A Day of Firsts

Nov. 6, 2008 – Today was a day of momentous firsts for little Eleanor Yanet. It was the first time she smiled at her mom. It was the first time she fed herself cheerios and bread. And it was the first time she slept in the same room with her parents.

It's been a long transition period for this little girl. Unlike most of the children at the Baby Home, Yanet does not like new people – and she's very stubborn. It's pretty hard to get this little girl to do much of anything she doesn't want to do! If David tries to lay her down in his arms, she will reach up and grab the neck of his t-shirt to pull herself back up. If Amy tries to change her diapers, she rolls around screaming her head off.

But last night, David and Amy were able to bathe her for the first time at the Guest Home where we're staying… and she loved it. She sat in the little pink bathtub, splashing around as her mom rinsed her off. It was so precious.

It's been a really good thing that they were able to transition her slowly. Most often, when families adopt internationally, the children are thrust into their parents' arms immediately, taken away from familiar surroundings without any adjustment period. That can make it really hard for a child to adjust. Since Buckner owns and operates the Baby Home here in Addis, they were able to get to know Yanet over several days until she felt comfortable with them. It may have been harder on David and Amy, but it definitely made it easier for Yanet. And I think that's what everyone wants.

On Tuesday we went to the U.S. Embassy to get Yanet's American visa. You will be glad to know it is a very secure building. There are huge red "No Photography" signs covering the outside walls and we had to go through two security checks, where we emptied all our bags and were frisked for weapons or electronics. Apparently, if they see you taking a picture inside or outside the building, then they will take your camera away from you. I definitely didn't want to risk it… so we took their first official family photo with the Embassy at my back, pointing away down the street. Yanet was asleep almost the whole time.

Tomorrow, we'll go to the German Embassy to get Yanet's temporary Visa for admission into Germany (where they will have a layover on their flight). Then we will go to the market for some Ethiopian goods. David and Amy plan to buy a special Ethiopian gift for every birthday Yanet has until she turns 18. Amazing.

On Saturday, David and Amy will host a party at the Baby Home to celebrate Yanet's new life in America and to have one last day of fun with the older children. We're going to bake cupcakes and decorate them with the kids -- something they've probably never done before. We're also going to eat pizza, drink sodas and play some games! This will also be the time for David and Amy to express their appreciation for Yanet's caregivers, who have all loved her and cared for her since she first came to the orphanage. I'm sure it will be another emotional day. Yanet will probably not go back to the orphanage again...