The Real Blair Family

Two Months Home!

April — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:07:52 +0000

Yesterday marked two months of being home with Abriha and Axum. Nate and I are amazed at how much both of them have grown and adjusted. Abriha is learning English very quickly. The past few days she has made numerous attempts at telling us funny stories. She doesn’t know every word so she improvises with some mumbling. We love listening as she talks quickly and with such enthusiasm. She is quite a character with her sense of humor and energy. Today she woke up and I found her jammies had a hole in the toe. She thought it was so funny to see her big toe poking through. Sure enough at the dinner table she told Nate the story and was laughing her head off. I don’t think a day has gone by when she hasn’t made us laugh. Here’s a picture of her having fun with a paint book.

Axum is doing very well. Our first picture of him was when he was one week old. He was tiny and dehydrated from a long journey from the north and a lack of food. Nate and I stood over his crib tonight and watched him sleep peacefully. We noticed how big he looked (he is now eight months old). The biggest change for him these past few weeks is that he got a helmet. His head is asymmetrical from laying down on one side in the orphanage. We hate having to put it on him but felt like it was the best thing to do in the long run. We hope he adjusts to it quickly and that we see results soon. Today we noticed one of his top teeth came through. That’s #3! It is so exciting to see him grow but bittersweet at the same time. I remember months going by as he was in the orphanage and knowing that I was missing out on those first 5-6 months of his life. I would have given anything to hold him and enjoy him as an infant. But overall I am grateful he is growing and doing so well. Here’s a picture of Axum with his helmet (yes, we chose the hardcore skull and crossbones).

Abriha and Axum share a strong bond. When Abriha comes in the room, Axum’s eyes light up and he gets a huge smile on his face. Abriha loves interacting with Axum. She is always giving him hugs and kisses. Nobody can make Axum laugh as hard as Abriha can. It is so entertaining to watch her perform for him and hear him laugh. These past few weeks she has wanted to hold him and feed him a bottle. She holds out her little arms and says “come on! (AKA “let me hold him!)”

I don’t want to paint an unrealistic picture of life with the kids. We have some crazy moments that all parents experience. You know, the fun things like getting peed on, having our hair pulled, working through toddler tantrums, etc.

Two New U.S. Citizens!!!

April — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:55:54 +0000

This afternoon Abriha and I went out to get the mail and sure enough she and Axum each had an envelope addressed to them. The envelopes were from the Department of Homeland Security. Abriha helped me open them. Inside we found their official certificates of citizenship. Yes, they are U.S. Citizens! Abriha was extremely excited and kept saying “YEA!!!” for the next hour or so. She was also excited to show Axum his certificate.

Congratulations kids, it truly is a blessing to be a US citizen!

Melkam Gena!

April — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 03:36:16 +0000

Melkam Gena! (Merry Christmas!) Today we celebrate Ethiopian Christmas. Nate and I got exactly what we wanted – our sweet kids.

Abriha Zayla Blair

Axum Tariku Blair

We wish each of you Melkam Gena too!

Update on Miss Abriha: Making Jewelry and Bust’n a Move

April — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:47:22 +0000

This morning Abriha and I had a jewelry making party. She must have made jewelry before because she was very excited and knew exactly what to do. She made numerous bracelets, necklaces, and head jewelry. She was really focused and did not want to stop until she used the very last bead (about two hours later).

We were listening to itunes in the background and Bust a Move came on. Abriha immediately jumped up and started getting down! We haven’t played that song for her before but apparently she liked the beat. She has her own style. Check it out:

To the Generous Donors

April — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:06:23 +0000

These last few months we have been overwhelmed with gratitude for our family and friends who have been so generous. As many of you know our sisters did a puzzle fundraiser for us in an effort to help with costs associated with the adoption. We were amazed and humbled by the generosity of the people around us. We were pleased to receive $7,730 towards the adoption. Thank you for your contributions towards bringing Abriha and Axum home. We love you and will forever be grateful.

We posted this picture of our first trip but we had to cover the kids’ faces. This was the day we passed court and officially became a family of four.

Baby Milestone: Two New Teeth!

April — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:33:20 +0000

Axum woke up this morning and surprised us with two teeth! We knew those bottom teeth were very close to breaking through. Sure enough they did! Axum is such a trooper with teething. He’s just a bit shy to show them off.

Diet Transition Update

April — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:36:44 +0000

As most of you know, Ethiopian food is very different from American food. We weren’t sure how Abriha would do with the transition. Perhaps these pictures will give you an idea as to whether or not Abriha likes American food:

Don’t worry, we’re not just feeding her fruit rollups. She eats just about everything we feed her during meals. She loved eating lima beans last night and wanted extra bites of spinach tonight. It’s just more fun to take pictures of her with the fruit rollup.

When we ask her what her favorite food is, she replies: “MUFFINS!” Yes, muffins. Who knew? We think it stems from a Baby Genius video she watches which has the song “Do You Know the Muffin Man”. My sweet aunt happened to give us muffin mix for Christmas so we got it out and made yummy muffins. She can’t get enough.

P.S. She only eats the bottom part of the muffin and leaves the top on the plate. It looks like “Top of the Muffin to You!” wouldn’t get her as a customer.

On the 1st Day of Christmas

April — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:01:53 +0000

One night we were in our family room and heard a knock on the door. We quickly got up to answer but nobody was there. We looked down and saw large bags full of presents. We were completely shocked! We brought them in the house and read a note stating:

In the bags you will find 12 gifts, which represent far more precious gifts. Each is labeled with a number and the date for you to open the gift. Please follow the instructions and know that gift was sent with love. May the Lord bless you with peace and joy this Christmas season and in the coming year.

We were so excited! We spent some time each night opening a new present. Not only was it fun to get a present, but it was extra special to read the inspirational note to go along with it. For example, on the 8^th day of Christmas we received candy canes and a note about the symbolism of candy canes. It should remind us of Christ who is our shepherd and gives us the ultimate gifts; his example and the Atonement. Another night we were given Christmas cookie cutters, which we used to cookies on Christmas Eve. Other gifts were books, stuffed animals, stockings, a candle, and ornaments from 10,000 Villages.

We still are not sure who gave us the presents, but we hope they know we are grateful. It was a highlight of our Christmas holiday. Thank you!

Christmas Eve

April — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:49:05 +0000

We started a tradition of decorating cookies on Christmas Eve. We wanted Santa to have fresh and yummy cookies! We were sure to feed Axum prior to the decorating. He is doing very well eating his solids.

Miss Abriha was very persistant and diligent as she decorated her cookies. She is making Mom and Dad so proud of her fine motor skills and concentration.

Of course she is full of giggles too!

Axum was content with a full tummy as he watched us decorate cookies and listen to Christmas music.

We made two Africa cookies – one for Abriha and one for Axum. Here are the cookies and other treats for Christmas day. We’re ready for Santa!

Gingerbread House and Sugar Fix

April — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:05:40 +0000

One night we were surprised to open the door and see an anonymous gift; a gingerbread house decorating kit! We were really excited. Who doesn’t love decorating a gingerbread house? Plus we knew Abriha would have a great time. Sure enough, she did.

After we completed the gingerbread house we had some extra frosting. Of course we couldn’t waste it . . .

To this day we have no idea who gave us the gingerbread house but hopefully they follow the blog so they know we are grateful and that we had a blast decorating. It was so much fun that we plan on making it a yearly tradition!