Glad you guys are keeping up the log. Looks like there's plenty of good times at the Mannelly home; can't wait to come out later this summer and meet Tig! I'm also glad to hear that lasagna is a bigger hit than dino-bites :)
Being Introduced to the SeaTac social set! I'm impressed at how comfortable Tigist looks with her pink flip phone. I couldn't help imagining the same scene in 16 years ...
It looks like you guys have had quite a time of meeting new people and trying new foods. I'm so happy to see you (all) have some playdate friends. By the time we come out for a visit, I'll be curious to see whether she also likes the delicious IKEA swedish meatballs! mmm
Love,
April
Congratulations from mariam anderson, wtc tacoma Hello Brian:
Congratulations!!!!
What a cuteee...she looks very happy. I should bring my 18 month boy, Zura, to play with Tig.
Please give her big warm hugs,
Mariam, Todd and Zura Anderson
cell: 253-279-5931
Thrilled that things went smoothly... I'm so glad to see you all home safe and sound with your beautiful little one. It appears and sounds like she's not afraid of anyone or anything!
Happy Mother's Day!
Terri
Welcome back! Welcome home Mannellys! We loved seeing the photos. Tig and Apollo look like they are just about the same size cuddling on Katrinka's lap - I know it won't last long, but how cute to hold them both while it lasts! Love, April and Alex
SAFE TRAVELS!! La familia de Mannelly,
Hey there! Linh and I really enjoyed reading your blog and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your extraordinary journey! We wish you a safe (and hopefully quiet) trip home! We can't wait to meet Tigist! We know she will be loved with no end! The Mannelly's are a blessed family and we are so appreciative that you've shared all of this with us!
Enjoy your flight home Well this has been quite an adventure for you all, as well as for us bystanders, we have followed your trip Thanks to you and this blog. We have enjoyed your posts and we look forward to seeing you in person we hope in the near future. I am sure you are excited to return home and im sure all are excited to see you return. This is just the beginning of a trip in life as parents. It can be a roller coster of emotions and excitment, every day brings a new adventure, tears of joy, Just remember 1 thing be good to your children as they will pick out your nursing home. Enjoy your trip home We look forward to all the news and we hope to meet Tigest real soon. Thank you for keeping us informed.
Jan
Tigist's security blanket It's early Fri am in Atlanta...I had to check your blog first thing. Nothing yesterday....no Tigist fix! Many many many prayers for that flight home! Hug our little Granddaughter tight! Love you, Mom
Flight home I just realized the "up side" to Tigist having a potentially tough time on the flight home is knowing that the little kid having a tough time is YOUR daughter. :-)
Ahh Parenthood! It sounds like you are both getting quite a taste of the full spectrum of the joys and confusion of parenting!!! I love how she holds onto everything - she obviously had to protect whatever she had at the orphanage or it would get claimed by another kid! Enjoy your last day of Africa and get home safely!!! Love, Susan
OK so my comments actually never got posted for some reason. Anyways - hope this works. Looks like you are experiencing the joy of parenthood. Ilike your girl a lot! We shall be good friends on the shoe basis. And eating. Ah -eating. The only real input/output modell worth while is the food intake and outtake (i have been obsessing over lack of dirty dipers for a week - terrific way to spend your time). I can't wait to see you all!
Anna
Last Day Well, it looks like Princess Tigest has mommy and daddy wrapped around her little finger and doing her bidding! lol... Get used to it! This is your life now - and you're going to love it! By now, hopefully the three of you are getting ready for a good nights sleep and your return home tomorrow. If you have a chance to read this - a tip for the way home - If Tigist has an unconsolable tantrum on the plane, find a filght attendent that speaks her language to try and sooth her. It worked wonders for Arina on the flight home. Talk to you sometime next week, after you've had tome to rest and reaclimate yourself back to the US. Love Kellie
This too shall pass Finding one comfy spot is certainly a sign of true bonding and looks like "dino nuggets" need to be added to the shopping list. She'll probably do great on the flight, and remember with a magic marker, pen or crayons you can make great puppets out of the barf bags. Love to you all.
A treasure! Oh, what a beautiful family you are! I love the commentary and photos...what a gift for your beautiful girl as she grows and makes her way in the world with two wonderful parents. I can't wait to see some pictures of you all together in her new home and squid country bedroom!
Oh! i just love hearing about how Tig is getting along - all sounds perfeclty normal - right down to the meltdowns!! So much of what is happening to you reminds me of my first days with Arina! I'm so happy that she is eating well now - just wait - she will be growing before your eyes! I can't wait until you get home so we can share "war" stories! lol... I am so happy for both of you and for Tigist. You are blessed to have her and she you. I so wished you still lived in MA - I just want to scoop Tig up and give her a big hug!! - Love Kellie
So Precious! Katrinka, I just couldn't be any happier for the 3 of you! It has been so exciting to see the latest blog post in my email every day and read about your latest adventures in parenthood and meeting Tig. She is just so precious and beautiful. Congratulations! Thanks for letting us join in on the wonder of it all. :-) Love you! Marcy
embassy I was actually holding my breath reading about your visa interview. I've heard such horror stories about the AA embassy! I'm glad round one went well and I'll let my breath out completely one I hear that that visa is in her passport and you all are good to go.
Embassy Date We checked first thing this am to see how things went....could hardly wait to get back to hotel for the update. YEAH!!! Yeah on the peas, swimming, nap...oh yes....all that paperwork STUFF!!! Love you, Mom
Katrinka and I have been preparing for our Ethiopian journey to complete Tigist's adoption for nearly nine months. After all the expectation and emotional ups and downs, we are in the final weeks before we travel! This blog is as much for Tigist as it is for our family and friends...it is our first attempt at blogging, so hopefully we stick to it and document our experience well.... full info
Terri
non-member comment
Great Joy
It gives me great joy to see you all home and having fun! Terri, PAP Ark Ethiopia