First Haircut Southern Style

...the after shot

It's a tricky thing sometimes being a white mom of an African baby. I get a lot of comments about his hair. I talk about his hair a lot. There is a certain pressure - probably mostly in my head - to not ruin his hair. So, after a year of being home, we decided to trim the curls. I looked for a place around home to get Micah's hair cut. I was unsuccessful. I will leave my methods unmentioned for now. I certainly did not drive around on Tuesday afternoon saying "are there any black people in there?" to Makenzie. Thursday and Friday we made the trek to North Carolina. By the time we arrived, Micah's hair was completely matted to the back of his head from all the time in the car seat. My sister, Jennifer , recommended a barber shop where my nephew had gotten his hair cut. This place was a major throw back to the 50's. It was incredible! The barbers were hilarious and were super cute with Micah. We tried to get some good before and after pictures, but Sophie got a hold of the camera and was doing some major paparazzi work!

Sophie taking pictures of random patrons.
Here we go....
At least Mom is smiling!
My favorite! This is the guy who cut Micah's hair. He was obviously super happy about the photo shoot.

Cowboy Micah!

Our church had a chili cook off tonight. Micah was putting on everyone's gear as we were taking it off. The froggy pj's are his!

What to do??

I find myself spending time looking at adoption websites. It's a dangerous past time. My heart is drawn back to Ethiopia. I love the people. I love the country. I love the culture. I love China too. But, it is different. I love Ethiopia. But, then there is Sophie. She is praying daily for LoLo to bring home a China baby for her. Oh, and she should pick one up for us while she is there. A girl. We already have a boy baby here. So, my heart is torn. I have been thinking that we are ready for more - potentially. If the Lord told us that we were done, I'd be surprised, but I'd be okay with that. It's just where??

2009...in bullet points

Caden, Micah and Cruz
Melia Serawit
Christmas card 2009

cuz i love me some bullet points.

• traveled to Ethiopia
• became a family of 6
• welcomed a new nephew into the family
• rid ourselves of one dog
• entered the teenage parenting years
• started directing a home school program
• took 3 trips to Missouri to visit family
• welcomed a new niece into the family
• celebrated 3 years home with Sophie
• rejoiced in 2 years tumor free with Makenzie
• laughed heartily at Seth's constant antics
• enjoyed watching Seth's first fencing tournament
• felt incredibly blessed!!!

Cheesy, I know. But, also so true.

She's black just like Micah

My sister Lauren got "the call" today. We have a beautiful niece waiting for her Mommy and Daddy in Ethiopia.  She is just adorable.  I can't wait until we meet her face to face.  Sophie's comment when she looked at the pictures was "She's black, just like Micah".  Can't get anything past her.

My fickle love affair with attachment parenting

So, as my mom likes to say - we take a perfectly great sleeper and turn them into a mess. The problem with attachment parenting is that you need to get the kids to need you. Done. Now what?  We have historically been putting Micah to sleep in our arms for his 2 naps and bedtime. I LOVE putting him to sleep. I love snuggling and smelling his sweet smell. This kid has killer baby smell!  Anyway, as we approach a new school year with two middle schoolers and a pre-schooler the rocking to sleep luxury must go.  So, we've been trying a new sleep technique. For two days I sat in the miniature chair next to his crib while he puts himself to sleep. There is minimal crying for the most part. This morning I moved the chair across the room.  I am sitting by the door way this.  Sophie is taking advantage of this time. She just walked in the hallway to show me the "surprise" she has for me - a raw egg. This parenting stuff just gets better and better. 

Pictures

Two of the sweetest kids I know
Sophie LOVES swimming!
Makenzie is a teenager!!

Addie is two!
Nothing like sharing a cold popsicle with a great friend on a hot day.
On of my favorite pictures!
Trying to be fancy. Love baby toes!!!