In praise of Sprinklers, Gap Kids & Encased Meats

{Pictures: Mesfin singing the ancient song of praise to the God of Sprinklers, the kids styling it up on momma's lap, and Mari's first joyous taste of the holy Johnsonville brat (with mustard and katchup) - they love them!!}

We don't know what's been so hard about this "transition". Mom and (especially) Dad have been jawing a blue streak about how tired they are and how everything's changed. Hey, you try going from living in a hut with cattle and our 8 brothers and sisters to 400 count (ONLY! -they - the parents - have 1200 count by the way) percale sheets and Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion slathered everywhere - to say nothing about brushing our baby teeth every flippin day. Did I mention box cereal over sourgham mush (don't turn your nose up till you've tried it). Well anyways......things are going way better than the reports you've been hearing. We're getting to sleep by 8:30pm and up around 5:30-6am (we fall back to sleep in mom and dad's bed for another hour (did I mention 1200 count percale?). Then its up in the morning pretending we really don't understand English while we gibber in fake Ethiopian. Gosh, YOU SHOULD SEE THEIR FACES!!!!! Mari and I just about bust a gut! And I've got a gut to bust but that's another story. We have breakfast - usually 12 courses since we pretend we don't like anything and make them do the high hurdles trying to please us. Mari does this thing - really she does this - where she'll hold her stomach and act like she starving!! Our parent's are such goofs - they buy the whole thing hook-line-and-sinker (what ever that means)!!!

Then we get the folks downstairs after running around the house knowing we should get dressed for an hour. Once we're in the stroller one of us gives the signal and shouts out Shint (Amharic for - I'm going to pee my pants any second). We promised each other we're going to stop that one cuz the veins in Dad's neck start bulging and he start using words that Momma keeps saying are bad to say but he keeps saying them anyways. We think we might be going too far although Mari is not totally signed on to stop that little nasty trick yet.

We play at the park. Whine in Amharic for snacks - never satisfied with the snacks they offer up. Oh and I almost forgot. One of the two of us always throw a fake (though they don't know it) hissy when the other one is on Momma's lap.

Man - where do we get this stuff. They don't have a clue!!! We better stop soon. One of us has to stand watch while the other does the typing........the parents..........they're dead asleep. Jeez does Pop snore or what.

{Mesfin doing the snappy Africian birthday dance, the kids going ape about blowing the candles out on their birthday cake}

Okay, for the few who are still stopping by to check on the kids - you may have noticed we've been long on photos and very short on text.



Well, that because these darling little cherubs are SUCKING THE LIFE JUICES OUT OF US!!!!!!!!!!!

Fresh shots from the Kidfront

Mesfin feeling his feminine side, whacking the pin-yah-tah at Lincoln's party, Grandma and Grandpa Williams in Chicago, and hanging out in the reflecting pool at Millineum Park. Life is finding its new rhythm

More pictures and an invite

Here's a few more shots. Meeting Grandma Rose, playing outside, helping Poppa cook alfresco. We made rice in the rice maker (they poured in the stuff), boiled noodles, and watched Poppa make split-pea wat (because ALL we really want to eat is Ethio-food). We did it dry cereal today. Man! That was almost a champagne moment for us.

For those who have been asking when do you get to meet the kids. Please give us a call at home (just about anytime except between 1-4) and we can let you know about viewing times at the zoo (fyi - we're the ones in the cages - the animals are the ones running free.

Otherwise the Radtke 4 will be at CSL services this Sunday morning. Serves are at 10:30. Auntie Tracey and Uncle John are stopping by Sunday in the afternoon

A few more pictures from our time in Ethiopia.

Urgent message to the universe

I only have a few minutes to send out this urgent message to mankind and the universe.

WE HAVE BEEN INVADED BY DERANGED MANIACAL ALIEN TODDLERS FROM SOME PARALLEL UNIVERSE!! SAVE YOURSELF NOW!!!

Although they take on the appearance of real human beings they speak in tongue - totally untranslatable, they make sound eminations much like that of a flock of spreeching owls, and their energy and power appears to be limitless!!

It's too late for Karen and I for we have been infected by the worst kind of contagean. We have been weakened in their presence. ALL WE WANT TO DO IS SLEEP!!! God knows how they've done it but they have scrambled our neuro-circuitry evidenced to the point that in the same moment we want to smother them in kisses and pitch them out a window. They have cast a spell over me that has left me with only the flimsiest shred of dignity given I have both willingly, in fact seekingly, asked if they need to go "Scheent" or "Kakala" only to knowingly end up wiping their - well - you know what I mean.

You MUST save yourself.

They are currently in a suspended state of re-energization of their enormously powerful long life lithium/kryptonite energy batteries which is the only reason I am able to post this dire message. Their technology is very advanced to be able to store an almost infinite amount of energy into such a small portable unit. Yet, every night they eventually stop to recharge.

In the beginning we knew something was wrong. They are having way more fun than us. They are sleeping way more than us. And worst of all when we are out in public NO ONE sees through their evil hoax. They listen intently to those who speak their language in our community. They pretend to follow their instructions. But back at our home madness descends.

This all could simply be the figment of an over tired, jet-lagged pair of mid-lifed............

WAIT!!!

I hear noises from their sleeping chamber!

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!

It is the male unit. The one who drips copious fluids from his nose, eats food with his hands, and seems to think no actually means yes!!!! I must see what is amiss.

{30 minutes later}

I am back. He had fallen out of his re-energizing chamber. Strange how they can emit endless screechings while giving all the indications of still being asleep. Yet, I sit in the dark rocking this one knowingly smitten by his spell.

They have the power to cast spells - like the one they have over us to be so in love with them no matter who they're being, what they're doing, or what they have in their mouth. Anyways, I was saying - maybe this is simply the ruminations of an "over-tired, under sushi'ed, haven't checked my email since this morning, god I could use a latte" kind of guy.

Like I said earlier - it's too late for me. Save yourself. I shall stay here and get to the bottom of this. I shall find the truth.. But that will have to be tomorrow for all my energy has been sucked dry by these drooling, dribbling, whining, hysterical, funny, gentle, beautiful, strong willed, determined, silly, endlessly hungry, constantly pooping, loud, curious, scared, intelligent, love to help, hate to go to beddy-by little creatures.

At least I still have my health and somewhat youthful (for my age) appearance as evidenced by this self-potrait shot I took of myself today.

Who says kids will wear you out?? Rubbish!!!

I shall report back soon.

We're home!

Catching our breath

We are riding the roller coaster since home. Very little sleep, adorable and deplorable, still on Ethiopia time (the bath photos were taken at 3:30am today), a real lack of communication (anyone know Amharic). So, here's some photos we're posting before they wake up from their nap. Some of these shots were taken in Ethiopia.

The latest from Jeff and Karen

Monday morning we had a quick morning orientation at the CHSFS office and then it was off to the Care Center to meet Mesfin who is in quarantine for mumps. I can't say it was all that wonderful. First meeting, sick kid meeting strangers. Okay, these things are supposed to be so wonderful they say but I had to confess that I had thoughts that maybe they made a mistake and introduced us to the wrong boy. Hey - blame it on the lack of sleep and jet lag? I don't think so. Then it was over to school to meet Maria. She turned out to be just like her picture only with a big smile, lots of energy, running around and being goofy. It's got to be so tough for them with the range of emotions they must be going through.

That night Karen and I both couldn't sleep wondering what we had gotten ourselves into. Here we were in Ethiopia, with their open air goat and sheep butchers right on the business corner intersections across from a Home Depot turning live sheep into veal, dust, dirt, beggars, two kids that weren't falling head over heels in love with us. Adoptions version of post-partum depression only before the births.

But morning came as did so much needed sleep Tuesday morning and it was a new day. The day we took the kids to the embassy for the official adoption. Both of them were scared when we left the care center - me holding Maria and Karen taking Mesfin. When I held that little girl, scared and trying to be brave holding back tears I was done. IN LOVE DONE! The ride to the embassy was captivating for them and they soon calmer down and started having fun with the other adopting families we were traveling with. The process as fast although another child managed to vomit all over the waiting room floor. Max and I bonded when we both had to use the restroom - which we did together. Kids sure know how to stare at the most inopportune times. Max on my shoulders. Mari being adorable in her new outfit. Mesfin and Maria were adorable as they spent more time with us away from the center. But we had to take them back and when we got there they quickly traded us in for their more beloved nannies. So long suckers! But it was a very big victory for our bonding and I was exhilarated. That night I was pumped. We had the best kids in the batch - of course.

Wednesday morning we spent breakfast around the same huge tables we been sharing with the other 5-6 adopting families listening to how their day had gone and how their bonding was progressing. We were all taken on the perfunctory shopping trip and drive through Odis's Mercado - Africa's biggest open air market. AMAZING! Pictures to follow. Then after lunch it was back to the care center for the children's farewell ritual. We spent time with Mesfin - still in Mumps retention playing "swat me with the towel and chase me I don't really want to spend a lot of time with you". they were all dressing in native dress for the ceremony where they sang, the nannies cried, the parents cried, they each pressed their painted hand on a wall of hands each represented a child that went home to a new family so far this year. We all got cake and soda. Mari got her Fanta and before we could put it in a cup she had it up-ended and was chugging like it was a beer chugging contest in Madison. She and Max continued their "thanks for coming but you can go now" routine at the party while we watched other kids clinging to their new parents. At least they don't have attachment issues!?!?!?!

But this was the day they left the center (Max has to stay till Thurday or Friday night when he should be out of quarantine) and Maria starting dropping those big old tears as we drove away and we looked at each other like - "okay, get ready for a long night, week, or life". But - I did mention they don't have attachment issues - by the time we got back to the guesthouse (10 MINUTES) she was laughing, excited to explore the new place. I said - follow me and that's exactly what she did - up the stairs for our room. Chatting Kembattan and giggling - she was doing just fine. That was last night. As she got tired on my lap we would touch her chest and say Maria (pronounced Mar-E-ah) and then we'd touch my chest and we'd say poppa.

You'll be happy to know that she slept through the night although mom and dad hardly slept a wink. And this morning we - I should say she picked out what she was going to wear. Food wise - she only eats Ethiopian food.

Okay, that's a pretty good dose of catch-up. Karen is back at the guesthouse while Mari sleeps while Maggie and I are about the head over to the care center to see if Max can be let out from quarantine tonight. We hope so. If not then maybe tomorrow.

There's so much more. Between the four of us we've taken over a 1,000 pictures while falling in love this our fellow adopting parents, their children, the staff at the guesthouse, center, and CHSFS office who are all amazing, the Ethiopian people and of course our kids.

We cannot wait till Maria and Mesfin can meet each and every one of you.

Talk to you soon.

From Maggie

Hi everyone!

It's Monday afternoon here in Addis - we met the kiddies this morning, and wow, are they cute! Mesfin has the mumps so he was pretty laid back - very cuddly and sweet. He is in quarantine so we got to spend some 4 on 1 time with him. Maria is in school now, so we met her during her recess. She is a ball of energy! The other kids played with us too - all very sweet and eager to practice their English and play soccer. We brought a few toys to play with - flute/recorders were a big hit. They watch Barney at the orphanage so we sang that I love you, you love me song - also a big hit. I'm very curious to see how it goes taking them back to the guest house... that happens on Wednesday. Most of the families at the guest house are adopting toddlers, so it should be rambunctious! Guess we'll have to try to get some good night sleep before then :)

The guest house makes delicious food, our room is nice, and the showers are warm. There are several nice families here to adopt as well, so we've been meeting some cool people.

We visit the Embassy tomorrow to file for the kids' visas. We go on a shopping trip on Wednesday, I think, so we'll keep my eye out for coffee, etc. There is a neat fabric market that I think we'll hit up. We exchanged money today -- $120 = 1060 birr. We're feeling pretty rich, but there's nothing to spend it on yet.

We're taking lots of pictures but haven't found a way to upload them yet. The countryside we saw yesterday was amazing. Mesfin and Mari's parents were really sweet - they were so touched to meet us and so happy for their children.

More to come!

-Maggie

Update from Addis

Its Monday afternoon in Addis Ababa and A LOT has happened since my last posting. Here's a few hurried thoughts since there's 5 other families we've falling in love with waiting to get on line too. Of course, no DSL where we are.

We got into Addis Saturday night about 11pm to see Karen's smiling face on the other side of security. That was a very beautiful thing. A short ride to the guest house and a lot of debriefing and we were lights out. Sunday morning we were on the road to Hosanna to meet Mesfin and Maria's parents.

I'll say more about the whole experience later but you need to know it was powerful. Meeting these two gentle quiet souls and the time we spent learning about each other left us all in tears. Adenech, the mother, said God meant for us all to come together. We promised her that her children would never forget that they have two mothers and two fathers. Again - more later.

This morning I met the kids for the first time. Karen met them Saturday morning. Marie ran directly to her and said "momma" and gave her a big hug. She is nothing like the pictures we got. She is one of the most active, personable, and sharp kids in the Care Center. Mesfin is a boy's boy. Low to the ground, solid, boy. He is a handful. Very energetic. Also very personable and funny. Turns out all the girls love Mesfin. So proud!!! Again - more later.

There's sooooooo much more that we'll send later today or tomorrow. One thing is how amazing it is to be in the guesthouse with 5-6 other adopting families. We can compare experiences, panics, hysterics, kid stories. I found out balloons are a big hit and got some for a dad in Iowa. Very sweet stuff like that. The doctors meeting went great. Both kids are healthy healthy healthy.

Well, that's it for now. The Trip has been extraordinary. Pictures later. Love you all.

Update from Frankfurt

We`re hanging out in Frankfurt waiting for the next leg of our trip to Addis Ababa. Its 7am here but we are still onChicago time which is midnight. Not much to report or maybe the brain is running a little slow. Will update again if we think of anything interesting or hear from Karen.

Good news from Ethiopia

I just got a call from Karen in Addis on the satellite phone, which means she's got her luggage. All of it. She's already been to the Care Center and met several parting families and their new children. Those families all talked about a little girl named Maria (Mari) with a shaved head who was the most friendly and affectionate child there. Are we already proud parents or what?

Our flight leaves in 45 minutes and we are so ready to go. Karen sends her love to everyone and sounds fantastic.

Final Word before we leave.....

We're heading to the airport soon. Three overly stimulated people, 6 pieces of luggage (all of which are close to the 50 lb limit), plenty of carry-on and ants in our pants. The house is buttoned down and there's not much else to do but chat it up with you for a couple minutes.

Let's fill you in on Karen first. We last spoke to her at her hotel in Lalibela after spending the afternoon touring the ancient churches. She had gotten up early yesterday to catch a 7 am flight to Lalibela which finally lifted off around 9:30. Three bumpy shuttle stops later with fairly high winds and (not sure how Karen learned this but) a new pilot she landed with not an empty "courtesy" bag in sight. Still no luggage.........

She planned to get up early to do a bit more touring before heading back to Addis Ababa Airport and, hopefully, the infamous luggage. By now she is on her way or at the orphanage and in the caring arms of their staff.

Maggie, Sue and I spend an inordinate amount of time and thinking to fit everything into our bags and still stay under the weight restrictions. These kids are going to be two of the finest dressed toddlers in Chicago given the great gifts you've all given them. Stylin'! But we are set for anything! And anything and EVERYTHING is probably what's in store.

So we're signing off for now. If we have time we'll check in from Frankfurt. Addis Ababa may be iffy so don't start worrying if you don't hear from us for a while.

Thanks for all your love and support, prayers, and orphanage donations.

Thursday morning

Okay, this continues to be quite the adventure (and we haven't even met the kids yet). Over the past 24 hours the conversations have been about as varied as they can get. Karen's initial - and totally understandable - reaction to landing in Addis at 10 at night with no luggage and very little sleep. Talking with her after her very brief 4 1/2 hours of sleep she was back to her funny "I'll be damned if I'm not going to Lalibela" self. So off she went - no luggage, no change of clothes, and not much else but Karen's determined unstoppable way of being. I haven't heard from her since then but I'm sure visiting the ancient Coptic churches (buildings carved down into solid rock over a thousand years ago) was just what extraordinary. I have to admit if I let myself think about her being there by herself without her stuff it sometimes feels like watching a high-wire act - thrilling yet scary all at the same time. So instead of worrying I've been practicing letting go and trusting that all is and will be well. Why - because it will!

While all that's going on my daughter Maggie, my sister in-law Suesie and my excitement levels have been escalating by the hour. The dining room table is covered with kids clothes, kid's hygiene stuff, donations for the orphanage, MORE DOCUMENTS, medicine for every possible problem, coloring books, crayons, a couple stuffed animals, more documents, passport, juice boxes, varying sizes of kids shoes (man, that stuff is cute) because we don't know their shoes sizes, iPod, Dvds, disposable diapers, etc. etc. Maggie and Sue are coming to Chicago tonight. Hopefully, they'll have time to do some blogging before we leave tomorrow afternoon.

In spite of all this we still keep imagining Max and Mari's life here and the first time they will meet each of you, their first night in their new home, their first summer in Chicago, , learning English, playing at the lake, meeting their new grandparents, spending time at their aunties' farm near Duluth with the horses and chickens, getting to know there older sister, teaching us how to be good parents, trying new food, hugs, kisses, smiles, games, all the good and all the challenges to come. Life is good!

And now it's time to get back to the list. Get cash, start packing, set the thermostat, clean out the fridge, send out Mother's Day cards (don't open till the 13th), try to connect with Karen somewhere in Ethiopia, call a couple for friends and family, etc, etc.

An hour later.......

It's 3:30 pm on Wednesday, an hour after my last posting and 30 minutes since I talked to Karen. Not on the satellite phone I mentioned because that was in the luggage that was lost. So its 11:30 pm in Addis - Karen's at the Hilton and she has no luggage (including her carry-on that they required her to check in Frankfurt). Good news is that she has all the adoption documents, a toothbrush, camera, book, and that's about it.

She still plans to be up by 5am to head back to the airport to visit the ancient Coptic Churches in Lalibela - stay overnight (maybe get the tour guide to stop at a shop or two to buy a blouse and pair of pants).

Hopefully the luggage will be there by Friday when she returns to Addis and catches her shuttle to the orphanage. But it's all good! And by Saturday Karen will have met Max and Mari for the first time.

Maggie, Suesie and I leave in less than 48 hours and the To-Do Lists are actually shrinking a little bit. Can't wait!

Karen should be there

Well, Karen should have landed by now. It's been 22 hours since I dropped her off at O'Hare with three bags, lots of documents, a rental satellite phone..............wait the phones ringing, I'll be back.