Its almost been one year!

We are quickly approaching Amara's "gotcha" day. I cant believe that she has been home with us for 1 year. We brought home a baby, and now we have this little person, who is walking, talking, screaming and running! We love her so much and it has been amazing for me to see this sweet little girl develop. You know, you always hear people say they grow up fast. I never really understood that until now!

So much has happened in the past year. John has left the International department at Farmland Foods, and now is heading up a pet food division. I know this will develop into something big for him. I am excited that he is not traveling for long periods of time anymore! That was so hard.

In early March I found out I was diabetic, which in may ways was good news for me. I couldn't figure out why I could never get over being sick with colds, or lose weight. Finding out that my blood sugar was out of control and now being able to control has helped out so much. After cutting out carbs and sugar, and taking some medication I have successfully been able to lower my numbers to non-diabetic levels. I also have dropped close to 40 pounds..and feeling really good!

John has lost a lot of weight to0, and taking up a pretty serious running hobby! He ran ten miles yesterday and is pretty dedicated about running 5-6 times a week.

My 35th birthday is not here yet....but Paul McCartney was in town for a concert. I have loved him since I was a kid! My generous husband bought tickets for my mom and I to go to the concert...not just any tickets..17th row tickets. We had a great time..something we will always remember!

Back to Amara.....Amara is talking up a storm. She loves to mimic and is a very quick little learner! I am still impressed with Amara's daycare, she loves going and they are teaching her so much.

We are excited to hear that Tseguy and Almaz are traveling from Ethiopia to the US next month. We are planning on going to St. Louis to meet up with them. Tseguy and Almaz run the House of Hope where Amara lived from the time she was 3 months old to 10.5 months.

Almaz and Tseguy August 2009

Amara, her daddy and grandpa are planning on take a road trip from Kansas City to California. This is a trip that John and his father enjoy together, but this year, they want to take Amara. Crazy?? Yes, but that's great! I am planning on meeting up with them by flying to San Fransisco for the weekend.

All for now. I have to get better at updating this blog. I spend so much time cooking and cleaning and taking care of Tiny, its hard to find the time!

Here are so photos of our cutie pie!

WOW...its been 3 months since I blogged!!?!?!

Ok, I am back! I cant believe how fast time is going since we have brought Amara home! I am going to work hard on posting! In fact..I am going to try to post something everyday. Lets see.....Amara is almost 18 months old. She is very active and has the cutest bubbly big personality ever! Everyday she is saying a new word, yesterday it was shoe!

Amara is finally getting healthy again. We had alot of ear infections and months of getting sick. She had tubes placed in January, but it took a couple months to get her ears back to normal. I am anxious for her follow up appointment this summer to check her hearing. Before tubes, she hardly had any hearing in her right ear.

This time last year we waiting for our first court date, and waiting to see when we could bring baby tiny home. I am so glad that process is over and we can just enjoy sweet little Amara.

Here are some updated pics-

Amara is really enjoying the Easter Egg Hunt and Aunt Mechelles

Grandma Marlene (my mom) and Amara getting ready to sit down for Easter lunch

Cousin Katy and Amara

Happy Holidays!!!!!

This holiday season has been extra special this year as a family of 3. Amara is now 14 months old and changing so quick!! Its amazing to look back at Christmas last year. We didnt even know about little Amara Eskedar! Amara was 2 months old last year at this time, she was less than 6 pounds and staying at the Enat Alem orphanage in Addis Ababa. Its so nice to say she is now a very healthy, happy active toddler. We are blessed to have her in our lives.

Last weekend we enjoyed celebrating Chrimstas in Chicago, and Amara experienced unwrapping presents, she is picking up very quickly!

This is the view from our window at the Swissotel. Amara enjoyed playing on the huge bed!

Then off to Grandma and Grandpa's condo! Amara is opening her very first Christmas present!

Later that evening, a nice dinner and more presents!

Christmas in Kansas City was enjoyed with lots of snow and family!

We look forward to bringing in the new year. I can see many new adventures and experiences in 2010!!

Our cutie pie!

Amara is such a little blessing. I am so amazed how much she is changing everyday. She is so funny, and has her little bag of tricks that she pulls out to entertain anyone who is watching.

She is waving, blowing kisses, using a sippy cup and moving away from a bottle. She is getting to be a big girl with eating. She will eat anything, and wants to feed herself!


Its a matter of a few weeks and I think she will be walking. We cant wait for Christmas this year..its so fun to see Amara experience all these new things.


The adoption process was so hard, even more with the delay with abandonment child cases, but when I look into this little girls eyes, I would do it again and again. I am so wanting to start the process to go back for another child... There are so many children in Ethiopia and after spending time there and seeing the orphanages and the children who do not have homes it just breaks my heart. I also like the idea of Amara having a sibling with a shared heritage. So hopefully someday soon I can say that we are starting the process again. Unfortunately, there is that one thing, and that's paying for it! Its a little costly!


For now we will enjoying watching our Baby Tiny experience life and grow. I cant think of anything better.


My best friend Kristi made Amara a tutu and top. I must say its pretty adorable! Amara also enjoyed dressing up as a ladybug for Halloween!

Happy Birthday Amara!! 1 year old!

October 23, Amara turned 1! We enjoyed making it a special day for her!

11 months old..

Amara is such a joy! We have been with Amara a little over a month now and I am amazed how well she is adjusting. She goes along with anything! She still takes 2 naps a day and sleeps all night. She is crawling and pulling herself up and I know soon she will be walking!

Its been hard to update the blog, time is just flying by. What a huge change from the summer when we didnt know what was happening with the adoption and time was dragging on. Life is good and we are enjoying every minute with Amara.

She is turning one in a few weeks!

LONG overdue update!!

I am a horrible blogger! I update my facebook almost everyday with photos and feel bad that my little blog has been neglected! We have been home safe and sound and with a baby that is the best thing that has ever happened to us! She is really a little doll, with a sweet personality.

John is back to work, the house guest and visitors have slowed down, and I am enjoying every minute with baby Amara. She is such a blessing!

Our trip to Ethiopia was an amazing journey. All the people who work with our adoption agency work so hard in Ethiopia to take care of all the children and us families when we were in the country.

I am still working on a montage of photos from our trip, but here are a few of Amara in Ethiopa and since we have returned home!

Here are some photos take while we were in Ethiopia-

Photos since we have been home -

More photos to come soon! I promise!