We have been home for 1 MONTH!!!

Can you believe that? 1 month! Time has flown! I am loving every minute of it!!

The story of Zak: Zak screamed the first 24 hours he was in our arms. We could not do anything for him with out having the screams. Screamed when picked him up, screamed when we put him down. HATED changing his clothes. Baths sounded like we were torturing him. Bedtime made my heart hurt he screamed in terror. I just cried while I prayed for him that first night. (jet lagged and not sleeping on the couch!). Pleaded with everyone on FB to pray for our boy. And on day 2, there were so many glimpses of answered prayers. He cried a little less. Baths and bedtime were still torture and changing diapers was a dreaded event, but still I saw his heart was better than the first day. He showed so many signs of starting to trust in country I was thrilled and so thankful for prayers of our faithful friends - they had been heard and answered! Then the trip home - 17 hours on our first leg and all I can say is we survived. I would rather move on from that event. Once we were home he did scream with changing clothes, bath time was done standing outside the tub screaming and us washing him off with a wash cloth. He did love the "beep beep" from the very beginning, so we could always put him in the car to make him happy. Also loves those bubbles!!! So, first day home Daddy took him to Target in the beep beep and bought a bubble machine! That transformed bath time and play time outside!

Fast forward to today - he is the happiest boy! He gives big ole wet kisses. Laughs constantly. Would stay in the bath tub for hours if allowed. Happily will pee pee in the potty and gets his own diapers when time for changing. Tells everyone night night when time to go to bed and lays down on his own in bed! The light in his eyes warms my heart to the core! We are all madly in love Zak Sitota.

Hope! This girl has a heart of gold. I have no doubt God has big plans for this girl and she is going to impact the world in a big way. There is just something about her you can't put into words.

All the families who had gone to HH prior to us would refer to Hope's personality and the light within her. One older American lady who volunteered at HH even pulled me aside to tell me there was something about my daughter, she could see it, and there was reason she coming into our family. We did not see the real her until the last week or so. She has always been so kind and sweet, but quiet and reserved with us. There were many walls from the very beginning. She would not allow Jay to touch her and she would not be alone with him. She said no words. Never sang. Never laughed during the first week or so. She would play quietly alone with her dolls. She loves to braid and is very good actually! She wanted to be near me or touching me, but that is about all we got. Once home, she loved all of her clothes - changed clothes multiple times a day! Took 3 baths a day. Loved her sisters. Jumped and played outside with them.

She has transformed into the brightest, most kind hearted child. She laughs a lot now - cracks herself up! She loves to do school work. Very bright student! We are down to 1 bath a day and 1 outfit a day. She will try any food you put in front of her. She will let you know her opinion, but she always tries! She is an encourager. Now her light is starting to shine so brightly. She now runs to Jay for hugs and playing. She is teaching us songs she knew in Ethiopia. Teaching us words in Ahmaric. Loves to dance! And the girl has got some moves. She gives us so many hugs and kisses and I get to hear "I love you mommy" so many times a day.

I cannot imagine missing all of this. Yes, my life is crazy and busy with 5 very active children. There is so much laundry. Dishes coming out my ears. We eat more eggs and chicken than I ever thought possible. My house is SO LOUD sometimes! I am exhausted at the end of the day and sleep really well. In the worldly view of things I should feel the weight crushing my shoulders and stressed out, but I have never felt so free. Following God's plan and receiving His blessings through these children - I get more hugs and kisses, thank you mom, and hearing that sleepy I love you while cuddled in bed is better than anything this world could offer.

Wow, what a great first month!