Life is full!

We have been busy this last month. We went on a last minute trip to Colorado after Christmas. We got to spend a lot of time with family. It was especially awesome to meet Kelel and Seniat who were in the same care center as Hadi in Ethiopia. Pretty awesome story. Kelel and Seniat very much remember Hadi. We spent an evening celebrating with some injera, a staple in Ethiopian cuisine.

Enjoying a day of skating in Daddy's old stomping ground....the USAFA ice rink.

We also celebrated Hadi's 1st birthday while we were attending a wedding in Atlanta. She loved the cake right after her first swim in a swimming pool!

Hadi and her GIRL cousin Aly!

Hadi and Emily...finally some built in girlfriends in our family!

Here is a pic of my boys wearing the jersey of their favorite player and great role model...Tim Tebow!

Overall, things have gone really well. We are blessed by family and friends who have supported us on this journey. The question I get most often is, "How are the boys doing?" They are GREAT...they smother...I mean, love, her with all of their hearts. They are still understanding the whole meaning of adoption and everything that goes with that. Just the other day and actually, just now, Jon asked, "Mom, when Hadi grows up will she speak Spanish?" Ummmmm?!?! Luke asked driving to church yesterday, "Are we going to keep our sister?" I think in his 3 year old mind he thinks this is a trial basis sometimes and we are trying her out for the right fit. So innocent and very honest. Adoption is something that doesn't feel natural in our human sense but it is so completely supernatural. We rely on God to grow the bond through our hearts. It is a process but it has truly begun and we are thankful! She is a blessing! (And really LOUD....I didn't realize squealing/screaming was part of the girl make-up...I'm pretty sure I NEVER did this as a child)

That's all for now...promise to update more frequently.

Happy New Year & Off to Colorado

I vaguely remember myself saying as we got off of our last flight from picking up Hadi..."I'm not going anywhere for a LONG time." Well, it seems we just couldn't go much longer without feeling the mountain air and seeing the beautiful peaks of Colorado. We are leaving tomorrow to fly home and introduce Hadi to our family there. Should be a wonderful time with family and friends! We are especially excited to meet Kelel & Seniet and reunite all the kids.

Hadi continues to be such a great little girl. Her brothers love her so much and are attentive to her every need. They've shown me they can respond quickly when I ask them to get something for her or get her out of her crib. Wish I could figure out how to make willingly help with everything else around the house!! Here are a few pics from Christmas.

So sweet...

Hadi is a smart one...she high-tailed it out of there when the wrestling began!

Welcome Kelel and Seniet!

Just to update you...our cousin and family are home safe and sound. This is a picture of their precious family. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as the transition is very challenging coming home. Welcome home Nilsen family!

Our crazy life...

I wanted to upload a few pics of before and after we left for Africa...give you a taste of our crazy life. It is definitely full!

Fall Fun

Jacksonville Jaguars Game

Jon's 5th Birthday - Jil-leia, Chewy & ScObi Wan Kenobi came too!

Fighting Darth Vader

Big 5 Year Old

AFTER AFRICA - (OBVIOUSLY) - My first go at Pig tails

Happy Girl after bath

This is what the counter looks like at after finding out we had giardia!

Merry Christmas World!!

Home 2 weeks

We wanted to check in with everyone and update you on week 2 of being together as a family of six. To be honest, the first week was hard...really hard. Many times I just felt stuck and overwhelmed. Although, just as the sun comes up every morning, God's mercies on us (and my sanity) were renewed. It was a mixture of so many parts making our transition lighter with each day. We reflected on this during our small group this past weekend. Can we do life without community? The more I think about it and the more I live it, I say NO!

From family taking care of our kids to the many meals provided by friends and the prayers of our faithful family in Christ to the texts, emails and phone calls of support....WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED. God created the Body with many parts. Pride would infect us if we were allowed to do it on our own. We are mean't to do life together. Thank you for fulfilling one of Christ's greatest commands of loving your neighbor. We only hope we can do the same when it comes to your story.

1 Corinthians 12:27

"Now you are the Body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

This is a picture of our family and friends who came to the airport to see Hadi finally coming home. I can't help but think how lonely this picture would look if it was only me, Scott and Hadi. Look at the smiles, the tears, the cheers and the families huddled to together...we are stronger, more powerful and honestly, way more fun when we do life side by side, crying and rejoicing with each other. Thank you for this reminder...we will cherish it forever (and thank you Jonathan for capturing it).

Hadi's Welcoming Committee (AKA - The Body)

Photograph by Jonathan Gibson

www.gibsonimaging.net

Our Cousin's story

I thought I would send a link to Scott's cousin's blog. She is an amazing writer...her blog entries have been an inspiration to me. Her latest entry describes the story that unfolded while we were waiting in the Embassy for our final visa appointment. God really has intertwined our families in an amazing way. Hope you enjoy!

http://teamnilsen.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/through-the-looking-glass/

Also...here is a pic my friend took of Hadi. Too cute!

His Mercies Are New Every Morning!

Just checking in! We (meaning me) are feeling a little bit more normal. Hadi is doing lovely...she is truly a happy baby. We are thankful for this precious girl. Thank you all again for your meals, calls, texts and support. As the saying goes, "It takes a village." Here are a few pics in her new home.

Her brothers are ALL over her. They are enthralled with our african beauty.

Bath time is the best. She could stay in there all day.

She is on the move.