tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37753975758551656512024-03-13T04:32:21.724-07:00Baby and Sue makes 2Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-54423504742556083672012-06-24T20:35:00.001-07:002012-06-24T20:35:34.727-07:00My 2 year old!On June 21, Andrew turned 2. My parents (now called Grandmama and Pa) spent 2 weeks with us. They got Andrew a great plane/jungle gym for the yard, and dad put it together with Don and Aiden's help. Andrew loves it! I can't believe how incredible his imagination is at such a young age...he'll say..."Andrew fly ocean" or "Andrew fly park" when he gets behind the wheel! We also play imagination games pretending to cook and eat various things....or pretend tennis...I'm not sure how this compares to other children his age, but I think he's brilliant!:-)
We celebrated with a week of parties. The first party was a swim event. Mom and Dad, Bubba and family, Lauren, Don, and Aiden were the Samuels family that came...then our "Ethiopian family" of Daphne and Ben, Melissa and Gizatu, and Vanessa came...and of course Janetta (Sissie) and a few other friends came as well. We had a Thomas cake, ate sandwiches, and swam at the UAB Rec center. The second party was the day before Andrew's birthday. Our neighbor family--Pete and Rhiannon came as well as my dear friend, Val and her family, mom and dad and sissie. We played with the kids, had an Elmo and Grover cake, and Andrew blew out the candles for the first time! He liked it so much, I lit them again so he could blow them out twice (he is 2 after all!). The 3rd party was on his actual birthday, and Lavonda (Aunt Vonda, our neighbor/family) made gorgeous Elmo cupcakes. Not sure if ANdrew is spoiled or not....doesn't everyone have 3 or 4 parties for their birthday?? (forgot to mention the one at daycare too!)
Andrew continues to grow and learn. He makes 3 and 4 word sentences....repeats every word or sound he hears....sings lots of songs (Sesame Street Singing With the Stars is a favorite) as well as the typical nursery rhyme/kid songs (Twinkle, Baa Baa, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Bumble Bee, etc. complete with visuals). He is fascinated with the peacock at the zoo and talks about it all the time. He also seems to take a daily inventory of all the people he knows, waking up and calling their names. His memory astounds me. He loves to be tickled. His teachers at school/daycare really enjoy him, and he is learning so much and doing so well there. At home, he is just a happy boy.
He continues to improve sleeping....still wakes up for "cocoa" between 1 and 3 but usually goes right back to sleep. (cocoa was cocoa in the winter...now it's just chocolate milk or regular milk). He generally sleeps from 9 to 7 with the one waking in the night. The only other major challenge right now is that Andrew occasionally bites. I wish I could figure out the triggers...because it doesn't seem to always be frustration or anger....sometimes we can just be sitting there, and he'll lean over and bite my leg or something. He has bitten several kids at school (I am mentally prepared for him to get through the entire class--I think it's been 5 kids so far)...never to the point of breaking skin, but still....can't wait til he grows out of that phase.
On a sad note, we lost both of our dogs this spring--they were both 11 year old greyhounds. Bridget died of kidney failure, and Bernie broke a leg due to early stage bone cancer. I have always been a dog person...the dogs were my "kids" before Andrew. The house seems so empty without them. I'm not sure how long I'll wait before getting another...but I'm sure we will!
Nonetheless, as I sit here next to my sleeping little boy, I think about how lucky I am.Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-89432597305351851212011-12-28T20:18:00.000-08:002011-12-28T20:58:14.913-08:00Together Forever DayDecember 28, 2010, Dad and I went to Enet Alem Orphanage in Addis at 10 am. We picked up Andrew and participated in a coffee ceremony to celebrate bringing Andrew into our lives forever. We shared coffee, popcorn, oranges, and candy with the orphanage director, the nurse, the nannies, and our driver and translator in the courtyard at the orphanage. Andrew (then Anwar) just took it all in. He was quiet and comfortable as I put him in the carrier, and he sat with his new mommy. When we left the orphanage, we went back to the Sadula for a bottle and a nap, and this new mommy changed her first diaper--amazingly, all of this just came naturally (MUCH to my surprise!). After a couple of hours, Alemu picked us up, and we went to the Embassy for the final appointment to complete the Ethiopian part of the adoption. After that, we shared egg salad sandwiches and cokes in the car while Andrew slept on my chest!...and that's it! So spectacular and so normal at the same time! This miracle became a regular part of my life.<div><br /></div><div>One year later, I am still awed by how spectacular and how normal having Andrew in my life is. </div><div><br /></div><div>Andrew is growing up so beautifully. He speaks many words now and will imitate anything you say to him. Lately, he has started calling all dogs "Bernie" (one of our greyhound's name), he can name all of the major Sesame Street characters (although he calls the Count "HA, ha ha!"), ha asks for Grandma and Grandpa ("ammaw" and "pa") and our neighbors Pete and Rhee; he wakes up and wants a ride in the swing ("whee") and to eat CANDY! I just took him out of the crib a couple of days ago and put him into the toddler bed, and he seems to really like it. He is doing well in daycare. He has such a funny personality, and we laugh every day. Now--it's not all bliss--along with how bright and energetic he is, there is a part of him that is becoming more and more independent, and he is sometimes a pretty tough challenge for me! He is into everything, likes to explore and be active, and he's vocal about what he wants! "A handful" is putting it mildly!!</div><div><br /></div><div>The week before Christmas, I took Andrew with me to the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. I have been attending this conference for over 20 years, and I love it. It was a different experience with Andrew this year. It was so fun to share the grand Chicago Hilton with him...downtown Chicago sites....the music. We also got to meet up with our friends from our first Ethiopia trip--Suzanne and Larry and their son Patrick, and SOPHIA--who was in the same room in the same orphanage as Andrew.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a terrific Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza. My mom and dad spent a week with us. Andrew got a rocking horse, a little riding car, a tent/tunnel play house, Thomas trains, Fisher Price farm, Sesame Street neighborhood and people, Elmo singing/playing drums, and on and on. It was a big holiday for him!! He seems thrilled with everything!</div><div><br /></div><div>This coming Saturday, New Year's Eve, will represent one year home with Andrew! We will have our own New Year's party, complete with popcorn, oranges, and coffee to celebrate a little bit Ethiopian style! </div><div><br /></div><div>I am so incredibly grateful to be able to celebrate and share the ordinary and the extraordinary of having Andrew home for one year!</div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-58105997307304970342011-11-13T10:39:00.000-08:002011-11-13T15:21:02.543-08:00November 12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXncYBLjMT2pS6fvpkk5odOlIigl9lyzKgQRq6MB1HtRc_4-l_DQBcqjXH0eZo7vPifOTvZyS4u8LBOBPdaZaXUHwXcO34KuREfUF0d78BKnQM9vIre1KB4-1Q7NFYUInFPCXDhyr8QTA/s1600/2011-11-12_20-33-38_239.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXncYBLjMT2pS6fvpkk5odOlIigl9lyzKgQRq6MB1HtRc_4-l_DQBcqjXH0eZo7vPifOTvZyS4u8LBOBPdaZaXUHwXcO34KuREfUF0d78BKnQM9vIre1KB4-1Q7NFYUInFPCXDhyr8QTA/s320/2011-11-12_20-33-38_239.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674624176788357730" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1FqpdC_Y6rgzctyjjf4FzfuuQVyW8Vq7-96H5aZVxdfh-RAu1dZQwvvF3qkCy1CNNpuEzbQE3WykAzRjpP0msr-J5aoElXb0BiY8e4_QZSowVV31eDz2A2tEE8hirZfmLdQDKvb8GCs/s1600/2011-11-12_11-00-04_988.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1FqpdC_Y6rgzctyjjf4FzfuuQVyW8Vq7-96H5aZVxdfh-RAu1dZQwvvF3qkCy1CNNpuEzbQE3WykAzRjpP0msr-J5aoElXb0BiY8e4_QZSowVV31eDz2A2tEE8hirZfmLdQDKvb8GCs/s320/2011-11-12_11-00-04_988.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674624166697281298" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1svAjzAJVaXddro_IIMe4owca00WSDrmMODsNzVvZSxSYrMpszKaBTzeXVZnHKrymoPEjrL-qj5T3KsDmv1AxCAos0PV1MU9G8Mi2hmRDesKcEl_labzakJOvrVC_Xfo77z6NXu6xTw/s1600/2011-11-12_10-45-36_629.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1svAjzAJVaXddro_IIMe4owca00WSDrmMODsNzVvZSxSYrMpszKaBTzeXVZnHKrymoPEjrL-qj5T3KsDmv1AxCAos0PV1MU9G8Mi2hmRDesKcEl_labzakJOvrVC_Xfo77z6NXu6xTw/s320/2011-11-12_10-45-36_629.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674624157372993346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmj43B4kbgSOOxfVBewEE87w9RVxoTXDd26l9Wqj4gj_bbuk9WTGGzIEv-wbhW9N0xvssnRQX4r-NdcBMRyUgdK5ZFcyEvI0HpBiTCLcxBECv3O91wCeerZL-Hir8c9qf1zaBTLgPk4c/s1600/2011-11-12_09-29-24_249.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmj43B4kbgSOOxfVBewEE87w9RVxoTXDd26l9Wqj4gj_bbuk9WTGGzIEv-wbhW9N0xvssnRQX4r-NdcBMRyUgdK5ZFcyEvI0HpBiTCLcxBECv3O91wCeerZL-Hir8c9qf1zaBTLgPk4c/s320/2011-11-12_09-29-24_249.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674624152897653426" /></a><br />On November 12, 2010, my parents and I were driven to an orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where we met my son, Andrew for the first time. I held him, sang to him, saw his smile, looked into his eyes, and fell in love. He was 4 months old, with gorgeous eyes and a sweet spirit that I could feel the instant we met. Yesterday, Andrew and I celebrated that "first day of the rest of our lives" by just spending the day together. We had our favorite Waffle House breakfast, spent a couple of hours at the park--riding the tricycle, playing in the dirt, and enjoying the beautiful 65 degree Alabama November. We came home and took a nice nap before heading down to Andrew's first UAB Basketball game. We just stayed a short time at the game and came home for Oreos for dessert and bed. Just the 2 of us....he is such great company. I am so incredibly lucky.Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-42142368549044547432011-10-31T19:40:00.000-07:002011-10-31T19:51:08.827-07:00Happy Halloween!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN24bTA00qNWCvDZodfK0Wkq94a9UZJxuf_jTgdn8lS15y2x4mVwXR4SNIaz_7bMU5zXtJp3eqeikWslkHo4eJofq4m4Dlgw1jno7IsUBPho-VNfEXUOzOqOChAs4TsRNryRQBHA8GVMU/s1600/311067_10150353523135922_616850921_8348958_1033730663_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN24bTA00qNWCvDZodfK0Wkq94a9UZJxuf_jTgdn8lS15y2x4mVwXR4SNIaz_7bMU5zXtJp3eqeikWslkHo4eJofq4m4Dlgw1jno7IsUBPho-VNfEXUOzOqOChAs4TsRNryRQBHA8GVMU/s320/311067_10150353523135922_616850921_8348958_1033730663_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669854332421641298" /></a><br />My little bumble bee!! Although he hated wearing it at first, he got used to it, and the neighbors loved it! We just went to our closest neighbors' houses for trick or treat then came home to give out candy. <div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, we went to a great Halloween party with our single mom/Ethiopian boys group. Daphne had planned great games for the kids and food all with the Halloween theme. It was really neat, and we all had a great time. Our first Halloween!!</div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-35658824048336849042011-10-22T14:50:00.000-07:002011-10-23T06:04:09.777-07:0016-months old and growing up fast!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdhsR8m6aol4UpCmcGlN6pB5Mfb47MdgrNYKX93qrAolAKRxyx7D5gfIcu9hC4kVx8QoxgK10MpSEC1BD6K3ngRqWCWTRog2ElsS4_5nCzlL4i_n78e9B55MXe7DXQ5FJRMh-TA10bMs/s1600/2011-10-22_15-07-03_867.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdhsR8m6aol4UpCmcGlN6pB5Mfb47MdgrNYKX93qrAolAKRxyx7D5gfIcu9hC4kVx8QoxgK10MpSEC1BD6K3ngRqWCWTRog2ElsS4_5nCzlL4i_n78e9B55MXe7DXQ5FJRMh-TA10bMs/s320/2011-10-22_15-07-03_867.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666671664476837634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14n5pF5b5294SCxGIxbNXE5jaPRY6asLhGJPYRVJAaVe2xiqj94BHx9TBOuHcRLbMaNHuR_JPVFjhOChjtRt_6gvqqg4mYyN3p0WNwl9VC67dqDB5l6OE9vLkY3x8h9WZ0vlDnc2_KXQ/s1600/2011-10-22_14-52-21_899.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14n5pF5b5294SCxGIxbNXE5jaPRY6asLhGJPYRVJAaVe2xiqj94BHx9TBOuHcRLbMaNHuR_JPVFjhOChjtRt_6gvqqg4mYyN3p0WNwl9VC67dqDB5l6OE9vLkY3x8h9WZ0vlDnc2_KXQ/s320/2011-10-22_14-52-21_899.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666671655368037970" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTSVix1cL1j17VR80KW6iR9Dv95F28uHlOUVkkbWbVqoxltnIYPwk7BVDsJfZ2Arqu3eUaLls0VD9IjSVnNsjuEy3k-uq8RPAnojjxMrhnnmPbl-lsEckhuz_H8_-kr9KX-H8N-HV0SQ/s1600/2011-10-22_14-38-20_741.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTSVix1cL1j17VR80KW6iR9Dv95F28uHlOUVkkbWbVqoxltnIYPwk7BVDsJfZ2Arqu3eUaLls0VD9IjSVnNsjuEy3k-uq8RPAnojjxMrhnnmPbl-lsEckhuz_H8_-kr9KX-H8N-HV0SQ/s320/2011-10-22_14-38-20_741.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666671650870783650" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBoY2ncfMmWdJfOh7cwlF1mDyqRXA6sNU0HO3ca629eAVQ3x59PDNrjF-trfJfT0obHlSO9uXz6II5PQeX2U8wiJauY5R5x-43OR9ufQIwA2EQNioxDSyFSeLiJIXHCK00McarBZCRxw/s1600/2011-10-22_14-40-36_78.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBoY2ncfMmWdJfOh7cwlF1mDyqRXA6sNU0HO3ca629eAVQ3x59PDNrjF-trfJfT0obHlSO9uXz6II5PQeX2U8wiJauY5R5x-43OR9ufQIwA2EQNioxDSyFSeLiJIXHCK00McarBZCRxw/s320/2011-10-22_14-40-36_78.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666671637549864418" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77tAeAVuDBh7Owza_qVeL3Ct6Xalcumv4UKBB10ngZdNVVXh_bzGjXCNqKB6Bx5adoM-EhztMjydzBX6BF3qFKBuLNC3V7tc-dB-ybaJ3ACCPBTQfqFP65Hf1SDVQ5juf0-mjr3J24p4/s1600/2011-10-22_14-23-34_229.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77tAeAVuDBh7Owza_qVeL3Ct6Xalcumv4UKBB10ngZdNVVXh_bzGjXCNqKB6Bx5adoM-EhztMjydzBX6BF3qFKBuLNC3V7tc-dB-ybaJ3ACCPBTQfqFP65Hf1SDVQ5juf0-mjr3J24p4/s320/2011-10-22_14-23-34_229.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666671631017659074" /></a><br />I took Andrew to the Great Pumpkin Patch today and took a few nice pictures. This inspired me to catch up on the old blog here!! First of all--my little boy was 16-months old yesterday. He continues to be absolutely the most beautiful, wonderful, smart, funny, loving kid in the world, and I'm so lucky that he is my son!<div><br /></div><div>In the past couple of months, we've been through some wonderful challenges. First--daycare. Both mom and Andrew have shed a lot of tears during the transition into full time daycare. Andrew cried everyday at drop-off (and so did I!), and the first few weeks, he was so tired at the end of the day that he would basically fall asleep in my arms before we got out to the car! He got sick after a week in daycare, with a 102 degree fever; he got a terrible diaper rash the next week (which he had never had before), and I thought seriously about pulling him out and finding a nanny. However, since that time, Andrew has really grown and thrives at daycare. While drop off is still a little tough, his teachers say he stops crying a minute or two after I leave....and now when I pick him up at the end of the day, he is happy. He's learning so much, he continues to be so social and friendly/outgoing, and I really like his teachers and the care they give him. I feel like we are a team now, helping Andrew to learn and grow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sleep continues to be a challenge for us. A normal night is Andrew falling asleep between 8:15 and 8:45, up once for milk between 2 and 3, and then up at 5. I don't mind the up for milk between 2 and 3 so much...but the up for good at 5 is killing me. (I used to be an up-no-earlier-than-7 person). I think he'll grow out of this, but I'm really looking forward to that growth! An ATYPICAL night...but generally about once a week--includes Andrew waking up sometime in the wee hours...and being UP--wide awake and happy. I have taken him for drives trying to get him back down...and even did a Wal-Mart run one night around 2 am just to stop myself from going crazy! On nights like this, if I leave him in the crib to "cry himself back to sleep," he just screams and cries and ends up throwing up. Sleep doesn't seem to come....again--I think he'll grow out of this--can't wait!</div><div><br /></div><div>Other than that, life is great! Andrew can speak several words, and he communicates with sign language well too. We know: eat, more, all done, bath, ball, sleep, mommy, daddy, baby, kiss, friend...we say bye, can high five and fist bump, kiss, and a whole slew more. He can identify his head, hair, eyes, ears, mouth, nose, feet/shoes, and more. He recognizes songs, sings certain words in a few, and does hand motions to several songs--favorites include The Ants Go Marching, If You're Happy and You Know It, Twinkle Twinkle, Row Row Row, Itsy-Bitsy Spider, 1-2 I love You, and John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt (although I sing it as Andrew Brighton Samuels). He can identify and do sounds of several animals, but the latest favorite is the pig, where he smashes in his (or my) nose and grunts. He's a pretty good eater with fruit at the top of his favorites--although bananas not as much as he used to--grapes, apples, peaches, oranges are up there. He also likes peas and carrots, and he goes crazy for corn. He seems to tolerate meats like chicken, beef, turkey, but he doesn't like them as much as other things. He does love chocolate. He has hundreds of dollars of toys which he enjoys, but his favorite pastime is to empty any drawer or cabinet he can get into--this includes my bathroom, where I'll often find bandaids, bottles of lotion, deodorant, eye drops, and other MORE PERSONAL items all over the house. It's usually funny to me, except after I've already picked those things up several times that day or if I'm trying to get out of the house--which of course, happens a lot! Andrew turns everything he can into a drum...and he's got great rhythm. He can even drum and make sound effects with his mouth and it's pretty entertaining.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the Pumpkin Patch, we went on a hayride to the patch, and then Andrew got out and ran all over the place, falling in the dirt a million times. He loved every second of it. He would drum on the pumpkins, try to pick them up, and then run/fall/run to the next one. There was also a petting zoo there, and he pet a black pig after oinking at it, and he got bitten by a chicken (no big deal, but he didn't like it)! We also met another adopted Ethiopian there! I recognized the facial features in a beautiful little girl and approached her parents. She's 2 and has been home since she was 8 months old. They live in Birmingham, so we exchanged numbers and hope to include this new family in some of our Ethiopian get-togethers!</div><div><br /></div><div>We will carve pumpkins together this afternoon! Sure to be a fun mess. Here are a few pictures from today!</div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-16288277907153295132011-08-16T20:46:00.000-07:002011-08-16T21:06:48.182-07:00Some happenings in the past month....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZQeUDRuDqblmPScyonrjO36aXTlrAkQWGyweq6Did2XmmTOlqKbweMBnuEa6DUUBPEapjcvv-DXtR9h8Y1osINcBe740I0LA6tbAFE1HYG4G4r2GojKNhLqtG0Ve69yN6O39V-cLvHA/s1600/in+the+drivers+seat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZQeUDRuDqblmPScyonrjO36aXTlrAkQWGyweq6Did2XmmTOlqKbweMBnuEa6DUUBPEapjcvv-DXtR9h8Y1osINcBe740I0LA6tbAFE1HYG4G4r2GojKNhLqtG0Ve69yN6O39V-cLvHA/s320/in+the+drivers+seat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641671328458137426" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnZZ45zJulTRbGEUBFALfv11k-Uh6BC_GVa8cyu-5sycZF-qNTjamuQOFqt8Ge82SyV2Vt2ALVCNn9mh_YumYyh68akx9lGj0OghKGasc8Xj3GuGoQKdOVB5kAbZynFuF2Cl6Ff87f-Y/s1600/Ben%252C+Gizatu%252C+Andrew+at+Meskerem.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnZZ45zJulTRbGEUBFALfv11k-Uh6BC_GVa8cyu-5sycZF-qNTjamuQOFqt8Ge82SyV2Vt2ALVCNn9mh_YumYyh68akx9lGj0OghKGasc8Xj3GuGoQKdOVB5kAbZynFuF2Cl6Ff87f-Y/s320/Ben%252C+Gizatu%252C+Andrew+at+Meskerem.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641671322254028738" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu00NyzBJX8BB-Ti9lxvQF3k4gJ8I6U4xRPHm9qYASyjCF9bn6vaBVF7g-RjetNZnPj1VRCPIiQrCNPI6FP7Onggq5vdw71GXNelw5L9V50Y4xbQmtcn75Rdjf5s4dAdZducYK_8cjOUc/s1600/looking+at+pic+of+gma+and+gpa.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu00NyzBJX8BB-Ti9lxvQF3k4gJ8I6U4xRPHm9qYASyjCF9bn6vaBVF7g-RjetNZnPj1VRCPIiQrCNPI6FP7Onggq5vdw71GXNelw5L9V50Y4xbQmtcn75Rdjf5s4dAdZducYK_8cjOUc/s320/looking+at+pic+of+gma+and+gpa.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641670856083811202" /></a>
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<br />Andrew and I had some fantastic times this summer....but sadly, summer has come to an end. With the first day of classes at UAB today, I decided it was time to post a few things that happened in the late summer. FIRST--Andrew took his first solo steps last week!! I have a short video here of him taking some steps in my office. We also had a nice road trip to Atlanta to eat at an Ethiopian restaurant with our friends (other single moms and their kids). We swam a lot, spent time with family and friends, and simply enjoyed as much time together as we could! Andrew continues to grow up--my baby has turned into a toddler!! Sometimes, I just look at him and tear up with absolute, complete joy, love, and gratitude--I am so lucky th<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKcGp2jl_xwMoNIhjx-Ew99AUw3t0iAdPGhpRFIZ-pKePpJYwvEPTZomqfFJIqItQuvZ8-0s5CCBWGHl3ZgBZ1oODlZG2gCFWcvrPnalx98rPmNj-zJzhJYiUvmL4eiibZHiM-EHhgSc/s320/at+wald+park.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641669604413859346" />at this little <img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWfudTCCQ2QtKG0e82vOaV_IkuWAtyUJphGloSgk2wLKtYCjhyphenhyphenqjDjtJy2UZg4WrVFedxbdPHbRSpS15BTA4xUa3DRztraO4rcHtHy9eaKCRi-FN229kVNBzCgoZtvPiNBrir4J513nI/s320/bottom+of+the+slide.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641669614742654466" />boy is my son.<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy4erMNbfNnFxn4TU0ZpusSbP4Ns8aCTnHvoRw5sFtMr__p_iO0CKwPDms0qmxvRAYt44HHwlbHrsEpspSX2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-82856290135920314052011-07-13T19:31:00.000-07:002011-07-13T20:31:43.142-07:00Our Michigan Road Trip<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I43_r5WcTmIbOzai0mT7dFWJpFLO7bWOBy7N6DqYZzMmgChDzpyp4ktWqLNLVkIWBe4OzWiKS7uOqDHmEXzCqZpc9p1rXrs9GsLk4Rlxh3otOqFiTktBoLa1f04vFjYcRkxAoJn_3xA/s320/P7100570.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629042578511057954" /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdW9vaMlKnVhVq-S6eBA9pUyoVGOakGTsvk8rdrwpx9X__S2bj0QQ-Iksamx4Llln4F-NP-LNbRDZLZzCuxSP4xYkYoBrLv5ytzzkdtMUUnN-_F76El_sI_BuGT-y23H6NF4XEBQMTnHU/s320/P7100582.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629043664292287042" /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWts7g0Z-c-3sSbH44m9B6wic9kYts3TIjHlDSDdDE0AX5wLevXnKAT7gKaezkX996jwPFwQsaLiUlPBtYxIH6NzsU8cV2bAbNVbhfDzW-YApxjRdX5RzztAui45gsGlRtbEvElIKM9c/s320/P7090531.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629039230347915442" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize_O1t4XKsDQaiqiHcqDKCmhDJq3uZBschf6_vOAU9lBPzGgdyAJm2IJkQDMeJx5VyrkQob1B-yEKqVOgrESZLWcXQfNYStPAP6iL-4K8c8Wx9uGyk57nOsNusAW_YyspHf958gVd9bw/s1600/2011-07-10_19-45-30_569.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize_O1t4XKsDQaiqiHcqDKCmhDJq3uZBschf6_vOAU9lBPzGgdyAJm2IJkQDMeJx5VyrkQob1B-yEKqVOgrESZLWcXQfNYStPAP6iL-4K8c8Wx9uGyk57nOsNusAW_YyspHf958gVd9bw/s320/2011-07-10_19-45-30_569.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629042589930695730" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdbB1N4hnYTeqe1PPX9wtQMDsBHP02zr_uydvQh_VtbOI0CmTv17RLqwxjYXbc5cbCN7XrU-_9_oLjaQOc2gOZ97efdmQP6EawOyXjMFREFyKRBuSjM2z4kbRgE568bC92W6MG4k5udk/s1600/2011-07-10_15-25-46_663.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdbB1N4hnYTeqe1PPX9wtQMDsBHP02zr_uydvQh_VtbOI0CmTv17RLqwxjYXbc5cbCN7XrU-_9_oLjaQOc2gOZ97efdmQP6EawOyXjMFREFyKRBuSjM2z4kbRgE568bC92W6MG4k5udk/s320/2011-07-10_15-25-46_663.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629042583973123202" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHNjUDABuQ_r6YDP8v20jjHu3E-tT99ZfpSNLTabkptnmAbMT9t06DfbiwiLNRI-VEeZuPgnF2JEteTZ1p49mBfWvH8gy9YvlPp85hvnqvcIvRbU98tmQJFY4Uby9ucbv4P5y9yfHNiE/s320/2011-07-09_18-40-02_721.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629039239518064658" /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQreWKkgriUQqCrUgWYtf3RiNuKoPhORR3ryYdHZxpZOfG9F1woto2wTdkjKyMGxQ0uw_c2pmNukP_-ihLbcvi2OEOFNzpxN87Fl7S79tXOIcqq2q0eqJgETxIux4heoUQmy1szV4bu4U/s320/P7110623.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629042599867231506" /><br /><div> Last weekend, Andrew and I flew into Grand Rapids, Michigan to begin our Michigan road trip! We began with a visit to St. Joseph--right on Lake Michigan--to our friends who were on the first Ethiopia trip with me and my parents. Larry and Suzanne and their biological son, Patrick are great folks! I'm really hoping that we will keep in touch with them and see them regularly, as their adopted daughter, Sophia, is just 2 months older than Andrew and was from the same orphanage as well as the same birth town. It will be great for them to have each other as they grow up. It was so fun to see the two of them together. After a couple of days with this great family, we headed to Battle Creek to meet my good friends Rodney and Dorinda, who live in Ann Arbor. We went to a wonderful zoo there--Binder Park...where we saw a lot of cool animals and even fed the giraffes! The Africa exhibit at this zoo is really terrific. If you're ever near Battle Creek, you should make a visit to this zoo! After the nice day, Andrew and I hopped into the car and drove to Wayland to visit with another adoptive family. Marcy and Doug were on our second trip to Ethiopia (it was their first). They have three biological kids and they adopted two from Ethiopia--Bizu, 7 and Dahlki, 5. We had dinner with their family, played, and enjoyed their wonderful company. What a fun family--I hope we see them again as well. The following morning, Andrew and I went to Adoption Associates-the placing agency we worked with to meet Jane, the Director and Sally, our main case worker. <div><br /></div><div>It was a jam-packed trip...but a really good one....and I must say, Andrew is an excellent traveler! He stays happy and flexible. He is such good company. He makes me laugh and knows how to give and receive love. Even when our flight home got cancelled, and we got stuck in Chicago for an extra night with no luggage and only 3 diapers left, Andrew stayed in a good mood! He makes me a better person.</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwNugUIpp1KvY-1JlXjolimmKZy4tzbHM6xxw4EBqSbsNzVggRWb62VQFPksOrDNOqaFED4Y1pDbfA5rxBBnQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-74246483933913946582011-07-13T19:19:00.000-07:002011-07-13T19:31:19.348-07:00Introducing....Andrew Brighton Samuels!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcahSCJyfbwzKlnBYvmBDyLTvs5CrxA0UaVtXppMSfZyk8akOZHQ5Su5eF9yZOOxpYFYC6JWYMEgPbmun4vCExFPW5EeCVrmjctOFQrsq96rjBU9Jp7S4rrX-PqtdthmtNhT8NcK6A_6Y/s1600/P7130626.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcahSCJyfbwzKlnBYvmBDyLTvs5CrxA0UaVtXppMSfZyk8akOZHQ5Su5eF9yZOOxpYFYC6JWYMEgPbmun4vCExFPW5EeCVrmjctOFQrsq96rjBU9Jp7S4rrX-PqtdthmtNhT8NcK6A_6Y/s320/P7130626.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629029083981937938" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBDPICIuvN0oRVhQ3Gv-EQ2rGFFL9KlcebkteCBIeXVqtKz9MykQMfgNmPU-ww4UQnoCDcAm8TgPJRQYaGxRe_WNC126qBFrRYGfVKluntdNSbx4HPP1xwWyNgq0H4sFpPY4Pv3O035k/s1600/P7130627.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBDPICIuvN0oRVhQ3Gv-EQ2rGFFL9KlcebkteCBIeXVqtKz9MykQMfgNmPU-ww4UQnoCDcAm8TgPJRQYaGxRe_WNC126qBFrRYGfVKluntdNSbx4HPP1xwWyNgq0H4sFpPY4Pv3O035k/s320/P7130627.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629029083441295570" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CogYKEpprZWPfFHOjj65Y0G0bvTPjuIpmudjvYLe1JpjHcQ4Ne7fe19BCxIb51WrCr_M-PQ5qyHXVfm5DPRDAAN-l13GgSx2_xIeq2sdHCLYpwZtKRb2dhj6hTDwGRqrLEMrk1zdGeU/s1600/P7130624.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CogYKEpprZWPfFHOjj65Y0G0bvTPjuIpmudjvYLe1JpjHcQ4Ne7fe19BCxIb51WrCr_M-PQ5qyHXVfm5DPRDAAN-l13GgSx2_xIeq2sdHCLYpwZtKRb2dhj6hTDwGRqrLEMrk1zdGeU/s320/P7130624.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629029078166149714" /></a><br />Today, we had our official re-adoption here in Alabama. Even though Andrew has legally been my son since the adoption in Ethiopia on November 18th, Alabama requires an additional legal process in order to get an Alabama birth certificate. It felt like a formality to me....but I guess it was necessary to change his name from Anwar Rhondasue Samuels!! We did take a few pictures of the event....of us with the Judge and with our lawyer.Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-5811954596111338342011-06-21T21:39:00.001-07:002011-06-21T22:10:28.846-07:00Happy Birthday, my baby boy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5JW8tzOz_iDGcP36pA8IbKOiJzgpQFugWwz902Q5toHmwqaDZM9NUUE79vc8lRG2jjbDSclyFQy1pEbDyTnN4fgO_MwXifV68AbMxoIur0xQA9Uw0RPPWq5992y2NkPpKdYObVwr7-s/s1600/P6210546.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5JW8tzOz_iDGcP36pA8IbKOiJzgpQFugWwz902Q5toHmwqaDZM9NUUE79vc8lRG2jjbDSclyFQy1pEbDyTnN4fgO_MwXifV68AbMxoIur0xQA9Uw0RPPWq5992y2NkPpKdYObVwr7-s/s320/P6210546.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620906683996705586" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokJwR0hrVJnN0wUvjq4fcAU3FE5pKukHbMZVBHAqhm8guFoZQmUiz-mDl6umOkRb_dhoVa5qF_xKTdrTkWJEdZD3NVJA-itD_z5rqXn0M7prmmGnRqpAru6c5dM1QkdSzq_loNZ-e790/s1600/P6210541.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokJwR0hrVJnN0wUvjq4fcAU3FE5pKukHbMZVBHAqhm8guFoZQmUiz-mDl6umOkRb_dhoVa5qF_xKTdrTkWJEdZD3NVJA-itD_z5rqXn0M7prmmGnRqpAru6c5dM1QkdSzq_loNZ-e790/s320/P6210541.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620906679495000514" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwbOHerad_0y0by7aMGjxRUszopnaydshY3RzDrys5ErpqNZuwAZmE-UKvErCynX5Z14je_zxUuJuFX2B6Y3LUhLa4RiltoBgi9aVU4aEuHWX4fMCz8qR_i3s5MFYGqAy35AzghyphenhypheniTew/s1600/P6210536.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwbOHerad_0y0by7aMGjxRUszopnaydshY3RzDrys5ErpqNZuwAZmE-UKvErCynX5Z14je_zxUuJuFX2B6Y3LUhLa4RiltoBgi9aVU4aEuHWX4fMCz8qR_i3s5MFYGqAy35AzghyphenhypheniTew/s320/P6210536.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620906679010576354" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUXIglW1OaRugXTd5ZsZdkoJYwHxUsI_24Oyu4j87-Am6vAW8ISgKF929hfaM5srZqOIdKaHt7gRIcHhcdwfsx3y-cweqqpp55QItgycKUeRZkeY8k6pXbpOu6RG7UuJsCbrTL6Q2GDc/s1600/P6210529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUXIglW1OaRugXTd5ZsZdkoJYwHxUsI_24Oyu4j87-Am6vAW8ISgKF929hfaM5srZqOIdKaHt7gRIcHhcdwfsx3y-cweqqpp55QItgycKUeRZkeY8k6pXbpOu6RG7UuJsCbrTL6Q2GDc/s320/P6210529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620906671804345602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FOQ-JHVnd4AeVLKPoQzXkg-dGDAitfzkHGdLPzZzKVrXGe9cilrNzjeaB1JIbP79DR85Xd2jRNI-x-qCAn4edLdxmBmiFa8hzO04SlrhheZExRtqBdyu5F9iOua1riawlupFVNWrYZI/s1600/P6210513.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FOQ-JHVnd4AeVLKPoQzXkg-dGDAitfzkHGdLPzZzKVrXGe9cilrNzjeaB1JIbP79DR85Xd2jRNI-x-qCAn4edLdxmBmiFa8hzO04SlrhheZExRtqBdyu5F9iOua1riawlupFVNWrYZI/s320/P6210513.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620906666618086290" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VwYDc4gf7n3rasrfGE3zP259lmPwKeYtNjDBb1kmkjKX3gdxAs00j06w0mWvk_fllPHrM6mRs_x28WSTT92KPfFDYdj8v2wpbs3aASVMVraqN-7TGGcrDkEWf3vsZ8n9VFoX5TiuMAc/s1600/P6210523.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VwYDc4gf7n3rasrfGE3zP259lmPwKeYtNjDBb1kmkjKX3gdxAs00j06w0mWvk_fllPHrM6mRs_x28WSTT92KPfFDYdj8v2wpbs3aASVMVraqN-7TGGcrDkEWf3vsZ8n9VFoX5TiuMAc/s320/P6210523.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620904996344314226" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq17k1hrI4g6J6ZX56kA4acuxhoaCzIIBwQyh5Jef0xToutjqITqrmeG_arK2fU6LLJzXiKaf6tMoL8-kSj7kjfEDngsig0A0vU_UcKgFFhlxykT47fgRN9sAhBpuNxH0q5VyrbbWPfm0/s1600/P6210521.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq17k1hrI4g6J6ZX56kA4acuxhoaCzIIBwQyh5Jef0xToutjqITqrmeG_arK2fU6LLJzXiKaf6tMoL8-kSj7kjfEDngsig0A0vU_UcKgFFhlxykT47fgRN9sAhBpuNxH0q5VyrbbWPfm0/s320/P6210521.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620904993513917282" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXc-Ls4zmw9Z-cIgev9DF1Xc-s2LOU5KEeqvgoHGed7kNsiuf21wk8sRFfQAvyOnF1KbxfLiPQ8yAlwcqCSm-EKyubbRqnYgHpOVZ-8c3LJOVMpCxjFkM4gosktdf_ub2CTLXq7L-DnB8/s1600/P6210515.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXc-Ls4zmw9Z-cIgev9DF1Xc-s2LOU5KEeqvgoHGed7kNsiuf21wk8sRFfQAvyOnF1KbxfLiPQ8yAlwcqCSm-EKyubbRqnYgHpOVZ-8c3LJOVMpCxjFkM4gosktdf_ub2CTLXq7L-DnB8/s320/P6210515.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620904987161244274" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwkbj07FX1nJ2zxz66wfK3zu5ft21KyOt0YTxfPT8rM7MKGm_jj5HcVcmFrE5SDCDPVzWXBgq4UsQ9PJyL_a5yTxTAcPl0zcl5A3hVmJghkI1abidlhlEI7nckn-JNmuFc69WKY2iVhI/s1600/P6210514.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwkbj07FX1nJ2zxz66wfK3zu5ft21KyOt0YTxfPT8rM7MKGm_jj5HcVcmFrE5SDCDPVzWXBgq4UsQ9PJyL_a5yTxTAcPl0zcl5A3hVmJghkI1abidlhlEI7nckn-JNmuFc69WKY2iVhI/s320/P6210514.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620904986713687490" /></a><br />We celebrated Andrew's first birthday today! Grandma and Grandpa are here for a visit, and they helped make it a really special day! First, we went out to lunch and then shopping so Grandma and Grandpa could buy Andrew his own chair for video-watching! We found a cute Mickey Mouse Clubhouse rocker! After we came home for a quick nap, we met friends at Habaneros for dinner and then came back home for birthday cake. You'll see in the pictures that the cake was a smashing success! After the cake, we opened presents, and Andrew played with each of them! In all we had about 20 friends--neighbors, babysitters, friends from work, and single mom group friends to help celebrate the day! I felt so lucky to have such a wonderful support network for my little boy. Throughout the day, I often thought about our first meeting, bringing Andrew home, and how much has changed since he has been home. Honestly, I can't even really remember life before Andrew! This little boy has truly made my life more meaningful, more beautiful, more memorable, and so incredibly full of love! I love him so much, and I love being his mommy!<div><br /></div><div>Andrew is now walking while holding onto things--me, furniture, etc. He has a lot to say too! He imitates sounds and uses expressive vocal inflections while gesturing or pointing with his hands. He plays hide and seek! If I crawl, he follows me, and I will hide around the corner waiting for him...when I say "boo," he jumps and startles, but then he busts out laughing and wants to do it again! He eats everything, especially loves all fruit--even really sour things like limes! He is learning how to kiss properly (instead of biting my lip off!), and he is such a happy baby! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy First Birthday, my baby boy!!</div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-14943098288770052102011-06-03T19:56:00.000-07:002011-06-03T20:10:52.524-07:0011 months old and getting more mobile every day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsVhSEgiapzy8tou0lfXZ-_Hqe1twmbQw937BIhAYsY9eeQdA3dMxVkRtyDRtH_0ByXzzKompOsjZG9QRDf_rjsgJHcwJVwdmEbdfhYKteCVKBJ1ARwfo-OS-Cx18egzG8lBrwNbbmkg/s1600/P5290503.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsVhSEgiapzy8tou0lfXZ-_Hqe1twmbQw937BIhAYsY9eeQdA3dMxVkRtyDRtH_0ByXzzKompOsjZG9QRDf_rjsgJHcwJVwdmEbdfhYKteCVKBJ1ARwfo-OS-Cx18egzG8lBrwNbbmkg/s320/P5290503.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614195533308549762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDBvPNiMBNw2f42CmrBj8ViaSmM7jNnC2DY__eHLxp1UE73_95F_-SQmKvLHVgLJAnfbXzv2Qdt28b_CBMjkVWSRsXzRrTgUxBY5vFGw6msNHB3nvCRf0nt2mcAI1OXAkQLZ6osjzgBI/s1600/P5300512.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDBvPNiMBNw2f42CmrBj8ViaSmM7jNnC2DY__eHLxp1UE73_95F_-SQmKvLHVgLJAnfbXzv2Qdt28b_CBMjkVWSRsXzRrTgUxBY5vFGw6msNHB3nvCRf0nt2mcAI1OXAkQLZ6osjzgBI/s320/P5300512.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614195530218897122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W-F-YtFgnJXtMlDSZKnW6ckZE6Jr0PlmcO0mqmlsfYDG7YMQ3NCqcW-7sE5k9XIw-WLI1NLayfZBpiJHfmM2N1H64zWGK3BaKJEx9zsfeaG1VlsiivbMXgkJqOp2Y-3uT0d7TODTXfI/s1600/P5300508.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W-F-YtFgnJXtMlDSZKnW6ckZE6Jr0PlmcO0mqmlsfYDG7YMQ3NCqcW-7sE5k9XIw-WLI1NLayfZBpiJHfmM2N1H64zWGK3BaKJEx9zsfeaG1VlsiivbMXgkJqOp2Y-3uT0d7TODTXfI/s320/P5300508.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614195518280713218" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPT1H3xXwBdMNLpbHzkM66oFKUfwmCWJsvMQwRBe8_JmF3bo60xuLqrZBaDZVdI-utiv6TCf8H5LUwOzK_ED3fe0H3SzJHe2o5bJT5jItIPmWQPGHTrcKmQ0Vdufp7c9aNNwJg6-gNEA/s1600/P5300506.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPT1H3xXwBdMNLpbHzkM66oFKUfwmCWJsvMQwRBe8_JmF3bo60xuLqrZBaDZVdI-utiv6TCf8H5LUwOzK_ED3fe0H3SzJHe2o5bJT5jItIPmWQPGHTrcKmQ0Vdufp7c9aNNwJg6-gNEA/s320/P5300506.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614195514393539810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6IMY-gTO0UPmLq2EGsIhABUfLjVhtxx-ygQy1qLwy_PeaQMLX-76CDSPzz2mX8OfquXct02fKVplh5o_lv1lo-YECR1HRGjEypbCF5mQ1ymHU0ga8rT_R1K7zJ8SG9YqZg51FgALPIY/s1600/P5040455.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6IMY-gTO0UPmLq2EGsIhABUfLjVhtxx-ygQy1qLwy_PeaQMLX-76CDSPzz2mX8OfquXct02fKVplh5o_lv1lo-YECR1HRGjEypbCF5mQ1ymHU0ga8rT_R1K7zJ8SG9YqZg51FgALPIY/s320/P5040455.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614195507593601474" /></a><br />Andrew started crawling like crazy a few weeks ago. He is so strong...and fast! Last weekend, we went to see Grandma and Grandpa at the beach in South Carolina. Andrew loved spending time with his grandparents (and I sense they enjoyed it too!), and we spent a couple of days at the beach. My little boy has no fear! He headed straight for the ocean....ate a few handfuls of sand along the way....and crawled right into the waves! We had a great time. Here are a few pictures from our visit with Grandma and Grandpa, our cousin Aiden, the beach, and even a funny shot from an old fashioned crib in a hotel from earlier in the month.<div><br /></div><div>Andrew is pulling up to standing too...and his preferred mode of transportation is to walk with me holding his hands for balance. He grows so fast!! He continues to have the most outgoing and friendly personality...so happy...and brings joy to all he meets!!</div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-11888046848281622812011-05-13T20:09:00.000-07:002011-05-13T20:23:45.801-07:00Single moms and awesome Ethio Kids dinner!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYs_aPbYxy2Q6GzyhvY7-lR3GRWBBqwJVjGk4GR7RzgcPbySVocGpQn5gV5I-DTZ0ULAU4mZ-CNU-7bzUOFRqa08nC60lnXNU9zy6gPQw6IH7JiFIyp_aZphomxMFimbMTQY12p3hUMI/s1600/P5130469.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYs_aPbYxy2Q6GzyhvY7-lR3GRWBBqwJVjGk4GR7RzgcPbySVocGpQn5gV5I-DTZ0ULAU4mZ-CNU-7bzUOFRqa08nC60lnXNU9zy6gPQw6IH7JiFIyp_aZphomxMFimbMTQY12p3hUMI/s320/P5130469.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606406097228043522" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWLEnbAUpu0uxK_LiFbY9wLYfRT7joM9KhriMRYqKjZXL0gUzrbQotSkTQqqDW4SHyB2MvjTb1WZY52xyrlprg2iiwcmZCD8qSybh29_cZDJsZ6u2k_0HL8hfpvqZ6tajI0jzG5wgm3I/s1600/P5130464.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWLEnbAUpu0uxK_LiFbY9wLYfRT7joM9KhriMRYqKjZXL0gUzrbQotSkTQqqDW4SHyB2MvjTb1WZY52xyrlprg2iiwcmZCD8qSybh29_cZDJsZ6u2k_0HL8hfpvqZ6tajI0jzG5wgm3I/s320/P5130464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606406097600959170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRGlInJRNvfnCuveRL99FpoWNDJOQX2LQy0LuO8XM9H6i2HKLDhu8goLy0fEeHf2UkOaITSWGjtyjuBnsoagmkR6QmSXTu5eRIurU8mq50PlJAqCdUi6qAB4dYXrhmctBJIjwU1QoDDs/s1600/P5130472.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRGlInJRNvfnCuveRL99FpoWNDJOQX2LQy0LuO8XM9H6i2HKLDhu8goLy0fEeHf2UkOaITSWGjtyjuBnsoagmkR6QmSXTu5eRIurU8mq50PlJAqCdUi6qAB4dYXrhmctBJIjwU1QoDDs/s320/P5130472.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606406095977670562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMBgwndRmwbWPL1EiaB1maBUJ8BeZmbItACDKW4ENK6pCmhg2OjONo01DXveW_kX0MdaSArbBVFEraWmArmKGVJH8dIMWHq8SNWbaVxktBDjjbChpHwrvSNWDZdYYveRAOojAHBJt6n0/s1600/P5130470.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMBgwndRmwbWPL1EiaB1maBUJ8BeZmbItACDKW4ENK6pCmhg2OjONo01DXveW_kX0MdaSArbBVFEraWmArmKGVJH8dIMWHq8SNWbaVxktBDjjbChpHwrvSNWDZdYYveRAOojAHBJt6n0/s320/P5130470.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606406088291305186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNa09iZ4CvtowiBULAQEBXxlgK7eMQgEeLFsgMZC-tW-uGXokYJc821kcroW5qHf_Jv9ufokk-4yLbyGCPFfcHvFR_Mq6ElSq5gNlPERrp_XXHm1IyV6SYQsOt26vP5TIWm250xJ0kj4/s1600/P5130466.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNa09iZ4CvtowiBULAQEBXxlgK7eMQgEeLFsgMZC-tW-uGXokYJc821kcroW5qHf_Jv9ufokk-4yLbyGCPFfcHvFR_Mq6ElSq5gNlPERrp_XXHm1IyV6SYQsOt26vP5TIWm250xJ0kj4/s320/P5130466.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606406086358022914" /></a><br />Tonight, we went to Daphne's house. She and Ben, Melissa and Gizatu, Andrew and I, and Vanessa (who is just starting the adoption process) had a great time together. I'm so glad that we have each other and that our children will grow up together. Andrew watched and listened to the "big boys" and started imitating them while they played. Ben and Gizatu play so well together--it's fun to hear them and watch them. The moms got a chance to catch up with each other and even to eat dinner! Melissa made yummy lasagna, and the rest of us pitched in with a dish too. What a great group of gals and kids!!Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-46360185694236227092011-05-10T21:18:00.000-07:002011-05-10T21:29:05.172-07:00...and so it begins....<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxik8_uTY8d-liTxp7I0hrueVxMrjCnz-iRIEXvMRgQG-9ep0Eo_lZ_VLtbPk6xDSuQNGPnJCRiuBFPeKRZQg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-65691177595039022011-05-10T06:56:00.001-07:002011-05-10T06:59:58.955-07:00some 10-month old pics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrJzH_GGcIomptmFHLLMcrI43U0NrHmu4uC7-9nqzK2yoMCqST4vMUcKQIcVVEAX4huJkl4Djg0ajfIjenQqTnSGlu6C_FiUuLqd2o7PfawtT72lZRAvW0Tw6eIgBaCwg5_qK6Dq1B48/s1600/andrew5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrJzH_GGcIomptmFHLLMcrI43U0NrHmu4uC7-9nqzK2yoMCqST4vMUcKQIcVVEAX4huJkl4Djg0ajfIjenQqTnSGlu6C_FiUuLqd2o7PfawtT72lZRAvW0Tw6eIgBaCwg5_qK6Dq1B48/s320/andrew5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605086824774162370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR-lpplDc1dMwwbEVfUOHFYQx7cXFUR6AZ78XO7L5oi_2gFBC-Gz9Ti36ySQUT-ksiSGw6TM1Cxjl3mDYZSgZMTGI9ful4fT7247QXQGYSaLh4_SmYlt8Vr4PLW-ewu3CFbd3w-C_6qA/s1600/andrew4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR-lpplDc1dMwwbEVfUOHFYQx7cXFUR6AZ78XO7L5oi_2gFBC-Gz9Ti36ySQUT-ksiSGw6TM1Cxjl3mDYZSgZMTGI9ful4fT7247QXQGYSaLh4_SmYlt8Vr4PLW-ewu3CFbd3w-C_6qA/s320/andrew4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605086826191511778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeLsuGTmTWe6Rb7yJvkWZ27mJVsbVZxjdporqiFo0Cf2sRmZUwv8HhctWxmyDWFHZPJCuoFeZqnVcpke3GB123RmiFlEUTTX8jSUoMcXqnMVs7VRt1cNE0c3ilw0Ors8c7YWLJ0-u_Os/s1600/andrew3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeLsuGTmTWe6Rb7yJvkWZ27mJVsbVZxjdporqiFo0Cf2sRmZUwv8HhctWxmyDWFHZPJCuoFeZqnVcpke3GB123RmiFlEUTTX8jSUoMcXqnMVs7VRt1cNE0c3ilw0Ors8c7YWLJ0-u_Os/s320/andrew3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605086823772672786" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTaOxtgRZ-oIf6FEHinkfieHVOx_ioHCsTxT831pySYp4M5v3vIgebm8W9gTO0POh6CGGNy5uZfg-e7KVAeaCz8gOXWAotknBsrwcdM9fBuSAy48pco-MxzUNFLp4ezHHFF2NbPk2RzQ/s1600/andrew8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTaOxtgRZ-oIf6FEHinkfieHVOx_ioHCsTxT831pySYp4M5v3vIgebm8W9gTO0POh6CGGNy5uZfg-e7KVAeaCz8gOXWAotknBsrwcdM9fBuSAy48pco-MxzUNFLp4ezHHFF2NbPk2RzQ/s320/andrew8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605086820245733874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite2tqRDEHeDDPeyv4RJbf_t_58lHg5Qtuzv30jiBTg6Yhi0EbMzZSC1wWsolVjidAW3kqeLQBXN5P-Lxt1qhZFqfBY8oNOMlTpY3ckr-2k7m8JQlgooNkeAPLTx1hIebeRXUc9kaXcs4/s1600/andrew1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite2tqRDEHeDDPeyv4RJbf_t_58lHg5Qtuzv30jiBTg6Yhi0EbMzZSC1wWsolVjidAW3kqeLQBXN5P-Lxt1qhZFqfBY8oNOMlTpY3ckr-2k7m8JQlgooNkeAPLTx1hIebeRXUc9kaXcs4/s320/andrew1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605086818668768658" /></a><br />One of my former students is a professional photographer in Atlanta. She was in town visiting her parents a couple of weeks ago, and we met at the Railroad Park where she took a few pictures for us!Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-4714377823715541382011-05-08T09:01:00.000-07:002011-05-08T09:08:33.841-07:00Happy Mother's Day!My first mother's day.....so far, I have played on the floor with Andrew, given him breakfast, done his laundry, and now, I'm watching him take a nap! Being a mom. He is absolutely the most beautiful boy in the world. I am so lucky to be his mommy. <div><br /></div><div>Andrew--I love you up to the sky.....and for all yesterdays, todays and tomorrows!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms in my life--my own incredible mom, my sisters, aunts, cousins, nieces, friends, and fellow adoptive moms! We share the bond of motherhood and of making the world a better place through our children!</div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-13726267640864745242011-04-07T21:10:00.001-07:002011-04-07T21:18:36.752-07:00Three months home!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwG2scIZiaGZ04CDUf5nXENVRstim1D28q3XsD_yJdjrT-Czh5SdSmzNeSlRqoFuPiLv-y617wy4HaWnw2yvqqaM2yDAOj1YASs_8QSNQGq0EglpNDz0_DZhcU5qYsAp9hZ-TYg4mxak/s1600/P3310579.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwG2scIZiaGZ04CDUf5nXENVRstim1D28q3XsD_yJdjrT-Czh5SdSmzNeSlRqoFuPiLv-y617wy4HaWnw2yvqqaM2yDAOj1YASs_8QSNQGq0EglpNDz0_DZhcU5qYsAp9hZ-TYg4mxak/s320/P3310579.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593061116144063810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSc27pFtL7k7pE6QYcBq_iJ6AjLYB_bcG8lc7afHKHYbN4gtgOikGt0G3UrMRdqD3GOiYPOUj9n84q8ONdlx1SrXB93zIOmQ-m_50W3Dt7UbnkPDmpa2JZ-QtB7WKd-lLTnQomHaE-gs/s1600/P3310576.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSc27pFtL7k7pE6QYcBq_iJ6AjLYB_bcG8lc7afHKHYbN4gtgOikGt0G3UrMRdqD3GOiYPOUj9n84q8ONdlx1SrXB93zIOmQ-m_50W3Dt7UbnkPDmpa2JZ-QtB7WKd-lLTnQomHaE-gs/s320/P3310576.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593061112503196706" /></a><br />This past week, Andrew and I celebrated our 3-months home anniversary! We spent the whole day together, going to the park, shopping for new clothes, playing on the floor, singing, dancing, jumparooing:-), and we ended the day with a chocolate milk toast to honor the day! Here are some self-timed photos made before bed on March 31, 2011--3 months home!<div><br /></div><div>I can't believe it's only been 3 months! It's hard to remember life before Andrew!! He makes me laugh every day (and I make sure to make him laugh every day too!). He's growing, trying new foods, and getting more mobile. His babbling is adorable--he can say "da," "ma," "ba," "ya," and "na." He wakes up happy every day! I love every day with my beautiful son.</div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-1223435596352200512011-03-17T18:55:00.000-07:002011-03-17T19:00:10.141-07:00A day at the zoo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0DbYPqKFWaqJZCaQZ4KSL-yneTxlCBMs4nENpzGtdXqKw-6D4A9DVHSH5ylSQYOKs6NJL5VjKvzbrsGeLErSOeUl4l1qe_O3atQJ8zZFJrjhJI_ycRC23_cKxq8LVnPWjnTlJgiow5I/s1600/P3110450.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0DbYPqKFWaqJZCaQZ4KSL-yneTxlCBMs4nENpzGtdXqKw-6D4A9DVHSH5ylSQYOKs6NJL5VjKvzbrsGeLErSOeUl4l1qe_O3atQJ8zZFJrjhJI_ycRC23_cKxq8LVnPWjnTlJgiow5I/s320/P3110450.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585233715641456002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuDQ0Z_7Zdr3R-VWnzmKIklzud-ecc8jLP0vOqTSh7WDwc8AAgX6bElNVMREx2eLA04NZKK4I91iZNWa_oDbjTjDcXyi9n8wPnT0Le1mgRokTJ0XFRNVY6eITjQIRJ6rHr2kGAQ-Q4tU/s1600/P3170491.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuDQ0Z_7Zdr3R-VWnzmKIklzud-ecc8jLP0vOqTSh7WDwc8AAgX6bElNVMREx2eLA04NZKK4I91iZNWa_oDbjTjDcXyi9n8wPnT0Le1mgRokTJ0XFRNVY6eITjQIRJ6rHr2kGAQ-Q4tU/s320/P3170491.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585233707930365666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH3Z8t9S9yvIOv3GQbqwEboXWp8GRqgAtT_V64uL1C28V0Gkztys-SzknbEFr4TcEsqS4kDXXLfJwgpGp2YdzYnlYT8hD20gfFIMbe_7ldp5cJcgyWGaeb38iUudIByzVb4-GWAkEmIQ/s1600/P3170469.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH3Z8t9S9yvIOv3GQbqwEboXWp8GRqgAtT_V64uL1C28V0Gkztys-SzknbEFr4TcEsqS4kDXXLfJwgpGp2YdzYnlYT8hD20gfFIMbe_7ldp5cJcgyWGaeb38iUudIByzVb4-GWAkEmIQ/s320/P3170469.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585233706294625410" /></a><br />Today, the temperature got up to nearly 80! It was beautiful, and Andrew and I invited Janetta to go with us to the zoo. It was really crowded there today, but we had a nice time and enjoyed the sun. Andrew doesn't really react to the animals much...although he did start screaming and crying when the rooster crowed!! Guess he's not a farm boy.....Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-2557307824343424042011-03-08T06:53:00.000-08:002011-03-08T06:58:50.209-08:00A day in the park!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUTbv5fLFjpAV6usfcVUfkBbLpDwrx9oTdSXFBmQjDm6DT9qLhp_HcAXaiz7nmdyUL_LJGSc7BjOtuPF8qXLbCc_lPzpYIlRFt2CvQVEl9EX50GGrt33admrP39pvUoJR-29wlFshZYk/s1600/P3030484.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUTbv5fLFjpAV6usfcVUfkBbLpDwrx9oTdSXFBmQjDm6DT9qLhp_HcAXaiz7nmdyUL_LJGSc7BjOtuPF8qXLbCc_lPzpYIlRFt2CvQVEl9EX50GGrt33admrP39pvUoJR-29wlFshZYk/s320/P3030484.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581723491725006530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRCCFECWH66xCglE9FV52X91gbU-rKSgKBDrW1ToZmEsI7bNaCbuzifckvQx-m-Nq4cGngjwSQQvMBAx4AVV5DI6VGnxF1vGGiRTLhNS-_DyXZEi7GfYQlTAaLxIB8d8dTLk_m5WQSHA/s1600/P3030483.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRCCFECWH66xCglE9FV52X91gbU-rKSgKBDrW1ToZmEsI7bNaCbuzifckvQx-m-Nq4cGngjwSQQvMBAx4AVV5DI6VGnxF1vGGiRTLhNS-_DyXZEi7GfYQlTAaLxIB8d8dTLk_m5WQSHA/s320/P3030483.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581723489501762018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGS2erE0oWKBzdbjJH_uYI1nOyUdntriZRVtp6iFMDgijF6BTJ98x8cbAyE38RezZ1UwkA2B1vUq0WF08aizljNWbg-AT4A8n6DvjbN0k99hkiuuhVJ6EI_WimXhcItw52cTiPySkQps/s1600/P3030477.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGS2erE0oWKBzdbjJH_uYI1nOyUdntriZRVtp6iFMDgijF6BTJ98x8cbAyE38RezZ1UwkA2B1vUq0WF08aizljNWbg-AT4A8n6DvjbN0k99hkiuuhVJ6EI_WimXhcItw52cTiPySkQps/s320/P3030477.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581723484998711970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc875slvdqGGcE2__Enr5sOUd53dGCJSl78wmGgf03Q_8dP3C3Ug77fmExiYqGrgb_Jsm41q3Jg71aLnFNgLH13MXycCSj5rZT2umglviV9vtHuY2TNxA6WE7Lbn3GU_ZvsilIhlDlVVk/s1600/P3030474.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc875slvdqGGcE2__Enr5sOUd53dGCJSl78wmGgf03Q_8dP3C3Ug77fmExiYqGrgb_Jsm41q3Jg71aLnFNgLH13MXycCSj5rZT2umglviV9vtHuY2TNxA6WE7Lbn3GU_ZvsilIhlDlVVk/s320/P3030474.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581723481855104930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ym6Gvsw0mLYegqyigr1CRbvBzbxJay4N1V4GYpB1BMCtMr4QwCd1IJQ0tzfKaqtUKGF-fq7nEtVXgSxQ0bfmXjP3yEm4BR_kNnmH3e-AJbI3oRKZAszI3oS7C77cxK9NVqCjE8nNdHU/s1600/P3030473.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ym6Gvsw0mLYegqyigr1CRbvBzbxJay4N1V4GYpB1BMCtMr4QwCd1IJQ0tzfKaqtUKGF-fq7nEtVXgSxQ0bfmXjP3yEm4BR_kNnmH3e-AJbI3oRKZAszI3oS7C77cxK9NVqCjE8nNdHU/s320/P3030473.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581723476224917538" /></a><br />We've had some beautiful weather here the past week or so, and Andrew and I have gotten out to enjoy it. I've tried to walk/jog with the jogging stroller several times (it's a real struggle to push that thing through dirt/gravel!), and we've been to the park twice. Andrew seems to enjoy the swing, but when Mommy takes him down the slide, he doesn't quite get it yet! Here are a few photos of my beautiful boy enjoying the Railroad Park in Birmingham.Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-9544955951120394922011-03-04T09:37:00.000-08:002011-03-04T10:12:52.069-08:00It's almost embarrassing.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnxEwdAvMBkT8sqcwHbKcJPsRyGILSX2DPLh_7voz1qiVD2C0Y_jEjKLAUGW8n-SrNDbT7OXzL6yj2m8MvgTmSky4ChyphenhyphenqbL-iKvUlSGupM4-t0j6ymSmT1PDcG00xI969OaQtJyKs_ro/s1600/2011-02-13_16-35-30_264.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnxEwdAvMBkT8sqcwHbKcJPsRyGILSX2DPLh_7voz1qiVD2C0Y_jEjKLAUGW8n-SrNDbT7OXzL6yj2m8MvgTmSky4ChyphenhyphenqbL-iKvUlSGupM4-t0j6ymSmT1PDcG00xI969OaQtJyKs_ro/s320/2011-02-13_16-35-30_264.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580286808045165890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOV207Zt4Ovur6K-bKfPBM02koxBvRk-ytJtH9335jPcY1IjuAJVcBtbsQME4c-GGIU1Y74aXNlTuTVhSd77Zh7iCCPkfoGhA3h1QJlVwbHwgMWjW1uX_ZrN2HAcoP0fTD96GZ2rhRPQ/s1600/P1180431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOV207Zt4Ovur6K-bKfPBM02koxBvRk-ytJtH9335jPcY1IjuAJVcBtbsQME4c-GGIU1Y74aXNlTuTVhSd77Zh7iCCPkfoGhA3h1QJlVwbHwgMWjW1uX_ZrN2HAcoP0fTD96GZ2rhRPQ/s320/P1180431.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580286802838065794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqr2RJfrkAJ8CPmfFDA4GOdUUrDwZWi1mak_9_ouD5FEaHenjUe62t6TziCkWLcwr2gmSG-NGKq-RN4C39GGEXlti-JShVHa1MfMBmsbMxH-CTGLDvq7Ui_zanuNBjo0s7UAKdIRC5CY/s1600/P1040343.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqr2RJfrkAJ8CPmfFDA4GOdUUrDwZWi1mak_9_ouD5FEaHenjUe62t6TziCkWLcwr2gmSG-NGKq-RN4C39GGEXlti-JShVHa1MfMBmsbMxH-CTGLDvq7Ui_zanuNBjo0s7UAKdIRC5CY/s320/P1040343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580286806181088578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00qe_-tjPxP5LtqaFW2m50raSmmYEsUyYC0S8iSsLpunewxFnLluo9CX88Ky2xmQspTYBZkZTn4kdXV_iQGXbmI141oSj8FqOh-hlJGzzOKdkacVip4b-yGAqOnllmifSjiqn_jfGFQo/s1600/P1040357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00qe_-tjPxP5LtqaFW2m50raSmmYEsUyYC0S8iSsLpunewxFnLluo9CX88Ky2xmQspTYBZkZTn4kdXV_iQGXbmI141oSj8FqOh-hlJGzzOKdkacVip4b-yGAqOnllmifSjiqn_jfGFQo/s320/P1040357.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580286799912854098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjNMgZmbUalnXfdgUTquS_k0dg1Du0IOHUHLPUrcoqWouk1PwhAhJnWh_-06_v_6dzT99lu9ELFjVj-kKwpNV3l3zstZgwcNicLlkI861ergbFAYcGAhwQKJxXyVPw6ta_j2pmtws3MM/s1600/2011-02-18_14-08-49_139.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjNMgZmbUalnXfdgUTquS_k0dg1Du0IOHUHLPUrcoqWouk1PwhAhJnWh_-06_v_6dzT99lu9ELFjVj-kKwpNV3l3zstZgwcNicLlkI861ergbFAYcGAhwQKJxXyVPw6ta_j2pmtws3MM/s320/2011-02-18_14-08-49_139.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580286797567130898" /></a><br />...that I haven't entered anything here in 2 months!! I have a great excuse--I've been so in love and so wrapped up with life with Andrew that I haven't had much internet time at all!<div><br /></div><div>Our first 2 months together have been fantastic. Andrew is a happy boy, an easy baby, and an absolute delight. He is healthy, sweet, likes to laugh, and is growing strong! He has learned to wave, to clap; he rolls over both ways; he looks like he's about to crawl, and he can sit up on his own. He laughs when mommy tickles his belly and when I dance around acting silly. He loves to be in his jumparoo. He seems to enjoy sleeping peacefully in the stroller while mommy jogs and sweats and can't breathe! He's seen the ocean but can't wait to get in there with warmer weather coming soon! He loves taking baths. He has smiles for everyone he meets. The doggies tolerate him, and he hasn't pulled any tails yet! He doesn't sleep through the night yet--usually up around 1 am and 4 am.....he is eating some finger foods (cereal) as well as baby food apples, pears, peaches, mixed vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and turkey. He loves oatmeal with apples and cinnamon and rice cereal with mangos! He Skypes with Grandma and Grandpa every night while he eats dinner. He sits in front of the Baby Einstein and Baby Loves Music DVDs eating mum-mums and looks like a big boy. He likes to swing at the playground. In the 2 months he's been home, he's been to 5 band concerts and ridden on 6 planes. He travels well...usually sleeping by the time we take off! He has had issues with a weird eczema-type virus on his feet every few weeks, and he has had one ear infection. He babbles quite a bit and seems to have a lot to say. It's mostly "dah dah dah and yah yah yah" so far, but I could swear he said "thank you" the other day! He is 8 months old now, and every day, he grows and learns new things. These are exciting times, and I'm so glad to have the time off from work to experience them with him! I did go back to work for 2 weeks in February and brought him with me! It worked great for me, but some people didn't like it, so I decided to take another 6 weeks! Now Andrew and I can continue to hang until mid April! I'm going to enjoy every day with him!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few recent pictures of my beautiful boy!</div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-74422815016185557932011-01-03T15:15:00.000-08:002011-01-03T15:17:53.450-08:00Awake and asleep on our first day together!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK96dM1KXV1j10jlrUhpgvMR-FzOsvDy_GM9HVdYbxIgXWWODpMFwyMAE7SqRdeN9ncSJH60CI-H8LzE9TjBcCxEbb5AVt5aoHxSikwbKxOR6pi3UltZlNpTiM8HPiOkT-_wdv4Hbj7U/s1600/PC290303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK96dM1KXV1j10jlrUhpgvMR-FzOsvDy_GM9HVdYbxIgXWWODpMFwyMAE7SqRdeN9ncSJH60CI-H8LzE9TjBcCxEbb5AVt5aoHxSikwbKxOR6pi3UltZlNpTiM8HPiOkT-_wdv4Hbj7U/s320/PC290303.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558102736956779890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOldqKfZAIJYOwNx-j7twpTljLJJrotDoHbFi4ei8ewFwdWR5Bj7UFgMpgmtpeDAVovMdE_yvz4lFxV6GAD6muoIhwSDSxGBaGfwTC2GNJ0X7BOISo9HZcAc2fjqzO0e7RFPWiKH9u9oA/s1600/PC290295.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOldqKfZAIJYOwNx-j7twpTljLJJrotDoHbFi4ei8ewFwdWR5Bj7UFgMpgmtpeDAVovMdE_yvz4lFxV6GAD6muoIhwSDSxGBaGfwTC2GNJ0X7BOISo9HZcAc2fjqzO0e7RFPWiKH9u9oA/s320/PC290295.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558102734620013202" /></a>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-28845817351824944552011-01-03T13:48:00.000-08:002011-01-03T15:11:59.300-08:00WELCOME HOME, BABY NEW YEAR!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSZIYalUYj3OJQt5e2dwcqh7W2r7BZxWRrHM3-s1mJXJ60qgsjMoPul60ST7_pIs8RJc2ty7eT2gN2DAnsRHvPhMfb_rOrA9ow0Dc47Qtyu-HQr8Q8X8uLO5lZWUm8IgbX0BAmRMJeZE/s1600/PC290267.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSZIYalUYj3OJQt5e2dwcqh7W2r7BZxWRrHM3-s1mJXJ60qgsjMoPul60ST7_pIs8RJc2ty7eT2gN2DAnsRHvPhMfb_rOrA9ow0Dc47Qtyu-HQr8Q8X8uLO5lZWUm8IgbX0BAmRMJeZE/s320/PC290267.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558100851532422770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla9gfVUe6Xou-VsLGbWKRMHpBuIzjr4T60IdT3d3aOdnZMhNAkxjZPy0pmDtluiAumOHfNm0hUUn3BhPscPTaLy5mdJejU8_w9YbAoW4Qsm9lLPRxlM3-yKgPgtriEOPJxR6emnZxhZg/s1600/PC290272.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla9gfVUe6Xou-VsLGbWKRMHpBuIzjr4T60IdT3d3aOdnZMhNAkxjZPy0pmDtluiAumOHfNm0hUUn3BhPscPTaLy5mdJejU8_w9YbAoW4Qsm9lLPRxlM3-yKgPgtriEOPJxR6emnZxhZg/s320/PC290272.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558100649219637506" /></a><br />Andrew Brighton Samuels arrived in the U.S. on December 31, 2010. After a 14 hour flight from Addis to DC, about 7 hours layover in Dulles, a short 2-hour flight to Atlanta, and then a 2-hour drive to Birmingham, Andrew finally arrived HOME! <div><br /></div><div>Dad and I had a nice brief trip to Addis to get him. We left Atlanta on Monday, December 27, arrived in Addis on the morning of the 28th. After a day of rest, we went at 10 am on Wednesday morning to go to the orphanage to get Andrew. My beautiful boy was ready for me, and as soon as I held him in the carrier, he put his head on my chest and fell asleep! There was no crying at all--it was such an easy transition! We stayed for an hour or so at the orphanage where they had a coffee ceremony for us. They served us popcorn, oranges and pineapple, barley, and of course, coffee. We talked with the orphanage director, the nurse, and several of the nannies to thank them for the wonderful care they gave Andrew. <div><br /></div><div>We returned to the hotel for a quick change of diaper/clothes and then headed to the US Embassy to complete the adoption process in Ethiopia. We sat in the waiting room for about 40 minutes, and Andrew was content to be held and bounced, talked to, and sung to. Then we were called to the window for the approximately 3-minute interview that completed the adoption, made Andrew a US citizen, and allowed me to travel into the US with him.</div><div><br /></div><div>That first night, Andrew slept in the bed with me, and I basically just watched him all night. He slept OK, but was up about every 2 hours for a bottle and a diaper change. The next day, we just hung around the hotel, went for a walk in the hotel parking lot in the stroller, and then we went to lunch at the home of our agency's Ethiopian contact. There, we ate authentic Ethiopian food, dressed in authentic clothes, laughed and took pictures with the 2 other families who were on their first trip. Again, Andrew was great--so flexible...quick to smile, happy to be held, easy to be with. After a long afternoon visiting, Dad and I went back to the hotel to pack up for our trip home, as our flight left at 10:15 pm.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis to DC had 20 infants on it!!! Crazy!! With 20 infants and only 3 bassinet seats on the flight, you can do the math and guess that we did not get a bassinet for Andrew. Fortunately, though, a wonderful flight attendant shuffled our seats (a middle and an aisle) for a row of 3 seats in the center of the plane. So, Dad and I sat on either side of an empty seat, and I set it up with pillows and blankets to make a little play pen of sorts for Andrew. We had space to change him, feed him, and allow him to stretch out and play some. He was absolutely fabulous on the flight! There were LOTS of crying babies on that flight but mine was not one of them!! Honestly, the longest cry he had was probably about 10 seconds, and it was likely because I was too slow at changing his diaper! He was fantastic. We laughed and smiled, walked around every once in a while, and we made it through the 14 hour flight in great condition. I am so incredibly lucky.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we got home, Mom was waiting for us, along with my 2 sisters, a brother in law, a nephew, several close neighbors and friends. We brought in the new year with my new son!! Extremely tired, but extraordinarily happy!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Andrew has adjusted so well. He laughs and smiles. I even got him to sleep for 5 hours straight last night! I am learning his schedule:-)</div><div><br /></div><div>I will write more soon...for now suffice it to say that I am absolutely in love with this beautiful boy. I am overwhelmed with the love and support of not only family and friends, but even strangers who we meet along the way. My adoption experience has certainly had some emotional roller coaster moments, but right now, I'm on top of the world!</div></div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-9161080331356105462010-12-23T19:50:00.000-08:002010-12-23T19:56:21.601-08:00Andrew's room<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCb-FrPk_ezp9oOixRDqU43Z3hQN-A2xeh0_ZUzYx2BCBm25fnskx0tuibTBUn2EiyxaE8r5dzjFAuAyGr5Dx5VE194R24dC77VcFhAEwWlvxw2yfsA_lWcSxSqhPXDyC9l92hNXeNKs/s1600/Andrew%2527s+room4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCb-FrPk_ezp9oOixRDqU43Z3hQN-A2xeh0_ZUzYx2BCBm25fnskx0tuibTBUn2EiyxaE8r5dzjFAuAyGr5Dx5VE194R24dC77VcFhAEwWlvxw2yfsA_lWcSxSqhPXDyC9l92hNXeNKs/s320/Andrew%2527s+room4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554091709423236114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYLtKMoNAdSIgUKDDoD9S9AYDs-m6zRafVKhi1MA4UNP7_xrvn3N7V5gPZbvwYmpecfC__mTIKmAY0BHGp4jlVycg2YC5mi5am3G-K8xS5OIC4Xpmg_HAKNDo0reKEs9Jx3MYiVjypSo/s1600/Andrew%2527s+room+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYLtKMoNAdSIgUKDDoD9S9AYDs-m6zRafVKhi1MA4UNP7_xrvn3N7V5gPZbvwYmpecfC__mTIKmAY0BHGp4jlVycg2YC5mi5am3G-K8xS5OIC4Xpmg_HAKNDo0reKEs9Jx3MYiVjypSo/s320/Andrew%2527s+room+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554091704611048722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_PhwcViwrjseegGJN_q5TaAOsAriBkS6t1HI4AXyC-9xjvze3FGvF_oPXD36hBAPzG6Gie_uo03e71ndQ6-WhV7ttqAnOkP3qxaJ2LvxUHTpt19LdpDf1O0HDeqtvepwzQ51cPMhzvk/s1600/Andrew%2527s+room+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_PhwcViwrjseegGJN_q5TaAOsAriBkS6t1HI4AXyC-9xjvze3FGvF_oPXD36hBAPzG6Gie_uo03e71ndQ6-WhV7ttqAnOkP3qxaJ2LvxUHTpt19LdpDf1O0HDeqtvepwzQ51cPMhzvk/s320/Andrew%2527s+room+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554091700912489218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvMgOtq_mjRcAazGtmRB3TB4b_FJa_VDqgwIEHBI_-ymEBg58AW_9sBrithUlU9ql2poc8_ZCz_YmsaqQOhB5ZLBwzciCC2ujZAjYzJobtFunAaPucVj2-TJPJIHZokMlKUDCAecxut0/s1600/Andrew%2527s+room1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvMgOtq_mjRcAazGtmRB3TB4b_FJa_VDqgwIEHBI_-ymEBg58AW_9sBrithUlU9ql2poc8_ZCz_YmsaqQOhB5ZLBwzciCC2ujZAjYzJobtFunAaPucVj2-TJPJIHZokMlKUDCAecxut0/s320/Andrew%2527s+room1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554091700722017666" /></a><br />Here are a few pics of the nearly-completed room! I can't wait to bring my adorable boy home to his adorable room!!Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-33145699883918456952010-12-21T22:07:00.000-08:002010-12-21T22:10:22.877-08:00No news...........is good news?? I'm hoping so. I was supposed to hear confirmation of my Embassy appointment yesterday, but I have heard nothing yet. Sally says we should she have a response tomorrow. Fingers crossed and positive vibes out there!!<div><br /></div><div>HAPPY 6 MONTH BIRTHDAY TO ANDREW!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I actually finished decorating his room today--it looks great! I'm so excited to get him home and into his room. It's an adorable room for my adorable boy!</div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-89314109369874890592010-12-13T19:28:00.001-08:002010-12-17T07:00:59.009-08:00update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPENInfdzt-8Qmf03KWyVs1ih3Cv1AwJmdtLA_qDWQwTHUG49e0It8f1Hzc9fx13hNDG_9poVH7XhFIHRw_mGegs71u3npSjLw_dJ12BZiz5xg_ois9vXHuICc6YQD33Y3Y04BuSjqACk/s1600/big+smile.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPENInfdzt-8Qmf03KWyVs1ih3Cv1AwJmdtLA_qDWQwTHUG49e0It8f1Hzc9fx13hNDG_9poVH7XhFIHRw_mGegs71u3npSjLw_dJ12BZiz5xg_ois9vXHuICc6YQD33Y3Y04BuSjqACk/s320/big+smile.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550377158677874770" /></a><br />I haven't posted anything in a couple of weeks....so I thought I would write a bit tonight. The good news is that I have received copies of Andrew's birth certificate, court documents, and passport. It appears that we're on track for our December 30th Embassy appointment. It's not definite yet, as we have to wait to hear confirmation of the appointment on Monday, December 20th. I'll be a little nervous until I hear about that.<div><br /></div><div>I'm in a little better position than some other families though, and I'm worried for them. A wonderful family that I met last month in Ethiopia has not received their documents for their little girl yet. They are planning to travel the same time as I am, but without any word on their documents, it's a bit scary. I feel for them, and I'm hoping and praying that they get copies of their documents in the next day or so. I will be heartbroken for them if they are delayed for some reason.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the past several weeks, I have had 2 showers, and my friends, colleagues, and family have been so generous. We have almost everything we need for Andrew's homecoming at this point. Just a few more things for me to buy (that I can think of, anyway!). I'm still working on his room, but I should have it ready to go by the end of this weekend. It's going to be beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was able to go ahead and get Andrew added to my health insurance since I have his birth certificate! This means that the meds I will bring over are covered and that we can get him set up at the International Adoption Clinic and his new pediatrician as soon as we get home!</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought I would post this picture here of my smiling boy! I can't wait until he's in my arms, and I can make him smile like that!</div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-87683681057939656872010-11-29T20:14:00.001-08:002010-11-29T20:20:00.219-08:00Embassy appointmentIt looks like my Embassy Appointment will be December 30...we are still waiting on absolute confirmation, but I was told to start looking for flights. So, it looks like I will head back to Addis right after Christmas and will bring Andrew home on January 2!!<div><br /></div><div>The day after I returned from Ethiopia, my dear friend and surrogate daughter, Janetta, threw me a shower--there were about 30 friends and family there. We all dressed in the colors of the Ethiopian flag, ate Ethiopian food (My friend Andrea brought from Atlanta), and played some creative games. Then, this afternoon, my UAB Band family had a surprise shower for me! So many people are excited to share in the celebration of bringing Andrew into our world! I am so appreciative!!</div>Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775397575855165651.post-69721714645714378252010-11-19T04:04:00.000-08:002010-11-19T04:18:08.425-08:00Court Passed--he is officially my son!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zY6sms60cwlu4TBUh5cQ6l2kWRHW3_AfXVNP3fcvsZkcNGdtPqmp_vPrj5jmXuj1EArygxvRkQulGh9hAedlyg9u82XT8OQ5Ad1B7MlS_YNhMq3szOhkLGNiewv1afn8odblpnU7EpQ/s1600/PB170082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zY6sms60cwlu4TBUh5cQ6l2kWRHW3_AfXVNP3fcvsZkcNGdtPqmp_vPrj5jmXuj1EArygxvRkQulGh9hAedlyg9u82XT8OQ5Ad1B7MlS_YNhMq3szOhkLGNiewv1afn8odblpnU7EpQ/s320/PB170082.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541233463001329842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-9Ywti9BA-mysfKD6PfPYtM1F0XoeY-UgTSuN08d9wLejut-tEbLbpVqJju1G9c8C8bmpA1_4wR50toxqnr21L6iz8TyaPyhfiLh8vhTnTtUyROS8M_49j9CDO3qKPSqpPzLl4Ka44Q/s1600/Sue+and+Andrew.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-9Ywti9BA-mysfKD6PfPYtM1F0XoeY-UgTSuN08d9wLejut-tEbLbpVqJju1G9c8C8bmpA1_4wR50toxqnr21L6iz8TyaPyhfiLh8vhTnTtUyROS8M_49j9CDO3qKPSqpPzLl4Ka44Q/s320/Sue+and+Andrew.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541233454796426898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wRVcgaDfEULW1vYiMQ9goabOcbkm33W1dLdeSU6FNaiqryn_XWs4Wzt4DJVWjOZs-xS7HvKiL1XVCE1wWFQEJFpe-zRFsmMQLfZTsgO1hCPXltimrmx5RMSU5nt_BFXTiwaGw34svr0/s1600/Grandma+feeding+A.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wRVcgaDfEULW1vYiMQ9goabOcbkm33W1dLdeSU6FNaiqryn_XWs4Wzt4DJVWjOZs-xS7HvKiL1XVCE1wWFQEJFpe-zRFsmMQLfZTsgO1hCPXltimrmx5RMSU5nt_BFXTiwaGw34svr0/s320/Grandma+feeding+A.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541233439162389570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iV4zvoHnFHLdWJvlel6F66QpJCamxf91GsBgUjqFS8bBWXm07zXb962HMroK7cSxeQ1RiQKUdI-xznmrm-QVQ7dSG3QwU4hpst7RiD3pksxOeOgUtWCH7DG0fn2JVzS4Fi-FmIYm-4w/s1600/Mama+Sue+and+smiling+Andrew.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iV4zvoHnFHLdWJvlel6F66QpJCamxf91GsBgUjqFS8bBWXm07zXb962HMroK7cSxeQ1RiQKUdI-xznmrm-QVQ7dSG3QwU4hpst7RiD3pksxOeOgUtWCH7DG0fn2JVzS4Fi-FmIYm-4w/s320/Mama+Sue+and+smiling+Andrew.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541233432055222642" /></a><br />On Thursday, November 18, at around 10 am in Addis Ababa, "A" became my son! I am finally able to share a couple of pictures with you here! He is a beautiful, sweet baby...being well-cared for....and I am in love! I have lots more to share about our experiences in Ethiopia, but I'll need a few days to get back to normal before I post! Suffice it to say--it was a fantastic experience--full of a wide range of emotions, some occasional tears, lots of laughter and joy. If all goes well, I should return in about 4 weeks to bring my son, Andrew home!Sue Samuelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080665035180551498noreply@blogger.com3