One Month.......

In some ways, it is hard to believe that Jalen and Jordan have been home for one month already. In other ways, it seems like they have been a part of our lives for a long time. They are doing tremendously well, and seem to be enjoying life in "Amedica."

Both boys seem to be attaching to us wonderfully. They sleep good (although I don't think they're sleeping as much as they did at Hannah's Hope), are learning and understanding more English every day (the other day when the kids left for school, Jordan said, "Have a good day!"), and eat most everything we set in front of them (although their favorite things are "calambela" (candy) and "coka" (pop) ). Before they eat, they fold their hands, close their eyes, and say, "Doopa doopa dude!" (Their way of saying "Thank You for the food." ;-) ).  They love to go anywhere in the mekina (van), especially "beta Christian" (church) and grandma's house.

Jalen and Jordan are each other's best friends and worst enemies, and are very active and busy! Some days I feel very old and tired after trying to keep up with them all day! I bought them exactly the same things for Christmas this year, because they love to fight over everything, including food, clothes and toys. They usually forgive each other very easily, though, by saying "aznahlo" (sorry) and doing "pinkies." This is something that they did at Hannah's Hope, and we have decided to continue it here at our house. Every time one boy hits the other or does something mean, he interlocks his pinkie finger with the other one's pinkie, then each boy brings his own pinkie to his mouth and kisses it. This means "I'm sorry and I forgive you."

Both of the twins are still exploring their new environment, and love to push any buttons and pull any handles that they see. The dishwasher, washer, dryer, computer, phones, light switches, ceiling fans, stereo, drawers, cupboards, toilets, etc. are all very tempting to them. We have gotten up several mornings and the house has been freezing cold. Sure enough, one of the boys was messing with the thermostat the night before and turned the heat off! They have also enjoyed many other new "firsts," such as ice cream and snow. And they love to sing and dance! Although they like to listen to their Amharic children's songs, "Jesus Loves Me" is becoming a favorite as well.

After visiting the pediatrician, we learned that Jalen and Jordan both had giardia, an intestinal parasite common in children from Africa. We hope that the round of treatments we gave them got rid of it - we should find out this week. Other than that, they seem to be very healthy, and are in the 75th percentile for height and the 25th percentile for weight in their age group. Jordan has to have a minor surgery in the spring, but should recover quickly. We need to see the dentist yet, as I suspect each boy has a cavity or two.

The twins are definitely all boy! They found this 2 1/2 inch tall potty, which belongs in Malia's doll house.

Every day at some point, I find one of them sitting on it and going "ka-ka" (ummm.....number 2). They even make grunting noises, and think it is absolutely hilarious! Something is just wrong with boys. I don't know exactly what it is, but as my sister says, "it certainly seems to transcend languages, countries and any other type of barrier!"

Anyway, even if they do have a few issues :-), we love them with all our hearts and are so thankful that God chose us to be their family. Happy one month home, boys!!