6 months ago today I met Bizunesh

September 30, 2008 I met the most amazing woman. Bizunesh would remind you of Jesus's mother Mary. I sat with her, asked her questions, answered her questions, cried together and promised her that I would take great care of Selamnesh. Now 6 months later she isn't the same frail little baby we brought home. She is a beautiful, little girl. She has full cheeks, chubby thighs, talks non-stop, sings constantly, and loves to make faces. I pray that God gives Bizunesh dreams that would show her how healthy and happy she is. I love you Bizunesh!! Thank you for entrusting me with the baby you gave birth to, to allow me to be her Mommy. I will never forget that 6 months ago today, I asked you what you wanted us to call you. And when I asked if you wanted to be called birth mother you said. "No, I am Bizunesh. You are her Mother" I love you, pray for you, and Selamnesh has her own name for you. We look at this picture of you above her crib every night and give you a kiss.




Look at this Ethiopian Princess!! I am planning an Ethiopian Princess party for Selamnesh's 2nd Birthday!! I had to make some alterations to the dress. She loves it!! She wanted to wear her pretty shoes to bed tonight!! It's so hard to tell her she can't....... She is a princess.........





Classic Selamnesh.... In her princess dress, crawling into and sitting in the dog's crate!! Jacques is such a great dog!! Annoying, but a great dog!! He hates it,but does nothing about it, but almost daily she climbs in, and closes the door, sometimes she can get the door closed before he slips in, but usually he is too fast for her.

Learning to snowboard

This past weekend we went to this small ski hill to learn to snowboard. The kids have been skiing for a number of years with their dad. But he would never allow them the chance to learn the art of the snowboard. It takes much more talent and skill to balance on the edge of this board while propelling yourself down a steep decline. And thanks to a very talented snowboarder of 23 years, my children got 1on1 attention. To see the joy on their faces as they accomplish something for the first time........Do you remember the joy it brings to see your children learn to do something for the first time?? I could have cried all night. I am so very proud of them both!! Thank you Travis for being so talented, gracious, and patient.

Selamnesh loved eating the fresh snow!!

Winter park

What a great time to share some family LOVE!!!!


On a wonderful warm winter day we went to a park that has a little zoo. We didn't see much but had a great time!!! We fed some Mountain Goats, saw a Bobcat, an very tame, wild bunny and a lot of empty cages. Selamnesh liked being pulled in the sled more than feeding animals.

My Baby has her Driver's License

Look a this little Gril All Grown up!!!!

Sweet 16

Sixteen Years ago on a very icy, early morning I gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl. And this week we celebrated her 16th birthday!! Friday we had a sweet 16 party at a dry nightclub. It was a great time and and great time had by all. All night I kept asking Lauren, Are you having a good time? She would smile and say yes. Mid-evening she asked me, Mom are you having a good time? I started to cry. Yes, if you are happy, I'm having a great time!! Isn't that just it??? When we see out babies having a wonderful time, it makes our evening wonderful...... Lauren has a great group of friends, half from school, and half from church. And then there is Marty.... gosh I love that guy, and he is good for her. NO not a boyfriend. Lauren isn't allowed to have one of "those". But a great guy who keeps her compass north.

Happy Birthday Baby!!! I love you so very much!!!!

Other updates.........

I have been asked today what other updates I have on my baby girl........

She has changed so much!! And keeps me running!!!!

She took her first steps the day after Christmas. Since as of today is taking 6 little shuffle steps. That might span 2 feet. Huge for a little girl that was dragging her left leg behind when she tried to crawl just 3 1/2 months ago.

She now calls me "Ma ma" loudly from across the room.

How many times is too many to tell your baby that you love them..... Last night as I held her in my arms, I looked into her eyes and said I love you. she replied.... Aaa lub ooo. I wept.

She calls Lauren Sisis when asked to say Sissy.

Tristan we call Bro, and it comes out like Bo.

She will try to repeat anything you say.

She loves to climb the stairs, and is just getting the hang of going down.

Doing work at my desk is a disaster....she grabs every file folder and it's quickly flung on the floor.

She will sit in the exersaucer for about 15 minutes while I'm running on the treadmill.

She loves playing with her kitchen set.

Bizunish would be proud, I sure am.............

Dr. Visit

We went to the Dr. and they did all the blood tests. I was really nerveous..... Is she healthy?? Does she have Malaria again?? She didn't have fevers before and she had Malaria. She hasn't run a fever since we met. Have her liver functions spiked again?? We had her portraits taken the day before we were admitted to Children's Hospital. She looks healthy, but she did before. I sat across from Dr. Kellner, and he told me that I might doubt him. Have I ever said how much I love this Dr.??? He is so awesome!!!!!!!! But he said..... Anna if her tests come back normal, I won't need to see you until her 24 month appt. I cried...How can I trust in God, but still have fear my baby is going to get sick again?? How can I trust Drs. that can't tell me what she had or if it will ever come back?? We tested her blood every 3 days, then twice a week, then once a week, then twice a month, now once a month. And now you tell me that we will go 4 months without testing her blood??? I have to trust him, I have to trust Him. God almighty!! This is no suprise to Him. Lord God, you gave me this Baby girl to take care of. She is yours.

Selamnesh is now 21# and 30 inches long. She has gone from 6-9 month clothes to 18 month clothes in 2 months. I can hardly change her closet in time. She is the best dressed little girl all thanks to Once Upon a Child.

She had to have 2 shots, and then the blood draw. I actually helped to hold her down for the first time. My heart ached!!!! A few hours later Dr. Kellner called me on my cellphone. Have I said how much I love this Dr.??? He has called me while on vacation, on a Saturday...... He said all of her blood levels are normal!!!!!