Little Miss B

What a true joy this child is!  

When we began this process so many, many months ago, I had visions and dreams of what our new little girl would be like.  I can tell you, she is so much MORE!  She was designed for our family, she fits in so perfectly.  We are honored to continue the raising of this precious gift.  I keep pinching myself to make sure this is all REAL, that she really is HOME!  We are all beyond in love.  It is pure delight watching Abby and Ben interact with their baby sister. They make me PROUD!  

We have watched a very troubled toddler began to transform into a goofy little diva!  The nannies were correct in our update a couple of months ago when they said she likes all things female!

Berhanesh loves jewelry, shoes, and dresses!  She pats her clothes every morning and just smiles.  I think she is enjoying the luxury of so many new things!  She is bonding better than I imagined.  She is sleeping 10 plus hours each night and is beginning to nap well. 

We have continued calling her Berhanesh.  We never thought we would NOT feel comfortable with "Ava Joy" but at this point, it just doesn't feel right.  We may incorporate Ava at some point but for now she is simply Berhanesh!  Her parents named her with such a beautiful name, we want to honor them in her name.  We did find out in Ethiopia that her name is very uncommon and it means, " you are the light."  LOVE IT!

We never dreamed the transition would go as smoothly as it has.  God knew in his perfect wisdom what our family needed.   I am hopeful, but openly realistic, that we may have some of "those" really bad days.   Our prayer is for Jesus to continue guiding us in the parenting of this special girl.  

We have had lots of visitors and yummy meals!  Little Miss B is taking it in stride.  She comes to me and sits with me until she feels comfortable.  I am loving the snuggling!  

We have had two successful doctor's appointments.  We are waiting for all the results to come in.   We are wondering if Ava B is a little closer to 3.  She seems to do things that are too advanced for a young 2.  Yesterday, she really began talking.  How great it was to hear her repeat Abby and say, " I love you, mommy."  Melted my heart to pieces!  

Thank you for the love, support, prayers and meals during our coming home days!  It has been such a huge comfort to know we are loved!

We are still pondering and processing all we experienced in Ethiopia.   Some amazing moments and awakenings occurred in Tulio and I.   The realization of all that expired is still not real--like I am looking into another person's dream.   It is difficult to go on such a journey and not be changed.  When you see such poverty and sadness, how can you remain the same?  I promise to post my daily journal entries with photos in the coming days.