Families welcome Fresh Air Fund children in Marlborough

I'd like to thank everyone who welcomed "Z" into our home while he visited with us.  He had such a delightful time getting to know our friends and extended family.   We truly feel lucky to have been matched with a lovely boy!  I've had several families say to me- what if it doesn't work out, and they've heard stories of poor matches.  My answer to that is 80% or so are invited for a return visit, so sure some don't work out but the first visit is for only a week for that very reason.

If it works out- you invite the child back if you'd like . If it doesn't work  out - it's only a week the first time- and if it's really bad- you have a wonderful support system in place and the program does assist you in removing the child. Their children have to be recommended by a teacher, an organization or their pastor so they tend to be good kids.

If you have ever considered the program for your family I'd strongly recommend it.

Our visit with our Fresh Air host child was published in the news.
Families welcome Fresh Air Fund children in Marlborough

Habtamu is finally sleeping in a bed

It's been 2 years and 3 months since our handsome boy came home. In that time he has learned so many things... but he would only sleep on a mattress on the floor.

As a mom who spent endless hours nesting during our excruciating months and months of waiting-  getting my children's room ready became an obsession! Many of you that have traveled the adoption road can relate this these emotions and you can imagine my frustration.

So tonight we have exciting exciting news.  Using the enthusiasm around H going into school, I tried something.  While he was doing his summer "homework"with daddy, I went upstairs and and put his mattress on a bed-frame and although just 2 months ago he said no to the idea- when he walked in he was very excited.

So... voila.. here we have it. A boy that's (finally) willing to sleep in his bed.  In the house tonight we have a super excited mom..a happy little boy ready for an adventure, an encouraging sister.. BUT.... a disappointed daddy!  See daddy would crawl up against the mattress on the floor and read stories every night.. he's bummed about getting into a chair..and mopping a bit that it feels like our boy is just a little bit older now...

I can't decide what is sweeter... Habtamu excited about sleeping in his bed (off the ground) or Daddy saddened that his little boy is growing up so quickly!

                   Now... here's to hoping we don't find him sleeping on the floor in the morning..laugh!

Sweet Dreams Habtamu

Chuko Ethiopia

In the horn of Africa sits a beautiful village/city called Chuko, Ethiopia.  Take a look around- enjoy the lush landscape and the beautiful people.  Take a peek inside a mud hut- but don't be fooled by the lush green area depicted here. There is starvation here- serious starvation mostly due to the unseasonable rains over the past 3 years.