn and I worked very hard on this all day, practicing by showing her over and over going back and forth and finally!
Mommy: "I love you Bekeh"
Bekeh: "I love you Bekeh"
Mommy: "I love you Bekeh"
Bekeh: "I love you B. . . (pause) . . . Mommy!"
Connection MADE!!! She still gets Corban and Nathan mixed up, but who doesn't, she probably learned that from listening to me too!! :) So she'll answer questions rather than repeating them, and she's beginning to ask for things she needs, and tells me when she's done going potty rather than waiting for me to ask over and over.
PROGRESS! Nathan is the most excited to come home and play with them every day after school. He says over and over and over, "I'm so glad we got them, they're the best." "I'm so glad we got THESE kids, they are so cool." "Bekeh and Caleb are the best, I'm so glad we got to bring THEM home." He seems to believe every other kid available in Ethiopia would be dull and boring! No offense, they're all precious, but he's takin a likin to these two in particular.

They are happy kids and we do have a lot of great moments in the day, mommy is still having a difficult time letting go of my old freedoms, but we're all making adjustments and loving our new crazy life!