Charlevoix!!!

Sweet little best buddy turns 5

This boy can make anyone happy. He is awesome. In every way. Griff, your mom and dad love you more than words could explain. Your eyes are amazing and your smile melts us, not to mention the struggle you have with your "l's" and "r's" right now....you're just the bomb. We love how you are so sensitive and cautious with new things and people---and yet it's because you care so much and you want to understand. We love how you are such a fun little boy---you want to jump, and run (all of the time), and wrestle and eat ice cream and jump on beds, and pretend you don't want hugs (but then beg for back scratches and cuddles...) Griff you have every inch of our hearts. Happy 5th birthday sweet precious boy---and stop growing up so fast. 

Court Day and exploring Addis Ababa

Thursday June 4, 2015

We woke up today,  and after a yummy breakfast at the hotel, we were driven to court. We woke up excited and pumped about life. It was so hard to leave you yesterday but we were beyond excited to make Grady our legal son today...and that we did.

Tizita, Semmi, and Woudneh---three advocates of adoption, three phenomenal people who work for West Sands Adoptions, and three people who walked us through every moment of this week.

This was taken just as we walked out of the court room! BIG SMILES! The judge asked us about 20-25 yes or no questions and that was it. Not difficult or stressful, but absolutley official!

The court house--

And then we continued on with our day, exploring the big city and ending with the most amazing celebration and dinner at a restaurant called BATA. What a day---one of the most amazing days we have ever had together, Ryan and me. So so special and fun.

The view of Addis from the balcony of our hotel room at the SIDRA hotel

At the market, buying some fun stuff for our family and kiddos! :)

Inside of Tomoca coffee...nothing like it. We each bought a macchiato for a total of $.95!!!



our group---outside of BATA

Friday June 5

Entoto mountain was our big excursion for Friday, our last day in country. We drove up the mountain, saw some beautiful sights and old pieces and buildings of the original King's castle, and enjoyed the afternoon. However, we were ready to be home and tired...anticipating an 18 hour flight home, and emotional...

Four special hangouts with our little man

1) June 1 noonish. We stayed about an hour...
Seeing Grady's face, in person, for the first time was one of the most surreal moments of our lives.  We were so tired and so jet lagged, but our hearts were pounding and we just couldn't wait to see meet you. Grady, you looked so familiar and yet we don't know you yet. It's a weird feeling. We love you tremendously--more than words could say. And yet you are so so scared of us. You cried a lot today as we met you, mainly because the setup for us to visit with you was not warm and comfortable. But touching your face and holding you on our laps---it was perfect.

2) June 2nd, AM--we stayed for over two hours this morning...

When we arrived this morning the nannies tried to put us in two chairs, in a room alone, and then they brought you to us. It was tense and uncomfortable for you, and not the way we would have wanted to see you at first today. The first 30 min of our visit were very emotional for me and also for you, little man. You cried and cried, and it felt so weird and strange knowing that I was your mom and yet I couldn't calm you down. I finally had to ask a nanny to help. I asked if we could play with you and make it more fun...

It worked. This young girl, Helen, was a beautiful 19 year old nanny that was just amazing. I could have cried just at how helpful she was and how much she loved you, too. My phone and my sunglasses won you over...and eventually the soccer ball we brought. It ended up being a glorious morning. We got our first smile out of ya buddy!

3) June 3 PM--we stayed another two hours or so...

We came back to see you later in the afternoon, after you had napped and after we had fed some wild monkeys, and visited with Semmi and Woudneh's parents. We were SO excited to see you again Grady---we just marched right into the orphanage and bypassed the "formal visitation setup." We walked right into your room and you were standing in your crib in a bright red shirt. So handsome. Dad and I just played with you and your friends and we loved every minute of it. I got to feed you sweet tea and a bottle, watched the nannies feed you injera bread, saw how silly you were...and loved every minute of it. They changed your clothes while you were there, into a blue flowered little outfit. Didn't even matter--cute as a button. Before we left you wore my shoes and we got to see you and your friends walk around outside for a few minutes, the only time we saw you leave your room. We left there with our hearts full and happy. You didn't cry once and you seemed to be more comfortable with us this afternoon. 

 

3) June 3, 9 AM-- we stayed for about an hour...

This was a quick visit and had to be a quick goodbye. When we walked into your room you smiled at us right away. We played with you, a little yellow truck and your friends. You loved it. You played with my phone and you got on and off a plastic chair in your room. You were having a blast in that simple little room and your smile could melt anyone. What a special boy you are, Eyasu/Grady Snow!!!!

We have to leave you today but tomorrow you become our son, legally. What an amazing trip this is.