Kozette's Back Pack Has Arrived

Of all the items among the missing, Maria clearly voiced the most concern over not having Kozette's back pack. She was so excited to find one just the right size, and thoughtfully choose what would go inside. Only a Mom would put this above being in a foreign country without her own clothes and personal items!

I actually had my first phone conversation with my new baby this morning. Kozette was saying "Momma, Momma" over the phone while Maria giggled in the background. My heart continues to melt.

We've been trying to get Tsebay to say Momma but the "M" words seem to escape her for now. Pop Pop is the only name she is currently calling out! One of Maria's last thoughts before she left for her trip was the fact that Kozette actually may be able to say "Momma"!

Love to All ~ Mary Ann (Mimi)
Maria writes: Please pray for a smooth bond between the girls. Kozette is very, very attached. We'll see how this one goes. I'm hoping they fall in love from day one.

Kozette is an adorable little angel filled with smiles and personality 90% of the time. The other 10% is a bit crazy but is to be expected. We just went through a 1 hour melt down. Poor little girl. She is going through all the typical behaviors of a 2 year old going through such a tramatic experience. Don't worry about me. I'm feeling good and am up for the challenge. Every behavior is something I anticipated and have dealt with before.

Our bags arrived yesterday evening. This morning was like Christmas and Kozette was excited with all her new stuff. She is definitely a shoe girl. She loves her back pack. I put it on her when she was still in her PJ's and diaper and she had a bit of a melt down because she wanted to leave the room. I also had to force it off her back before her nap.

We went to a traditional Ethiopian dinner last night and enjoyed awesome dancing. Kozette was shaking her thing and loved the Ethiopian food. She eats like a champ when she likes the food. She is pretty picky and makes a very funny face when she doesn't like what you give her. She also throws it on the floor but we're working on that.

Cristen and I are doing well. We had a relaxing morning. Cristen napped and I took the baby to the playground. We will head up to Crater Lake this evening. Tomorrow we will hang at the hotel and sit by the pool.