Tuesday - the 29th - COURT

Another PERFECT Day (well almost - Craig's not feeling well ) -

Today was court - we passed and were finalized before we left.  We arrived and were one of the first families there - and more and more just kept coming.  We had Sami our driver and the social worker with us.  So many families - a LOT of people from Europe!  and then the Ethiopian families that were there for the first court where they talk about giving up their parental rights.  So it was bitter sweet seeing them - but most looked "happy" for all of us adoptive families so that the kid still have a chance at life.  After seeing and learning more - its amazing how much poverty there is throughout the country, starving people.  Today Shelly and I had some ladies begging us to take their children.  It was sad.

Anyhow - at court - we were told before we came here that AAI families typically are in and out - well   it was 2 hours - and we were probably in the middle of the pack.  Which is fine - but long and hot in there.  The judge asked a few questions - people were in and out in under 5 minutes.  She asked the following (to the best of my memory)

1 - do you have other children at home
2 - does this child know about the adoption and how does he feel about it.
3 - do you know about the Ethiopian history?  How will you teach your child about his culture.  She then went on to explain that the kids will need to learn as they will have questions about their identity in the future.
4 - Do you understand that after this the adoption is finalized and can NOT be reversed.

That was about it - and she said I declare this finalized!  So we left in just a few minutes.

After that - we went to visit the University Museum - Lucy is NOT here - she is normally at the National Museum - but we were told she's on tour in the US.  We only went to the university museum and had a tour guide - he was great!  We learned so much more than most people.  It was truly a great learning experience.  We learned about folklore that parents tell the kids, I can't wait to find those to keep.  we saw art work, learned about the politics and rulers - it was just great!  and a lot about the Christian history here.  We again spent this time with Shelly and Michael - a LOT of fun.  After this we rushed back to find lunch - went to Yummy pizza - and man it is GREAT pizza!  I realized they use soft mozzarella cheese in chunks - NOT the stuff I buy in a bag at the store.  MUST try this at home. l

Then we met everyone at the hotel - Sadula Lodge - and we went to the orphanages.  Another family Meg and George arrived early this morning and have a son at Engida where Sami is at - so we got to meet them and share their first meeting with their beautiful son!  It was amazing.  Sami is just so beautiful - smiles so  much.  The one care taker told Craig that he remembered us (not sure -but we did leave the picture book Sunday) -but she said that he smiled even more when he saw us coming!  So that's good.  I think we were tested - I had to change his diaper (he doesn't like that) - and then we fed him later.  That was challenging - it should have been "cereal" - but it was a liquid we fed him via a spoon!  Ha.  So Sami is TOTALLY the perfect child for us -
first - spit up on me
second - as he was dong tummy time on my lap - TOOTED in my face  - and we have it on video - Nate should be proud of his little brother
third - the boy LOVES to eat!  and burp in my face as well.

For those that know the "Backus" boys - this will be perfect - and he loves music and TV.

So it was a great day - he cried when we left him - so that was sad, but good to know he likes being with us and playing with us.  OH and he likes to bang like a drummer!  YEAH FOR ME!

Tonight the 4 families all went with Alemu to a traditional Ethiopian dinner and dance.  It was beautiful.  Craig wasn't feeling well later in the day - I made him start the antibiotics JUST in-case.  So he was the excuse for people to go home early - everyone is just so tired.

Tomorrow is SHOPPING for me - and two families will go to court!  We also start the flights home tomorrow - leaving at 11:30 pm (so 3:30 pm Detroit time) and will arrive at 4 pm on Thursday.  I just pray we have a quick turn around with the Embassy like another family.  They just passed court 3 weeks ago - and  passed Embassy today!  just amazing it was so fast.

Anyhow - we are truly blessed.  This is a great experience.  We have a great child.  Its just funny how every child seems perfect for each family!  Everyone is going to be great --

Ok - its late - almost 11:30 - and we are busy tomorrow. packing and going to pack and GO HOME>  I miss my other son - Nate -the first perfect child - now we have two.

Thanks for following this -- I can't wait to share more.
Gail