Best Day Ever (so far)

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After a mostly sleepless night for Katrinka and I, we got an early start with a delicious breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant.
We met Yayu (our in-country coordinator) at 10:00 am to review our I864 and I600 forms. We gave him some gifts (a computer bag, thumb drive, world atlas and some cash), and he took us to the foster home to meet Tigist for the first time.

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Tigist was all dressed up in a very cute orange dress. She didn't quite know what to make of us at first, but Katrinka had a few breakthroughs, beginning with bubbles. In one of the photos, you'll notice a rare but beautiful smile. After warming up to us, Tigist fell asleep in Katrinka's arms. While she napped, we exhausted ourselves playing with the other children, all of whom are smart, polite, and beautiful. Our small gifts of whirleygigs, sunglasses, and other small toys were a huge hit. The staff is incredibly gracious and provided us with a tasty lunch of pasta, eggs, chips (french fries) and popcorn...all outstanding. They also honored us with a coffee ceremony, which was really wonderful and special. The staff was very forthcoming with Tigist's schedule, eating habits and a bit of her health history. After her nap, we were amazed to witness the volume of food Tig can consume in one sitting-she likes to eat! She also likes to horde things. It was fun to watch her try to hang on to more than three things at a time...but she could do it! At one time she held popcorn, a monster finger puppet, sunglasses and a tiny horse. She also managed to draw her first picture with several popcorn kernels still in her hand. It was very difficult to leave, but we can already see the benefits of a thoughtful transition process (which we learned from Deborah Gray's book 'Nurturing Adoptions'). We'll return for another day's visit on Sunday, and give Tigist another opportunity to get to know us!

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Photos

The Mannelly Family, Together at Last!
This was our first meeting! Picture by Yayu.

Bubble Magic
The smile melted our hearts

Tigist Drawing
Another artist in the family?

Tig's Masterpiece
Definitely refrigerator-worthy!

Comments

[Dave]

She is beautiful!
Hi Guys, Tigist is beautiful. I am so thrilled for you. Keep the updates coming. It's such a great way to start my day seeing your post and photos.

[Adrian]

Wow!!
She is SO CUTE!! Keep us all posted. :o)

[Mom]

Mommy, Daddy and Tigist
Your a Daddy Brian!!!! Your a Mommy Katrinka!!!! What wonderful memories! Love you, Mom and Mike

[Susanne]

What a great family photo. You all look beautiful together xoxox

[April]

Love you Mannellys!
You three look like a team.

[Trish]

Congratulations! The first family picture of the three of you together made me a little teary...thanks for sharing these first days with all of us among your family and friends. I am very excited to meet my new niece Tigist.

[Jim, Susan, Emma and Grace]

Worth the Wait!
We just came home from Fiji and were so thrilled to see the first family photo and her precious smile! Those smiles will become more common in the Mannelly family! So wonderful you thought of the other children and that you are transitioning her so carefully. We couldn't be more happy for you all! Emma and Grace are thrilled to have a new cousin! We love you! The Siplons in NZ

[lilly]

wonderful family photo
I love the picture of the newly expanded Mannelly family. Mazel tov! We can't wait to meet Tigist.