A low-key Sunday

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Today, we had a short visit with Tig that started quite well. She was excited to see us. She fell asleep in Katrinka's arms as Brian distracted the other children. It is amazing how "inka binka bottle of ink" can be so hilarious to Ethiopian kids. Unfortunately, when Tig woke up, she refused to let Katrinka feed her lunch (curly pasta with spaghetti sauce). We did manage quite a few Cheerios earlier in the day, so we know she wont starve. It was VERY hard to leave, and we decided that tomorrow will be the day that we bring her back to the Hotel to be a full-time Mannelly.

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A high point of the day was dinner outside the Hilton at the Finfine Restaurant (thanks Brianna & Sasha for the most excellent recommendation)! A completely authentic culinary experience we wont soon forget. We braved the walk home (only 10 blocks or so) and were happy that no 'little escorts' joined our trek back. Tomorrow promises to be a big day!

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PS...
Thank you for all your comments and messages...we really look forward to reading them every time we post!

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Photos

Tigist asleep with Katrinka
Our angel.

Tig's first English word (we heard)?
"LION"...can you believe it?

Dinner at Finfine Restaurant
Yummmm

Comments

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I love reading your updates! What a great adventure and such a memorable way to add to your family.

[Grandma Kathy]

Looks like fun
Guess some lions etc. will need to be included in the "underwater" menagerie.

[Cheri]

LION
Lion...Lion of Judah...Haile Selassie I. Maybe you have a rastafarian in the making here...or maybe she's just a cat person. Reading these blogs, I'm getting what a huge thing this is. I'm all nervous for you and Tigist! It's going to be such a huge change for her, but you guys are going to be great parents.

[April]

Cheerios never fail, even in Addis
Alex and I were just wondering how long you would keep visiting without bringing her to the hotel. We both agreed you have done it longer than we think we would be capable of! I'm sure it is easing the transition for Tig. BTW, I always hated pasta and sauce as a child. I liked naked pasta, no sauce. Even when my father did choo-choo train bites.

[Uncle Mark]

WOW
Good Morning from the good old USA, your journey sounds like it has beyond doubt, truly been a marvelous adventure along with adding the newest member (Tigist) to the Mannely household. Setting up this blog and allowing your friends and family to share this monumental moment in your lives is something I’m sure we will all treasure and remember as you fell in love and bonded with your beautiful new baby. I for one was excited and looked forward each day to the new blog then comments for your friends and family. I cannot imagine your excitement and then anxiety during all the months of postponements, delays and red tape, is now all gone the very instance that you held Tigist in your arms the very first time. Thank you, for allowing us to share with you this moment in time in your life. I Love You both and now all three, y’all have a safe, fast flight home. Maybe, there is time for yet another experience before your leave Ethiopia, I’m sure you will be back, some day. Uncle Mark

[Jan]

wonderful
There is nothing in the world more exciting or wonderful then being a parent I know, A new chapter in your life for sure begins tomorrow I hope it is as exciting as you dreamed it would be. We look forward to you next post and soon your journey home.

[Cousin Emma]

My new cousin
I am so excited to met Tigist, my new cousin! These pictures of her brighten up my day. Can't wait to met her!

[Kellie]

Katrinka and Brian, I love logging in everyday and reading about your adventure. I showed my parents last night. They were very impressed and of course fell in love with Tig on sight (well on sight again - I've been showing them all of her pictures). As you read this, you may already have Tigist with you. Please don't be overly concerned if she doesn't warm up to you right away after you take her from the orphanage - remember, you are still basically strangers, not mommy and daddy yet. I had a number of trials with Arina that first week in Moscow. She was fine leaving the orphanage - sang then slept the whole way back to Moscow, but once we settled in, we had a quite a few full out trantrums (she even bit my chin! kinda funny now, but not then!). Take it slow and have patience. - you have a lifetime together! I can't wait to see more pictures! Love Kellie

[Stephen]

What an adventure
This is such a great start for your adventure! I am so happy for both of you and Tig! Thanks for allowing me to join along and live vicariously through all of you!

[sue]

i am enjoying reading about your trip!!! i am living vicariously through you guys! my court date is a month away! :)

[Diana]

What an exciting adventure!
Thanks so much for sharing your adventure, it's truly inspiring and very touching. I've logged on daily to check out your status and it's so thrilling reading what's new, and seeing photos really gives dimension. Tigist is such a doll and is just adorable. It really sounds like you guys have bonded, and you make it look and sound so easy – way to go! I'm sure Tig just feels and sees the love from her new parents. Congratulations, and keep up the chronicle, it's wonderful. In fact, you guys ARE wonderful people, I hope you know that. Take care, Diana : )

[Mom]

Cherios!
The world is indeed small....ALL children love cherios! So anxious to hear how Tigist liked the hotel. Much love to you, Mom