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.

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.

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.

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!