Jan 17, 2009

Tah Dah!

Tah Dah!
We are back from beautiful Addis Ababa, Ethiopia! We are in love with the country and people, they have been permanently embedded into our hearts. Our trip went smoothly and without a hitch, thank you all for covering us moment by moment in prayer. We could feel the power of that prayer in every detail of our time in Ethiopia.
We are truly head over heals in love with our Little Beauty, who is still nameless, as my Knight and I are wrestling with what we should name her. We should know in the next few days, I'd think! She is a Beauty for sure, has tons of personality and a mind of her own, but has bonded to us so well, that when passed back to her old care givers at Hannah's Hope Ethiopia, that she would cry and would only be consoled if given back to me or my Knight. They were surprised, as I guess this doesn't normally happen so soon, but Hey-that is my GOD.
She sleeps 11-12 hours a night, two naps in the day.
Currently 17 pounds, 9 months old and already has us wrapped around her fingers. She eats without fuss and is happy to try anything we will offer her. (She particularly liked the gingerale on the plane!)
Her smallest brother, King Bonkie (5), said upon meeting her, 'I have been waiting my whole life for you, I love you Sweetie.' He can't stop kissing her and wants to hug her again and again.
Her brother King Meemer (6), said after he kissed her little brown cheek, 'I love you my little Crumbcake!'
All 6 kids have totally embraced her, all have held her, kissed her, jiggled her, squeezed her and totally adore her. They keep saying how much they love her and how happy they all are that God gave her 'to us.' sigh! They don't want to eat or play or do anything that takes her out of their sight. My heart is so blessed to see how moved they all are, by her finally coming to her spot in the family.
I turned the plaque that Hallie made me, that hangs on my kitchen wall...it now says, 'One homemade and 6 adopted!' Glory, glory, glory to God! Hallie was wise and made the tiny hanging flippable hearts, go up to the number 12 (to which she apologized for not have gone higher)-that girl has got my number!
I will need to figure out how to change my header...perhaps someone can guide me, so I don't end up messing up the whole blog?
Thanks to all of you, for your financial support, your prayers, your friendship along the path of this journey. It has been a hard adoption, but the final week was worth all the tough times. All God's Children really is in the details of the pick-up, our papers were all perfect, the Embassy appointment went smoothly for all 8 families and all of have nothing but good things to say about the agency and the orphanage they run...Hannah's Hope Ethiopia, is a blessing in so many ways. Our children are blessed to have spent time in the care of these loving handpicked employees of Hannah's Hope-All God's Children.
Almaz, the Ethiopian director-well, she truly is all you have heard and more. She is the backbone of the ministry that goes on there, she is wise and an excellent leader, but also extremely tender for each in her care. A beautiful woman inside and out, and one whose influence will never be forgotten.
Our hearts are full...as we are Over the Moon with Joy!
She came home with a cold, lots of congestion and coughing (not to mention drool), but still manages to giggle and bat her eyelashes-letting us know she loves us too!
God is good.
Introducing....









Hope you won't mind lots of pictures over the coming days...we took 1400!

79 comments:

StarfishMom said...

You have been in my prayers ALL week. It's so good to see you home with your 'little beauty'. She is SOOOO beautiful!!! God is so good. I look forward to watching her grow and the joy she will bring to your growing family. What a blessing!!! Bring on the pictures.... :)

Beth said...

OHHHH, Kimmie!!!! She is SO incredibly beautiful. I've been praying for you and checking in... just waiting for an update. Please, please more pictures! Praise the LORD.

missy said...

welcome home. she is gorgeous! maybe you should just officially name her "little beauty"...it just fits. so glad things are going so smoothly.

Shonni said...

Oh My Gosh, she is BEAUTIFUL. She looks healthy and loved. YEA!!! Another little blessing home!!
Thank you GOD

Johanna said...

I was just thinking about you yesterday and today. :) She is just beautiful! Beautiful! What a blessing for all and I can't wait to see the pictures!

How exciting!

HandsRaisedToHeaven said...

Oh my, Kimmie! She is more beautiful than I imagined. I love seeing the picture of you with her sleeping. Wonderful. Can't wait to hear and see more of your happy family. Blessings and prayers to you!

Lindsay-ann said...

Hi Kimmie
I have been thinking and praying for you over this past week and waiting anxiously for news.
Little Beauty truly is beautiful. I am glad to hear she is getting along so well with you all and everything in Ethiopia went smoothly.
I look forward to more pictures and updates.
Lindsay

javamamma said...

Oh my goodness! She is absolutely adorable! I'm so happy for your family. Will so be looking forward to all the photos!

Stephanie said...

Bring on the pictures!! I could just stare at her cute little face all day!! :-) God has brought you to my heart often this week and I have prayed! prayed! prayed! I'm so glad your trip went smooth and she's home safe in your arms! Can't wait to hear more!!

Tami said...

What a beautiful baby! She looks so happy. I've been waiting anxiously for you to get back.

Congratulations.

Check out this site http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/ - you can look up names by their meaning if you want something that means "Beauty."

Stacy said...

KIMMIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am crying tears of joy for you. And weeping- intermingled with gasps of wonder- at the sight of your beautiful daughter. She is most precious.

Congratulations, *all* of you. Isn't it a wonderful thing to follow the heart of our Father? He puts things together so well.

(((Hugs)))

Anonymous said...

I had to sit on my hands to keep from calling you! She is beautiful of course and I'm so glad that everything went smoothly. Can't wait to see her in person and hear all the details!

BittersweetPunkin said...

Oh Kimmie! I logged onto my blog and saw that sweet little face in my sidebar and I ran right over!!

Yes, Beautiful describes her quite well!! God is GREAT..I am so happy for you and your family...such a Blessing indeed.

Hugs,
Robin

Liz said...

she is absolutly gorgeous! man she is beautiful :) i have been reading your story for months now, GOD is so good!!! thank you for sharing your life!!
liz

Tracie said...

Oh Kimmie, I can hardly stand it! Oh my, Oh my the goodness of God overwhelms me.

She is absolutely gorgeous and I must say looks simple perfect in your arms, my sweet friend.

Longing to hear more!

Anonymous said...

Welcome home!

I'm so happy for you and your family. Goodness, she is such a cutie! :) Looking forward to more pictures.

God is so good!

Martha said...

She is absolutly Heaven sent!! So beautiful! Her eyes are stunning. How wonderful the gift that God has given to you.

So happy for your gift - and safe return.

Blessings,
~Martie

Jennifer said...

Oh Kimmie she is beautiful! and she looks soo happy... What a blessing.
God Bless you All.

A Blessed Life said...

You have truly been blessed with a beauty. Welcome home!

Anonymous said...

Even though we don't know each other, I have been anxiously checking your blog daily wanting to know all was well. I praise God for all He has done through you. Congratulations!

A. said...

What a happy looking little girl! I'm so glad you had a safe trip. And what lovely wide thoughtful eyes on your Little Beauty, too!

Best,
Allison

Anonymous said...

Yay! Praise God! Congratulations. :D

Julie said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!!

I am so happy for you!!!

Quinne said...

Hi Kimmie :) Welcome home! Your sweetie is lovely. Kiss those cheekies for us - and give hugs to all of her big sisters and brothers. Keeping you close in prayer! LOve, Q

Anonymous said...

She`s so incredibly gorgeous!!! I`m in love already. :) I totally cried reading this post because I`m just so happy that you finally have your baby in your arms. sniff.

Oh, and by the way, it was SO mean to put the photos all the way at the bottom, I was reading and thinking, "Seriously? We don`t get to see this little one?!"

Thrilled to hear how your boys welcomed their new sister home. That`s just so wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I'm elated for you and insanely jealous. (Only in a good way, of course! :)) I've been checking on you frequently. I'm thanking God for your safe journey home, and for the journey you are about to embark on as her forever family. I just got goosebumps when I saw her picture and, well, I don't even know you, but I just can't stop smiling. Praise be to the only wise God...

Ron & Maria said...

Wonderful to have your whole family home! (until next time!) Congrats! God is soooo GOOD! Thanks for sharing, can't wait to see the other 1395 or so photos!

Troy said...

How perfect! Amazing to see God's goodness through your post ... thanks for sharing!

Valerie said...

I have to be honest. I was reading and reading, and crying (happy) and reading... and then I caught the glimpse of the top of a picture... and I stopped reading. :) I quickly scrolled down so I could see that precious little face and my heart near burst. That is an absolute bundle of cuteness you have there. If I could squeeze her cheeks through the computer I would. :)
I can't speak for anyone else, but I would love to see 1400 pictures!
Congratulations to you all on the arrival of your little beauty.

Marian said...

Congratulations, and welcome home all of you! She has those classic, gorgeous Ethiopian eyes. (Every time I've been able to pick out another Ethiopian in a crowd is always because of the eyes!)

Anonymous said...

OH. My. Gosh. She is adorable! And look at you with that sling on--perfect! She fits you perfectly, I can tell. Give her a big hug for me. A little package will be on it's way next week for you!

Marilyn - A Mixed Bouquet said...

She is beautiful! I am eager to see what you name her.

Praising God with you! Yes, she was chosen especially for your family. Thank you, Lord!

Anonymous said...

She is so beautiful! Congratulations on your true Little Beauty... from the heart of God to yours! Celebrating and SO happy for you, Kimmie and family. Love, a faithful blog-reader, Camee :)

Tammy said...

What a celebration to come here tonight to find you home with many answered prayers...the greatest of which is that precious baby!

Enjoy your babymoon which is assured to be filled with joy!

{{{{{Kimmie}}}}}

Blessings,
Tammy ~@~

Heather K said...

Kimmie--she's beautiful! How did it go with the birth mom? Did you get a chance to talk to her about Jesus?
looking forward to all those amazing pictures that I'm sure are coming!!
take care
Heather

Polka Dotted Pickles said...

Yay!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you and encouraged to keep on in my dream to adopt. She is beautiful.

Jodi said...

Oh Kimmie!!!! She is so absolutely gorgeous. My mind is reeling at the joy you must be feeling right now. Oh praise God. I can't wait for more pictures. God bless your sweet family.

Bernie said...

Expat Mom (aka Genesis) sent me across to check out your little girl... I am so glad I have come across as she is so cute!!!

Congratulations on her arrival...

Amrita said...

She is a beauty indeed. praise God everything worked so well i would love to hug and cuddle her as well.

Lotsa love, Amrita

Amrita said...

Think of the Ethiopian word for beauty

Renata said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! What a beautiful little beauty you have there! Such a precious gift from God! I have been thinking & praying for you all over the last week! I'm so glad everything went so well - praise the Lord! She is so cute!! - looking forward to more pics@@

Anna said...

Ohhhhh, no, she can't be that BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Because, WOW!!! Enjoy for all of us, okay ? :)

Anonymous said...

Ohmy! I am SOOOO excited for you all!! Congratulations, Kimmie, Knight and big brothers and sisters!!!!

Praise God!!

May all these moments be embedded in all of your hearts as you bask in His goodness.

She is such a Beautiful girl!

Hugs and rejoicing,
HeatherJ

The Red Thread Kids: said...

Kimmie... Miss Little Beauty, and family...

Big, big hugs! I thought and prayed this past week for all of you, found myself wondering on 'the day' if you had met her just yet. Like the others, ran to your blog first thing when seeing you were home.

She is so adorable, and looks so much like she embraces life by the moment. Beautiful baby girl, God has truly watched over all of you. Welcome home.

Take care and kiss your sweet baby girl for me.

Always,
Me

Dawn G said...

What a gift. Praise God for His goodness!
So thrilled for you and your family!

Letitia said...

Oh, my WORD!!! she is absolutely adorable...and a beauty for sure. I can't get over her precious face. I am so thankful that this particular journey is finishing for you all, and that the trip was safe and uneventful. May God bless your home and this little girl's heart.

HandsRaisedToHeaven said...

Hi, Kimmie, I'm sure you're super busy with Little Beauty and enjoying her, but would you take a moment to read my blog and pray for our girls and the situation that has come up. Thank you prayer warrior. We are praying for God to move mightily and powerfully and help our girls get home to us.

Blessings,
Jenny
www.homeschoolblogger.com/HandsRaisedToHeaven

Lovella ♥ said...

Undeniably the most beautiful baby I have seen. . .since my grands were born (smile). I just said to my dil yesterday. . .Oh I must check Kimmie's blog to see if they are home. . .and here you are.
Oh. . .I wish you lived around the corner. . .I too would be hard pressed to be doing anything but kissing that little brown cheek .. .give her a hug from Tante Vellie for me.
God has used you to be such an encouragement to so many. . .Praise God.

Jeff and Amy said...

Oh my goodness what a little angel!! That first photo absolutely melted my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kimmie,
I don't remember how I found your blog, but I have been following your adoption journey for awhile and am rejoicing with you at the gift of your precious little Beauty! Oh, she is just amazingly beautiful and wonderful! I am so happy the Lord has brought you all together! And, I'm glad you will be posting more pictures! :-)
Blessings to you!

Duckygirl said...

Welcome home! I am so happy for all of you :) She looks so healthy and happy and I could sit here and look a tons of photos...so post away!

-Laura

Lovingmyamazinglife said...

She is so beautiful,a total doll,I am so happy your all home,and thrilled for you.

Pura said...

What a beautiful and happy little girl are you both blessed with! ... God is so good all the time! - i'm sure that all her siblings will make turns to take care of her ;)
Hugs

Jenni Lynn said...

I know you are searching for a name but let me tell you, Little Beauty suits her so well. She is adorable. Glad things went so smoothly and bring on those pics!

Unknown said...

Oh, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I've been praying for you guys all week. She really is a beautiful little girl. What blessings for you all! :)

Sondra said...

She is absolutely beautiful! I love that little orange dress.
I am so so very happy for you Kimmie. For all of you.

Dawn said...

I'm not sure beautiful is a powerful and all-encompassing enough word! Praise God, Praise God, PRAISE GOD!!!

Kristine Mullen said...

Absolutely wonderful!! Congratulations. God is AWESOME and we are so happy for all of you. Keep the pictures coming.

Michelle said...

Kimmie,
I am so excited to finally see her. What an adorable little girl! What sweet reactions from your little guys.

Blessings,
Michelle

HouseOfSmooches said...

Oh Kimmie, She is really and truly Little Beauty!! I'm crying tears of joy for you. I love that your big kids are so excited to have her in your family. Praise God!! And I can't wait for more pictures :)

angie {the arthur clan} said...

It was overwhelming to read how your other children welcomed her into the family with open arms...what a beautiful moment that must have been for you to see! She is indeed a "Little Beauty" ~ what a blessing she will be to you and that you will be to her. May God bless you all!

So excited to know you got back safely...can't wait to see all 1400 pics now. :)

Anonymous said...

she is absolutely beautiful! Breathtaking! We are so happy for you and your family. God is good!

Liane said...

I just saw that sweet face peeking at me while I was visiting my sis, Bittersweetpunkins, blog. She is absolutely beautiful. Congratulations and my God continue to bless you and your family.
-Liane

Bobbie-Jo said...

Kimmie - I am so thrilled! Your pictures are stunning and I hope to see nearly all 1400 of them!!!

Praise God!

Amy said...

I've been praying for a safe return! God IS great and she is SO gorgeous. I can see how she would be wrapped around anyone's finger! I'm looking forward to tons more pics and getting to know this precious daughter of yours!

And what your other little children said to her is so sweet! She is loved! Many congrats!!

Luke Holzmann said...

Woo-hoo! Congratulations! Yay!

And if you need help with the header, let me know. It's pretty straightforward: Blogger->Layout->little "Edit" button in the Header area. But if you want to do major changes, you may have to get your hands on the code [smile].

~Luke

Carla said...

Oh, my, what a perfect fit! Congratulations on your new baby, and your perfect fit!!!

Jill V. said...

I am soooo happy for you and your family! Prayed and cried happy tears for you all!! Our God is so Faithful!

Tracy said...

Yummy, yummy...YUMMY!!!! She sure is a cutie!

Anonymous said...

Oh My Goodness, She's absolutely beautiful!!! Congratulations! I'm so glad your trip went well and that you are bonding well with your precious baby girl. Our God is so good!

Btw, how did the meeting with her birth parents go?

Nunnie's Attic said...

OH KIMMIE! I'm so happy for you and your family. And I'm so proud of your heart. You are truly an angel on this earth and I am blessed for having known you. You are in my prayers and may God bless your home even more than He already has.

Loving you,
Julie

Anonymous said...

I gotta say I love the pictures where she is wearing orange... certainly a much better replacement for Mr. Orange Baby, isn't she!
KH

Joshua Grover-David Patterson said...

Congratulations! I answered your pronunciation question back on our blog.

The dB family said...

Ohhhh! She is darling! Glad to read that our Lord has brought you safely home again and that she is adjusting so well! What a beautiful and wonderful blessing!!!

Greta Jo said...

Welcome home! Praise God, what a beauty.

julie said...

oh my she is the most lovely little beauty. you are all so blessed.
julie harris

Joy Portis said...

Bring on those photos, I want to see them ALL! She is beautiful and your love shines through in each photo! I can't wait to hear more about your time in Ethiopia! Praise God for carrying you through on this blessed journey! Thanks for sharing it with us!

MANY blessings my friend!

Spirit of Adoption said...

wOOOOOHHOOOOO! She is an absolute beauty!!!! Congratulations! I'm smiling from ear to ear w/ thanksgiving!!!!!!

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

Kimmie, Kimmie, Kimmie! I am over 300 blog posts behind, so today is the first day I've seen your beautiful, beautiful girl. She stole my heart! Oh, she is precious. I'm so thrilled for all of you. (And a tad jealous,if I'm being honest.)

You could never have too many pics. I'd look at all 1400.

Of course I'll pray for you!!! My honor. Praying even as I'm typing (which is slowing me down) that God heals you all quickly and gives you all the rest you need.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin