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!

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!

The Blair house was was full of excitement as we prepared for Christmas with the kids.  We spent one night decorating the Christmas tree and had a great time.  Abriha was so excited to hang the ornaments.  She especially loved hanging the ornaments high on the tree and insisted that we lift her up.

Little Axum was content to look at the lights and watch us hang the ornaments.

Here is the finished product.

We woke up really early Monday morning because our driver Wass was going to pick us up at 8:00 AM for our Embassy appointment.  We got the kids ready and loaded up in the van again.  The drive took about 45 minutes.  Abriha was so good in the van and she sat next to Nate. She just looked out the window and didn’t make a peep. I held Axum. Sure enough, his stomach did not agree with the bumpy ride so he puked up all over himself and me!  I caught as much as I could with a blanket and apparently screamed really loud.  It was good we came prepared with extra clothes!   

When we arrived at the U.S. Embassy we went through some screening (similar to an airport).  We went to a large room where we took a number and had a seat (similar to a DMV with lots of windows and workers behind them).  One of the workers at Hannah’s Hope, Tsegie, met us there and took a seat next to us.  We only had to wait 15 minutes or so.  Miraculously Axum didn’t make a peep and cuddled in my arms.  Abriha was content in Nate’s arms. When our number was called we went to a window as an American on the other side started asking us questions.  She verified the history of the children and had us sign a few documents.  We raised our right arms and declared that everything was correct.  She then said “Your adoption is now full and final.”  Hooray!! It was a pretty simple process, but we were so relieved afterwards.

We tried to maintain the kids’ schedule, and they did pretty well with it.  Abriha took her nap a little later than normal and Axum’s stomach was still giving him problems.  We think it is because he is not used to the formula (he had been on the Ethiopian brand).  Poor little guy!  After Abriha’s nap she started to cry and was really sad.  We were told this would likely happen.  She was certainly confused and sad to be away from everyone at Hannah’s Hope so we gave her lots of love and attention.  Luckily she trusts us and cuddled in our arms for a long time but it still broke our hearts.  Of course this will be a very difficult transition for her but overall we know she is resilient and a happy girl.  She eventually started opening up again.  She had fun eating dinner and was excited to brush her teeth and get in her jammies.  Little Axum loves all the attention. He holds our fingers when he eats his bottle and sleeps.

Overall, it was a really good, long awaited day. We are looking forward to being home with these two kids!