The Most Boring Post Ever...

Although this has to be the Best Age Ever and we are having the Best Time Ever.
Judah is so much fun. Every day he learns a few more words. Today's words: cheetah, mochi (a delicious Japanese snack), trailer. I'm sure there were more, but these were the few that stood out today.

Judah had a rough week last week. We have now gotten all the tests back and everything came back normal. He has been acting his perfect Judah self for the last week. We probably won't ever know what was wrong, but he's all better now.

A new Judah feature. He no longer grabs desired items. Instead, he looks you in the eye and says "SORRY" in a very thoughtful and sweet manner.
Then takes the item.
This "sorry" is also used if you are touching something he doesn't want you to touch. For example, if you are touching the shopping cart in the same place he would like to race his car, he will do the "sorry" bit and gently move your arm.
The meaning of "sorry" has now evolved to mean, "You are going to have to move now" or "I'm going to take that now." It's so much better than the mean baby moves and it happens to be so cute I can't stop it (as manipulative as it seems).

I've mentioned that Judah is protective of his mama. Still is. Tommy took a board book from me tonight and the roar that came out of my babe was impressive. Tommy gave the book to him and he promptly gave it back to me with a lean hug and understanding nod. You don't mess with Judah's mama. He demands you treat his mama with R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
We have been busy people.
Just to prepare you, I am now going to list things we've been up to (I once promised myself that I would never do this. Hopefully this will be the last time.).
Here's the short version: Roof/Vacation/Sister/Sister/Change/Book/Summer Vacation
Feel free to stop reading now.
Here's the long version:
Yesterday our new roof was finished. We didn't do it ourselves. Two stories with a ridiculously dangerous pitch. I guess they needed special insurance due to the crazy pitch. Tommy thought he could do it. I said, "NO!"
We are planning a trip to Munich/Czech/Krakow/Slovakia. We are going this summer.
My little sister is visiting in 3 weeks from Thailand. We will have too much fun.
My older sister is visiting in 3 weeks (we will be celebrating her new PhD.). We will have too much fun.
We've been considering major life changes, which we are excited and nervous about.
We've been working on our book project, which is turning out way better than either of us hoped. Hopefully it will be done in a few short weeks.
I have four weeks left of work (before the summer), so I'm busy finishing up.
Oh, and I'm still busy holding my breath :(
Which I'm NOT happy about.

What's wrong with this picture?!

My parents were sweet and kind enough to put Judah to sleep last night so we could go out on a date (with Bryan, of course). When Jude woke up this morning, something was a little different. Can you figure out the mystery?



It should be noted that Jude usually goes right to bed. Last night he was yelling "Papa...Papa." I think he may have been asking for assistance.

My Naked Core

There are certain people that know you. Without clothes, school, ambiance, work, etc. The people who only see me. Siblings (you know those people that no matter how mad they make you, you can't help but love deeply) definitely make the cut. They were there during the building blocks. They share those crazy family memories that only you both understand and can laugh at. Those things that make/break you into who you are. Siblings are impossible to de-friend. Even if you try.
Then there are stress friends. Like the friends we made when we moved to Japan. The "Whoa, we are living in a country that's new to us, don't speak the language, and don't know anyone. Do you want to drink and be BFFs? Ok, me too...oh, and wow, you are actually some of the coolest people we've ever met. Us too? Awesome. Yay, I don't know what I'd do without you."
Or the "So, you are in Ethiopia adopting too? Let's go pick up our children together and then later this week go to the orphanage. Wow, I'm completely in love with your baby and will think about her/him every day for the rest of my life. I'm so glad you were here. I love you and your family. You are my family now."
Then there are the life-long friends. The ones you've had for 15 or 20 years. The ones that you call and cry to when something is just really hard. Because you know they will love you anyway...AND give you that pep talk AND tell you that you are fabulous. Even when it's not possibly your most fabulous moment.
Core people. You know the people you don't have to show the shiny parts to. Ever. Because they unconditionally accept the dark parts. They understand the dark parts.
Don't get me wrong. I love the shiny people. They don't know. So they can imagine the best (hopefully!). When you meet people and click. Those are future cores. Important people to have. Where people are concerned, the more love the better. But, this is about the core people.
Tommy and I were talking about our core people tonight. We hope that Judah has core people like we do. Oh, wait. He already does.
Last night we had a rough night. Jude is fine now. We are thankful for our core. We are thankful for his core.

Your Sex is on Fire!

My Mother's Day was perfect. I watched Judah dance ALL DAY LONG.

Judah has a favorite song. I question his taste. I question our taste for even letting him hear it to begin with. Nevertheless, his favorite song was on the radio two times this morning and that meant tons of fabulous dance moves.

I think it's hysterical that he says "open" after the lyric in the song and screams "YEEAAAA" right before the singer does.

FYI, while dancing it's essential to lead with the left arm. The perfect squat is also important.

Happy Birthmother's Day!

This is one of those posts where I write a sentence, stop, erase it, start again, repeat sequence. I do this because words seem like such a weak medium to share my feelings. At least my words. I am grateful. I hate the pain she endured/endures which led to our extraordinary privilege of raising her/our son.
Please send her positive thoughts and energy and prayers today. One glance at Judah and you can clearly see what a special person she is. He will know too.

Blog Union 08'

Drew and Carey put together this fabulous video. Everyone Ethiopian blog has seen it more than once, but I thought some friends and family might be interested in seeing some of the extraordinary people we hang with :)

Hangin' out with Judah...

Here is Jude tonight, before and after his bath. Belle Belle is our greyhound girl. Judah asks about her 3857 times a day. He loves his puppy. I love my sweet boy.

DEADLINE

If you would like to send me pictures, please do so by Sunday.

But, just do it today, k?

Oh, and send me your address too! I'd love to start putting the book together this weekend!
THANKS!