Miles Milton-Surafel Waite

On January 9th, we boarded a plane and went to meet the 5th Waite for the first time. We arrived in Addis Ababa on Friday at 6:45 am. We checked into our our hotel, took a nap and then went to visit with our son that afternoon. I was trying to soak in every moment on the way to meet our little guy. Looking out the window of the hotel van and trying to get a glimpse into his world. The sights and smells are completely different from the world we left. When we arrived at the care center Miles was napping so we took a little tour and then sat outside and waited for him to wake up. As most kids do, he woke up a little out of sorts and so we just gave him some time and some space to wake up a little more. After about 10 minutes (which seemed like forever) I reached out to hold him and he came to me. I was so releaved! I just sat and cuddled him for as long as I could. He did eventually get down and play. Fred and him kicked the ball around for a while and played on the swing. After about two hours we had to leave. We gave Miles big kisses and hugs and said our goodbyes for the day. The next couple of days we were able to spend 2 hours a day at the care center getting to know our little guy. It was a special time getting to know him in a setting that is familiar and unthreating to him. What I can tell you is that he is sweet, funny, full of energy, polite, and ALL BOY! We said our final goodbyes on Monday after we passed court (wahoo) and watched him wave bye to us as we pulled away from the gate at the care center. There is a huge part of my heart that has been left in Ethiopia and a can't wait to go back and bring him home!

Happy Gotcha Day Liam

1 year ago on January 9th, we met this adorable, scared little boy in the civil affairs office in China.  To say the least it was a terrifying moment for him and so very bitter sweet for us.  Bitter because he was saying goodbye to all that he had ever known and the women that had loved and cared for him his entire life, yet sweet because we were meeting our son for the first time whom we had loved since the moment we set eyes on him.  This year has been amazing and I feel very blessed that God has allowed me to be this little boys momma.  His huge, funny, loving personality had me at hello!  Thank you Liam for loving and trusting us to be your parents.

Liam then..........

Liam now.........

The Boys Room

I have been searching for beds for Liam and Miles for a really long time.  I was specifically looking for antique beds for them that matched since they will be sharing a room.  Every time I thought I had some in my grasp they would slip right through my hands.  It was very frustrating!  I came across a pair of beds on Etsy and thought after months of searching, these would do just fine.  They were delivered to us on Friday and I couldn't wait to get them set up.  Well I got one set up anyway.....the mattress store was out of stock of the other mattress I needed for Miles bed.  So, today we went and picked it up and their room is all put together.  I couldn't be more pleased.  I love how it turned out.  Now if we could just sell our house so they could have a room with a window and a closet - that would be just fabulous.  Praying that this year is the year it will sell!