Settling In

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We arrived home two weeks ago today and so much has happened in that short
time! We are settling in a nice routine--more smiles and giggles and fewer
tantrums. Nice!

Tigist had her first visit with the international adoption doctor this week.
She has some growing to do and now we have some solid baseline measurements
from which to start. The doctor said that we should let Tigist eat as much
as she wants! That almost makes up for the shots and blood draws in Tig's
book! Almost.

Yesterday Tigist had her first of many play dates with our next door
neighbor Kendalyn who is just a few months older than Tig. Kandalyn and her
mom Heidi brought Tigist a book, blanket and some music CDs! Score! The pink
cell phone turned out to be the hot toy of the day and it caused a few
problems until we decided to go outside and play on Kendalyn's riding toys.
Boy, was that fun! For a while Tigist pushed Kendalyn on one of the toys
then they raced against each other with an amazing number of ties resulting.

Today we had another play date with a group of Ethiopian adoption families
that meets once a month at a playground in Seattle. It was a beautiful,
sunny day. We made lost of friends and eventually Tigist warmed up to
exploring some of the equipment. She greeted many of the kids and parents
with a wave and her high-pitched "hi."

Happily, we have discovered that Tig is a fan of mom's lasagna. Other new
foods this week that got the thumbs up include cheddar cheese, orange juice
and lingon berry crepes. That last one is a give away that we also went to
IKEA this week. Tigist likes IKEA!

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Photos

Talking on the cell phone
Toy #1 as of Wednesday

Is this Tigist sharing?
Nope.

Playing with Mommy
Making soup. Or is it stew?

Toddler racing
Odds favor Kendalyn.

Yep, Kendalyn by 6 lengths
Give Tigist some time and training, she'll make up the gap in no time!

Hanging out in the yard
Heidi, Kendalyn, Tigist and Katrinka

At the big toy
Meeting new friends with the Ethiopian adoption play group!

Lasagna!
One of Tig's favorites!!

Comments

[April]

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

[Rachel]

Eager to Meet Tig!
Let me know when you do future Seattle playground trips. I want to come play!

[Trish]

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 :)

[Terri]

Great Joy
It gives me great joy to see you all home and having fun! Terri, PAP Ark Ethiopia