Curt's Dedication

"first Christmas"

Wow - it is amazing we have been dreaming and wondering what today would be like officially for 2 years and it finally arrived. In reality I've been dreaming and wondering about today for probably 5 or 6 years! The first Christmas as a family of 4! Well today FINALLY arrived and I have to say - it was perfect. Yeah - we missed our angels in heaven - life will never be the same without our grandparents, however my dad, step mom and step sister were here. And it has been 2 years since I saw my sister Nisha! I was so happy to finally have her back and to also for her to meet and hold Curt. So having Curt FINALLY here - at last was wonderful! Last year we had just gotten back a few weeks before from holding Curt - so this year he was HOME! Wow that boy is full of energy - he's amazing And Sunday we were also blessed to have him dedicated in our church - it was a great weekend. So last night was Christmas eve - and we had a jam packed day - to get home with lots of snow. The first REAL snow fall Curt's seen. wow that little spit fire got out of the van and ran around the whole front yard (it isn't big) but touching and kicking and running through the snow! It was wonderful to watch. Then this morning after Santa arrived - and with Nate! I am truly blessed with these two boys! Nate got his Skylander's Giants (not working as we'd hoped) and a Red Rider BB Gun! Yikes - hope he doesn't shoot his eye out - and Curt well - bath time toys and anything Thomas the train! And other cars! All perfect for him. It was just a perfect day. I'm hoping we can post the video of the dedication here as well. Our day was fun. II hope everyone was able to spend time thinking about the miracle of today's main Birthday - the birth of Jesus! I feel like he's been doing a LOT through our lives. Thanks for following. Merry Christmas, Love Gail

Nate's Dedication Letter

We read the following letter to Nate at Christmas Dinner in 2012.  Nate was dedicated when he was an infant, at the First Baptist Church in Howell, Michigan.  They used a more scripted approach to the dedication, and we thought it would be great to capture our thoughts for Nate when we were writing the letter for Curtis:

December 23, 2012

Dear Nate,

Son, you may not understand this now, but someday you’ll realize how much love and prayer came before your birth.  Your dad and I wanted you so badly and went to the ends of the world to make that happen.  As I say, you are my fertility miracle and we love you just so very much.

You are such an amazing boy and we know you are so smart, loving and kind.  Being so creative with such a warm and loving personality you can go so far in this world.    Be it designing video games or writing comics, we will be proud of you for all you do. 

Just as we committed to teach Curtis about Jesus today, we made that same commitment to you when you were a baby.  We did this at the church that Mommy grew up in, and we’re so happy that you’ve already learned so much about Jesus and how his love for us will allow us to be with Him forever.  We’re really excited for the day that you choose to be baptized in His name making that visible act to confirm what you already believe in your heart that Jesus died for our sins. 

Remember these few things and you will have the life we dreamed for you before we held you in our arms.

1 - No matter what you will always be loved and honored by us and the rest of your family.  You will always have your special angels in heaven guiding you and watching out for you when you are in need.  Never forget the love they have for you, before you were even born, they adored you so much!  All you have to do is look at the sky and find a star shining bright!  They are up there guiding your way.

2 – You should pursue  whatever you want in life.  As long as you follow your heart and being a Christian you can’t go wrong.  Be the BACKUS man we know you already are.  Live your life with integrity and in Christ and you will go far! 

3 – Love like you won’t see tomorrow.  Fall for the person of your dreams.  Love them like they are only here for a day.  Your heart is so big and will only grow bigger allowing more dreams and people to be touched. 

4 – be faithful in your heart.  God will always get you through even the toughest of times.  He will be the ever constant in your life above all.  Become a strong Christian man and maintain this in your life. 

No matter what – remember how much you have been loved and longed for many years before you were born.  As your name says, you ARE a Gift from God!  We love you so much.

Mom and Dad!

Curt's Dedication Letter

We read the following letter to Curt when he was dedicated at Genesis: The Church on December 23, 2013.  It is our hope that he chooses to follow Christ one day, and he will be baptized in His savings waters:

Dearest Curt,

You were born into a life and family that loved you half way across the world.  Your birth family made the greatest sacrifice in May of 2011 by their actions and love just for you.  Not knowing then, we dreamed of you for many months and finally saw your beautiful little face in August 2011.  Soon after, we learned of your smile and personality even as a small baby.  You were a bright spot in many lives in Addis at the Engida Orphanage, loving so many and being loved till we could become a forever family earlier this year.

You have already survived many things in your little life that many of us will never understand.  Yet you are still smiling, laughing, singing and dancing all around.  You have brought such joy to our lives and home.  You have completed us and we are truly a family of 4 at last.  Many say you are lucky for everything that’s happened, but dear son, YOU ARE the blessing to our family.  Thank you for your carefree and happy personality.

It is our hope that you come to follow Christ just as our family does.  We will help to teach you about His love and the sacrifice He made for us.  Ethiopia has had a strong commitment to Jesus Christ from the early days of the Church, and has always remained an independent spirit in Africa. Our dream for you is that you will become the man you want to be and be filled by the Holy Spirit  to show others that they too can overcome anything in life.  And we dream that you will continue to know Christ and always remember your roots as an Ethiopian in this crazy world.  Remember the strong Christian history that you come from and show the world that a smile goes a long way.

Find love and peace in our family and know the joy that you have brought to so many.  Trust in God that you can do anything you want and go where you need.  And no matter what, know how much you are truly loved by so many all over the world.  Many people prayed for you to join our family and we truly are blessed to have you as our son!  You also have so many angels all around you from your beloved grandparents in heaven and your birth parents where ever they may be.  Everyone wants to ensure you have a chance to grow and learn and love as any little boy should.

We love you and your brother more than words can ever express.

Love,

Mommy and daddy.

crazy happy life

Wow - life is just crazy - busy and wonderful at the same time. Not really sure what all has been posted in the last few weeks - but over the last few years we have had 3 prayers - and never really voiced one - well it finally has occurred And it is a blessing. We have decided after many discussions the last few years to close our business and have Craig be a stay at home dad for a while. This allows him to bond with Curt and spend some time with Nate. And honestly the timing couldn't have been more perfect with my crazy work schedule. It's a good crazy, I'm putting a management system in place for Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) - and it just takes a lot of time. So Craig is now cooking dinner, cleaning and spending good quality time with Curt and Nate. The boys are really doing good. And watching Curt flourish the last few weeks is amazing. I swear he's learned more words in the last few weeks and understanding more AS I type this I'm just watching him play with his toys and he's very intent. He is SUCH a boy! He LOVES his cars, trucks and anything that moves. And now he's growling as he sees a Dinosaur on TV. Just so sweet. Nate - well just loving life - he's the best. He's ready for the holidays- sadly we don't have our decorations or anything up. WE're getting there though. Anyhow -just really thinking of how wonderful our life is - ok Curt is dancing up a storm at the moment - we need to take video of him. Anyhow - I'm finding that I"m thinking of his birth family - do they think of him? where are they? Are they alive? Did they have this much energy and wonder? Did they love so much? I just wonder. Ok - this post is ALL over the place - clearly life is busy and I'm just feeling and thinking all over the place. But just know that God takes care of us all! He does answer prayers and things happen in HIS time and the PERFECT time. Happy holidays all

Sami Craig Backus for a year now

Wow - I can't believe that Curt officially became our son 1 year ago today. I remember waiting for the courts and in this really hot room - that kept getting VERY loud. It was fun to see how well respected our agency was - AAI for those keeping track and , saying bad things about them - they are so well respected the employees kept going to THEM to help keep order. And we saw this at the US Embassy too. Anyhow - we were not the first family in but ended up going after an hour or two. So we go in and the judge asks us a few questions about our family, if Nate was OK with it all, if we planned to keep the culture in his life - and that was about it. Ok, she asked if we understood this is forever and non-reversible - and YES we knew that - she then hit her gavel and declared us his parents! Sadly it took a few more months to bring our son home - but it happened. And today I see this awesome little personality watching the Wiggles at the moment, dancing around and fighting with his big brother to have a bite of his Popsicle. We are truly blessed by everything and God's timing in our lives. Right now Craig has been given an opportunity to stay home with Curt for a little bit! What a great opportunity for them? They are both enjoying it very much! Curt's been getting into a routine (one that was not working out well at his former daycare) and really a happy boy! I will cherish so much for many years to come.

One year later

Wow - a year ago today Craig and I met and held Curt (aka Sami) for the very first time. I looked at the pictures that another mom with us too - the VERY first pictures of the caretakers at the orphanage introducing us to our sweet, sweet boy! We got to see that amazing smile first hand - we'd heard how sweet it was - and it truly is! And this last year has had some roller coaster rides trying to bring our beautiful boy home - but now we are watching him turn into the sweet little guy. Learning to talk - today he said Elmo, Happy Day (for Happy Birthday), one, two - and something for "three". WE are blessed. On the 30th it will be a year that he legally became our son! I feel blessed - I love my family so much - both boys are are just sweet! Nate talked all the way home today - he's so sweet. I heard about his Star Wars dreams and how he wants to invent a light saber? the new events in our life - Craig is now officially a stay at home dad for a few days. He's really enjoying this time with Curt and going out and bonding. They are doing fun things and getting a LOT of things done. He's very blessed to have this short time to be home with him before life takes another change! Ok - babbling - I just feel so happy today!. Gail

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is the first Thanksgiving for our little Curt! I feel like we are just so blessed to have him home for the holidays last year. A year ago today I was packing to fly out the day after Thanksgiving to go meet our son! Craig and I just had such an amazing trip meeting our new son. And today I"m so thankful for my boys it isn't even funny! I'm thankful for the selfless act that Curt's birth family did in 2011 - I know they are not celebrating a holiday in Ethiopia - but I just wonder if his family thinks of him, if they are even still alive. Do they know what a beautiful little boy they gave life to and such a spirit? Today we went back to the Detroit Thanksgiving Parade - and would like to start this as a tradition for our family (so anyone want to join - feel free - maybe some of the cousins and their kids can join in the future). But both Nate and Curt were so fun! Nate was lucky a family let him get closer to the front to see. Curt well he made friends with everyone. It is just amazing how so many people, from all over, all different, different stages of lives and totally different lives can all come together, standing in a small area and be nice. People helping one another, giving kids some food and a necklace when they didn't catch one from the clowns. Just such an amazing holiday spirit today. Anyhow - then our TRADITIONAL Thanksgiving with my family - I loved seeing my cousins and their kids that I haven't seen in some time. And for Curt to meet more family members. He was a good boy - and Nate - well he always loves knowing he has more family! Anyhow - today I feel blessed. My family is amazing and I love them all dearly! I'm just thinking ab out the trip of a lifetime we took a year ago and Curt was officially our son- I just love it. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Gail

18 month check up

Wow our little guy is 18 months (and a few days) - but he had his well baby check today with the Dr.  She was very impressed with his development and how he's doing.  He's able to say more than 10 words, and totally understand and comprehends even more. She said that was so good to see.  He's in the 60% for weight, 30% for height and that's good too!

Sadly we had 5 shots today and 2 pokes trying to get blood (trying is key - didn't get any blood)  - but we are caught up on immunizations - yeah.

Yes it sure has been a while - LOTS going on with the Backus' - we are busy with Nate in 3rd grade - he's so good and amazes me how much he's progressed in the last few years.  He's a good brother and trying to comfort Curt today at the doctors - it was so sweet to see.  And then Craig and I are good too!  Work is work - I'm crazy swamped but getting things finally organized and set up - yeah.

This summer we moved to a new Church - Genesis and can't explain how much we love it.  The sermon's just really speak to Craig and I.  Nate loves the Sunday school program and we now have small group too!  The whole church has a big 6 week program for sermons and small groups to do the same things, I'm really learning things.  Which is good.

A  lot of other changes are coming our way - we'll get there.  exciting how things happen for a reason and the right time.

But for now - I"m enjoying listening to my boys laugh and play!  They are great.
Have a good one.
Gail

Support the fight against Leukemia

all leukemia is a nasty disease that took my mom back in 2004  -17 days before her first grandchild was welcomed into this world.  To this day I believe she hand picked Nathaniel Craig Backus out in heaven just for us - if not him in body and all - his spirit was chosen by her.  We were never able to "see" the gender and I tell myself that she realized we (Craig, me and my dad and Marcus) needed a beautiful bald little boy!  He brought so much joy into a very sad time.

Anyhow tomorrow night our team - Loretta's Love will do our annual walk at the  Light the Night event in Troy, MI.  If you are able, please go visit our new website - www.lorettaslove.com and donate.  Or even come support the cause and walk with us tomorrow night (walk starts at 7 in Troy, events start at 5) - and enjoy glow in the dark balloons.  Rain or shine - the walk goes on.  So bundle up.

If you ever noticed the archives on here - they data back to May 2004.  Yes my dear husband Craig created this long ago (and a few looks back) to help us communicate with family and friends as the stress and cost of calling everyone every day became too much!  I think our phone bill that one month was well over $400.  And then dad and Marcus had high ones too.  It was hard to tell the same story all over and over.  So this was our way to communicate to everyone that wanted and/or needed to know.

Anyhow - reading back you can feel the emotions and stress of a pregnant me wrote about things close to every day or so.  I don't handle things very well - and it was very hard the last few days in June.  But then go to July 8th and the start of the waiting for Nate came on and brought a ray of light to this family!  And over t he years you can read about our family, losing my in laws, grandma and then our adoption!  This is a blog created out of love and information and has continued that on and hopefully helped people looking at adoption.

Yes - it is bitter sweet - and we're hoping for a good turn out at the event this year.  Tomorrow is Curt's first walk in honor of his angel grandma as well!

I will bet everyone that reads this will have ONE connection - even a small one to someone that has fought leukemia, lymphoma or some sort of blood disorder -  lets go fight for those people now!

Thanks - and check out the great site - www.lorettaslove.com.
Love
Gail

Happy New Year - Welcome 2005

Today is the Ethiopian New Year - 2005.  yes they have a different year  they use a totally different calendar.  I won't put it all here - but Google it and you can read all about it.  So in theory I realized both boys were born in 2004!  ha - pretty funny.

We didn't do any big celebration - but hope to next year. I've been in touch with an Ethiopian pastor and they are hoping to do more in Ann Arbor next year!  yeah!  Can't wait.  Very important to keep the culture in our lives - at least it is my thoughts.

So I realized I haven't posted in a while - things are just busy.  School started for Nate at the end of August, Curt and I have been fighting a cold the last week.  His is mostly teething and me allergies -but still NO fun.  Labor day weekend was just a busy time.  I hope to do pictures one of these days -but too tired and icky right now.

So a quick (probably not but I'll pretend) update on life.

Curt is 17 months old. Tomorrow will be 6 months from Gotcha Day!  Wow - 6 months as a family of 4.  It seems like he has been with us forever and it is perfect.  yes we have our ups and downs.  He still wakes up at  night lately  Last night we let him "cry it out" and it went well.  Craig may not agree, but it was 15 minutes,  and he slept till 7 and woke up in a great mood.  Curt loves to talk, walk, run and play!  he's all over and it is great.  He's definitely got a personality!  We love it.

Nate started 3rd grade at St Paul's and we are just so proud of him.  His reading compared to last year has advanced so much.  Tutoring really helped. But we are done with tutoring for now and going back to soccer starting Saturday.  And maybe something else.  WE were hoping the Lego Robot clubs, but need to be 9 years old.

Me - swamped like crazy at work, but love it.  It is just a good fit.  I was actually able to have Nate in for two weeks to help me out.  Yes he worked and got paid to help me scan MSDSs!  He's great.  I'm having little medical stuff happening - possible ulcer related to my stomach surgery (3 years ago).  Yikes.  But good to get it checked out NOW before it gets bad.

Craig - busy with the store - but enjoying Saturday's with us again!  yeah.  We love it too!  He's just into football season and taking walks with the boys.

We also found a new church this summer.  It was not an easy decision but attending Genesis we realized we needed to grow more.  And we have found the opportunities here.  Very excited to get involved and doing more.  A sermon this summer inspired us both so much it was amazing.  a real GOD moment!  They do a lot of out reach and I can see us doing more here in the future!  I can't wait!  Yeah -

Dad was here for a while in June/July - gave us a health scare - but doing well now.  We were even able to get pics of him and the boys AND had family pics taken too!  They were food too!

What else?  Oh - I"m going to be an aunt!  Yeah - can't wait - my brother is expecting next year - so thrilled for them too!

Other than that - through all the life struggles,we just feel blessed to have the boys and the family we have. I love my boys and just enjoy what life is bringing us.

I love talking about adoption, Ethiopia and what we can do to help the people there someday!

That's about all for now  - I can tell it is very disjointed  sorry about that
Gail

So much going - where to start?

Wow - where do I start?  Just so much in life going on - and pretty much ALL good!  Curt and Nate and all of us are just bonding like crazy.  I have to admit the attachment was my BIGGEST fear - I never thought sleeping would be an issue (and yes IT IS  - not fun).  But the attachment is so amazing.  Seeing Curt and everyone he needs to know and care about - he is starting to bond.  Today we said give brother Nate a hug and he waddled over to give him lots of hugs!  It was so beautiful.  I am just beyond happy and just love my family so much!  I honestly feel complete!  My boys (all 3 - including the big one) are just MY LIFE!  I will never be able to express the love I have for them.

My dad was home for the last few weeks and was able to get time with the boys too.  It was nice because Curt finally started to bond to him.  He wanted Nate near by if it was just the two of them. But after a few days, he'd go right to Papa.  And even though my dad may not have heard it - he can say that too Papa - not sure he knows what it means.

And then one day my dad and Mary kept Nate - so we met up the next day.  It was priceless.  WE walk into Uncle Marcus and Aunt Stacey's house and Nate is like CURT!  and Curt goes waddling over to his brother and they are hugging and attacking/wrestling!  So please - I still ask - observe the boys - you can see the love.

We did get some pictures the last week.  Some with Papa and the boys and others with the 4 of us!  And a few in our Ethiopian shirts!  Not sure how well you can see them all -but it counts!  Can't wait to see them early next week!  yeah.

So another big thing in our lives - helping to get a group going of families in SE Michigan and even northern OH that have or will be adopting Ethiopian kids!  Another woman stated it last year, I sorta took it over and another woman kindly took it from me (thank you Kim).  So she was great to arrange a gathering a few weeks ago.  It was so fun to just meet others, and have the kids play!  One little boy was from Curt's orphanage!  And they were in the same room!  Watching him see this little boy - ok it has been months, and they were so little -but he just wanted to gently touch his face!  he wasn't like that with the other kids.  Yes he was happy and playing,but this one boy  - there was such a connection!  It was priceless!  We're all going to keep meeting up!  Hopefully starting more often.  We even had a few families meet at the zoo concert this week!  yeah!  Lots of fun.

Craig and I are good too!  My work is amazing.  I just love all that I"m doing and what I am able and allowed to do!  It is just so cool!  I'm starting a new project and I feel like I'm getting in on the"ground floor" of something big!  I just am excited!  It sure will be cool.  And Craig - he has a lot going on and doing well!  Watching him with the boys and being protective is so sweet.

We recently went back to NY to his 25th class reunion - it was a lot of fun.  Getting pictures of his home town, seeing and meeting his sisters family (yes both of us had additions since we'd seen each other 3 years ago) - and Nate being with TJ - priceless.

AND we are expecting another baby in our family!  I will be an aunt early next year!  I'm thrilled and so excited!  I just can't wait!  Another baby in the family!  YEAH.

So just lots happening - and watching Curt grow, develop and learning to talk is so fun!  He sure has a handle on walking now - and likes to go UP the stairs - just not sure how to get down.  He wants to walk JUST LIKE US!

I should run - I made a few changes to the blog in the back ground and format.  we'll see if I like it or not.
Enjoy - hugs to you all!
Love
Gail

8 years ago

wow - 8 years ago today I was laying in a hospital bed hooked up to lots of drugs and stuff trying to induce labor - yep this started in the morning and continues till the next day.  Anyhow - my water broke 8 years ago tonight - but Nate still was NOT ready to be born - he waits till 6:23 pm on July 9th!

It was a bitter sweet moment as I cried to have my mom there JUST ONE MORE TIME to see and hold her first grandchild - but she wasn't.  She passed away 17 days earlier - that sucked.  Anyhow - I now believe that she was up in heaven and hand picked Nate - since we never could tell his gender - I believe she hand picked this soul for us - and held him for those days until he was born.  And she had a hand in picking Curt as well!

I can't believe my beautiful boy was born 8 years ago - and we just had another big birthday party yesterday on one of the hottest days of the year!  We had a bounce house, cotton candy and snow cone machine and great friends!  Tomorrow we'll celebrate at his choice of restaurants.  It will be amazing  -

I love my family and life so much - he is a blessing that brought our family together.  So lucky to have these great kids!

Meant to be a Backus

Just a good weekend - we didn't really do much - but it was nice.  The more we hang together, the more I just KNOW Curt was hand picked by the Lord for our family.  I still wonder about little Karesso and what family he made it to - he was/is a beautiful little boy - but Curt truly is meant for our family.

It is the little things in life that make Curt truly our son!  Yes - in little ways he looks like Nate did as a baby - just the little facial features, body structure and how he walks/holds himself.  Someone even said - he looks like a "chocolate Nate" - yep!  He does.  They meant it as a compliment.  And the little things we always said were hereditary - just were built into Curt!  Like the way he moans and groans in his sleep (plus snores) - Craig has done this for ever. Nate started it too - and Curt does it too!  Today at church I swear Curt's ankles were clicking - Craig's do that too!  Just funny.  It goes all the way to the food - they all like spicy foods!  Curt was eating mustard by spoonfuls tonight!  ha.  Then they were all sharing Popsicle!  I just love it.

And I know it isn't just us - I believe all kids adopted were plopped into their families for many reasons - they ARE that family.  We may not have the same blood or genetics - but we have heart that connects us!

I love my family so much - very blessed and lucky to have them.  Watching the boys play today was so fun - normal boy stuff - a little wrestling and teasing and of course horsing around.  It is just fun!  I feel so blessed.

I will update this blog a little with the look - one of these days.

Right now there are a LOT of families meeting their kids in Ethiopia and my best friend Shannon bringing her son home!  They have Gotcha Day tomorrow!  So happy for all these families- They will also find out that these kids are MEANT for their family - hand chosen by God!
Enjoy everyone.
Gail

New Birth Certificate

Well it is official AND Legal!  Curtis Samuel Backus - his new US birth certificate arrived this week!  YEAH!   Now off to try and get the SS# later this week.  Shouldn't be difficult- but another step and more paper work.  Always fun.  And we'll also work on getting him a US passport as well.  I LOVE the Ethiopian one, the picture is just too adorable.

Anyhow - I type this as Curt is napping in his vibrating rocking/bouncy chair, Nate lays on the floor playing his 3DS and I sit on the couch with a sleeping cat.  Love it.  Now if only I can be taking a nap.

Overall life is good.  We had our 3 month visit with the social worker this week and it went well.  She felt Curt was attaching well and saw the protectiveness that Nate projects with his brother.  He's so funny he will NOT talk about his emotions much, but if you just sit back and watch/observe - he's amazing!  He has to be the one to push the stroller and all that.  We are blessed with our boys!

School ends this week and Nate will officially be a 3rd Grader!  He's doing AMAZING after the issues at the end of last year (being told he struggled with reading and way behind in APRIL) - he's reading at a level 3!  WE have had him in tutoring this year and she's amazing.  So happy we found her - all by going to the library and asking for a reference!  Anyhow Nate now likes reading AND asked that he continue to see Miss Suzanne through the summer!  Alright - how can you tell your child NO you can't see the tutor!  Ha - we'll visit the library once/week still.  Unfortunately I no longer get my library hour to myself to read.  Mr. Curt doesn't get that you have to be quiet in the library!  He isn't quiet much as all.  Oh well - we now visit the little cafe there and getting to know The Cookie Lady!  Yummy cookies.

We're going to hopefully figure out summer camp in the next few days as well.  Man - places are just insanely priced this year.  And the hours - really end at  3 o4 pm without any latchkey!  What are working families supposed to do.  Lucky for me my employer is amazing and I can put my hours in earlier in the day and go pick him up!  Curt will continue with Miss Jodi's place.

Alright - I'm hoping to update the look of this blog in the coming weeks - but we know how fast I get things done.  And right now I'm too tired to think about it.

And for those that believe in prayer - there are LOTS of families traveling in the coming days to meet their children or bring them home!  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  I have 3 families I am friends with that I'm very excited for!  i can't wait to meet them all in person.

Thanks for reading - Mr. Curt IS NOW AWAKE!