tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50360389815899938642024-02-06T18:52:38.597-08:00Pass Me My WineOne Single Gal's Journey to Bring Her Daughter Home from Ethiopia, Raise Her, Keep Her Job, Her Friends, Her Family and Her SanityBarbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-41885729851931887012010-05-20T21:38:00.000-07:002010-05-20T22:44:42.142-07:00Makedaversary and Good-ByeIt was two years ago today that my daughter was placed in my arms and my life changed forever. I didn’t start this blog until after I received my referral, and it was intended to be as much a way of keeping in touch with all the wonderful people I’d met along the way, as it was about celebrating my daughter and our life together. So today I celebrate our two years together and say good-bye to this, my blog. I think the only blogs I comment on anymore are the ones where I’ve now met the authors face-to-face, and I know we’ll be in touch for years to come. But it will be by email, and in-person. Perhaps if I am ever able to overcome the fits and starts of adoption #2, I’ll blog again to honour that equally special child, but in the meantime, I hereby revert to lurking.<br /><br />Thanks for the ride guys,<br /><br />xox<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzacLpQRzAGG444aS9w1xqp-Qi3eU58nMfROE1BRmpJC4gKhkyibahqH-3HVBuWu6lgwciN2qb2XdrvTPnvXZN63asH9jJ5LCjjlI-pX-_p3IpzfesW32fESmrVSRGIi96TyOaakLJwN9y/s1600/Announcement+2.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 278px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473578703204428434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzacLpQRzAGG444aS9w1xqp-Qi3eU58nMfROE1BRmpJC4gKhkyibahqH-3HVBuWu6lgwciN2qb2XdrvTPnvXZN63asH9jJ5LCjjlI-pX-_p3IpzfesW32fESmrVSRGIi96TyOaakLJwN9y/s320/Announcement+2.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViBHQZt78UyipBMgaZFufuG-RHVV_dgGvXYWsfsbUI1BLOSJwbwiiCuYF3tUdNr9bhItm3Ony4CjzRCbaMRFf79Uzw9XprS5_bS1HtD6deB4WLFHNECWzT3KQ-AIikOxXEaSt0_Se7ACT/s1600/IMG_4419.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; 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WIDTH: 209px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473589905245026194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbrAk53HdkauTIAoYpO3g9YtVpZs62P3wxt3PndomD8hwCaMHZAenaG5R_uzUOg5lMGNFZG46fiOvFScqPeZY2PFE2Rdn6tU0DAEOcp34UZ3ALBJKtG7jxyrKN3z6edYvgdQQ1ZEOAIsm/s320/IMG_0941.JPG" /></a><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473590524678265570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFWV1yboA3dpdyHfZu5QvsTU29uZkeo7QglNBSEQjiifKBVX-YMtqE2gMwheVPLI5lh5YWUcwlj5yIgcPM5t-WWIQecrYMsgtZHp_-46RkBTamyr4nwtS84KKxRMoPM9NpOSiNxJGHZuN/s320/IMG_1230b.JPG" /> </div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-89234036607918108172010-05-11T09:31:00.000-07:002010-05-11T09:57:47.011-07:00A View of Current Circumstances in Ethiopian AdoptionsThere's been a lot of chatter about the (not so) recent change to adoption processes in the Oromia region of Ethiopia, which have resulted in relinquished children being unavailable for adoption. We also know that certain orphanages in that region have been required to close. I've seen speculation that the relinquishment ban relates to concerns over whether kids were relinquished in an ethical manner. I've read rumours that the closures resulted from findings of unethical behaviour, or were politically motivated, or were due to lack of humanitarian efforts by those that were closed. I've seen hopes expressed that after the election this May 23rd, the relinquishment ban may be lifted.<br /><br />As a concerned adoptive and prospective adoptive parent, the substance of many of these allegations concerned me. So, I used what few contacts I had within the country to gain a better understanding of what was going on, and some clarity as to whether the relinquishment ban is to be lifted in the near future, or at all. The individual I heard back from is well connected, but is not with MOWA. I don't profess his views on the matter to be definitive. He/she had no comments or insights on whether or when the relinquishment ban might be lifted. However, the comments in general were insightful, so I thought I would share some of them.<br /><br />Apparently, some 12 orphanages in the Oromia region have been closed, and the closures are not politically motivated. These orphanages were closed as a matter of efficiency or because they were operating below the standards set for them by the government. Other orphanages in that region who continue to meet the standards as set, are being allowed to continue their work in the usual manner. Almaz orphanage, which used to be used by Imagine Adoption, is one of the ones that was closed, and the children from that orphanage are to be transferred to Selam orphanage, which is one of the orphanages currently used by Imagine. Assuming it is correct that the closures were not politically motivated, I don't think we can assume with any confidence that the relinquishment ban will be lifted after the upcoming election.<br /><br />Apparently the orphanages ordered to be closed were not advised of what legal or other requirements they have not been meeting, that would warrant the closure. At this time, it appears that despite instructions to do so, the children in the closed orphanages have not been transferred. The situation remains inconclusive. There is an appeal process for the closed orphanages, which I understand are being utilized. I don't know the standards for winning an appeal, or the timing, at this point.<br /><br />I also found out something interesting as it relates to the new requirement to travel for Court. As we have been told, the reason for the requirement for families to attend Court is so that they can see their referred child in person, prior to the adoption being finalized. However, I've never known the real reason why this was implemented, other than a general allegation that one or more families had refused to take custody of their adopted child, upon arrival in Ethiopia. What I have been told today is that this change was implemented due to one adoption agency's mistake in Ethiopia (the agency is not mentioned ) whereby a family (not Canadian) came to pick-up their child but found that the child was not the child they had been referred. As a result, the family refused to accept the child. It is apparently this incident that caused the Courts to issue the requirement that families must travel twice.<br /><br />Now, I do not profess any of this to be the absolute final matter on any of the issues raised. But I do not believe these are simply unsubstantiated rumours, either. Put whatever weight on them that you choose.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-89727534053468437362010-05-10T20:15:00.000-07:002010-05-10T20:26:27.861-07:00Back in the Day, I was a Cool Mom<div>Now I'm just a mom. Poop.<br /><br />You've gone to a better place Italian StudMuffin.<br /><br />Yah, I got the price I was holding out for. Pfft. Still got all my gear. A girl can dream.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiivu5Fv3HuzA8gLXjFLBns0xg5-f_y4Z6iqsn4JRc6ExXD762J3Juv8dsqgfNyg1FxSfj5aVQACPTU0ePLFY4o3XOKnfRMFtAGGY9pyx4MhaX7y0IRJRna-UYLKOvG9SmdZTlO1IEXoQ/s1600/n564440120_948633_553.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 285px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469846540371715570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiivu5Fv3HuzA8gLXjFLBns0xg5-f_y4Z6iqsn4JRc6ExXD762J3Juv8dsqgfNyg1FxSfj5aVQACPTU0ePLFY4o3XOKnfRMFtAGGY9pyx4MhaX7y0IRJRna-UYLKOvG9SmdZTlO1IEXoQ/s320/n564440120_948633_553.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x1LbPUMsIvzrGmCqoKQilGfLe_276lsdmv597C8d2J892o5h89sHsFuk6w-8EibDiXZl95vr86MXTYzSfrfmfOJrp-rFpGyo4lp5noS3he0DyVKrad1XN3TjDkQEGcj4vPUebOwLkAiV/s1600/2006-Ducati-Multistrada-620Darka-small.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469846441681254402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x1LbPUMsIvzrGmCqoKQilGfLe_276lsdmv597C8d2J892o5h89sHsFuk6w-8EibDiXZl95vr86MXTYzSfrfmfOJrp-rFpGyo4lp5noS3he0DyVKrad1XN3TjDkQEGcj4vPUebOwLkAiV/s320/2006-Ducati-Multistrada-620Darka-small.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHL4IQ4UEgETw2OAHmTb6YDH5OlwS7ybwf79i7SJMMGvPAmbAW5gC_FG2OSU9iMv_r9jDnPr09OMXzdQ9eXx5HqCYwTjA4rtX31iCPd6jgyChKTWbyKjJ5LkstrComJc_SNUKrnN-o1JJ/s1600/PICT1117.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469848216249611826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHL4IQ4UEgETw2OAHmTb6YDH5OlwS7ybwf79i7SJMMGvPAmbAW5gC_FG2OSU9iMv_r9jDnPr09OMXzdQ9eXx5HqCYwTjA4rtX31iCPd6jgyChKTWbyKjJ5LkstrComJc_SNUKrnN-o1JJ/s320/PICT1117.JPG" /></a></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-88608705366555511252010-05-03T21:21:00.000-07:002010-05-03T22:31:17.883-07:00I Climbed the Great Wall of ChinaSo, life's been a bit crazy since arriving home (some time ago) and it's been impossible to sit down and digest my trip or blog about it (or read anyone's elses blogs for that matter). Then last night for the first time I had a chance to flip through a photography book on the Great Wall that we bought at Tian'anmen Square, and noticed that page 1 contained a certificate with the heading "I Climbed the Great Wall of China", with space for your name and the date. So, I hereby declare that, me, Makeda, Gramma and Grampa climbed the Great Wall of China (at Badaling) on April 5, 2010. To be exact, we all climbed up. Then a certain 2 year old got carried the rest of the way as we all slid down. I'm not joking. I'm not sure exactly how defenders were able to stave off attackers on most parts of the wall, as the stones are smoothly paved in the form of a slide. A railing has been attached to the inside wall so you can shimmy down, but basically, on a snowy winter day, you could take your Crazy Carpet and whoosh to the bottom. Then you'd die. But it might be a fun way to go. I suppose we could have been spared some of this pain, but as soon as we got to the entrance, I took one look up at the highest parapet and said "I'm going thataway", and we were off, without giving much thought as to how one got back. Anyway, here are the photos from the bottom (way in the background is the high point that we climbed to), the view from the top, and the evidence that We Were Here.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8om5UBHib7T8CsBZnmW94NrVwPTUUodEHS1TSef6OiV4LmEOtVc1ILW_Sp9Hmdt4FSd1-l-5DULjX5TBstj-aVSfUXl0pilt4tZN9cvA5DalKRL5h-1nWPpXtdk_Jzc6y2JI2MVTx8oRx/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467271219346383506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8om5UBHib7T8CsBZnmW94NrVwPTUUodEHS1TSef6OiV4LmEOtVc1ILW_Sp9Hmdt4FSd1-l-5DULjX5TBstj-aVSfUXl0pilt4tZN9cvA5DalKRL5h-1nWPpXtdk_Jzc6y2JI2MVTx8oRx/s320/IMG_1071.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7y8jTWGf4XGWXX4P0s-uJQty3BpkrBwo5vs7lSZOH4royLQHtKIwSm2scd4KAGqjT7DpTcSbfG18ystv7H0WCPsUPYn5ftzsNP_DvXVXzGwuMdiHr6yhsCdbGpYXmO4xmXZsVz5yaVRKS/s1600/IMG_1098.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467272696289710450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7y8jTWGf4XGWXX4P0s-uJQty3BpkrBwo5vs7lSZOH4royLQHtKIwSm2scd4KAGqjT7DpTcSbfG18ystv7H0WCPsUPYn5ftzsNP_DvXVXzGwuMdiHr6yhsCdbGpYXmO4xmXZsVz5yaVRKS/s320/IMG_1098.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg4XqHWtgeA3ffeoKrwj96b8CtcTXRMcc8UiUcmyr6f53Pu32q0Y4W8FILjbnkPisWj_nBpWM-1-t1Y1muKAbhL2zRuhR77lUBuOD4pFh5H7zlsPyBu4jinJzRSDlC97LP_C4D5FFM9N_/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467268196837582706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg4XqHWtgeA3ffeoKrwj96b8CtcTXRMcc8UiUcmyr6f53Pu32q0Y4W8FILjbnkPisWj_nBpWM-1-t1Y1muKAbhL2zRuhR77lUBuOD4pFh5H7zlsPyBu4jinJzRSDlC97LP_C4D5FFM9N_/s320/IMG_1090.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div><br /> </div><br /><div></div><div>Later we stopped by Spirit Way at the Ming tombs which is guarded by greater than life size statues of animals (both real and imaginary version) and officials. This is a Makeda size lion.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwXi7mRKzsagSsU3H8mPc4DmAiSPUo2Vu7ZZZAdqEt9BRCK997vr8L6eAG-S1brW-hc6K-DvV5dvj9YhWl6aA_Oi8YwzRS1RNlPcWC2TH3-QEPinMmI1FFf5kHF_iEq7wpEJtul-UBIOo/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467266322322825058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwXi7mRKzsagSsU3H8mPc4DmAiSPUo2Vu7ZZZAdqEt9BRCK997vr8L6eAG-S1brW-hc6K-DvV5dvj9YhWl6aA_Oi8YwzRS1RNlPcWC2TH3-QEPinMmI1FFf5kHF_iEq7wpEJtul-UBIOo/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><div>I didn't think it could get any better than the Great Wall. But it did. Soon we were off to Xi'an to see the excavation site of the Terracotta Warriors. None of them survived intact, and apparently it will take about a 100 years for all of the shattered figures to be pieced back together. But the best preserved have been restored and they are breathtaking, even without their original paint. These are a few of the best. I've also included Mr. Yan, the farmer who discovered them. He is a Chinese national hero. He is also my personal hero for being the only illiterate farmer I'm aware of who is able to carefully autograph the hundreds of souvenir photo books put out for sale before the gates open each morning. Lastly, Makeda wheeling her spiffy new luggage at the Xi'an airport. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7mPCxGZik6fssR9dnGnEgCVq04zedn7ssEata9F_3644cFI8jpNuCks1nmiyZ0AoJNB51bzziEV0vggAIiT4F-xLCKk7DMoaT7XwvYXzSLKXXS7tyTOjmxuVRLPjLyuYA-OKHstkaGWS/s1600/IMG_1114.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467274886602780610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7mPCxGZik6fssR9dnGnEgCVq04zedn7ssEata9F_3644cFI8jpNuCks1nmiyZ0AoJNB51bzziEV0vggAIiT4F-xLCKk7DMoaT7XwvYXzSLKXXS7tyTOjmxuVRLPjLyuYA-OKHstkaGWS/s320/IMG_1114.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OELfIUSKJr41YC3otWJQx0JJiuK09DRWWtkfukrTAN-AyAu39cUdOBAjbXq46amJBvJqoCeX-gNTSqmelIsgKQsZStzGM8YJF-ew2kXttZ0Ngg3bnP5DgrlxzzUCieYJmzWR-6w3DS6H/s1600/IMG_1117.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467275522812423058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OELfIUSKJr41YC3otWJQx0JJiuK09DRWWtkfukrTAN-AyAu39cUdOBAjbXq46amJBvJqoCeX-gNTSqmelIsgKQsZStzGM8YJF-ew2kXttZ0Ngg3bnP5DgrlxzzUCieYJmzWR-6w3DS6H/s320/IMG_1117.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ3ZJzk4eH9-cajKBTwu7-EKFtHhwhGdZkFfQfIN00UBH00X0TKx4w66ZLwgPqECPxitLinofI2bFsMDGVHJdD6FAXcX_GZkN61uS6G2hh7yYqlfvURyQyP5LNFeaMnp_bxjL_7u9VahC/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467269096068768882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ3ZJzk4eH9-cajKBTwu7-EKFtHhwhGdZkFfQfIN00UBH00X0TKx4w66ZLwgPqECPxitLinofI2bFsMDGVHJdD6FAXcX_GZkN61uS6G2hh7yYqlfvURyQyP5LNFeaMnp_bxjL_7u9VahC/s320/IMG_1174.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><div>Well, that's the most blogging I've done in a month, so I'll save Shanghai, Guilin and Hongkong for another post. But first, a few more random pics from this most awesome journey:</div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Widget, Ruff and Tessie were photos 1, 2 and 3 so we could say "hi" to them in the camera when we missed them in China:<br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpY0EBv8D69yBpDT1wy3EtCvmDKv5mDGrK1WFBzrez_IURqYcwKvNElyqbuYkuaf1-s_1TijQs2pFruIINTOIpUq2Ko7GFu5xq-XdsSizSzhcuQ9Q8LRtWqhYGyn2qCVF1xew5MkQOTPes/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467276822090036370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpY0EBv8D69yBpDT1wy3EtCvmDKv5mDGrK1WFBzrez_IURqYcwKvNElyqbuYkuaf1-s_1TijQs2pFruIINTOIpUq2Ko7GFu5xq-XdsSizSzhcuQ9Q8LRtWqhYGyn2qCVF1xew5MkQOTPes/s320/IMG_0957.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNxHiR7hrFeAtOCJapqZcTSYzDvsZERvPvbJjlnxsGYjJKAYOGrwwAKcTdM30c5pMLJ7mmFcmMB-FSQWoFc8otKMti22p6lKVoXNIVq4oGrOJIIqPvCX17Fm7QMo-OCbfybdLmhIVKJVK/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467276607315793266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNxHiR7hrFeAtOCJapqZcTSYzDvsZERvPvbJjlnxsGYjJKAYOGrwwAKcTdM30c5pMLJ7mmFcmMB-FSQWoFc8otKMti22p6lKVoXNIVq4oGrOJIIqPvCX17Fm7QMo-OCbfybdLmhIVKJVK/s320/IMG_0956.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpjQHQwEQkEL2PpkT-RocARWh0pflmzbNmVO1SGYg3ilMPlouT-ifuRjvesO27gV5PSQgpElV_Y055Wd2zawJzVAwJU3N_eFEGrbnCk6qRaiv37kTKb_sevt4jZrCB1sElrHtnefno-0n/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467277049524607090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpjQHQwEQkEL2PpkT-RocARWh0pflmzbNmVO1SGYg3ilMPlouT-ifuRjvesO27gV5PSQgpElV_Y055Wd2zawJzVAwJU3N_eFEGrbnCk6qRaiv37kTKb_sevt4jZrCB1sElrHtnefno-0n/s320/IMG_0960.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Family shot in Tian'anmen Square:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZCaBKniqbDYULKPRuXOZZGM7FqTAcNyxTsAaV4JoY9Mrzxv49hojZpYA1KDHl9O3pjPA8D7p5LpmhnclHhPVsaowYzpDbYYKwSEt9cjvYG9Ps3VktYnbOBf0vsNXbCZVdiP5NL-YS7I6/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467278864088232226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZCaBKniqbDYULKPRuXOZZGM7FqTAcNyxTsAaV4JoY9Mrzxv49hojZpYA1KDHl9O3pjPA8D7p5LpmhnclHhPVsaowYzpDbYYKwSEt9cjvYG9Ps3VktYnbOBf0vsNXbCZVdiP5NL-YS7I6/s320/IMG_0968.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Flaked out in a Beijing silk factory:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwy32zeJNhAJBNIluuIHDXAcGAIDajZ0p6UQh2BzuRBbdQFQwMyP9LuoDO62DDYhqb1t6JLC4yWcs2QE98r2jBraFCulnELKbCDYdKnM4DRDbBdrE4eZo0TwSHGOHyNOB4lhXZlKAcHaMJ/s1600/IMG_1040.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467280206959609874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwy32zeJNhAJBNIluuIHDXAcGAIDajZ0p6UQh2BzuRBbdQFQwMyP9LuoDO62DDYhqb1t6JLC4yWcs2QE98r2jBraFCulnELKbCDYdKnM4DRDbBdrE4eZo0TwSHGOHyNOB4lhXZlKAcHaMJ/s320/IMG_1040.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div></div><div>Grampa helping guard the Ming tombs:</div><div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBwCvhyCjoYEuvpSrjDO-ylkQ-0gnOEpiY16nmUpLBnxqsSAmQ4uFayOnH8uwWTsMQNqcJZBqgCzvsOKJVAJKEMM0TqilBU0ASCu90fwFTRlYWz_XrEuahutWRzQDPG7r5UtQ4cCz4-Xp/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467281733426015074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBwCvhyCjoYEuvpSrjDO-ylkQ-0gnOEpiY16nmUpLBnxqsSAmQ4uFayOnH8uwWTsMQNqcJZBqgCzvsOKJVAJKEMM0TqilBU0ASCu90fwFTRlYWz_XrEuahutWRzQDPG7r5UtQ4cCz4-Xp/s320/IMG_1061.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-56602123665636632082010-03-31T19:56:00.000-07:002010-03-31T20:57:53.124-07:00Bon VoyageTomorrow Makeda and I are taking a little journey together, so I'll be offline for awhile. To China in fact. Beijing, Shanghai, X'ian and then Guilin, followed by Hongkong where I have some business to attend to. Yup, me and a two year old...on a plane...together... for 11 hours. But, I'm no fool. This is a project for not one, not two, but THREE adults. Yes, Gramma and Grampa are coming along. Aren't I lucky? We've travelled together before, so it's quite safe. Except they will have 3 weeks 24/7 exposure to my parenting skills, or lack thereof. Judgements may be passed. Hmmm, maybe this wasn't such a good idea afterall. Oh hell, they've known me for 41 years - they know how useless I am. Three adults to one small child. That is a ratio I can travel with.<br /><br />To keep things simple, Makeda sat through her first professional braiding session. It's supposed to last 3 weeks, but I'm not so sure...Please join me in prayer that the cheap travel dvd player I bought lasts out the trip...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHzWaGdKGzRO_vAHDANdMv-gOyqkOR02x9jcJ3LVS1rZJHLhuHGvObZeAkq8eG-eGGWJKl2ifADS77DZ8aTmzFNqtytkbEb6qGT7BKewII0hTN3OciusFCBJspaUXPOcj82sCn6c-yqxS/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455012831163584322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHzWaGdKGzRO_vAHDANdMv-gOyqkOR02x9jcJ3LVS1rZJHLhuHGvObZeAkq8eG-eGGWJKl2ifADS77DZ8aTmzFNqtytkbEb6qGT7BKewII0hTN3OciusFCBJspaUXPOcj82sCn6c-yqxS/s320/IMG_0947.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCt7i-rfJ5mWyXMlQXTQ9pObIb3rjuNcdxk2XyJmtWsxj0VKUXebauanGULP1mxStKeoKilIDemyChCJ3TGpUaBt4FUIKmxg99MEVr9D4j6-dyfcHgMF7qFt45XV_YIRnNXUWOCVYuVqS/s1600/IMG_0950.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455013133076325266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCt7i-rfJ5mWyXMlQXTQ9pObIb3rjuNcdxk2XyJmtWsxj0VKUXebauanGULP1mxStKeoKilIDemyChCJ3TGpUaBt4FUIKmxg99MEVr9D4j6-dyfcHgMF7qFt45XV_YIRnNXUWOCVYuVqS/s320/IMG_0950.JPG" /></a></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-76562347015649099542010-03-28T20:43:00.000-07:002010-03-28T21:17:32.150-07:00What's New and ExcitingSo, I've been gone for awhile, working my east across the country. I started out Wednesday in Calgary where I met dear Biset for the first time. This is my favourite shot (I'm pointing out mama Haze which caused all sorts of <a href="http://forneko.wordpress.com/2010/03/24/amazing-moment/">teary-eyed excitement</a>).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tEFFuvkH6rRHH376HFzHi9R0M8jKEEHIvGPwM1_LP1i0J1WrD-BmyYTmiWjiYypzpQ7ibwiP6E-gw7zH5XKCugYW1YkKE4U7qcaUO8b5FO9opwXsIZZoeQ_HHOCziBfnmPJicLcVxn9m/s1600/with+biset.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453896996847054706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tEFFuvkH6rRHH376HFzHi9R0M8jKEEHIvGPwM1_LP1i0J1WrD-BmyYTmiWjiYypzpQ7ibwiP6E-gw7zH5XKCugYW1YkKE4U7qcaUO8b5FO9opwXsIZZoeQ_HHOCziBfnmPJicLcVxn9m/s320/with+biset.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I also like this shot. But for a different reason. I don't have a lot of talents in life, but this is my main one, captured for infinity by Haze, and I think some of you can learn from it. Just tear yourself away from the cuteness that is Biset and check out the safety technique that I am illustrating - how to keep an iron grip on an unsteady child and a full glass of wine, while tipping neither. Perfection.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapB00bQb71n5vlSaJPOdXKB8lCgav21pvT8TqXbdHU3JA0RJbaRtl0Gq7VC1HC0O1HaylfMRtK2HCsFZ2LN5AXYfYRaB7Z51Gk7JIu2b5PCqWjtZWAjzS6sIIO8-4b6kRA6hP3DIk7T81/s1600/with+biset+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453898637545673730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapB00bQb71n5vlSaJPOdXKB8lCgav21pvT8TqXbdHU3JA0RJbaRtl0Gq7VC1HC0O1HaylfMRtK2HCsFZ2LN5AXYfYRaB7Z51Gk7JIu2b5PCqWjtZWAjzS6sIIO8-4b6kRA6hP3DIk7T81/s320/with+biset+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It takes years, people, years. Don't beat yourself up if you can't get it right away.<br /><br />So, let's see. Then I went to Toronto, and then I went to Waterloo to partake in the "Celebration of Hope" festivities, a.k.a. a fundraiser for our back-from-the-dead agency. No pics, but a lovely time was had by all.<br /><br />I got back late this afternoon (Sunday), zipped over to Aliyah's birthday party where my precious babe was waiting for me (Tessie looked after her for the weekend for me, including getting her to the big party), yakked with the Ethio posse for an hour and then zoomed both of us over for a quick pop-in to Auntie Suze's birthday dinner before heading home to bed.<br /><br />I'd like to say that after all that it's going to be a quiet week, but nope - more on that later.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-4429238892050206242010-03-17T20:37:00.000-07:002010-03-17T20:46:34.906-07:00It's Report Card Time!<div><div><div>Normally, I'm not much up for doing reports. This is the first of Makeda's annual update reports to MOWA that I have done on my own. I thought it would be a necessary inconvenience, but I actually enjoyed doing it. It made me reflect on all the progress she's made over the past year, and gave me (another) excuse to do a photo op. I made copies of everything for her lifebook, and extra copies of the photos for her birthmom, who, I am told, is thrilled to receive them. Here are this years' photos:<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Idf8c29xwHvWSRgqy8tqvK0fzEgAc2UEQ7nXmjtxZD0EnsuytOejYJ9RnLKXa0QwOdt2rzd8IITaQsxMgvt8hzq41Ql0H5b8ltYmkCEs9RSY2gPu1tGkQee_4X32S342ZFO15tjoT7ZM/s1600-h/IMG_0941.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 209px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449814178047151842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Idf8c29xwHvWSRgqy8tqvK0fzEgAc2UEQ7nXmjtxZD0EnsuytOejYJ9RnLKXa0QwOdt2rzd8IITaQsxMgvt8hzq41Ql0H5b8ltYmkCEs9RSY2gPu1tGkQee_4X32S342ZFO15tjoT7ZM/s320/IMG_0941.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovrEq7q44QhyphenhyphenZRcyrKRpSJIwuWTzQN4gAkGXrd9pFBCW300ZZQZFasF9fI42-hKFed1V4l0mnMeUwdp2WcLLmYvGgrAeLO3cy1TKWykpo-kLB1ogrV68iokvkQ_yh9R66E8Uc1BLxoMyI/s1600-h/IMG_0936.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 242px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449814465844986978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovrEq7q44QhyphenhyphenZRcyrKRpSJIwuWTzQN4gAkGXrd9pFBCW300ZZQZFasF9fI42-hKFed1V4l0mnMeUwdp2WcLLmYvGgrAeLO3cy1TKWykpo-kLB1ogrV68iokvkQ_yh9R66E8Uc1BLxoMyI/s320/IMG_0936.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21_30380YxYjx2k0GKVUy1LaUgvRitJPx9TRLbY3k4tkv2vD8scc1XSHgHXaawFHMV33n4iU7UdgFyybVr3vrsk3U_k1jwYG1bxdTUrFAcuptn46KhDHuuHULtt4hQJ3McACuuK47VGXk/s1600-h/Jailbird.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449814660744844098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21_30380YxYjx2k0GKVUy1LaUgvRitJPx9TRLbY3k4tkv2vD8scc1XSHgHXaawFHMV33n4iU7UdgFyybVr3vrsk3U_k1jwYG1bxdTUrFAcuptn46KhDHuuHULtt4hQJ3McACuuK47VGXk/s320/Jailbird.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-34191451626718668382010-03-15T11:36:00.001-07:002010-03-15T11:38:58.989-07:00Will It Never Stop?Well, it looks (again) like adoption #2 is on indefinite hold. Ethiopia has implemented (another) rule change which now prohibits adoptions of relinquished children in certain areas of the country. As luck would have it, three out of four of my agency's orphanages are located in these restricted regions, and the vast majority of those children are relinquished by family members, not abandoned. Now that's not to say the new rule won't be reversed. Last year a similar (but opposite) restriction was put in place such that abandoned children were not available for adoption, and that only lasted a couple of months. Last week, a determination was made that parents would have to attend their prospective child's court date, but then that was yanked for further consideration and will likely not be implemented immediately. So there is a track record, so to speak, of rapid policy implementations and reversals.<br /><br />But this latest is a doozy. Referrals have literally been frozen for the past 6 weeks. If the rule change is not reversed, then of course my agency must either find and fund new orphanages in regions unaffected by the change, shut its doors, or continue to process referrals at a snails pace. The other possibility is that miraculously, a flood of newly abandoned infants will be dropped off at our orphanages. This will benefit no one. Many of us enjoy ongoing relationships with our children's birth families. We send and receive pictures, and updates. This is good for our children and good for birth families who choose to remain in contact with us. Apparently, soon, none of us may have a choice.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-62441603441287303152010-03-08T20:21:00.000-08:002010-03-08T20:27:32.342-08:00Belated Olympic Glory<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7v93_iDSxjHBEdijfkcEcxyMXRoQLtDkZbaR_sahipID3DkeI-A9MKUMM_JFTRBRw1uI20pE4-8X3te2ZAD5fUyLe4WBRveM1r4sSc1TmFt7pkylZTDhV6xfbq9-nUff0MFJTFjxydS3/s1600-h/IMG_0935.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 207px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446485951864651970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7v93_iDSxjHBEdijfkcEcxyMXRoQLtDkZbaR_sahipID3DkeI-A9MKUMM_JFTRBRw1uI20pE4-8X3te2ZAD5fUyLe4WBRveM1r4sSc1TmFt7pkylZTDhV6xfbq9-nUff0MFJTFjxydS3/s320/IMG_0935.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-13601067593623725222010-02-27T21:23:00.000-08:002010-02-27T22:07:40.505-08:00Are We Done Yet?The Olympics have been an absolute blast, but it's time for everyone to go home now. I'm exhausted. And fat. I've never eaten so many street vendor hotdogs in such a short period of time. I was voted "best mixed meat" at one event after an accounting of everything I'd chowed down on over the course of 3 hours.<br /><br /><div>I saw way more stuff than I had planned to. Unused tickets fell into my lap, which was fabulous for me, and helped make sure there were few empty seats at the arenas. Kudos to everyone who gave away/horsetraded tickets that they couldn't use. Notwithstanding I came into the Olympics with tickets to only the women's gold medal hockey game, I ended up attending two medal ceremonies, including our first gold, Alex Bilodeau, the men's long program ice skating final, the ice dancing finals where Canada won gold, and of course, the women's ice hockey gold medal game. So I came as close to a lot of gold as I'm ever going to. Here we are at the women's gold medal game. It was an amazing game and amazing crowd:<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjX-kYg_K5ptn1VQsGdI5KLJvGnO7bqd7XJjFA6Xg611hYBorUzk-yksQigr6jBWcPnr2_hSvBxzxb_HoI9DMGRezwfPc8cptNtyNdvFrEPzpTmWz3MwwoYte3vD5ZJsiAATIQSfAUn77/s1600-h/Barb+n+Judy.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443162256537561330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjX-kYg_K5ptn1VQsGdI5KLJvGnO7bqd7XJjFA6Xg611hYBorUzk-yksQigr6jBWcPnr2_hSvBxzxb_HoI9DMGRezwfPc8cptNtyNdvFrEPzpTmWz3MwwoYte3vD5ZJsiAATIQSfAUn77/s320/Barb+n+Judy.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>But here's my Olympic highlight (and that includes the men's gold medal hockey, which I will blessedly be viewing from the comfort of my own home tomorrow):</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBtNNVi6YoQr8AjWzBtOPB_X_3qEs51QInZhIJelYDeqbkJVxuMyA0uhz3SMcBn03jsgB6GrMagmvjmkGtvY9XflEoWJAEQFSTlWanUlEqsiRRBUmSr8i-r_Rso-lyul5CPMNrr1Y8UFx/s1600-h/IMG_0927.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443162949261542194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBtNNVi6YoQr8AjWzBtOPB_X_3qEs51QInZhIJelYDeqbkJVxuMyA0uhz3SMcBn03jsgB6GrMagmvjmkGtvY9XflEoWJAEQFSTlWanUlEqsiRRBUmSr8i-r_Rso-lyul5CPMNrr1Y8UFx/s320/IMG_0927.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>On the right, the man who needs no introduction, and on the left, his brother Yosef. Both lovely lovely men who were gracious enough to extend an invitation to this Ethiopian community event, to the adoption community as well. Makeda, of course, is more interested in the Olympic torch. The icing on the cake was this:<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZZjOhhd-DsPdLnqv4srKKNgNqOaXOUBQrj-Fsu7gi_Pjx3n3NAT2UAIAlKqxP39UACviDuhtMwQEBLEVZg8c-eCBU8n83X6_9cvPq0AYXy49SbxCseheBs2dnHokMkwyaxgZ709T1o5I/s1600-h/IMG_0928.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443164217484808722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZZjOhhd-DsPdLnqv4srKKNgNqOaXOUBQrj-Fsu7gi_Pjx3n3NAT2UAIAlKqxP39UACviDuhtMwQEBLEVZg8c-eCBU8n83X6_9cvPq0AYXy49SbxCseheBs2dnHokMkwyaxgZ709T1o5I/s320/IMG_0928.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Yes, Robel autographed Makeda's soccer ball. Look, right under "one love". What a great day!</div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-74813753959970159892010-02-16T17:00:00.000-08:002010-02-16T17:05:51.545-08:00This is What Makes Me HappyHead on over <a href="http://forneko.wordpress.com/2010/02/16/visa-and-travel-date-check/">here,</a> and have a peek at Happy. Haze and I have journeyed together for quite some time. My file went to Ethiopia in September '07 and hers went in November '07. Makeda came home in May '08, and Haze has been waiting with the patience of a Saint ever since. Different agencies, different journeys, different timelines, but FINALLY, an especially long and agonizing wait is over. Oh baby, Baby's coming home. Can't wait to see the first pics. Woo hoo Haze!!!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-60569933741693614032010-02-15T09:55:00.000-08:002010-02-15T10:05:37.396-08:00I Love This Man!News Reporter, interviewing Robel Teklemariam: "Tonight, he'll carry the Ethiopian flag as part of the opening ceremonies."<br /><br />Robel: "I have to, I'm the only one."<br /><br />Love it. A trailblazer with a sense of humour.<br /><br />Now, for all you Lower Mainlanders, check this out. There will be a fun-filled family event to recognize the dedication and hard work of Robel Teklemariam in representing his country as a sole competitor. It is also to inspire children and youth of Ethiopian origin that live in Vancouver to pursue their dreams as Robel did. This event will take place on February 27th from 3:30-7:00 p.m. at Collingwood Neighbourhood House located on 5288 Joyce Street, Vancouver, BC V5R 4G8.<br /><br />I'm also trying to arrange something through his brother that would focus on our local adoption community, but I haven't heard back yet. Stay tuned.<br /><br />On a slightly different, but still sporty note, VANOC is releasing "surprise" tickets on a haphazard and random basis, so you have to keep checking the website, and one of my friends just scored Row 13 men's figure skating for us this Thursday night. Go Patrick Chan!!! And (although the musical guest at this ceremony cannot begin to compete with Trooper and Lover Boy next week), I have also scored tickets to tonight's medal ceremony where the big prize will be presented to none other than... Alex Bilodeau! For $22! I'm on a role.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-71868833445771537762010-02-12T09:29:00.000-08:002010-02-15T09:55:39.906-08:00FeverOlympic Fever that is!!!<br /><br />Today, I'm right in the thick of it. Working downtown, I can see helicopters and planes flying overhead all the time. It's quite a racket. The Flame went by out front about an hour ago and the crowds are huge. Last night I grabbed Makeda and we went with B and her sons into Kitsilano to watch it go through that neighborhood. Men in black talking importantly into earpieces as they surround the runner. Makeda waved at everyone in true princess style and swished a Canadian flag back and forth. Here she is with Tessie.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLeNCywlRQDX3alF0xta8ZELq7JBbXXbdmMksbnYonYnYpMufn4zj2JBS6Db8LsDFGzGJEHjZNlCPoNR2PM8cP2Lhp_iTeHPYzRGX-caGost-ghxLYoW0o70hG2KN5L7cjxsiEV5h2awT/s1600-h/IMG_2385.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437420433705956130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLeNCywlRQDX3alF0xta8ZELq7JBbXXbdmMksbnYonYnYpMufn4zj2JBS6Db8LsDFGzGJEHjZNlCPoNR2PM8cP2Lhp_iTeHPYzRGX-caGost-ghxLYoW0o70hG2KN5L7cjxsiEV5h2awT/s320/IMG_2385.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I've now attached my obligatory Canadian flag to my car and am starting to line up tickets to a few events. You may recall <a href="http://passmemywine.blogspot.com/2009/01/ive-got-golden-ticket.html">this</a>. In order to ensure that my sports and culture exposure remain balanced, I've also acquired tickets to see this quintessential Canadian band which is playing with that other quintessential Canadian band, Loverboy, at one of the medal ceremonies (I know, I know you've never heard of them, but trust me, north of the border these boys were HUGE back in the '80's.)<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/STiuregSvHg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/STiuregSvHg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Lastly, even though I don't have tickets, I'll be watching this at 3:30 pm (EST) on Monday February 15th - Robel Teklemarian, Ethiopia's sole representative at the Winter Olympics, compete in the Men's 15km cross-country skiing event.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIrDafhLwEAIawuJjO36wryYvni98ULbeL1a8chVVTbZ_K_yGAaMWIEgXHQD7uf_cCL6T5_31lja2Q3eIC8atgx838UoTM73Tx0vzBLpiXksL5OY6D361ALtZoZJpSBe2UrBTDMTB5nem/s1600-h/Robel-Teklemariam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437417844026331458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIrDafhLwEAIawuJjO36wryYvni98ULbeL1a8chVVTbZ_K_yGAaMWIEgXHQD7uf_cCL6T5_31lja2Q3eIC8atgx838UoTM73Tx0vzBLpiXksL5OY6D361ALtZoZJpSBe2UrBTDMTB5nem/s320/Robel-Teklemariam.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You can read and comment on his blog <a href="http://5dreams.panasonic.net/robel_teklemariam/">here</a>. Makeda will be dropping by the office Monday afternoon to share the Ethiopian Olympic spirit and enjoy the race while mama enjoys the view. Is he hot or what?<br /><br />Go Canada (and Ethiopia) Go!!!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-54738402607131054402010-02-07T19:53:00.000-08:002010-02-07T19:59:35.439-08:00Beyond a Reasonable DoubtSweetie, learn to hide the evidence.<br /><br />Actually, to give her credit, the first half of the kleenex box contents were stuffed under the seat cushion of the armchair she's leaning against, so she may have had an inkling that this was a no-no.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4ZlOkisu8YaR-oxmYXnoRbdLwI91JKA5_E41pyZt07K1cWZCBg02oI7losZ83DZcbXQpw-6cKorkNyAKeSI-jHTVJ2NUf7KN4N0rP52Pv74pzf-n_Wdxz0Kh0t58tz8_-_ocenAFVCNf/s1600-h/IMG_0913.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435716254591806162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4ZlOkisu8YaR-oxmYXnoRbdLwI91JKA5_E41pyZt07K1cWZCBg02oI7losZ83DZcbXQpw-6cKorkNyAKeSI-jHTVJ2NUf7KN4N0rP52Pv74pzf-n_Wdxz0Kh0t58tz8_-_ocenAFVCNf/s320/IMG_0913.JPG" /></a><br /><p></p>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-74946309385271038922010-01-24T13:37:00.001-08:002010-01-24T14:14:44.460-08:00Twists and Braids for IdiotsSee if you can spot the difference.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8g9WAzjHhGaw5k8sNWXDS6IGTGX3f5yRs-rxmU_CXIFm9QEMHxBgfN4yz3Xmkq7xYDSWo8yZ1T-O8D0UP25ldKs8GFbkVoDzjEUroc_WBkaNb9VBcklxOCJmmJBB05wbyypxG118zRqG/s1600-h/insley31_01.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430424162463390562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8g9WAzjHhGaw5k8sNWXDS6IGTGX3f5yRs-rxmU_CXIFm9QEMHxBgfN4yz3Xmkq7xYDSWo8yZ1T-O8D0UP25ldKs8GFbkVoDzjEUroc_WBkaNb9VBcklxOCJmmJBB05wbyypxG118zRqG/s320/insley31_01.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Maybe this one is a better illustration.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSd_e_X-T6fnEwZ9wmZMAYni3MoupK3-AYSyhuov-mIHfd5lXfJORAVpVvkbGdIbnksIOg3GCt0IQmuBRb6Pn5qnuXLC1003pFq5GIB05d_xAK12zcBOmsgbs9rurKXCRx11sW4PG9i3c/s1600-h/IMG_0491.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430424808762263474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSd_e_X-T6fnEwZ9wmZMAYni3MoupK3-AYSyhuov-mIHfd5lXfJORAVpVvkbGdIbnksIOg3GCt0IQmuBRb6Pn5qnuXLC1003pFq5GIB05d_xAK12zcBOmsgbs9rurKXCRx11sW4PG9i3c/s320/IMG_0491.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div>My point is, Makeda has hair. I do not. I've never had hair. My mum kept a bow stuck to my head until I was two, just to make sure people knew I was a girl. I grew up on bad perms and a curling iron, switching later to a high volumizing blowdryer. </div><br /><div></div><div>So, I've been putting off the baby haircare. Sure, I've put in a few colourful elastics and I can fluff her hair into a pretty funky afro, but as Makeda's hair has gotten longer, I've put off the inevitable and let Tessie carry the burden. All the good hair you've seen on this blog is courtesy of nanny Tessie. And, to be fair, I don't have much practice time. Makeda is exclusively mine on Saturdays and Sundays. Weeknights aren't really conducive to sitting in front of Dora, practicing on hair. It's our playtime. And weekends, I can pretty easily think up stuff I'd rather have us do. </div><div></div><br /><div>But, much like dealing with my math phobia, it got to the point where I realized I had to face the fact that I was parenting an African child, and just deal with it. Gramma "helped" by ordering everything under the sun that I could ever need, from <a href="http://www.shuruba.com/">Shuruba</a>. Beaders, beads, stoppers, applicable hair goo, you name it, I got it. So, Sundays have become hairday until I get the hang of this.</div><br /><div></div><div>Shuruba has some great video clips to teach you the basics. I knew instinctively that this would not be enough. Gramma went back to try and order a DVD. No such luck. I was stuck with the clips. Which are good. If you're normal. But, if you're both hair challenged, and you operate in my world (aka, the idiot zone), there's not enough info. </div><br /><div></div><div>So, I'm here today to give you pasty white girls the tips that no one else would think to give you, because they are not stupid. </div><br /><div></div><div>Firstly, buy the Curly Frizz Pudding. It really works so any idiot can smooth out a clump of baby hair and start twisting. Unfortunately, more is not better. When you can no longer operate the beader with your hands, and are resorting to your teeth, because you can't get a grip on the slippery hair, you've gone too far.</div><br /><div></div><div>Secondly, put the beads on the beader before you start twisting. I believe this was recommended in the video, but it needed to be said more than once. Nothing kills your enthusiasm faster than getting to the end of the perfect twist only to have to use your elbow and teeth to string the beader.</div><br /><div></div><div>Lastly (and I swear you will not find this tip anywhere else, because no one else on the internet lacks enough dignity to 'fess up) - while I strongly recommend using your teeth to close the bead snaps so you don't lose your grip on your twists, make sure you... you guessed it... get your tongue out of the way first. That hurt people. It really hurt. I've not been in that situation since growing up North and sticking my tongue against a playground post, just to see if it was really true. But at least a pole doesn't move. Try being attached to a moving two year old.</div><br /><div></div><div>This is the result. Not beautiful, I'll admit, but for me, quite the feat, and therefore worth the kodak moment.</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNui1zE7W_BMmA6tfLakuEreesEJu2gbYcaDXfReLw-ToJtoY0-bX29wfBJo8zGOMzZSepvqMXKf4q8Ia5drMC-nUUAUE8HyDn7gYyLgfidepeYpxR6nn5QQJtxY2MkVePzRE53VpO9cFw/s1600-h/IMG_0907_1.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430429955515356482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNui1zE7W_BMmA6tfLakuEreesEJu2gbYcaDXfReLw-ToJtoY0-bX29wfBJo8zGOMzZSepvqMXKf4q8Ia5drMC-nUUAUE8HyDn7gYyLgfidepeYpxR6nn5QQJtxY2MkVePzRE53VpO9cFw/s320/IMG_0907_1.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO33Q9oZcc5AIhnxoW5njGNw8D7b7vnYECrMv-GPVNOfkJCJMPD_GVFejacxNZLGfQLTqjW8a5lBwt-GzKCxNjpnUhuXi9VLJZmiHWZBw_m_Ofui7Js5bgW57CJuon2dio7FRZIDSlXQXp/s1600-h/IMG_0911_1.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430430293930712674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO33Q9oZcc5AIhnxoW5njGNw8D7b7vnYECrMv-GPVNOfkJCJMPD_GVFejacxNZLGfQLTqjW8a5lBwt-GzKCxNjpnUhuXi9VLJZmiHWZBw_m_Ofui7Js5bgW57CJuon2dio7FRZIDSlXQXp/s320/IMG_0911_1.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-59826867995449573122010-01-20T16:45:00.000-08:002010-01-20T16:53:03.303-08:00A Nifty Way to Avoid JailWell, well. It appears that Ms. Sue Hayhow has fled Canada to begin a new life in Ethiopia. Since charges had not yet been laid up here, she would have retained her passport and would be free to go. But, it's a small world and I'm sure we'll catch up with her eventually. Here's a photo. If any of you see her while you're travelling, please do say hello to her from all of us, and give her our assurance that we will make sure her actions come back to bite her in the ass eventually. And don't forget to tell anyone you may see her affiliated with, the heady news about her background. She will undoubtedly seek involvement with an orphanage there and there's no sense putting anyone else at risk. Spread the word (and the photo)!!<br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfQDzaT6lBPCQ1q8LiT7RVLTCrf29ovKZoJ-6iBMt8aErec6943aDp2VVbQxUGr1viPR6dbkuD62om7DO_A_aQRzmQBYKx409txlp6lpGFInCX1rwWx0ftwOothVRflkLMWpBrks_u3DR/s1600-h/DSCN0440.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 292px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428989573633715730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfQDzaT6lBPCQ1q8LiT7RVLTCrf29ovKZoJ-6iBMt8aErec6943aDp2VVbQxUGr1viPR6dbkuD62om7DO_A_aQRzmQBYKx409txlp6lpGFInCX1rwWx0ftwOothVRflkLMWpBrks_u3DR/s320/DSCN0440.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-40280405787360368252010-01-14T11:05:00.001-08:002010-01-14T11:05:48.160-08:00We're Number...165!!! Imagine Adoption has now issued all of the "place markers" for those of us who had their files in Ethiopia at the date of the bankruptcy. We (me and big sister M) are lucky #165. So, at the rate of 10 to 15 referrals a month, which looks feasible, it will be 12 to 16 months. It seems a lifetime, since last time I waited a whole FOUR months, but in the face of almost losing it all, I'm very grateful. Hoorah!!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-36768907096040558412010-01-08T20:35:00.001-08:002010-01-08T21:03:07.934-08:00Well, Not Right Away<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzGQGBnn5w0Dii2OBGonhcHtv2pzX_HHdIeRgsnQFnQkiL85Cpqp5I8K6nlqWYtyIbVEXst1JXn7hyNryBDFrz1L_RuKfX6GHKnu5DaIpDcOcw4Em5XvwNT9S-3HV_F9c2V0L37JFZLLz/s1600-h/moving+truck.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424594153383396322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzGQGBnn5w0Dii2OBGonhcHtv2pzX_HHdIeRgsnQFnQkiL85Cpqp5I8K6nlqWYtyIbVEXst1JXn7hyNryBDFrz1L_RuKfX6GHKnu5DaIpDcOcw4Em5XvwNT9S-3HV_F9c2V0L37JFZLLz/s320/moving+truck.jpg" /></a> That's right, just to spice up a 2010 that's started out a little slow (all 8 days of it) ... we're moving. Voluntarily. To Toronto. Where there's snow. Often. And humidity. Ick. But the shopping should be an improvement and really, what else matters? But I digress. This is a temporary move. One year, tops. And it won't happen til around May so I still have a lot of time to freak out properly. As if that's not enough, I've decided to drive there. That's right, one pasty white chick, her kid and a nanny, hotfooting it across the prairies in a U-haul. I don't know why. I've just never done it so I thought it was a good idea. Don't worry - this is the internet. You'll never even notice I'm gone.<br /><br />Someone declared that I must be having a mid-life crisis. I said if I was the type to have a mid-life crisis, it's more likely that happened the year I bought my motorcycle. Or adopted a child. Or took 6 months off. Or started a second adoption. My friends, the year I sit still, I am having a mid-life crisis, and you may intervene.Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-67897935979936482002009-12-25T12:19:00.001-08:002009-12-25T12:39:47.533-08:00Christmas Eve with the Ethio Crew<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdmc30ITYbu6gvYAdMHb5-h5GPLhx7Rhw4Ikw02VEHqNYGFtAiFWz2XqcvyjbpOo7zjpKi0daG50_q8KLB-nDrj7i9h59Jjjt1E4cJUGORJDMMS7n55PzcVjLr0BJMhkSvs3jLySlDkAM/s1600-h/IMG_0769.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419271474284031682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdmc30ITYbu6gvYAdMHb5-h5GPLhx7Rhw4Ikw02VEHqNYGFtAiFWz2XqcvyjbpOo7zjpKi0daG50_q8KLB-nDrj7i9h59Jjjt1E4cJUGORJDMMS7n55PzcVjLr0BJMhkSvs3jLySlDkAM/s320/IMG_0769.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Earlier in the evening with Auntie Judy...<br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3EY-RTpBg-iMcOuLG2MoPplAPBTWMmxZxVavl-lvRkz5Q6lxlV3bMRlqM0gxgYhmlirZzNe7wfgYpxJ2omMHYHEs3FTBtvdR3EPQi67005VGZuvq3goTvO9Iv-aztLwUHNv3Wd4pwi13/s1600-h/IMG_0800.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419273492273446258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3EY-RTpBg-iMcOuLG2MoPplAPBTWMmxZxVavl-lvRkz5Q6lxlV3bMRlqM0gxgYhmlirZzNe7wfgYpxJ2omMHYHEs3FTBtvdR3EPQi67005VGZuvq3goTvO9Iv-aztLwUHNv3Wd4pwi13/s320/IMG_0800.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieMDDnzSjNHtCo9wqtS11chwyqVtI1gIQ_76apkUK1X2hnXwjWf7jwEahPyIjvWflIe82RprGjsbLsQysgbu50wlSY6rHM22V9q0ZDMxGH1_1PvGbQOnlmsiwIr076RpZXrtZPNfZZSsz/s1600-h/IMG_0802.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419274546630882626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieMDDnzSjNHtCo9wqtS11chwyqVtI1gIQ_76apkUK1X2hnXwjWf7jwEahPyIjvWflIe82RprGjsbLsQysgbu50wlSY6rHM22V9q0ZDMxGH1_1PvGbQOnlmsiwIr076RpZXrtZPNfZZSsz/s320/IMG_0802.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdmc30ITYbu6gvYAdMHb5-h5GPLhx7Rhw4Ikw02VEHqNYGFtAiFWz2XqcvyjbpOo7zjpKi0daG50_q8KLB-nDrj7i9h59Jjjt1E4cJUGORJDMMS7n55PzcVjLr0BJMhkSvs3jLySlDkAM/s1600-h/IMG_0769.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9_1CiNUkvFEtJj1O5hMFGehOJ5XG9K-6Sj7x1Gmel4UIkpHSG6gzB8FHpzTJyZz8TPDcW2WeN-tY1NrIy7jHoxRgPqwRYJZjHcfZaYQrtloyuZzk6_GO2AKCrkX5j8G_EhBV3yfW4JTf/s1600-h/IMG_0806.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419274852669713874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9_1CiNUkvFEtJj1O5hMFGehOJ5XG9K-6Sj7x1Gmel4UIkpHSG6gzB8FHpzTJyZz8TPDcW2WeN-tY1NrIy7jHoxRgPqwRYJZjHcfZaYQrtloyuZzk6_GO2AKCrkX5j8G_EhBV3yfW4JTf/s320/IMG_0806.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ0nDjJTBJVTBL6x84xTrVNMhM0Fwmfx0G4kH2tQLBfiHEbNpwbEWZ8Ok1zkFYigMHeczIGLFmlXo8gw1A8YTDoD2_79unR3Bz-DOPkDEdJPeEnulVerTedMUg-C8BVtWKj8kUzi3TY3T/s1600-h/IMG_0813.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419272606180996402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ0nDjJTBJVTBL6x84xTrVNMhM0Fwmfx0G4kH2tQLBfiHEbNpwbEWZ8Ok1zkFYigMHeczIGLFmlXo8gw1A8YTDoD2_79unR3Bz-DOPkDEdJPeEnulVerTedMUg-C8BVtWKj8kUzi3TY3T/s320/IMG_0813.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPnZdH3T59Bg2cEhHbEHLCTBWC0Yb_Gv69hAY9y98Hmn2RXNdBD92oLtG6Eee7iJNjl5cgywBZJYVFAC6LixS2uOO49ZubLE-1V46M8YsCsN2rP-pPBWnr2s7TqfGx1sr9NLbR72_5F19/s1600-h/IMG_0801.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; 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WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419271755727612498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68BsZPCIUmA13ytbK0PLKP8Y4e439PASZ-HYnkQE2iGbgwYQaXUL-G1E-V8FlXdBcrDh7Uev_wXtOp3jKXoH9_FfDJTBXSmH4nIJJYsbUSSF3fwFFXz7nwJ0_UipRgiIDIvnylV_DKF62/s320/IMG_0795.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygkv57lN7yuF1nsaoJjbz6e7aVPxOzAG6qxbDjLxT1vrkjcX8JGfj_JaNmFirohyBXd6xh1UD8GUG4BQqtjNPPNGK6qp-8PXmBYMvvb98fGy1JBgg8VOXYTS0JIenUTKbD-PJ7eThHTXn/s1600-h/IMG_0823.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419272028022272562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygkv57lN7yuF1nsaoJjbz6e7aVPxOzAG6qxbDjLxT1vrkjcX8JGfj_JaNmFirohyBXd6xh1UD8GUG4BQqtjNPPNGK6qp-8PXmBYMvvb98fGy1JBgg8VOXYTS0JIenUTKbD-PJ7eThHTXn/s320/IMG_0823.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-12189744799600699792009-12-21T19:55:00.000-08:002009-12-21T20:10:58.656-08:00Lucky Number 7I have been blessed over my past couple of years of blogging to discover an amazing village who have been gracious enough to share their journeys with me as I travelled mine. And I’ve been even more blessed by virtue of the fact that, as a result of my work work, my work for the CFA Institute, and the aeroplan points generated by both, I’ve been able to spread my wings and meet a great number of these amazing women in person.<br /><br />Work work takes me often to Calgary where I met the first of my adoption peeps, the amazing <a href="http://forneko.wordpress.com/">Haze</a>. Through Haze, I met <a href="http://ethiopianangel.blogspot.com/">Gina</a>. An IAMASLUT convention last May took me to San Francisco where I frolicked with Haze, <a href="http://habeshachild.wordpress.com/">Porter</a>, Tasha (private) and Suzanne (private). Tash made that trip all the way from Ohio which frankly, I couldn’t even find on a map if my life depended on it. At Afrikadeys in Calgary this past summer, I added <a href="http://dynamitedianne.blogspot.com/">Dianne</a>. And now, after a trip down (and to the right) to Washington DC, I’m excited to add <a href="http://tami-borninmyheart.blogspot.com/">Tami</a> to my “in-person adoption peeps” list. We had dinner at Dukem, where my friend Leslie (aka one of the aunties) took this lovely snap of the two of us. Is her hair killer or what? She has agreed that notwithstanding how gorgeous she looks with that hair, she will side with Haze and make sure that Makeda does not get near any straightener until she’s at least 18.<br /><br />And this list doesn't even include the non-bloggers that the bloggers have introduced me to - big shout out in particular to Marelise, Bridget and Evelyn. Love all you gals - thanks for sharing the ride! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG0_1MDRf-gOrKLowBIrFSKCmgQk4h9mtj41fa62lp9IWCPaEANSpKbNcnyGGCTjb6Dz5wX8QKE7yFtYQMjTK19u0vjXu8C-O_OKS9emvXX32vvQkCz1_AhTPT-QLfVEpi9W9RHc-8k9X/s1600-h/IMG_6931.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417907812887720082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG0_1MDRf-gOrKLowBIrFSKCmgQk4h9mtj41fa62lp9IWCPaEANSpKbNcnyGGCTjb6Dz5wX8QKE7yFtYQMjTK19u0vjXu8C-O_OKS9emvXX32vvQkCz1_AhTPT-QLfVEpi9W9RHc-8k9X/s320/IMG_6931.JPG" /></a>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-10715711737259466092009-12-16T12:18:00.000-08:002009-12-16T12:20:52.426-08:00Some Very Merry Christmas NewsHot off the press from my adoption agency:<br /><br />"Hello Imagine Families!<br /><br />It seems this is a week of very good news here at Imagine!<br /><br />As was communicated yesterday, we received our Ontario Ministry License<br />renewal early this week. We have further received word today that our<br />NGO license renewal in Ethiopia has been approved!<br /><br />We are also very excited to inform you that we have been able to<br />commence the process of referrals once again!<br /><br />We trust that this news brings you all a sense of relief and joy, as it<br />did in our office today! We recognize that there may be challenges<br />ahead. However, there has been much accomplished in these last several<br />months, and we know that the lives of these children and families, one<br />by one, will be forever changed!<br /><br />The Board and staff continue to await the final review and approval<br />from BDO. The Board does not anticipate there to be any significant<br />issues that will arise during this process."<br /><br />5 exclamation marks! We're back in business baby!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-31289098123767423532009-12-14T21:56:00.000-08:002009-12-15T08:55:58.599-08:00A Bumpy Start to the SeasonApparently Christmas is to receive no more deference than <a href="http://passmemywine.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-little-monster.html">Halloween</a>.<br /><br />Our seasonal festivities started this weekend with a Santa Claus breakfast. No sooner had we arrived with our entourage (both grandparents and nanny tessie) than gramma was kind enough to point out what appeared to be a very damp baby bottom. Normally this would not be a problem, but today, with the distraction of extra people and trying to get her in and out of gymnastics before the party started, the diaper bag got left behind. M didn't seem distressed, so I decided we would try and tough it out. Unfortunately, she wasn't sitting still, and it was really hard to pretend I didn't see it the huge wet spot. I felt the inevitable "bad parent" balloon start to float around my head.<br /><br />I decided to take her up to the craft table to make a reindeer hat. This entails tracing small child hands into an outline that resembles two antlers, cutting them out, and stapling them to a paper headband. This is where things started to fall apart. Firstly, said small child refused to let the headband touch her head, so I couldn't measure it and had to guess at the right length. Another "bad parent" balloon started following me as I guessed wrong and made it too small. Now it had to perch on top of her afro just to stay on. However, that turned out to be irrelevant as, upon finishing, nothing in the world, including 2 goofy grandparents modelling the headgear for her, would entice Makeda to let it come to rest on her curls. And forget the tears - they are no longer necessary. Unlike Halloween, now I get a hand in my face, or perhaps a karate chop, with a loud "No" that causes the "bad parent, child abuser" balloon to attach itself to me as the crowd gathers.<br /><br />Luckily, at that point, the pancakes arrived, so I put her on my lap and fed her, thereby closing her mouth and hiding the wet spot. The "bad parent" balloons started to float away. Unfortunately, the wet spot started to transfer to my lap, which was uncomfortable and easily observable as I stood up to get more food.<br /><br />Then Santa arrived. Santa is often a good distraction, but not when you have a small child with a Santaphobia that will not allow her to get closer than 5 feet to even a picture, never mind the up -close-in-person version. She screamed as soon as he made eye contact.<br /><br />I put her in the chair next to me to put some distance between her and the evil bearded man, and Tessie took over the breakfast feeding. A moment later, a look of alarm came across her face, but that was followed by "good, she was able to get a burp out". Unfortunately, the calm didn't last. Makeda exploded like a volcano, the likes of which we haven't seen since Grampa got caught in the cross-fire in our last night in Addis, when she was still the projectile queen. Not only was that meal on public display, but the "pre-gymnastics" snack and the morning milk followed closely behind. Despite the attempt at a quick cover up (she's a lethal but silent barfer), the rest of the banquet table guests cleared out. We felt we'd made enough of an impression for one day and slinkered out the door, the multitudinous "bad parent" balloons following closely behind...Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-84891443254603891722009-11-30T21:04:00.000-08:002009-11-30T21:33:05.176-08:00Ethiopian Book ClubWay back when (it seems like forever), as our adoption agency was just crawling out of bankruptcy after a successful restructuring vote, 4 of us rather vocal BC'ers tentatively decided that our support group could perhaps now evolve from organizing conference calls to meeting in person and discussing common interests (adoption from Ethiopia seemed like a good start). We decided to start at my house, set a date of November 30th, and determined that we would discuss a book. <br /><br />After much to-ing and fro-ing we settled on Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Verghese. As time passed, of course glitches arose. Some idiot left her book in a hotel room in Washington, DC (ok, that one was me). Another forgot to get started. Another went to Hawaii and tried to finish it at the last minute and fell asleep and forgot the ending. Basically, we were meant to be together.<br /><br />We cracked open a bottle (or two), toasted today's successful milestone of 246 amended retainer agreements received by our adoption agency; enough to just maybe get our adoptions back on track, and tucked into Thai food. Yes, perhaps the food/wine selection didn't quite match the reading material, but it's my party and I'll Thai if I want to. And just like that, new friendships were born. We never got around to discussing the book but we covered pretty much everything else. To keep the momentum going, we've settled on My Father's Daughter, by Hannah Pool, for January 2010, but I wouldn't bet money that we get a discussion going.<br /><br />Here's to new friends!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-72589146194619490962009-11-23T22:21:00.000-08:002009-11-23T22:35:22.380-08:00More Belated PostingThis time from the big birthday party. Thirty people spread out over the house leaving me not too much time with the birthday girl. But we had a great time anyway. And in keeping with old wives tales, I measured her, sans afro, and she came in at a very respectable 34.5 inches. Apparently you take a child's height at age 2 and double it, and you'll get their adult height. Based on that, at 5'9", she'll measure up eye to eye with her dear mama. But her hair will take her over the top, no doubt.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1XxHluriBNgy-wbrBOs6Z59uHDQe1moIQ7haG_ctMWoGVEwcezTrVhSSgsrUPK5h9ERGWklpomc3zjDAOaNpislLBOJ6VR4w2hsy5jHtHk7cpwqWjElxHEIRJS0H4AzrI6B0FwnxRnS3/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407553714525375874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1XxHluriBNgy-wbrBOs6Z59uHDQe1moIQ7haG_ctMWoGVEwcezTrVhSSgsrUPK5h9ERGWklpomc3zjDAOaNpislLBOJ6VR4w2hsy5jHtHk7cpwqWjElxHEIRJS0H4AzrI6B0FwnxRnS3/s320/IMG_0615.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxMCLIMaVn9i3_7tPNBk9VFuMS1cTyPZ3bMfo3Y49P7r54NUgKOYhCeQ8vEdM4d80J2SXnz_mmhLYAURGRLUqsjxb_8qK8CPYAhlpLtULkVimhcuvdFXHHJbIMbM0r__IH5x7RZ683YCb/s1600/IMG_0594.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407553470677137538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxMCLIMaVn9i3_7tPNBk9VFuMS1cTyPZ3bMfo3Y49P7r54NUgKOYhCeQ8vEdM4d80J2SXnz_mmhLYAURGRLUqsjxb_8qK8CPYAhlpLtULkVimhcuvdFXHHJbIMbM0r__IH5x7RZ683YCb/s320/IMG_0594.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoCAFZLwjrhSkxnfXZS5ZyNjV4vfkFEcrKbV5sFzjJxOXL2aArkLnJ6D_-5BkGZngNQIhJBONNhbcRSwiIDS9kCu9ddENdkwqkou5DO1XAhsfxfY1v-0cKNV_CQxDTJyoWZ0qg4sCGRHM/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; 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WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407552501664835698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nMr28_Kxb2GF9p6Vqq_JNV2YQUpKw4nY5PYD5b4ZrVr83ELZ6F0qHOGuB3qk-_pPZmtWwyPkWjvXQ7KwChUOugORutzzclCHpuCJTQk8trVleyjGIT-r2OjOL_KnNAkBdOnjAjx_ahfa/s320/IMG_0575.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyivxS2Y0pckPvzg-dnXmFPmMo-KzlXpAPK2x8QXYZ1Ak3b44iAFTOGf50dCID9qsgyaC7MAhEF4e1QGhMReWBtZ9PeJ78slAX9uf_sA3hikDaj5Fajr2hZtJBUydiDHeArP7m3KhHCfuc/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407553279566669970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyivxS2Y0pckPvzg-dnXmFPmMo-KzlXpAPK2x8QXYZ1Ak3b44iAFTOGf50dCID9qsgyaC7MAhEF4e1QGhMReWBtZ9PeJ78slAX9uf_sA3hikDaj5Fajr2hZtJBUydiDHeArP7m3KhHCfuc/s320/IMG_0590.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxlqzAH4-iXdCK-HcMw6udlrN1VS06OVEfR7hxDEwIevuMUJeUvEnXyQj4Oh91r4gOeJSzI47WrcMevDgLyOI_vasGdM5Ohv4jDHp8xa0-gjSO5SW7QRCpDSr7iJ_3ZaeRMbp3uyTjntS/s1600/IMG_0586.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407553004050384210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxlqzAH4-iXdCK-HcMw6udlrN1VS06OVEfR7hxDEwIevuMUJeUvEnXyQj4Oh91r4gOeJSzI47WrcMevDgLyOI_vasGdM5Ohv4jDHp8xa0-gjSO5SW7QRCpDSr7iJ_3ZaeRMbp3uyTjntS/s320/IMG_0586.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_qBKPH423cZnBI36KH_ns10Feen36RodW5sbAhvvrH7JpZrI40LUi-76SyxSjJmt2NA-kRjdjUIybzleHTW2v1PXjTESs496VCpuYKsa5rBARfxLoxp-DHhpWHXeZ0SgyB0PsEVBdAR7/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407552708463419554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_qBKPH423cZnBI36KH_ns10Feen36RodW5sbAhvvrH7JpZrI40LUi-76SyxSjJmt2NA-kRjdjUIybzleHTW2v1PXjTESs496VCpuYKsa5rBARfxLoxp-DHhpWHXeZ0SgyB0PsEVBdAR7/s320/IMG_0580.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036038981589993864.post-64302984733123804342009-11-14T20:50:00.000-08:002009-11-14T21:13:08.804-08:00My Little MonsterYes, I'm very late posting, but I needed time to get over the trauma. Halloween was not a happy event this year. She screamed just looking at the costume. The feet freaked her out so I had to tuck them out of sight, up her pant legs. Putting on the head gear was out of the question. It took two of us to stuff her in - one to manipulate arms and legs and the other to distract and console.<br /><br />Finally, off we went, one mama and three aunties in tow. She refused to walk - I would set her down on each doorstep and she would quietly reach in a bowl and take her candy, put it in her pumpkin, and promptly reach for pick up with a solemn "up peas". Then I would carry her to the next house. This is why you travel with 3 aunties. Anything less and there's not enough people to take a shift and still collect enough candy for the adults to remotely make the event worthwhile.<br /><br />The first smile I got was once we were back in the house and she had her first taste of chocolate bar - an Aero to be exact. With her mood having improved somewhat, we tried a photo op - but still to no avail. What you mostly see is a tricky manoever called the "headgear hover", such that said headgear does not actually come to rest upon the reluctant head. So, you have to imagine what the costume might have looked like by combining her body with her aunty's head. I will be amortizing this costume over next year I think.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CO09ap6c16_TRPuGlJOhPgV5ZvZ9qHU1-8ulhJENgj4N2WvyD7OrVSyzoOxjRLer0uV66nkXhPqdL5Y5y3wbqOTiOAhj0E6vazn1FsqImWd075N227NYtASGyq451H11jaBdT0ZPy_vz/s1600-h/IMG_0546.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404191136190048322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CO09ap6c16_TRPuGlJOhPgV5ZvZ9qHU1-8ulhJENgj4N2WvyD7OrVSyzoOxjRLer0uV66nkXhPqdL5Y5y3wbqOTiOAhj0E6vazn1FsqImWd075N227NYtASGyq451H11jaBdT0ZPy_vz/s320/IMG_0546.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjaEYwag-oxQpky2hvJE52TcyTDb3TLzqpJRoHtJNVNBIbw5JmvcaM6etHI3f2qZxoH5CcP-iNSTCwbgqtnZP35pvZj77bldiucGbQZ9bn0GHWMiydvyPoCkGEsaCEnbgbQyiCLYFgh5l/s1600-h/IMG_0541.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404190702699553746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjaEYwag-oxQpky2hvJE52TcyTDb3TLzqpJRoHtJNVNBIbw5JmvcaM6etHI3f2qZxoH5CcP-iNSTCwbgqtnZP35pvZj77bldiucGbQZ9bn0GHWMiydvyPoCkGEsaCEnbgbQyiCLYFgh5l/s320/IMG_0541.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpeFnFizD6l6ZOS3yOLjo_OF406ieERC2gAzpcacTo7OAEhR5sXUtFdXiFz28H41hDGVlMeZgGXW2afEk-agb-AzJYO4gUuvjjXEk_sx9JtnrL-PZUuHUFdV311wkdNPpnNfNdVdftohz/s1600-h/IMG_0550.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404191380756669314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpeFnFizD6l6ZOS3yOLjo_OF406ieERC2gAzpcacTo7OAEhR5sXUtFdXiFz28H41hDGVlMeZgGXW2afEk-agb-AzJYO4gUuvjjXEk_sx9JtnrL-PZUuHUFdV311wkdNPpnNfNdVdftohz/s320/IMG_0550.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cG030eKWRa8igyPAcd_ThYbfz2NgldOToJfcpZPk0o6ykwYT-kp1Y9geYFkJ8qA5oMTCce9DzP-OV-It77LBwsnhpK7KhBbvyMx9A7QMmu2VAPhIp-2mMDBcfk3Bz5CBEDpS0WUjJTjj/s1600-h/IMG_0542.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404190927076896626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cG030eKWRa8igyPAcd_ThYbfz2NgldOToJfcpZPk0o6ykwYT-kp1Y9geYFkJ8qA5oMTCce9DzP-OV-It77LBwsnhpK7KhBbvyMx9A7QMmu2VAPhIp-2mMDBcfk3Bz5CBEDpS0WUjJTjj/s320/IMG_0542.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObjECcUrdXEmEPFzAnpM4bOs1V7PtB0FkfI5ZdmuWkKZwx96T_nzbF5FUtH18n8EMSa0av_LQpfxfF3m1xRy5o3O37QowUbTmyYtjtChgwR_QxX7EPOCmSw-EEIlAVGcAJ3zAbcPGqJEK/s1600-h/IMG_0557.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404191553272942850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObjECcUrdXEmEPFzAnpM4bOs1V7PtB0FkfI5ZdmuWkKZwx96T_nzbF5FUtH18n8EMSa0av_LQpfxfF3m1xRy5o3O37QowUbTmyYtjtChgwR_QxX7EPOCmSw-EEIlAVGcAJ3zAbcPGqJEK/s320/IMG_0557.JPG" /></a>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01871321938010856077noreply@blogger.com7