"More water please"

One day after I must have retrieved 6 glasses of water for Joshua I took a moment to think about how different water was for him 3 months ago. We take so many things for granted in this country, but one of the most over looked "luxuries" we have is readily available clean water. That day I truly had a moment. I sat down and wanted to cry for the time my child had gone without so much. I thought about all of the children in Africa who continue to go without and right then and there decided to do something.

This Christmas many of us are reviewing our 401k and savings accounts and are more than discouraged. We are "cutting back", saving more and praying lots. One thing we aren't doing however is drinking dirty water or not drinking at all. Our adoption agency is currently working to raise money to build a new boys orphanage. This was Joshua's first home and many of the children he spent his first year and a half with are still there. Tim and I want to help Our Family Adoptions in raising money for this wonderful place. In particular, we are hoping to raise enough money this season to dig a new well! This sounds big, but we know many people follow our journey and even pocket change adds up. We think a new well is around $4000, but would love to raise enough to surpass that number and dig a new well for the girls orphanage as well.

As you put your children to bed tonight and retrieve one last drink, as you wash your dishes or take a bath, take a moment to think how different your life may look without water. If you would like to help us in our endeavour, please send us a check made out to Our Family Adoptions. All donations are tax deductible. If you do not have our address, please email me at danielleott1@aol.com (I hesitate posting it online). We plan to compile all of the donations and send them to Jilma to be earmarked for a new well. Thank you for taking the time to consider contributing to something so dear to our hearts.

Long overdue updates

I can't believe it has been a month since I updated our blog! So much has happened. Here is a quick run down...

In November Tim celebrated the "big 35". The kids made the cake.


In December Amelia celebrated her 4th birthday and started dance classes. I was very excited to say the least.


Caleb continues to do great in Kindergarten and just lost his first tooth. He also started dance classes and seems to really enjoy them. As a prior dancer, I am thrilled, however everyone else is a bit hesitant.


Joshua continues to do great. He has adjusted so well and many days we forget he is new to our family. Amelia and Joshua spend hours on end playing during the day and after quite a while always end up disagreeing in the typical sibling manner. Caleb is definitely the "big brother". Where ever Caleb goes, Joshua is not far behind. Purchasing Christmas presents was hard for Joshua. He should be playing with toddler toys, but instead he enjoys following Caleb with Matchbox cars and Legos.

Joshua was baptized last Sunday and Grandpa and Grandma Ott were able to drive out from Kansas for the big day. My cousins, Miranda and Josh, also agreed to be Joshua's godparents and spent the weekend with us as well. The service was very nice and was a great reminder that we are all adopted in God's eyes. Caleb and Amelia wore my Dad's baptismal gown for their baptisms, however they were 6 weeks old and the gown just wouldn't do for Joshua. We decided to have him wear the outfit the ladies at the orphanage made for him and sent home with Jilma. It was perfect and will be a special memento of the day.


Lastly, we have heard great news from another family adopting from DRC. Julie and Bill Briley are the couple who first led us to Our Family Adoptions. They have accepted a new baby boy to adopt - Moses. We don't know Julie and Bill well, but they radiate faith and hope and we are certain Moses has found a wonderful home with them. Moses has Downs Syndrome, so please pray for his health while he waits for Julie and Bill. He appears to be doing well, but it will be so much better for him to be in the US and obtain the medical attention he needs. Julie and Bill hope to bring Moses home in early 2009. You can follow their journey at www.thebrileys.blogspot.com.

We did it!

I can't believe it, but we did it. We were able to assemble 16 family members at Walt Disney World for a great vacation and one big dinner together. Our annual tradition was made even sweeter this year with the arrival of our newest family member. Unbelievably we were able to share this trip with all of our family - both sets of grandparents, both aunts and uncles and 3 cousins. It was great!

Vacationing with 3 children is a little busier, but overall very doable and fun! We always feel when we come back from vacations and that we have learned something new about the kids and we watch them grow in just one short week. This trip was no exception. Joshua had been home only 9 weeks when we left for the trip and we were a little worried he may be nervous about getting on a plane again. We turned out to be half right. As soon as we arrived at the airport we could sense he was tense. He clung to us like never before and became cranky and nervous. After about 15 minutes in the airplane I think he forgot about being nervous, relished in the fact that we were all together and enjoyed flying high in the sky. Once we got to Orlando, Joshua was comfortable and seemed to express himself more that we had seen to date. It was great.

We also realized just how much Joshua loves his green stroller that helped carry him home from Africa. We took our double stroller with us, but after two days we realized it may be nice to have an umbrella stroller with us since our 6 year old got tired towards the end of the day. We had my parents bring the green umbrella stroller Jilma bought for Joshua and from the time it arrived, he far preferred to be in "his stroller" than the larger more comfortable one.


Joshua also surprised us with his love for the water. He fearlessly jumps in, goes down slides and puts his face right in the water. Caleb and Amelia (especially Amelia) loved watching him learn and just have fun.
All three of the kids loved being on the go everyday. They ate well, slept when they were tired and seemed to go with the flow great. I was even able to get them to sit down once in a great while for a picture together.


The Halloween party also turned out to be a huge success. Our army soldier, little bo peep and elephant looked adorable and had a great time at the party. I was grateful Amelia decided to wear a "girly" costume vs a doctor costume (once around all of those princesses I knew we would have a battle being a doctor) and was amazed at how Joshua left his hood on. As a matter of fact, I had a hard time getting him to take it off. We tried to surprise the kids at every turn and one big surprise was for Caleb. His best friend Nicholas was also at Disney World and we surprised them with an afternoon together. What fun!

I think the last thing we realized was how much we really do stand out. Even in 9 short weeks, we began to forget how conspicuous we were to others. After about 2 days of being around hoards of people from all walks of life, we realized we were getting quite a few looks. Everyone was pleasant and it didn't bother us, but it was definitely a reminder that our "normal family" isn't so normal to everyone else. I even watched a mom cover her about 8 year old son's mouth when he loudly began to comment on Joshua's difference in color from his family. It didn't bother me and if I had the courage to say something, I would have told her that it is OK for children to be curious and her son's comments didn't bother me. However conspicuous we may be, I am grateful Caleb and Amelia don't quite get it yet. I am sure down the road we will have many conversations, but for now I am enjoying the innocence and acceptance of my children and family.

We travel a lot and I think many people may question why. It is for stories like this. I love being purposeful about spending time together. I think traveling, no matter where you go (yes, even Walt Disney World!) allows for opportunities to learn about others and yourself. Every day there are opportunities to teach your children something valuable, but there is something about being outside of your comfort zone in a new environment and actively looking at the world around you. No matter how far we travel from home, I love watching our children actively look at their world and the people around them. Life is truly great!

Our new family

Things have been settling in quite well for us. We attempted to take a family portrait amidst the beautiful fall colors and had a tough time getting 3 children under the age of 6 to participate. Here are a few of the best...





We are just about a week away from our big trip and the kids are completely excited. Caleb talks daily about all of the things he is going to show Joshua. To be honest, I can't wait to spend 6 days together as a family just having fun and spending time together.

In some ways, I feel that since Joshua came home I have been so consumed in integrating him into our family that it is easy to forget where he came from. The last 8 weeks have been wonderful and it is an effort to take a moment to remember the crisis in the Congo still exists, minus one child. The DRC's situation is extreme and unless action is taken by the worldwide governments things won't get better. I have been reading a book called Not on our Watch by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast. Out of their work an organization was formed - The Enough Project. Click here to read more www.enoughproject.org. This is a great site to educate ourselves about the situations in Congo, Dafur, Chad and Uganda. I have also been inspired from a campaign that has been started by college students world wide. Congo week is Oct 19-25th and during this time university students are hoping to educate and inspire the world about the DRC. Visit their site to learn more www.congoweek.org. In summary...

The Congo is the greatest humanitarian crisis in the world today where nearly 6 million people have died since 1996, half of them children 5 yrs old or younger and hundreds of thousands of women have been raped all as a result of the scramble for Congo's wealth. The United Nations said it is the deadliest conflict in the world since World War Two. However, hardly anything is said about it in the media. Can you imagine 45,000 people dying each month and hardly a peep from anyone in the age of the Internet? This is literally what has happened and continue to happen in the Congo. There is a media white-out about Congo and no worldwide resolution to end the conflict and carnage there.

There is a very exciting development among students throughout the globe. In October 2008, students from the US, Canada, England, Belgium, Germany, France, Brazil, Jamaica, Norway, Korea, Ghana, Mali, South Africa, Columbia, etc. etc will organize events (films, lectures, demonstrations, and more) on their respective campuses dealing with the Congo situation. We are calling it "Break the Silence" Congo Week where at least 100 countries and 1,000 university campuses will participate in a week of activities in solidarity with the students of the Congo.

The purpose of the Break the Silence Congo Week is to raise awareness about the devastating situation in the Congo and mobilize support on behalf of the people of the Congo. It will take place from Sunday October 19th to Saturday October 25th. The key organizers are students from North Carolina A&T , UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Greensboro, University of Maryland, Howard University, Bowie University, and Cornell University.

So often we think we are just one person unable to do much in the world. I definitely feel like that, however I have begun to realize that if I learn as much as I can, tell others as much as I can, and speak up as much as I can, maybe one voice can eventually join thousands and finally be heard.

A true midwestern day

Apple picking and pumpkin picking, what else is there to say?

A hopeful reunion

Through our adoption process we have met a wonderful family in AZ. They are adopting two siblings from Jamma Letu and the hope is that they will be home in the spring. Their names are Joseph and Solange and they are adorable. To follow their story visit

http://www.thecamjam.blogspot.com/

Our lives were truly meant to cross. Cami called Jilma at Our Family Adoptions just days before we called last February. At that time, Jilma told her about 3 children -a little boy about 18 months old (Joshua!!) and a boy and girl sibling pair. Thankfully, their family wasn't looking to adopt a toddler!!! What an amazing twist of fate. While Joshua stayed at the boys orphanage he and Joseph seemed to have been buds. Below is a picture of Joshua at the orphanage with Joseph just before Joshua left. Also below is a picture of Solange. Those dimples!!





We can't wait for these wonderfully beautiful children to meet again one day. Until then, we are in prayer for a quick paperwork process and a safe trip to AZ!

One month today!!

I can't believe it has already been a month! We met Joshua one month ago today in New York and it seems like he has always been here. Things continue to go great. Joshua remains healthy and his lead levels have decreased since he has been here. His lead level was high likely due to environmental factors, but the longer he is here the more they go down so that is great. Last weekend the kids enjoyed their first "slumber party" in Joshua's room. Caleb and Amelia slept on the spare bed in Joshua's room and they all had a blast!

Joshua loves pasta (I am not sure if it is possible to have Italian roots in Africa, but no joke, the child loves almost anything related to Italian cuisine) and tonight we took him to his first visit to Maggianos. It has to be one of our favorite Italian restaurants and those who know us well understand the significance it has played in our married life - in the three major cities in which we have lived, there has been a Maggianos within miles. Joshua proved to enjoy it as much as we do.


That is about the extent of our happenings. Life seems to have become pretty status quo, but I am sure that will change. Today the kids started a countdown to our Disney trip - 28 days and counting! Each year we travel to Disney in September. With Caleb starting school this year we decided to make our trek in October to catch fall break and celebrate Caleb's 6th birthday. This has been planned long before we knew about Joshua and we are thrilled he will get to be part of it with us. Here are Amelia and Joshua getting in the spirit...

Pictures say it all...

I don't have a lot to report. Joshua continues to do well and the siblings are figuring it all out (not always quietly!). Here are some latest pictures - our first dinner out, a trip to play in the rain, the first picture we have of Joshua smiling with anyone besides us (just one so far) and hanging out on the floor with Caleb. Pictures really do say it all...

Changes...

Our first blog post in March was titled Changes. The changes we have experienced in the last few weeks have been great and wonderful. Some serious, while others humorous...

First, we are amazed at how much Joshua has changed. I even think he looks different. He understands more and more everyday and even uses many English words on his own. He very sweetly says "I wuv u" when we tell him "I love you". I know he may not know what he is saying, but it is music to my ears. One thing that I am certain of is how God has changed my heart. I actually worried before Joshua got here that it may be hard to love a child that was not biologically mine. This is a fear many adoptive parents feel, but never talk much about. How wrong I was! How easy it is to love someone God has purposefully placed in your care. Regardless by birth or adoption or some other means of care, God carefully and purposefully places children in our homes and hearts. WE are the blessed ones to have them in our lives and watch them grow.




Other changes around here have been subtle, but profound. I actually feel like things are more manageable. This may sound crazy, but I think Caleb and Amelia have really changed for the better. In the 2 short weeks Joshua has been here, everyone seems to be working well together and things seem calmer and quieter. Caleb and Amelia have a great new focus and everyone feels important and helpful. I am sure this will change once the novelty wears off (Amelia is already becoming annoyed with her little brother), but I am enjoying it while it lasts!

Lastly, I don't think this counts as a change as much as a realization, but we have seen in three short weeks, the true good in people's hearts. Just days before Joshua came home we had a scary day not knowing if the Embassy was going to issue Joshua his visa. We began asking friends and family for contacts with local and state government officials. We had an overwhelming response. Complete strangers were poised and ready to help at a moments notice. This is late, but thank you to all of you who cared enough to help us be ready to "pull a few strings". Now that Joshua is home, we have been flooded with an out pouring of well wishes. Our wonderful friends have kindly supplied us with meals and gifts for ALL of the children. Caleb and Amelia feel like it is Christmas. We have seen just what wonderful friends we really have, not to mention those people we barely know that have sent us gifts via family members. Thank you for sharing in our joy!

Now, a few changes/realizations that are a little less serious...
-Laundry seems to multiply while I sleep and there is no bottom to the basket!
-I have again realized I can change a diaper anywhere!
-Food has somehow changed from something for our mouths to something that is fun to throw on the floor.
-Everything is fun to throw.
-I don't think I have ever run a dishwasher as much. We only have one more child, right?
-Biscuit gets more attention now that in the past few years.

Overall, the past 2 1/2 weeks have been filled with joy and awe. I can't imagine what a lifetime has in store.

Bliss

I can't quite think of another good word. The last few weeks have been amazing. Joshua continues to do great and fits into our family beautifully. We went to the International Adoption Clinic at Riley on Friday and he has already gained 2 lbs! They feel he is around 20 months and exceptionally bright and developmentally on track. I haven't posted any new pictures because quite honestly, I don't have many. Joshua moves too fast! The last week has been filled with trips to the park, playing outside, exploring the zoo and just keeping up with Caleb and Amelia.

Although I think our adoption journey has been really easy so far, I have become a huge advocate of toddler adoptions. I think this age is so often overlooked. Many people want babies as young as possible and while people wait for babies, the toddlers get older and become children. There are so many advantages to toddler adoption and I think often times people focus too much on the negative and forget the amazing miracle a toddler can be. We are so thankful we choose to adopt a "slightly" older baby.

Tonight Tim and I overheard an interesting conversation between Caleb and Amelia. They were discussing skin color - not of Joshua, but of Amelia. She was wondering why she is so "white" while Tim, Caleb and I share a more beige hue closer to Joshua. She also worried her hair was the only one that wasn't brown feeling even more left out. Caleb calmly assured her that God makes all of our skins different so we can be different. I was very proud until he promised her that soon her hair would also turn brown and then we "would all be the same". I really wonder how that is going to happen! The best thing was realizing Amelia didn't see Joshua as the one not fitting it, but she wanted to be more like him. It was sweet and refreshing.

I am posting a few new pictures from the last week. I will work on getting more tomorrow.

Celebrate with us!

Tomorrow morning at 8am, we will know Joshua one whole week. Just like with any child, I almost can't remember a day without him. This week we have watched him get to know us and change daily. We have also watched him eat and eat and eat!

With the rise in food prices, hunger relief organizations all over the world are finding themselves in a shortage of money and supplies. We know this blog has reached many and our story is read by people we don't even know. We are hoping that if we have inspired you in any way, we can ask you to celebrate Joshua's homecoming with us by donating to an organization that will help hungry children all over the world. Hunger knows no culture or country boundaries. It affects millions of people every day. If we could more evenly distribute the wealth we all enjoy, extreme world poverty could be a thing of the past. Don't know where to donate? World Vision, UNICEF and Feed the Children are some of the oldest and most well known organizations that help children all over the world (even in the US). If you have been touched by the situation in DRC specifically, Heal Africa or our adoption agency, Our Family Adoptions, would be great organizations to help a child. Many people would like to get us a gift and ask what we need. We do not need anything, but so many children do. Celebrate our new son with us by giving to another!

Here are some of our latest pictures...

A few more snapshots...

We promised some people daily photos. Here are some from today...

A whole lot of firsts...

I am not going to write a lot because these pictures speak for themselves. What I will say though is how amazing it is to see so many "firsts" in such a short amount of time. When you raise a child from newborn, the firsts come at you gradually. With a child that is a toddler and lived in a place without running water, there are many firsts in a short amount of time. I will say, I never thought Target could be so awe inspiring. From a ride in the cart (weee!), to automatically opening doors, to an abundance of food I am certain Caleb and Amelia take for granted. We are blessed to be part of the following "firsts" - the first camera experience, first backyard play with Caleb and Amelia, first swing, first Target experience, first trip to the baby pool (and all in 4 days!!!)...

A perfect day...

I don't think things could have gone much better today. Part of the proof is that at 7:30pm tonight all 3 children were sleeping quietly in their rooms!!! (Tim and I are going to sleep in Joshua's room for a while until he gets used to the house.)

We met Joshua this morning at 8am at JFK airport. What a cutie! He smiled at us right away! We have been with him all day and not one tear! He is very calm, inquisitive and smart. On the way home from Indianapolis airport he talked to Caleb and Amelia the whole way. Everything they said he said right back - and well. It was amazing. They came home and all played great and then after a quick first taste of pizza (we will eat better following today) we got cleaned up, brushed teeth and all went to bed! We are waiting for the other shoe to fall. The kids have been calling him Joshua and he answers to it great. Tim and I were planning to call him Josue for a while, but we will see how the transition goes.

We are exhausted and are heading to bed soon ourselves. We can't thank Jilma enough. While we stayed home in the comforts of the US, she traveled to a harsh, unsafe and difficult place to help bring our son home. Even while we sit here tonight, she is still in route to her destination on the west coast. She is a strong woman and will always be a very important person in Josue's life. Without her, he surely would not be here today.

Here are some pictures of our day today. We will have many more to come...