The Day Elsa Became a Sorenson

 

[Elsa, on the day she officially became our daughter.] 

On Wednesday the 14th of August, I appeared in an Ethiopian court room to finalize the adoption of our sweet Elsa.

I am not an emotional person, but I admit that in the moment the judge stated she was "all [ours]", I was overcome with joy. Tears actually filled my eyes and I was smiling so big that my cheeks hurt.

The trip to Ethiopia was full of extreme emotions. From sorrow at the devastating scenes of the streets, to the pure bliss of becoming a mother again. Indeed, it was a recipe for creating one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

****

Elsa's official and full legal name shall be:

Elsa Lelise Christine Sorenson

Elsa is in fact her given name and Lelise was her Ethiopian last name. Sorenson will be her last name now, but we didn't want her to lose Lelise...which is such a big part of her heritage. That's why we decided to make it her legal middle name along with Christine (which is my middle name).

From the moment she was placed with us I was amazed at how close her name was to mine. Both the names Elsa and Lelise are similar to Lisa. And... it has a lot in common with Elisabeth Elva's name, too!

So many similarities.

It was like she was destined to join our family.

 

[We spent the morning visiting with Elsa.]

[And then off to court!]

 

[Moments before the judge called us into her chambers to hear her say, "She's all yours!"]

The Day I Met Elsa

Nothing quite compares to the anticipation of meeting a new child. What will their personality be like? What talents will they possess? What will they achieve and accomplish? You think about milestones, the first day of school, recitals, dances, family vacations; an endless list of possibilities, hopes, and dreams. The future, just sitting there - its story waiting to be told.

On Monday, the 12th of August, 2013, I awoke with the joyous knowledge that I was going to meet my daughter, Elsa. It was almost overwhelming to think that one small moment in time would be the beginning of forever; to know that my life from that point forward would always include her.

We arrived at the orphanage at 10:00 am. As we pulled through the gate I gazed up at the building, almost in disbelief. A year after seeing her picture for the first time, I was here, looking at her home, knowing that she was just inside the door.

[Meeting Elsa for the first time.]

You can see that she was a bit nervous, but before the day was over we had shared photographs...

... and taught her how to use our phones to play games and take pictures.

We practiced the alphabet...

And we laughed...

Indeed, by the end of that first day we knew she was ours, and she knew we were hers.

 

***Side note: In the video above, Elsa states that she is four years old. She was taught that due to an inaccurate birth record. She is - obviously - older than four. Yesterday we submitted for a revised birth certificate and changed her age to six. We can't be sure this is her actual age, but it is definitely a closer estimate!

Welcome to Addis Ababa

We arrived in Addis Ababa after night fall so it wasn't until the next morning that I got my first good look at the city. I peeked out the window and this was my view:

 

Mind you, what you are looking at above is quoted as the "most exclusive and peaceful residential neighborhood in the city." And after spending a week there, I found it to be true.

But back to my initial reaction when I first looked outside - tears welled in my eyes. As much as I thought I was prepared, I wasn't. Nothing can prepare you for what Addis Ababa is. My theme for this adoption has been, "It's a Small World After All", but I admit, being there in Ethiopia felt like a whole other world. So different from what I have known here in America.

 

The pictures above don't even begin to convey the realities of what I witnessed. Mostly because I tried to be courteous of the people on the streets and not photograph them (Except the girl above. But we bought gum, so it's all good.) But let me tell you, the streets are flooded with beggars and peddlers. From the elderly, to children, to many that were in wheelchairs due to deformities. They sit in the cold rain - many times with no shoes and rarely with enough to keep them warm. It was heart wrenching to see. Thousands upon thousands, living in poverty.

It definitely caused me to reflect, re-evaluate, and gain a greater appreciation for the standard of living that I enjoy here in America. Shelter, food, clothing, healthcare, water, safety - even traffic lights. I cherish it all.

Donald and I returned home more determined than ever to take Alexandra and Lorelai with us when we return to Ethiopia this Fall. It is so hard for them to find perspective in our day to day lives. I think going to Addis Ababa will change their lives forever.

Needless to say, we applied for their passports. Yesterday.

More to come...

There's Someone I Would Like You To Meet

I am home from Ethiopia - home from meeting my daughter.

As I sit to write this post I wonder where I even begin?

This experience was massive. So much to take in - from the Ethiopian culture to attending court and officially becoming a mother again.

There are no words to express the thoughts and feelings that I have. But I know how important it is to document life so I will do my best over the next few days to organize my experiences and emotions and share them here.

For today, I will keep it simple.

I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Elsa. 

Leaving for Ethiopia!

Heading out the door this very minute!

I won't have a computer with me to write updates here, but I will be sure to have plenty of stories and pictures to share upon my return!

See you in 10 days!!

**follow me on Instagram to see up to date pictures. Username - greenstan (Lisa) el_donaldo (Donald)

Little E's Bedroom!

 

[Little E's new bed.]

So...remember a week or two ago when I said we weren't going to be assigned a court date until after the rainy season? 

Yeah...well...things changed. 

On Monday morning we received a call to let us know that we are due in court - in Ethiopia - next week! 

We immediately bought tickets, reserved a hotel room, and have been going through a to-do list a million miles long...because we leave tomorrow!! Tomorrow!! I am going to Africa tomorrow! This is absolutely surreal. And what's more - I am going to meet my new daughter! On Monday! I have imagined that moment in my mind over and over. I can't believe the day is almost here!

 

[Lorelai's bed on the left, Little E's is on the right.]

This and That

This:

In case you missed it...

I cut short little bangs on Elisabeth.

  

Aren't they quite becoming on her!?

That:

Today is Donald's birthday!!!

Hip! Hip!! Hooray!!!

   

Happy 36th!!!

Lorelai's First Track Meet

 

[Dads are good for tying shoes.]

 

Yesterday, Lorelai participated in her very first track meet. She ended up competing against kids two and three years older than her...but Lorelai held her own!

In her very first track meet, Lorelai placed as follows:

 

200 Meter Dash - 2nd Place 

4x100 Meter Dash - 2nd Place 

100 Meter Dash - 3rd Place 

Softball Throw - 3rd Place

And in the long jump she was a tenth of an inch shy of placing third.

We are so proud of our little athlete!

Little 'E's' New Orphanage!

Adoption Update: 

We have been anxiously awaiting the news of our court date in Ethiopia. Initially, we expected it to be a few weeks ago...but things are running a little behind as of late.

Now we have arrived at what is known as the rainy season. The rain is so heavy for the period of about two months that the roads become almost impassable. As a result, the courts shut down until the rains stop falling. So, this means that our first court date is postponed until the beginning of fall.

While it is a little disappointing to have to wait to meet my new little one, I recognize that this is in fact a huge blessing. Tickets to Ethiopia are currently upper towards five thousand dollars each. With two trips on the horizon it seemed almost impossible from a financial standpoint. By waiting until after the rainy season, ticket prices will be much more manageable...and that is a reason to smile!

There is more adoption news to share... Our daughter's orphanage is moving unto a new building! The original one was - oh, shall we say - run down.

Here are a few picks of the outside courtyard:

 

Behold, the new orphanage!

   

It is in a much better part of the city and is absolutely lovely! 

I am so excited for the children!

The Pool Incident

Here is the truth:

Having a child like Elisabeth isn't always easy.

Usually, when you have a baby, they grow and progress. They learn to be self sufficient. They learn to be independent.

That's not the case with my sweet little Elisabeth.

As she had grown it has become increasingly more difficult to care for her. Normally I don't dwell on it - or even mind it. I just love her and care for her and feel lucky all along the way.

But every once in a while a day will come where it just seems downright hard. Yesterday, for example:

I try to take my girls to the pool most days. With Elisabeth, this is a big production. Making sure that I have all of her supplies, and diapers, and then the added task of managing her in the pool - lifting her, carrying her, dealing with seizures, etc, etc, etc. Taking her to the pool is a big job. But I do it day in and day out to add variety and fun to her life; she deserves more than being stuck in the house.

Yesterday was a bit of a disaster. A disaster that involved a swim diaper that did not work properly and an entire water park that got shut down as a result. Aside from the fact that I was simply mortified that the pool incident happened, I was left carrying a poop-covered, sopping wet, seizing five and a half year old.

I came home and cried.

Later in the day, as I was talking about the pool incident with Alexandra, I made a comment about how conspicuous we are. Any other kid can poop in the pool and the next day they blend right in with the crowd. Not the case with us. We stand out; Elisabeth stands out.

"Sometimes I wish we weren't so noticeable,"
I said, thinking about the beauty of anonymity.

Immediately, Alexandra looked at me and said,

"I'm glad that people notice us because of Elisabeth."

My heart soared. I was so glad to know that Alexandra feels a sense of pride because Elisabeth is her sister.  She knows Elisabeth is special and feels the same honor I do in having her in our family.

I am blessed in life. Blessed to be a mother. Blessed to have these beautiful daughters. It's true that there are additional challenges that come from raising a child with brain damage, but I know that these challenges build strength and increase compassion and understanding. Elisabeth has taught me so much in life and about life. How lovely that a child who is limited in so many ways can be the greatest teacher of all.

It might be a few days before I brave the water park again, but I know that when I do I'll carry her in with my head held high; proud that she is mine.

Alexandra is right, Elisabeth is a wonderful reason to be noticed.

Future Olympian 2020

Fast as a 

speeding 

bullet... 

[Notice the grin on her face; Lorelai is made to race!]

Let me tell you something about Lorelai Leigh. Lorelai Leigh is fast. Oh so fast. She has never lost a race.  So when we heard about a track and field camp for kids her age we knew she had to participate.

The Chariots of Fire theme song was singing through my head as I watched Lorelai run. She beat every other kid by about a third of the length they were racing.

This girl has speed, I tell you!

Track meet is on Thursday - I'll post results here on Friday!

Destination: Leavenworth

On Saturday we put the children into the car and drove to Leavenworth, a city here in Washington that resembles a Bavarian village. It is absolutely charming! Alexandra said she likes it better than Disneyland. Now that's saying something!

During the month of July, they have Waldo of Where's Waldo fame hidden in 25 shops around Leavenworth.

 

The girls picked up passports at the local book store and began the search, collecting stamps and signatures whenever they found one.

Such a fun idea, no?

 

[Mid-day tube feeding.]

[Behold, 116 flavors of taffy!]

[Too bad I'm not so fond of taffy.]

[Every town needs a maypole!]

[It went up and up forevah!]

 

[This picture reminded me of Michelangelo's painting, The Touch.]

 

Auf Wiedersehen!