One Year "Meet You" Anniversary!!!

How incredible that a year has passed since we first picked up Mehandis out of his pastel green crib in Addis Ababa. I remember how he looked at us tentatively... as we did at him. It was bizarre seeing a 3D Mehandis when we were used to our paper version. He was brave and let us cuddle and care for him. Later that day we fed him from the little tin cups they had and learned what made him "gee"/laugh. Time has flown and there have been so many "firsts". I guess we are now on to seconds in more ways than one!

The above pictured decoration was put outside Mehandis's daycare class on Monday. Friday afternoon I spoke with Ms. Shelly (Mehandis's new teacher since he graduated to a bigger kid room in the fall) about the news of our upcoming second adoption. She then asked several questions about the process that we had with Mehandis. So I shared that his one year "Meet You" anniversary was coming on Monday the 15th. She must have put together the little clown announcement before she left for the weekend. Very sweet!!! I was most touched.
Here is Mehandis in his classroom ready for his mama's arms.
Mehandis is being held by Ms. Shelly and next to Ms. Dominique (one of his favorite teachers). He was wearing a cuter/sportier outfit that day but needed to be changed because he got a little wet-n-wild at the water table. We needed to hurry home because we had party plans soon to follow!

Aiden, Tsehay and their parents, Greg & Jarusha, met us at Alem. Alem is a 6 month old Ethiopian restaurant on Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee. Mehandis and I were warmly welcomed by the owner. He spoke to Mehandis in Amharric (to see if he remembered any) and encouraged the kids to have fun and run around the place. So they did!

Greg & Jarusha are the couple that traveled at that same time as us to meet Tsehay. We are so lucky to have them close by. A very fun family.

Tsehay and Mehandis played a very active game of chase. Quite a few giggles and squeals from Mehandis, Tsehay and Aiden.
May all the years continue to be this happy!!!