Beautiful spring.

Our girls - I am amazed when I think of one of my fears about adopting a girl was how Kira would get along - having to share her special spot with her dad. She wouldn't be daddy's only little princess anymore. My fears turned out to be fruitless - Serena and Kira LOVE each other. They have respect for each other and they share their dad. Each night when Kira prays, her prayers are mostly thanksgivings - "thank you SO much Lord, for my precious, most handsomest Dad..." and they are sure to include "my beautiful sister who came all the way over from Ethiopia..." This has been a gift from God - it's something we couldn't have forced to happen - it just is.

Gabe's new words.

This is one of the funnest things to experience as a mother - listening to the little guys learn to talk. Gabe is going to be 2 next month, and all of a sudden, an explosion of words come out. For many months, he has recited all the members of the family, except Serena (the one no doubt who would like to hear her name the most from her beloved blood brother). He says "Damien", "Garwet", "Dira" (Kira), and for Serena he has called her either Damien or Dira. Yesterday was a glorious day, because when he realized Serena was coming in the door, he said, "Rena!" We were all thrilled and amazed. He has called his cup of milk, a "nigh, night". (connecting it with going to bed). We tried our best to break the habit, even putting him to "bed" when he would insist on having a "nigh, night", while pointing to the fridge. He is one kid who you cannot force him to do anything he doesn't want. But - when we give up trying, he comes out and asked for a "ilk" - and while shaking his head no, he says "nigh, night", then nods and says "ilk".
It is so exciting for us - he seems so much smarter and "in the know" once he starts to talk. He is becoming more and more one of us!

baseball season!

Damien up to bat.
Dad & Gabe looking on.
Serena visiting while Mom runs the concession stand.
Serena came in the house excited, showing me what they used to do in Ethiopia - lick and stick leaves onto their fingernails!

Melaleuca Products.

http://www.melaleuca.com/ps/index.cfm?f=ps.mainPage

I'm signing up to get these products that my sister-in-law has tried and really likes. Just passing on this message from her - just IN CASE someone else is interested.

Hey Rose – do you know anyone that would be interested in the Melaleuca Products??? I am just spitting this out there! If you wanted to you could put a link on your blog to my website http://themomteam.com/kas There is huge support for anyone wanting to be part of it and build a network of Moms helping moms work from home! The cool thing about it is that it is all products we buy at Walmart (detergents, etc.) or wherever only these ones are not harmful to the kids or the environment. Also, they come right to the door! For anyone wanting to build a business with it there is an incentive this month – if you sign up 8 people you can win a Nintendo Wii or a colored laptop computer!!! It is also half price til the 20th to become a member – so only $14.50. I am just giving it a whirl to see what I can do with it! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love me