Wow I have gotten lazy with the blogging. Probably because the rest of our lives seems out of control. At work yesterday I was talking with some coworkers and said, "Seriously, my very organized brain fell out and got lost somewhere over the last 10 months." Hmmmm, I wonder why?
It has been an eventful spring between preparing for Teha and Brett's wedding, readoption, another trip to Haiti, and a birthday party. Let's start at the wedding prep.
Teha and Brett are finally getting married June 15th. Our whole family is in the wedding party so we have all had a few trips to the bridal store, the tailors, and the shoe store. There have also been multiple showers, a bacholerette party in Minneapolis last weekend and a bachelor party today for Karl. Minneapolis was a great time however I have had this miserable cold that just won't go away so that put a bit of a damper on things.
We officially readopted the boys on April 1st. We had to go to the Burleigh county courthouse and go into a court room and everything. It was a special moment because my parent's, Teha and Brett, and Sean and Anne could be there unlike all the previous adoption moments but it still felt like another process to go through. While sitting on my lap in the court room while being asked questions Ajura says, "Mommy, I'm tired" and proceeds to slam his head down on the desk. Audibly. Nice. We get asked a bunch of questions like, "Do you know you will now be financially responsible for these children?" Ummm, duh. We have been for the last how many months. So why do the readoption process? Until we readopted the boys they had there Ethiopian birth certificates only and these had there previous names on them. The boys now have North Dakota issued birth certificates with their new full names: Ajura Wyn Spears and Ahmi Kidame Spears. This court date also allowed us to have a U.S. adoption decree. Sometimes, depending on relationships between the children's birth country and the U.S. these original Ethiopian documents would not suffice so it is encouraged that you readopt them. Like I said, to us this was really just a thing to get done. It is pretty awesome that the boys now have social security numbers!! Darn, time to save for college...
I was very lucky again to get to travel to Haiti again this spring. This time I went to teach in a public hospital in the second largest city in Haiti, Cap-Haitien. This was such an amazing experience for me and Bill and I have big plans for continuing education and equipment support for this hospital. We were able to spend time with our dear friends Ray and Marie-Jeanne and have met many more. Again I couldn't do these trips without my wonderful husband back home to pick up the slack when I'm gone and to support me in these adventures. So thankful. However, while I was gone I received an email from Karl. It had a photo in it. The photo was of our youngest son with facial hair. Karl had cut Ajura's hair, collected the hair and with the coconut oil got it to stick to Ahmi's face. Wow. I almost grabbed the next flight home thinking Karl was losing it.
Ajura's birthday was on Tuesday. It was very special because it was his first birthday in the U.S. and it was also the year anniversary since meeting the boys. We had my parents and Teha and Brett over for pizza and cake. The boys played outside with the slip-n-slide and we drank some beer. I somehow managed to destroy both my oven and a pizza by dropping the entire Papa Murphy's pizza onto the heating element at the bottom. I am talented. We grilled the other pizzas and Ahmi still ate the charred remains of the other pizza. Yesterday we had Ajura's birthday party with friends. He wanted to only invite boys from his class so we did. That only includes 5 other kids. Perfect right? Well 2 couldn't make it but the twins and Brody were in so we planned the party. Yesterday afternoon I get a text from the twins mom, she had forgotten the party and sent the twins out of town with their grandparents. So now the party is Brody. Yep one kid. When I got home to break the news to Ajura, he had been playing all day with Ella. He sneaks up to me and asks, "Can I invite Ella to my party?" Why yes you can little buddy since no one else will be there. So I tell him he needs to ask Ella if she will come to his party. So he walks up to here and sayings, "Ella do you want to come to my party?" I stop him and say, "Ask her will" so he looks at me and says, "I am sweating." Wipes the sweat from his brow and says to Ella, "Will you come to my party tonight?" It was so cute. Ella was wonderful and came to the party so he had Brody and Ella. Teha, Brett, Ella's dad Chris, and Karl and I, pretty good adult to kid ratio. The kids ran around and had a great time even though the weather was awful. We had a scavenger hunt and everything. He claims he had fun.
I will leave you with a piss pump...as the boys call a fist bump. I refuse to teach them differently.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
All You Can Do is Laugh...and Maybe Drink
I know I just posted not too long ago and you are all probably sick of my rambling but I have to tell you about the last couple of days. Mostly today because it was hilarious.
It has been a crazy hectic couple of days! We went to Baudette for the weekend to visit grandma Shelley, grandpa Big Hair, auntie Jenny, uncle Tony, Zackary and baby Carston. We got back late Sunday afternoon so I started laundry, ate, and got the kids to bed. At this point we realized the kiddos don't have school tomorrow. Seriously we have no idea what we are doing, Ajura almost didn't have a valentine's box either this year. Anyway, so we called my lovely parents and they were ecstatic about having the boys on Monday. After some more talking we also realized that I was on call that day and Karl had curling, therefore, unless Ajura all of a sudden is old enough to babysit if I get called in (which I did) we would be SOL. So another call to the parents and sleep over it is! So being the prepared parent I am the boys were all packed and Karl got them to my parents Monday morning. Taa daa.
Well before curling as Karl is eating pork chops and I picked up Taco Bell on the way home (we need a frat mom or something to do this grocery thing) we realize Ajura needs his library books for school tomorrow and oh by the way Karl leaves for Gwinner for work in the morning. So another call to the parents to beg for dad to bring Ajura to school in the morning and we also realize that our usual Tuesday Ahmi watcher is still out of town so mom can you please watch him all day. Lucky us the grandparents have it under control.
This morning we both get up too early and head to work. Karl gets to Gwinner safely and after work I manage to get groceries and pick up both the boys. So excited to see their sweet faces! We get home and they help me unload the car (no small task), have a snack, work on reading with Ajura, and then I let the boys play Just Dance while I finish stocking the cupboards. I also have to break the news to them that ah-po-dee the fish died on our watch. I decide to work out (which I haven't done much of lately) and the kids watch me the whole time, laughing. I feel awesome. I especially have to start working out after this weekend while at the pool and stripping down to my bathing suit and Ahmi goes, "wow, big mommy coming." After my work out I start to cook dinner. I am making these yummy Brie, apple, and ham paninis. After buttering 4 slices of bread, Ajura walks over and says, "mommy, Ahmi caca on the floor." If that doesn't startle you I don't know what would. So I hurry to the bathroom raying it is at least on the tile, phew, it is and here is my Ahmi pants around his ankles with caca all over them trying to clean up the floor with toilet paper. I tell him it's ok and work on getting his pants off and getting him into the shower. Ahmi is yelling, "look Ajura! Ahmi shower first!" Of course you are showering first, you have caca all over your butt! I get him and the bathroom cleaned up and his clothes in the wash and send Ajura up to shower. I get downstairs and restart dinner and reach for the buttered bread and there is nothing to be found and I have two dogs staring at me suspiciously. Sure enough, the dogs ate my bread I had labored over. I'm not gonna lie, I am glad Ahmi had his Just Dance music up loud because some nasty words came out. I settle, re-butter the bread, reach for the ham and what do you know...GONE! I'm gonna kill those dogs. So Ajura got a Brie and apple panini, Ahmi got saltine crackers (perhaps it was the double dose of Mexican food the grandparents went with yesterday) and a pepto. Now Ajura is worried Ahmi is going to die like ah-po-dee. Explained that situation. Off to bed they went.
This day would have been a disaster had the boys not been so stinking wonderful. Ajura helped me
clean up the bathroom and bathed himself. He is such as amazing kid. He also picked out of train movie from the bookmobile today just for Ahmi and when Ahmi saw that his eyes lit up and he said, "oh thank you Ajura!" and hugged and kissed him. Ahmi tried so hard and was so embarrassed about his mess but we got through it.
I just heard the door so thank God Karl is home!! He can deal with the dog blow outs...
It has been a crazy hectic couple of days! We went to Baudette for the weekend to visit grandma Shelley, grandpa Big Hair, auntie Jenny, uncle Tony, Zackary and baby Carston. We got back late Sunday afternoon so I started laundry, ate, and got the kids to bed. At this point we realized the kiddos don't have school tomorrow. Seriously we have no idea what we are doing, Ajura almost didn't have a valentine's box either this year. Anyway, so we called my lovely parents and they were ecstatic about having the boys on Monday. After some more talking we also realized that I was on call that day and Karl had curling, therefore, unless Ajura all of a sudden is old enough to babysit if I get called in (which I did) we would be SOL. So another call to the parents and sleep over it is! So being the prepared parent I am the boys were all packed and Karl got them to my parents Monday morning. Taa daa.
Well before curling as Karl is eating pork chops and I picked up Taco Bell on the way home (we need a frat mom or something to do this grocery thing) we realize Ajura needs his library books for school tomorrow and oh by the way Karl leaves for Gwinner for work in the morning. So another call to the parents to beg for dad to bring Ajura to school in the morning and we also realize that our usual Tuesday Ahmi watcher is still out of town so mom can you please watch him all day. Lucky us the grandparents have it under control.
This morning we both get up too early and head to work. Karl gets to Gwinner safely and after work I manage to get groceries and pick up both the boys. So excited to see their sweet faces! We get home and they help me unload the car (no small task), have a snack, work on reading with Ajura, and then I let the boys play Just Dance while I finish stocking the cupboards. I also have to break the news to them that ah-po-dee the fish died on our watch. I decide to work out (which I haven't done much of lately) and the kids watch me the whole time, laughing. I feel awesome. I especially have to start working out after this weekend while at the pool and stripping down to my bathing suit and Ahmi goes, "wow, big mommy coming." After my work out I start to cook dinner. I am making these yummy Brie, apple, and ham paninis. After buttering 4 slices of bread, Ajura walks over and says, "mommy, Ahmi caca on the floor." If that doesn't startle you I don't know what would. So I hurry to the bathroom raying it is at least on the tile, phew, it is and here is my Ahmi pants around his ankles with caca all over them trying to clean up the floor with toilet paper. I tell him it's ok and work on getting his pants off and getting him into the shower. Ahmi is yelling, "look Ajura! Ahmi shower first!" Of course you are showering first, you have caca all over your butt! I get him and the bathroom cleaned up and his clothes in the wash and send Ajura up to shower. I get downstairs and restart dinner and reach for the buttered bread and there is nothing to be found and I have two dogs staring at me suspiciously. Sure enough, the dogs ate my bread I had labored over. I'm not gonna lie, I am glad Ahmi had his Just Dance music up loud because some nasty words came out. I settle, re-butter the bread, reach for the ham and what do you know...GONE! I'm gonna kill those dogs. So Ajura got a Brie and apple panini, Ahmi got saltine crackers (perhaps it was the double dose of Mexican food the grandparents went with yesterday) and a pepto. Now Ajura is worried Ahmi is going to die like ah-po-dee. Explained that situation. Off to bed they went.
This day would have been a disaster had the boys not been so stinking wonderful. Ajura helped me
clean up the bathroom and bathed himself. He is such as amazing kid. He also picked out of train movie from the bookmobile today just for Ahmi and when Ahmi saw that his eyes lit up and he said, "oh thank you Ajura!" and hugged and kissed him. Ahmi tried so hard and was so embarrassed about his mess but we got through it.
I just heard the door so thank God Karl is home!! He can deal with the dog blow outs...
Monday, February 11, 2013
The Family that Deworms Together, Stays Together
It has been quite some time again since my last post. Time really does fly once you have kids. All spare seconds are hoarded to spend with the boys. Firstly, I need to apologize for not getting thank you cards sent for all the wonderful gifts, cards, and thoughts we received throughout the holiday season (my grandma is going to be so disappointed, she sends the best thank yous). There is no excuse but life has been beyond the point of extraordinarily busy. Can I just promise to be better and better yet I will teach the children to be better...please...
Here is what we have been up to:
Shortly after Christmas Karl and the kids went to Baudette, MN to visit Karl's family. Unfortunately due to the nature of my work I wasn't able to go with. I was a pretty lonely mommy for a few days. So glad the kids went and had so very much fun with Grandma Shelley, Grandpa Big Hair (seriously that is what the kids call Kent), Auntie Jenny, Uncle Tony, and cousin Zackary, and baby Carson amongst many other family members. They did a lot of ice fish hunting, sledding, and family time.
Once home they were back to school, preschool, and other activities. Ajura continues to do really well in school and has grown so much socially that it makes us all proud. He now tells us he has friends and is able to tell us who they are and hangs out with his buddies after basketball games. That shy boy that wouldn't look others in the eye or say hello is blossoming. He is surrounded by an amazing group of kids at his school. He got his first basket during a basketball game last week. Even more crazy to me is that Ajura is now READING!!! A little boy who didn't speak English 6 months ago is reading. It absolutely floors me. I am working on Haitian Creole and am so jealous of his brains.
Ahmi is enjoying school. He says he is learning how to eat. He is also quite the kleptomaniac. I have to check his pockets as soon as he gets home. This is quite embarrassing. So far he has "collected" pieces of projects at school, a spoon, and a cellphone (thankfully a non-functioning one). Thankfully his teachers have a sense of humor.
Ajura's English skills are so fun right now because he has enough master of the language to be able to start telling me things about Ethiopia. The other day while in the shower he was telling me that his shower in Ethiopia wasn't like ours at home. He had to go to the water and shower on a rock, sometimes he jumped in, but if the water was 'this high' there were crocodiles so he couldn't go there. It was close to his house but was slippery on the sides. SO interesting!
It was also time for more caca samples. Joy. Another joy, still positive for giardia and tapeworms so this time we ALL got to be dewormed. Our new family motto is the family that deworms together stays together. We made a celebration out of it after dinner. Our pills were our dessert.
Another big deal was sleeping in the igloo. Yep, we have an igloo in the backyard and if you are friends with Karl on facebook you can see the pictures. So Karl wanted an igloo maker (a box on a stick) for Christmas and being the amazing wife that I strive to be (haha) managed to give that to Karl from the boys. So one night while I was on call and sleeping at the hospital all my boys slept in the igloo. Overnight. All night. Amazed. So glad I wasn't home and asked to participate. The boys were only afraid of the animals and concerned that the animals may steal their shoes but otherwise slept soundly.
The boys attended their first rodeo this last weekend with Bill and Janie. They had quite the stories to tell about horses chasing cows and then the cow fall down and sheep. It was probably just as entertaining listening to them tell their stories. We are also now owners of a fish, thanks to the St. Mary's Carnival. It was two fish but Muscles died off quickly and Ah-po-dee (apparently fish in Amharic or something) is thriving.
Speaking of Muscles...the kids are really into giving out nicknames lately. Of course Karl gets a nickname like Muscles (the kids named the fish after him) and my name would be Big Mommy. Thanks guys...
The family highly enjoys the Just Dance game and it is perfect for these cold days when the kids can't run outside. Between One Direction, Justin Bieber, and Ricky Martin we are one jamming household. Big Mommy is the best... so far... Ajura is catching up quickly.
Until next time.
The Spears
Here is what we have been up to:
Shortly after Christmas Karl and the kids went to Baudette, MN to visit Karl's family. Unfortunately due to the nature of my work I wasn't able to go with. I was a pretty lonely mommy for a few days. So glad the kids went and had so very much fun with Grandma Shelley, Grandpa Big Hair (seriously that is what the kids call Kent), Auntie Jenny, Uncle Tony, and cousin Zackary, and baby Carson amongst many other family members. They did a lot of ice fish hunting, sledding, and family time.
Once home they were back to school, preschool, and other activities. Ajura continues to do really well in school and has grown so much socially that it makes us all proud. He now tells us he has friends and is able to tell us who they are and hangs out with his buddies after basketball games. That shy boy that wouldn't look others in the eye or say hello is blossoming. He is surrounded by an amazing group of kids at his school. He got his first basket during a basketball game last week. Even more crazy to me is that Ajura is now READING!!! A little boy who didn't speak English 6 months ago is reading. It absolutely floors me. I am working on Haitian Creole and am so jealous of his brains.
Ahmi is enjoying school. He says he is learning how to eat. He is also quite the kleptomaniac. I have to check his pockets as soon as he gets home. This is quite embarrassing. So far he has "collected" pieces of projects at school, a spoon, and a cellphone (thankfully a non-functioning one). Thankfully his teachers have a sense of humor.
Ajura's English skills are so fun right now because he has enough master of the language to be able to start telling me things about Ethiopia. The other day while in the shower he was telling me that his shower in Ethiopia wasn't like ours at home. He had to go to the water and shower on a rock, sometimes he jumped in, but if the water was 'this high' there were crocodiles so he couldn't go there. It was close to his house but was slippery on the sides. SO interesting!
It was also time for more caca samples. Joy. Another joy, still positive for giardia and tapeworms so this time we ALL got to be dewormed. Our new family motto is the family that deworms together stays together. We made a celebration out of it after dinner. Our pills were our dessert.
Another big deal was sleeping in the igloo. Yep, we have an igloo in the backyard and if you are friends with Karl on facebook you can see the pictures. So Karl wanted an igloo maker (a box on a stick) for Christmas and being the amazing wife that I strive to be (haha) managed to give that to Karl from the boys. So one night while I was on call and sleeping at the hospital all my boys slept in the igloo. Overnight. All night. Amazed. So glad I wasn't home and asked to participate. The boys were only afraid of the animals and concerned that the animals may steal their shoes but otherwise slept soundly.
The boys attended their first rodeo this last weekend with Bill and Janie. They had quite the stories to tell about horses chasing cows and then the cow fall down and sheep. It was probably just as entertaining listening to them tell their stories. We are also now owners of a fish, thanks to the St. Mary's Carnival. It was two fish but Muscles died off quickly and Ah-po-dee (apparently fish in Amharic or something) is thriving.
Speaking of Muscles...the kids are really into giving out nicknames lately. Of course Karl gets a nickname like Muscles (the kids named the fish after him) and my name would be Big Mommy. Thanks guys...
The family highly enjoys the Just Dance game and it is perfect for these cold days when the kids can't run outside. Between One Direction, Justin Bieber, and Ricky Martin we are one jamming household. Big Mommy is the best... so far... Ajura is catching up quickly.
Until next time.
The Spears
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Christmas Letter 2012
Yep, I cheated. completely. Instead of a beautifully written Christmas letter on holiday themed stationary you get this. However, considering that the choices were no letter at all or this I think this is an acceptable compromise. I will start off with a yearly recap and then catch you up on how the boys are doing.
Just short of a year ago, Karl's and my life changed in the most frustratingly and amazing way. First let me explain. Just short of one year ago, we saw pictures of two little boys in Ethiopia who were looking for a family. The oldest, Ajura, is five, his name means "don't worry about me." He has a shy, hesitant smile, but even with that smile his dimples sneak out. Ahmi has just turned three. He always has his shoes on the wrong feet (still does) and a runny nose. All we really know about the boys is they are from Gambella, Ethiopia which is on the border of Sudan. The boys will be very dark skinned, tall, and will sweat a lot (Ajura most certainly does). We knew they were the boys we were searching for. We accepted the referral and then were told to expect to go to court in March and bring the boys home in May. Very funny. We watied and waited and waited to receive a court date. Finally, beginning of May, I received a phone call in the OR as I was just finishing a case. We had a court date on May 31st! We had to plan a trip to Africa in just a few short weeks. While waiting in the airport to leave Bismarck we realized we would be meeting our son for the first time on his sixth birthday! Meeting the boys and holding them was such an overwhelming and surreal experience and we were able to share this time with another family, the Rackaways, whom have become very special to us over this last year. Five short days after holding them in our arms for the first time we had to leave them in Africa while we headed home. Again we were told to expect to pick them up the end of July. Sure. We finally received the ok from the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia to bring our boys home the end of August. They have been in the U.S. with us since August 31st.
Ajura is still the quieter one of the two. He loves to ride his bike and really enjoys playing basketball with the kids at his school. He is in first grade and is doing very well. His English level is amazing to us and he consistently uses 5 words sentences at this point. He has wonderful, supportive kids in his class and his two teachers understand this little boy so well. He looks out for his little brother even bringing extras treats from school home to him. Ajura loves animals and helps look after our two dogs Nali (Barski as the kids call her) and Kinde (Peanut Butter). Ajura welcomes the snow and cold with open arms.
Ahmi is the wild man. He is the one who dances around and due to his age and lack of refrain says the silliest things. He will charm you so fast you won't know what hit you. Believe me. He just started preschool in December and hasn't been kicked out yet so we are thankful. He loves his big brother and will follow him to the ends of the earth. Ahmi isn't as sold on the cold and snow but loves to sled and push his trucks around for a little while.
Nali and Kinde have also had a huge adjustment to their lives and have been so amazing with the boys. We wouldn't be a family without them.
Karl is adjusting beautifully to fatherhood. Big shocker, I know, we all knew he would be great at it. When he isn't being Daddy, he works at Bobcat as a design engineer. He still spends as much time with his girlfriend, Mother Nature, as possible. Hunting, fish hunting (as the kids call it), and any other activity you can do outside are his favorites. He is two boys and a wife's dream come true.
Lura is still working for St. Alexius as a nurse anesthetist in addition to being Mommy. Thanks to a wonderful support system she was able to go back to Milot, Haiti again this year were she assisted in the delivery of many babies and the tumor removal on a three day old. When she isn't doing laundry or cleaning up after the many boys in the house, Lura enjoys playing outside (when it isn't too cold) and spending time with friends (usually over a beer).
Thank you all for being such an important part of our lives this year and for the continued support for our new family. Cheers and blessings this holiday season and throughout the new year!
The Spears
(Karl, Lura, Ajura, Ahmi, Nali and Kinde)
After Thanksgiving we have been so busy with Christmas preparation, school program, soccer, basketball, Ahmi's 4th birthday... It really seems like there is no end to the madness. Ajura started to really participate in soccer and Ahmi's participation somewhat dwindled. Funny how that works. Ajura's real sport love is basketball. He started at the beginning of this month and really loves playing. Looking forward to his first game coming up in January. Ajura had his first holiday program at school and we were so nervous. Music class is not his favorite to say the least. There was a lot of, "Ajura if you link arms with the other kids and sway back and forth Daddy will take you on a dozer ride after school" situations occurring. Ajura kept telling me, "Mommy, Ajura scary." We encouraged him to do his best and he got on that stage and did the WHOLE thing!!! We and his teachers were so proud.
Ahmi's 4th birthday was on the 19th. We did a small party for him at Space Aliens restaurant the last Saturday and he had a great time there. The kids ran around and played games and then we went to our friend's house to open his presents. Ahmi was seriously overwhelmed by all the commotion and gift part of his birthday and Ajura wasn't too thrilled with all of the gift giving for Ahmi but we made it. One of his favorite gifts is a birthday card that sings, "Move It" from Madagascar. We hear that song a lot. On his actual birthday we had just family over for a dinner and birthday cake. Ahmi wanted tacos and ate 3 of them.
The four of us as a family went out to eat for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I didn't realize this was the first time since we were in Ethiopia together so when the waitress came to the table and asked us for our drink orders Ajura looked at her and said, "Avocado juice please." Well, avocado juice really isn't on tap in Bismarck, ND so we had to explain that to him and then we remembered that is what we would all order in Ethiopia. Ajura's English is developing so quickly and it is so fun right now to be able to talk to him about life in Ethiopia. His stories get very elaborate and exciting. It is so fun to be able to talk with each other.
Ahmi and Ajura went ice fish hunting (haha) for the first time this week with Daddy and as Karl puts it not much fish hunting was accomplished. As soon as he got the fish house set up Ajura had to caca and just like his mom he took one look at the porta potty he bailed. While this was occurring, Ahmi proceeded to step in the ice fishing hole and getting his foot and boot soaked up to his kneecap. They had a blast with each other and I got to hear a bunch of stories from their adventure when I was done with work that day. They like to eat smoked oysters and brownies on their ice fishing journeys. Weirdos.
Just short of a year ago, Karl's and my life changed in the most frustratingly and amazing way. First let me explain. Just short of one year ago, we saw pictures of two little boys in Ethiopia who were looking for a family. The oldest, Ajura, is five, his name means "don't worry about me." He has a shy, hesitant smile, but even with that smile his dimples sneak out. Ahmi has just turned three. He always has his shoes on the wrong feet (still does) and a runny nose. All we really know about the boys is they are from Gambella, Ethiopia which is on the border of Sudan. The boys will be very dark skinned, tall, and will sweat a lot (Ajura most certainly does). We knew they were the boys we were searching for. We accepted the referral and then were told to expect to go to court in March and bring the boys home in May. Very funny. We watied and waited and waited to receive a court date. Finally, beginning of May, I received a phone call in the OR as I was just finishing a case. We had a court date on May 31st! We had to plan a trip to Africa in just a few short weeks. While waiting in the airport to leave Bismarck we realized we would be meeting our son for the first time on his sixth birthday! Meeting the boys and holding them was such an overwhelming and surreal experience and we were able to share this time with another family, the Rackaways, whom have become very special to us over this last year. Five short days after holding them in our arms for the first time we had to leave them in Africa while we headed home. Again we were told to expect to pick them up the end of July. Sure. We finally received the ok from the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia to bring our boys home the end of August. They have been in the U.S. with us since August 31st.
Ajura is still the quieter one of the two. He loves to ride his bike and really enjoys playing basketball with the kids at his school. He is in first grade and is doing very well. His English level is amazing to us and he consistently uses 5 words sentences at this point. He has wonderful, supportive kids in his class and his two teachers understand this little boy so well. He looks out for his little brother even bringing extras treats from school home to him. Ajura loves animals and helps look after our two dogs Nali (Barski as the kids call her) and Kinde (Peanut Butter). Ajura welcomes the snow and cold with open arms.
Ahmi is the wild man. He is the one who dances around and due to his age and lack of refrain says the silliest things. He will charm you so fast you won't know what hit you. Believe me. He just started preschool in December and hasn't been kicked out yet so we are thankful. He loves his big brother and will follow him to the ends of the earth. Ahmi isn't as sold on the cold and snow but loves to sled and push his trucks around for a little while.
Nali and Kinde have also had a huge adjustment to their lives and have been so amazing with the boys. We wouldn't be a family without them.
Karl is adjusting beautifully to fatherhood. Big shocker, I know, we all knew he would be great at it. When he isn't being Daddy, he works at Bobcat as a design engineer. He still spends as much time with his girlfriend, Mother Nature, as possible. Hunting, fish hunting (as the kids call it), and any other activity you can do outside are his favorites. He is two boys and a wife's dream come true.
Lura is still working for St. Alexius as a nurse anesthetist in addition to being Mommy. Thanks to a wonderful support system she was able to go back to Milot, Haiti again this year were she assisted in the delivery of many babies and the tumor removal on a three day old. When she isn't doing laundry or cleaning up after the many boys in the house, Lura enjoys playing outside (when it isn't too cold) and spending time with friends (usually over a beer).
Thank you all for being such an important part of our lives this year and for the continued support for our new family. Cheers and blessings this holiday season and throughout the new year!
The Spears
(Karl, Lura, Ajura, Ahmi, Nali and Kinde)
After Thanksgiving we have been so busy with Christmas preparation, school program, soccer, basketball, Ahmi's 4th birthday... It really seems like there is no end to the madness. Ajura started to really participate in soccer and Ahmi's participation somewhat dwindled. Funny how that works. Ajura's real sport love is basketball. He started at the beginning of this month and really loves playing. Looking forward to his first game coming up in January. Ajura had his first holiday program at school and we were so nervous. Music class is not his favorite to say the least. There was a lot of, "Ajura if you link arms with the other kids and sway back and forth Daddy will take you on a dozer ride after school" situations occurring. Ajura kept telling me, "Mommy, Ajura scary." We encouraged him to do his best and he got on that stage and did the WHOLE thing!!! We and his teachers were so proud.
Ahmi's 4th birthday was on the 19th. We did a small party for him at Space Aliens restaurant the last Saturday and he had a great time there. The kids ran around and played games and then we went to our friend's house to open his presents. Ahmi was seriously overwhelmed by all the commotion and gift part of his birthday and Ajura wasn't too thrilled with all of the gift giving for Ahmi but we made it. One of his favorite gifts is a birthday card that sings, "Move It" from Madagascar. We hear that song a lot. On his actual birthday we had just family over for a dinner and birthday cake. Ahmi wanted tacos and ate 3 of them.
The four of us as a family went out to eat for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I didn't realize this was the first time since we were in Ethiopia together so when the waitress came to the table and asked us for our drink orders Ajura looked at her and said, "Avocado juice please." Well, avocado juice really isn't on tap in Bismarck, ND so we had to explain that to him and then we remembered that is what we would all order in Ethiopia. Ajura's English is developing so quickly and it is so fun right now to be able to talk to him about life in Ethiopia. His stories get very elaborate and exciting. It is so fun to be able to talk with each other.
Ahmi and Ajura went ice fish hunting (haha) for the first time this week with Daddy and as Karl puts it not much fish hunting was accomplished. As soon as he got the fish house set up Ajura had to caca and just like his mom he took one look at the porta potty he bailed. While this was occurring, Ahmi proceeded to step in the ice fishing hole and getting his foot and boot soaked up to his kneecap. They had a blast with each other and I got to hear a bunch of stories from their adventure when I was done with work that day. They like to eat smoked oysters and brownies on their ice fishing journeys. Weirdos.
Monday, November 26, 2012
This foot she's tired
It has been a long time since I last posted. Life just kinda gets away from you. Shocking right? It has been an extremely busy last month. Our calender is enough to make you want to turn right back around and pull the covers over your head. We trudge ahead with smiles on our faces.
Halloween went well. Ajura decided he wanted to be a fireman and I decided that Ahmi wanted to be Mr. T. I am completely taking advantage of the fact that at this point Ahmi still lets me dress him. We went to my friend Kelli's house and went house to house with her daughter Ella. They both did amazingly well in the frigid cold. Ahmi was kinda that awkward kid that stood in the doorway and stared at the people like "So...are you going to invite me in?" It was pretty cute. The boys English is amazing and although sad they don't speak to each other in Amharic at all anymore. I can easily talk with the boys and they are starting to be able to tell me about Ethiopia. It is so fun to be able to communicate. Especially when Ajura tries to explain things like, "Mommy, this foot (pointing at his right foot) she's tired."
Just when you think the process is over you get to start all new paperwork. YIPPEE! Not really. Just something you need to do. We started the readoption process at the beginning of November and we also have had our first post adoption report. Our social worker came over to our house while I was in Haiti. Karl said, "Good thing she was really only looking to be sure the kids had been fed and they have a room to sleep in!" He was on day 6 of single parenthood. I was so proud of him!!! The boys actually did really well with my trip. We talked about Mommy going to Haiti everyday up to the day I left and then Karl showed the boys on the calendar when I was coming home and they would cross a day off everyday. I was able to email them and FaceTime. Karl's parents came to help Karl out and the boys were able to spend quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Spears. It was a difficult decision to make but I want to teach the boys we need to continue to help others. Karl and I were also both very comfortable with how the boys were doing at home. Again, we are so lucky. We had a big snowstorm when I left and the boys were really excited yelling, "The snow she's coming!" Everything is a she. Speaking of funny things, Ahmi calls his backpack a "pappyock."
Thanksgiving was so fun! My dad scheduled a hayride, the best part of the hayride were the two ponies that came with it. Ajura and Ahmi both rode a horse/pony for the first time. Ahmi just said, "scary!" the whole time but Ajura said, "Mommy, no scary." I asked him if he wanted to ride a pony to school and right away he said, "yes... well maybe not." He told me later riding the pony wasn't scary but, "Ajura has to look for animals." He was so darn cute on that horse. At the end he said, "Ajura she's tired." Such a great idea for the kids, they all loved it! On Thanksgiving day it was very cold but we needed to get our family photos taken for our post adoption report and my cousin (who is a talented photographer) was able to take our photos. Check out my facebook for the link. We got all those pictures in less than 15 minutes!!! The boys did such a great job cooperating, even though we were all so cold. I like the last photo where they are sitting on the deck and Ahmi has his hand in Ajura's pocket because his hand is so cold. Great time with family and friends that day. The kids played really well with my cousins' kids. I am amazed by these kids every single day.
Next Monday Ahmi is going to start preschool. It is pretty funny currently because when we tell Ahmi he is too little to do something we often say the reasoning is because he is too "teenish" (little). Well now since he gets to go to school he thinks he is big. He is pretty proud. This kid LOVES to play Just Dance on the Wii. He is a dancing machine. He takes after his mommy. ;)
Ajura is doing very well in school and on his third week of soccer he finally decided to participate. Ahmi (although he isn't signed up) has been participating in his place and now that he has everyone wrapped around his finger they are continuing to let him participate. Goober. Ajura is opening up more and more everyday. He cleaned the ENTIRE basement by himself yesterday. Seriously it was better than Karl does (sorry honey). He is such a sweet boy who works so hard.
Wow, now on to Christmas... This should be interesting.
Halloween went well. Ajura decided he wanted to be a fireman and I decided that Ahmi wanted to be Mr. T. I am completely taking advantage of the fact that at this point Ahmi still lets me dress him. We went to my friend Kelli's house and went house to house with her daughter Ella. They both did amazingly well in the frigid cold. Ahmi was kinda that awkward kid that stood in the doorway and stared at the people like "So...are you going to invite me in?" It was pretty cute. The boys English is amazing and although sad they don't speak to each other in Amharic at all anymore. I can easily talk with the boys and they are starting to be able to tell me about Ethiopia. It is so fun to be able to communicate. Especially when Ajura tries to explain things like, "Mommy, this foot (pointing at his right foot) she's tired."
Just when you think the process is over you get to start all new paperwork. YIPPEE! Not really. Just something you need to do. We started the readoption process at the beginning of November and we also have had our first post adoption report. Our social worker came over to our house while I was in Haiti. Karl said, "Good thing she was really only looking to be sure the kids had been fed and they have a room to sleep in!" He was on day 6 of single parenthood. I was so proud of him!!! The boys actually did really well with my trip. We talked about Mommy going to Haiti everyday up to the day I left and then Karl showed the boys on the calendar when I was coming home and they would cross a day off everyday. I was able to email them and FaceTime. Karl's parents came to help Karl out and the boys were able to spend quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Spears. It was a difficult decision to make but I want to teach the boys we need to continue to help others. Karl and I were also both very comfortable with how the boys were doing at home. Again, we are so lucky. We had a big snowstorm when I left and the boys were really excited yelling, "The snow she's coming!" Everything is a she. Speaking of funny things, Ahmi calls his backpack a "pappyock."
Thanksgiving was so fun! My dad scheduled a hayride, the best part of the hayride were the two ponies that came with it. Ajura and Ahmi both rode a horse/pony for the first time. Ahmi just said, "scary!" the whole time but Ajura said, "Mommy, no scary." I asked him if he wanted to ride a pony to school and right away he said, "yes... well maybe not." He told me later riding the pony wasn't scary but, "Ajura has to look for animals." He was so darn cute on that horse. At the end he said, "Ajura she's tired." Such a great idea for the kids, they all loved it! On Thanksgiving day it was very cold but we needed to get our family photos taken for our post adoption report and my cousin (who is a talented photographer) was able to take our photos. Check out my facebook for the link. We got all those pictures in less than 15 minutes!!! The boys did such a great job cooperating, even though we were all so cold. I like the last photo where they are sitting on the deck and Ahmi has his hand in Ajura's pocket because his hand is so cold. Great time with family and friends that day. The kids played really well with my cousins' kids. I am amazed by these kids every single day.
Next Monday Ahmi is going to start preschool. It is pretty funny currently because when we tell Ahmi he is too little to do something we often say the reasoning is because he is too "teenish" (little). Well now since he gets to go to school he thinks he is big. He is pretty proud. This kid LOVES to play Just Dance on the Wii. He is a dancing machine. He takes after his mommy. ;)
Ajura is doing very well in school and on his third week of soccer he finally decided to participate. Ahmi (although he isn't signed up) has been participating in his place and now that he has everyone wrapped around his finger they are continuing to let him participate. Goober. Ajura is opening up more and more everyday. He cleaned the ENTIRE basement by himself yesterday. Seriously it was better than Karl does (sorry honey). He is such a sweet boy who works so hard.
Wow, now on to Christmas... This should be interesting.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Dunk Hunter and the Entertainer
It has been awhile since my last post. Mostly due to the settling in our routine so things have been running quite smoothly around here. We shall see how things this week go because as of tomorrow I am back to working full time. To be honest, I am excited to get back to work, also a little nervous. I also know that tomorrow around 2:30 I will be missing my little Ahmi climbing down the stairs after his nap wanting to cuddle with his mommy. I will also be missing picking Ajura up from school, which is my favorite part of the day. I love listening to Ajura catch Ahmi up with what he did in school and the interaction Ajura has with me at this time of day. I will be very strange waking up and not even seeing them until I get home in the afternoon. I need to leave for work at 6 in the morning and Karl needs to be at work at 8 so Anne is picking the kids up and helping Karl get them ready for their day. Anne will then drop Ajura off at school and Ahmi off at my friend Danielle's. After school, depending on if I am still working, Autumn will pick Ahmi up from Danielle's and then get Ajura from school. We are so thankful for this help that I could almost cry. Trying to get all that arranged was a huge headache and it is amazing what people will do for you when you need it the most.
School is still going very well for Ajura. He is learning so rapidly and I am proud of him. He was tested to see if he needed ELL services (ummm, DUH!) and shockingly he needs them. The funny or maybe not so funny (I think my sense of humor is slightly warped) is that just prior to taking the test he had a little scuffle with his teacher and refused to participate in taking the test so the whole test just says "no response" on it. I think it is funny because we adoptive parents deal with this everyday. I just think that it is interesting that he gets that score although he refused to participate. We already knew he need ELL services so who really cares I guess. He is finally participating in PE. His ELL teacher told me, "Ajura was the last to start running, but the first to finish." "All the other kids yell, Go Ajura!" Perhaps we have a runner on our hands. He is now finally showing interest in soccer and basketball again. We got home from school one day and he said, "Mommy, basketball, soccer?" I said sure thing buddy! He will start both in November so that should put a wrench in all our scheduling but I am so excited to see him participate and learn to be part of a a team. Another funny Ajura experience is the loss of his first tooth here in America. He had a very loose bottom tooth that his teacher was encouraging him to get rid of. So one day at school he simple pulled it out, showed her, and then opened the classroom door and threw it into the gravel saying simply, "Garbage." Well there goes that. We attempted to explain the tooth fairy to him and he is looking at us like, you crazy white people what are you trying to trick me with now. He wasn't convinced in the least and since we had no tooth for showing him we just simply skipped the tooth fairy. Yes, I know, you are all appalled. Don't worry, the tooth fairy is still open for negotiation.
Here in North Dakota the season is not fall it is hunting. Or as Ahmi explains it is "dunk" (the first hunting Karl did was duck hunting so all hunting is now just dunk). Ajura has been able to go hunting with Karl and is a good little participant. He loves it so much! Yesterday he dunked all day and then jumped on the trampoline at my parents' for at least an hour so when he fell asleep on the ride home last night we weren't surprised. What we were surprised about was how hard he sleeps. We got him out of the car, up the stairs, through a bath, and hoisted onto his top bunk without him waking up! We could even stand him up as long as we held on to him and he was still asleep. When asked this morning, he states he, "sleep in Makina."
Ajura eats everything! Except apple pie, which we tried to explain that I may have to send back his certificate of citizenship (which we received this week, yeah!) for this act.
Now to little Ahmi. Finally when he says his 20 minute questioning in the morning on where everyone he possibly knows is (Daddy work?, Grandma work? Pops work? Ajura school? etc...) Karl will be able to say, yes mommy is at work. Otherwise he would get to me and look at me funny like I have no idea where to put you in this line up. He went for a 3 mile walk with me yesterday while Daddy and Ajura were dunking. I was pretty proud of the little trooper. He is also starting to help around the house. He clears the table after we eat and he kennels up our dog Kinde. This was slightly problematic when he kenneled Kinde up with his train, lincoln log set, and a drum which left no room for poor Kinde to lay down. He simply said, "Mommy, Kinde play." Good intentions.
Our most hilarious Ahmi moment this week was a dinner the other night in which we were eating chili. The boys wanted to know if we were eating chicken or cow and Karl explain we were eating cow and if you know Karl this next part won't surprise you at all. Karl then decides to explain that I hunt cows. Ahmi, taking after his dad, then decides that I hunt cows by running them over with my makina (car). He said this through interpretive dance so it was quite a show. Ahmi is definitely the entertainer of this bunch. Our advice is usually just sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
This week may be rough with us all transitioning into new roles and letting others pick up for the duties Karl and I have been doing independently but I am hopeful and know that we will get through this just like we got through other MAJOR transitions. To my co-workers, I may be a little rusty tomorrow so as Ahmi would say, Be Nice (sounding more like 'penis').
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Uninspired
That is my word for today when sitting down to write out this new blog posting. Believe it or not, although it sounds negative, it is not. Blogging is easier and more entertaining (at least I think) when there are crisis and chaos and funny disasters happening and it has been so peaceful around here that I am scared to ruin the calm by daring to mention it. My best friend asked me what I was doing this afternoon while Ahmi naps and I said,
"Umm, no idea."
His response: "You should blog."
Me: "I have nothing funny to say."
His response: "You should blog."
Me: "I'm boring right now and uninspired."
His response: "All the more reason to blog."
Me: "Fine."
So here I am blogging about peace.
We have finally really settled into a rhythm. On weekdays, Karl gets up at 6:30 and gets ready for the day. Wakes the kids at 6:45, dresses Ajura in the clothes we picked out last night (otherwise I have a feeling the olive green sweat pants and Viking shirt ensemble would make another horrid appearance), I get up at 7, shower while the kids are eating with Karl. After breakfast, I dress Ahmi and deal with the hair while Karl leaves for work. I pack a snack for Ajura and makes sure he has warm clothes in his backpack so I do not appear like an inept mother (funny that that is a beacon for poor parenting), and then drop Ajura off at school. He LOVES school. We actually drove by the school this weekend and he blew it a kiss. Wow have things changed. Then Ahmi and I hang out all day. We try to stay busy running errands and visiting friends because entertaining a 3 year old with an attention span of a squirrel for 8 hours is exhausting. Then at 1 ish, Ahmi has his nap and I have my free time. Usually spent doing laundry. My favorite part of the day (besides picking Ajura up from school) is when Ahmi wakes from his nap and just wants to snuggle. LOVE IT!!! Then we pick Ajura up. Ajura is so excited about his day at school that he talks nonstop about it on the way home and we talk about it during their afternoon snacktime. Then the boys play until Karl gets home and I make dinner. We eat, relax as a family for a bit, and then showers and bedtime. Of course, on occasion, we get babysitters so Karl and I will go out in the evening and the boys are doing really well even with that transition. We truly are doing well. I received an unprompted, spontaneous hug AND kiss from Ajura last Friday!!! Huge step for both of us.
We have been practicing for how things will change when I go back to work and talking the boys through it. In addition, I will be going to Haiti again this year in November (Karl is going to stay home this time and his parents are going to stay with Karl and the boys and get to snuggle with them while I am gone). We are already starting to teach the boys about this and preparing them. Preparation is key in this household.
Funny things this week: Ahmi was explaining to me that he should get to ride a "tinish"(small) bus since Ajura gets to ride a big bus at school. I suggested to him that I wouldn't brag about riding on the small bus. As the Vikings are actually not completely sucking this year Karl is wanting the kids to learn all his cheers. My suggestions was "How about teaching them their last names before, "Go Vikings!" Ahmi still goes by Amen. Ahmi is really fun to scare...not entirely on purpose...I don't do it all the time anyway. Ajura was able to go duck hunting with Karl. We carved pumpkins on Sunday with our friends the Leier's. Little did I realize but all these projects we do "for the kids" really just end up with the parents doing the whole thing. Ok, Karl does the whole thing. I was getting carpal tunnel carving my pumpkin.
On an interesting, kinda sad note, Ajura went to a classmates birthday party last week and did really well until he got cold. He refuses to wear gloves currently. I know, bad parent. After the party, we were at my parents' house and Ajura was trying to warm his hands up so he went to the bathroom and put warm water on his hands. The prickling and uncomfortable sensation scared the crap out of him, he literally started to scream and cry, flinging his hands in the air and scratching them. We calmed him down and I grabbed a warm (not hot) heating pack and slowly warmed his hands back up. Poor kid, and it is hard to explain to him what happened and why. Hopefully he makes friends with his gloves.
Well I think I did pretty well for being uninspired this week. Cheers to another uninspiring week as they seem to be the easiest. ;) Oh and one last thing, 3 year olds don't do well at movies...
"Umm, no idea."
His response: "You should blog."
Me: "I have nothing funny to say."
His response: "You should blog."
Me: "I'm boring right now and uninspired."
His response: "All the more reason to blog."
Me: "Fine."
So here I am blogging about peace.
We have finally really settled into a rhythm. On weekdays, Karl gets up at 6:30 and gets ready for the day. Wakes the kids at 6:45, dresses Ajura in the clothes we picked out last night (otherwise I have a feeling the olive green sweat pants and Viking shirt ensemble would make another horrid appearance), I get up at 7, shower while the kids are eating with Karl. After breakfast, I dress Ahmi and deal with the hair while Karl leaves for work. I pack a snack for Ajura and makes sure he has warm clothes in his backpack so I do not appear like an inept mother (funny that that is a beacon for poor parenting), and then drop Ajura off at school. He LOVES school. We actually drove by the school this weekend and he blew it a kiss. Wow have things changed. Then Ahmi and I hang out all day. We try to stay busy running errands and visiting friends because entertaining a 3 year old with an attention span of a squirrel for 8 hours is exhausting. Then at 1 ish, Ahmi has his nap and I have my free time. Usually spent doing laundry. My favorite part of the day (besides picking Ajura up from school) is when Ahmi wakes from his nap and just wants to snuggle. LOVE IT!!! Then we pick Ajura up. Ajura is so excited about his day at school that he talks nonstop about it on the way home and we talk about it during their afternoon snacktime. Then the boys play until Karl gets home and I make dinner. We eat, relax as a family for a bit, and then showers and bedtime. Of course, on occasion, we get babysitters so Karl and I will go out in the evening and the boys are doing really well even with that transition. We truly are doing well. I received an unprompted, spontaneous hug AND kiss from Ajura last Friday!!! Huge step for both of us.
We have been practicing for how things will change when I go back to work and talking the boys through it. In addition, I will be going to Haiti again this year in November (Karl is going to stay home this time and his parents are going to stay with Karl and the boys and get to snuggle with them while I am gone). We are already starting to teach the boys about this and preparing them. Preparation is key in this household.
Funny things this week: Ahmi was explaining to me that he should get to ride a "tinish"(small) bus since Ajura gets to ride a big bus at school. I suggested to him that I wouldn't brag about riding on the small bus. As the Vikings are actually not completely sucking this year Karl is wanting the kids to learn all his cheers. My suggestions was "How about teaching them their last names before, "Go Vikings!" Ahmi still goes by Amen. Ahmi is really fun to scare...not entirely on purpose...I don't do it all the time anyway. Ajura was able to go duck hunting with Karl. We carved pumpkins on Sunday with our friends the Leier's. Little did I realize but all these projects we do "for the kids" really just end up with the parents doing the whole thing. Ok, Karl does the whole thing. I was getting carpal tunnel carving my pumpkin.
On an interesting, kinda sad note, Ajura went to a classmates birthday party last week and did really well until he got cold. He refuses to wear gloves currently. I know, bad parent. After the party, we were at my parents' house and Ajura was trying to warm his hands up so he went to the bathroom and put warm water on his hands. The prickling and uncomfortable sensation scared the crap out of him, he literally started to scream and cry, flinging his hands in the air and scratching them. We calmed him down and I grabbed a warm (not hot) heating pack and slowly warmed his hands back up. Poor kid, and it is hard to explain to him what happened and why. Hopefully he makes friends with his gloves.
Well I think I did pretty well for being uninspired this week. Cheers to another uninspiring week as they seem to be the easiest. ;) Oh and one last thing, 3 year olds don't do well at movies...
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