Friday, October 4, 2013

Two Years Together

This week we sold our white Pontiac to a friend at work. Oh how I had dreamed of that day and a new car! So it surprised me when as I was closing the back door for one last time, I had a vision of Bereket as a toddler in the back seat. In her early months with us, we kept a little yellow mixing bowl and spatula back there. She would stir, stir, stir whenever she got into the car. How anxious she was to get her hands on that little bowl.

This morning, as I got out of bed, I had a sudden image of the days when I would line both sides of our bed with pillows so Bereket wouldn't fall out.

I've been flooded with so many memories and snapshots in time lately. I am learning this is the season I will always be reflective and a little sad about all the time that is passing so quickly.

Today marks two years to the day we became a family. It's the day we reflect on October 4, 2011 when we picked up sweet, beautiful Bereket at the Hilawe Foundation and had her citizenship approved at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa all in the same incredible, life-changing day. 

I am a person who dreams of big adventure. I have such a curiosity about life in other places and a yearning to experience it. Maybe that's what lead me all the way to Ethiopia *twice* to become a mother. That and an unmistakable nudge from God that this was his plan.  For Jason and me, it was the ultimate love story and the perfect way to grow our family. Two years into this journey in parenthood, I speak for both of us that our love for our sweet child just grows more and more each day..even on the hard days.

This year has held no global travels for our little family...in fact we haven't even been on a plane in 2013. (Yes, I am going through airport withdrawl!)  But through this year of small adventures, I credit Bereket with teaching me to see the beauty in each day. And sweet Bereket, you have been an incredible child to spend each day with.

On this very special "Gotcha Day," here's just a few of the small pleasures with Bereket that have been so meaningful:

Bereket got to meet a real life princess when Cinderella came to Tippi Toes Mini Princess Camp.

We went to three county fairs this summer. Our favorite was the Winona County Fair where Bereket got to feed a zebra.
We were blessed with lots of great cousin time. Our recent trip to the pumpkin patch was the best day ever! But getting four tired kids to pose with their prize pumpkins after a long day of fun wasn't easy!
And we can't forget exploring the petting zoo at Rhubarb Festival with Cousin Nils.
And the treats at Rhubarb Festival were worth every calorie!
We were blessed with great adventures with special friends like playing dress-up at Lark Toys with Addison.
I have always loved days on the river..but no memory on the water can compare to taking Bereket tubing for the first time behind Grandpa's boat. It was incredible! What a joy to share this experience with her.
Bereket also got her first set of wheels at the tender age of three. A very special early Christmas gift from Grandma and Grandpa.  Even better, Grandpa taught her how to drive!
And I enjoyed the simple pleasure of taking a candid photo of my beautiful girl.  And yes, I take a lot of them! Like this one at Como Zoo.
Or this artsy one taken during an escape to a Twin Cities hotel with friends.
How I love to take pictures of that beautiful, smiling face!

As I close on this "Gotcha Day," the obligatory then and now photo.  Bereket has grown into such a little (yet very tall!) lady. I love that she joined our family during such a beautiful time of the year. A trip to the pumpkin patch will always likely fall right around "Gotcha Day."
October 2011
September 2013
Bereket, we are so blessed you are a part of our family. We love you more than you will ever know.