WE GOT LEVI!!!!

Yesterday (Tuesday) was an amazing day!  We got Levi, and he is precious.  But before I go into details, I'll give you a quick rundown of our day.  After eating breakfast, we left for some shopping at a local outdoor market.  It was great, and we got some cool things--even a little Ethiopian outfit for Levi's 2 year pictures.  It's adorable.  After getting rained on (it is rainy season, you know), we headed off to a restaurant/art shop.  We ordered, of all things, a pizza and browsed around looking at the different Ethiopian art.

Then we left the eatery to go...drumroll, please...pick up Levi.  We were given a care package from another America World family from Cleveland, so we were able to deliver that to their little boy.  After hugging and loving on their little guy, we had to meet with the nurse.  She gave us a rundown of Levi's schedule, eating and nap times, and health.  He's very healthy except for a skin rash on his cheeks.  But he's still a cutie patootie.  When the nurse was telling us about him, she said "that's my little Abatu" (which is his Ethiopian name).  She smiled really big when she said it.

We finished chatting with her, and then went around to pick him up for good.  Levi was napping, so his nanny had to wake him up.  She was kissing and hugging him while saying good-bye.  Several other nannies and workers came to tell "Abatu bye", and one lady even said "he's my favorite little boy".  These ladies are so amazing because they have to love on and care for children they will eventually have to say good-bye to.  We finally got him out of his nanny's arms, and then realized he had a poopy.  So, Paul and I changed our first poopy.  Climbing back into the van, we headed back to the hotel with our arms holding our kids (no carseats).

We introduced him to the different things in our room--the toilet, shower, TV, and other things he might be scared of, and then let him play with a stuffed animal that Landon picked out for him. (He absolutely loves it).  He also takes everywhere the animal book that Logan picked out for him.  He was definitely scared/timid/cautious/and VERY shy.  We had supper, gave him a well-needed bath, and put him in some comfy pj's and after a song and prayer off to sleep he went.  No problems!!!

I was actually nervous about the "catatonic state" he seemed to be in last night, so Paul and I prayed for some emotions to be shown today.  And God heard our prayer, because today (Wednesday) we have a different little pipsqueak.  Talking and smiling and laughing, and even saying "mama" and "papa".  He can point to our pictures and say the names--it's awesome.  We have had a great day together, and he absolutely adores Paul.  He loves playing with him and being held by him...and Paul loves it, too.

Logan and Landon, you guys are going to have to be super careful with him at first.  He is way tinier than we expected, and is such a cutie.  You guys will love him.  We were telling Levi all about you both today, and were showing him pictures of his "won-dow's" (brothers).  We can't wait for you to meet him.

Today we visited an orphanage where some of the children come from--although, Levi didn't come from this one.  It was great to hang out and play with the kids.  Paul joined right in on a rousing game of "Ethiopian Duck-Duck-Goose".  They laughed and laughed and thought he was hilarious.  It was awesome!!  I got it on video for anyone that wants to see it!!  :)  They held a coffee ceremony for us at the orphanage.  It was great coffee--and I don't even like coffee.  (Don''t worry, the water was ok for us to drink).  FYI: Coffee originated in Ethiopia, and we are going to be touring a coffee factory.  Might have to get some!!

Tomorrow is our embassy appointment.  It'll be a long morning, but we pray that all goes well for everyone.  Please pray with us.

After Levi and Paul wake up from their nap, we are going to walk around and try to find some chocolate...I've been wanting a candy bar, so we'll see what we find.  Hope it's yummy!

Thanks for all of your prayers!
Missing you,
Mandy

p.s. I know these are long posts...sorry!!!!