Don't worry Don't worry, when she gets hungry she will eat! You remind me of myself when Sammy was born. Every little thing will freak you out for a while. You will soon come to realize that kids are durable and resilient. She is adorable and I can't wait to meet her someday.
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 : )
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!
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
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
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.
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
jealous now Traveler's Checks. I don't know why anyone does that anymore, but it was probably a great experience to see old school bankers in action. Were they using paper account books? And lots of rubber stamps? Donkeys are sooo cute. Were they terribly loaded down? I'm amazed at how much those tiny animals can carry. The shoe-shine kids sound great. What did they tell you about Abraham Lincoln? As for this Co-Op, if you want to go, you should go and not mind that the price is "too much." When are you ever getting back there? Seriously. Don't let your, "don't charge me the farenge price" pride keep you from enjoying your trip. Sometimes, you just gotta pay the premium, 'cause really, you *aren't* a local, Sahib and Memsah'b.
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.
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.
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.
Firewood??? Woman's firewood co op???? What is that? I would just LOVED to see Mike trying to cash those travel checks!!! Did you see Tigist today. Does Tigist know her Grandma and Grandpa are in Atlanta....thinking about her? Stay safe!!! Mom
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.
Nice trophy! We're so glad you arrived safely! And enjoyed a delicious-looking dinner!
How AMAZING that you happened to be on the flight with Deriba Merga!? Next time you see a Boston Marathon winner, I hope it will be because you're visiting Boston. ;-)
What a big day you have ahead today. I'm sending prayers/good vibes to all three of you.
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
Dave
non-member comment
Don't worry
Don't worry, when she gets hungry she will eat! You remind me of myself when Sammy was born. Every little thing will freak you out for a while. You will soon come to realize that kids are durable and resilient. She is adorable and I can't wait to meet her someday.