Missing Ethiopia

Our birthday month!!

Helen before her baptismal-she did such a great job-I thought she was going to baptize our minister at one point!! Her big brothers were so proud of her.

Helen riding the carousel for the first time.

Helen and her birthday cake-she loves Dora.

Our beach trip in January-As you can see, Helen does not like her picture taken.

Well, I have to admit when our case worker, Natalie, told me that Helen's birthday was in April, 5 days after Wesley's and 3 days before Will's, I had a moment of panic. I knew what this meant...April is a tough month for mom here at the Britt household-between Easter and now 3 birthdays (and throw in a baptism this April for good measure) but I am happy to say, we survived!!! Helen had a great birthday. All day she said, "Helen's birthday!" It was so cute- She is growing so quickly and learning so much. She knows all of her colors and can sing the ABC's and count to 10. I wish I could take credit for it-but she picks up on things so quickly. Her favorite saying is, "What's that?" and when you tell her, I don't think she ever forgets. She still looks at our pictures of Ethiopia and remembers some of her friends and caregivers-I know those memories are fading and it makes me so sad.

We had a play date with 7 other moms who have adopted from Ethiopia-it was so neat and we found out that one girl was in Helen's room in Ethiopia- I don't think they remembered each other but I have pictures of her from our trip. I hope that as the years go by, we can keep in contact-I know that connections with other families who have adopted from Ethiopia are so important.

Will and Wesley are doing great with their little sister. Will is perfect as Helen's big brother (he has had a lot of practice) and Wesley is like a big toy for Helen- We took Helen on her first boat ride last weekend and she LOVED it-I was worried she would not sit still because believe me she is BUSY but she did great-hopefully, she will still enjoy it this summer.

Well, I am going to go rest my weary bones before she wakes up!!!

January Update

Meeting sweet baby girl for the first time. Her little friend in the crib was just united with his family-I think they were sweet on each other-he screamed, "Helen" the whole time we were meeting her-so cute.

Helen's favorite food-INJERA!!

Our dear friend and driver, Tafessa.
Ethiopia would not have been the same without him.

It is hard to believe that we have been home for over a month. Helen is wonderful-she is just unbelievable-she is learning so much and is SO smart-Will and Wesley love her and have the best time playing with her. We went to the beach for a little vacation with some friends and stayed in a hotel with an indoor water park. She loved the water and the lazy river but when we went on the beach she did not want her feet to touch the sand-it was so cute.

I think of Ethiopia every day-especially her orphans. I wish I could post pictures but it is not allowed-the one thing I do know is that the children in the care of Gladney are so loved. Helen had such a difficult transition at first when she entered the foster care center. She cried for many days. The fact that she has bonded so well and quickly to us shows that the caregivers at Gladney earned her trust and love. I am so thankful that we traveled down this path and my heart is so full-

Love to you all!

Happy New Year

My two favorite boys!

Sweet girl!

Already a wolfpack fan!! When my brother gave this to Helen on Christmas morning, she ripped off her pajamas and put it on immediately!

2010 has been wonderful so far (with the exception of bronchitis for sweet Helen). Other than that, Helen is doing GREAT!! She has adjusted so well-Believe me, it is a shock! She had such a hard time when she was first brought to the foster care center-she cried for several days. Her first pictures were so sad and they broke our hearts. I really believe that she was waiting for us-for a home. I am so thankful that we listened to OUR hearts and pursued international adoption.
Meeting her for the first time is so surreal, now. I was so calm-which is very unlike me. She knew us instantly and after about 15 minutes of us talking and playing with her, she looked at her caregivers, gave a big wave and said, "Chow." When we got in the taxi, she took several deep breaths and a few tears were shed and then she fell asleep-from that moment on I was Mommy and Buddy was Babba.
The boys adore her and she loves them so much. They have been such big helpers for us and when we returned they looked like they had grown a foot. Our family is complete-it feels complete and I know how blessed we are.
Have a wonderful 2010!!

The Britt Family of Five

Helen and her 2 big brothers!

Our sweet angel!

We have returned-this post is going to be quick because sweet baby is napping! Helen is wonderful-she has bonded so well with us all-It was as if she was praying for us as we were praying for her.

Ethiopia was amazing. The people there were so kind-the poverty, however, was devastating-something we will never forget. The orphans living on the street are constantly on our mind.

To the Gladney families waiting-you and your children could not be in better hands. The in country staff was incredible - the foster care centers were so clean and the children were so loved. Travis and Joanna-who we spent the most time with-are top notch...there is no doubt in my mind that they have the best interest of the children at heart.

The Bejoe house was the best-it was like a big family. Helen loved it there and so did we-our driver Tefessa, became a dear friend, and we pray that we will cross paths with him again.

Thank you for the prayers- Hopefully, I can update soon. Merry Christmas to you all.

Baby B....here we come!

My beautiful shower cake made by our good friend (and cousin) Jennifer. She and our other friend, Nicole had a surprise shower for us!! It was amazing!

Buying crackers!

Will surrounded by the 35 pair of shoes we are taking to Ethiopia!!! We are so excited!

Thanksgiving was delicious!!

Well, the time is here. Buddy leaves for Washington tonight and I leave tomorrow. We are flying separately-crazy, YES!! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pray for our safe arrival and return!!

I was at the boys' program at school today and thought to myself, one day we will be here watching Helen!! It was surreal-I still can't believe she is my daughter. We cannot wait to meet her and pray for an easy transition. She is a smart little cookie-she definitely has different faces when traveling parents take pictures of her and when the in-country staff does!! She is all smiles when people she is familiar with take her picture and very wary with others. I imagine she is going to throw a few of those looks our way!!

I cannot believe the next time I update our blog, I will have met our daughter, Helen! For those of you waiting, hang in there, it is SO worth it!!!

Love to you all!

Countdown to Ethiopia!

OUR DAY-first "family photo"as a family of five (notice Helen's picture!)

Baby Girl's pink paradise

Hope Helen likes pink!!

Happy Birthday, Nana!!

Picture from a sweet family who went to pick up their tiny baby boy!! Helen has a photo album we sent her in her hands!! We LOVE YOU SO MUCH, Helen!!

This week has been a blur. We have finished Helen's bedroom and made travel and lodging arrangements. Now, we have to pack...!!! Tomorrow we are going to shop for supplies for Helen's orphanage...thanks to many great friends and family, we are going to be able to take more than we originally thought! Thanks to everyone who donated baby supplies or gift cards or money (thank you notes will come...)

We are so honored to take pictures and/or packages to sweet children in Ethiopia waiting for their families. I have attempted to contact everyone who has left us a message. If for some reason, you have not heard from me, PLEASE try to contact me again!! I don't want to leave anyone out!!

Please pray for our safe travels-Two more weeks until we leave for Ethiopia!!!