Nearly January 9th - One Year Later

At this time one year ago, Ben and I and our new little boy, age 2 1/2 were in a big plane, on our way to the US, which would be his brand new home. I have the jammies right here that he wore on part of the trip. They are fleecy, navy and a lighter blue, with a cute rocketship on front with USA on it. They were pretty big on Ezekiel at the time, but now they are pretty small. We were going to pass them on and put them in the too small pile, but I just must take a photo of him in them tomorrow.

So, Zeke knows that tomorrow is his big day, which we're having trouble knowing what to call. Right now, I'm settling on One Year Home! Day. If Ben and I had been back from our fun jaunt to the Aloha State before the 5th, we may have just celebrated Gotcha Day, which was the day we took him into our permanent care in Ethiopia. Zeke was told by Maren to ask for cake for dinner as part of the celebration. Not so sure about that. I'm sure that as part of our party we will watch his video (or "movie" as he likes to call it), and look at all of our Ethiopia photos, of which there are many.

I remember how on those flights back, Zeke did so well for such a good portion of the time, but how eventually, he just hit the wall...as any of us would. Overload. We hit the tarmac in New York (I believe), everyone started clapping and cheering our safe arrival after the long flights (we stopped in Rome to refuel) thus waking our angel from his slumber, and the screaming began. He got sleepier and crankier as that day went on...but the end was now in sight. He slept like a baby from Chicago to Bloomington, then screamed for another 20 minutes straight upon entering our home...and has been adjusting to us ever since, and us to him. And I think we can all safely say we're crazy about each other. He sure has been a trooper.

Well, more tomorrow, I hope. I've been in a writing desert for some time now. Don't know why. Much to talk about though. Maybe I'll talk about our fun time in Hawaii celebrating our 14th Anniversary with no kids next. Wouldn't that be relaxing, helping me to forget that we'll have a low of 10* or 15* or something pathetic like that tonight here in central IL??? Bah humbug. :D Good night.