On January 14, 2010...we stood at the Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and agreed to bring little Henrik Bedalu to America and officially raise him as our child. What a difference a year makes! Looking back...he still has so many of the same mannerisms from the first day we met. He still loves people, loves attention, loves to cuddle (we really love that!), is full of energy and laughter, and is very alert and interested in his surroundings. He has brought so much happiness and love to so many lives. We say a prayer of thanks, everyday, for his birth family, who realized they could not care for him, and wanted him to have the opportunity to grow up in the States, and for Sue...who works tirelessly to place children from Ethiopia in loving homes. What a Blessing for our family...to have our little Henri B.
Here's a flashback from Addis:
Meeting Henri for the first time. He didn't know us, or want anything to do with us. He cried big crocodile tears...the same tears he still cries...
Cuddling with his dad. To this day, Henri loves to be rocked, held and cuddled as he gets tired. It can be exhausting...but so wonderful to have that little cuddle-bug in your arms...
Sweet Henri....with those angelic eyes...
Waving for the camera!
I love to be tickled!
Giggle, giggle, giggle...
I made it home! Here we are with Ron and Nic and baby S at the airport...
Baby S shares all her toys with me...and now we go to the same school!
One year later...here we are playing in the toy-coffin. :) Henri's come a long way...from not being able to sit on his own unsupported..to climbing, running, jumping, dancing, jabbering, throwing (ask Nic about her head)...he's so strong!
Wearing my Viking hat...I'm Ethiopian-born, Norwegian-named, and now an American citizen.
Here we all are...playing with Ron...he's taking us on the leg ride...
One year later...I still cuddle when I'm sleeping...
And I love to laugh! Happy one year homecoming, Henri!
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