tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-314719632024-03-12T22:00:38.882-04:00The Big Sis DiariesThe adventures of the big sister of two bio brothers and one sister from EthiopiaSusy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-25278207867417169872009-07-04T17:05:00.003-04:002009-07-04T17:16:43.826-04:00Braids and Cannonballs? Where does the time go?To put it as simply as possible, I have decided to recucitate this blog. It occured to me when taking photos and videos on my family's last trip, to Riviera Maya, Mexico; where else would a video of Sasha, not yet three-and-a-half, flipping into a pool (with no instruction, and certainly no encouragement) be appreciated? This kid is amazing. And I can't even attribute it to the genes of the family.<br /><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy8qgllw_Bbbe2YgWelNEaJS8vuKL-OfReNQWnjxl7QwLxjpOj9BdmR6Ok9vsHVYpgZ_t4gXwvSskM' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>Sasha has blossomed into a very energetic, albeit <em>bossy </em>and <em>picky</em>, pre-pre-schooler. She has enough personality for the whole family. I keep wishing I had a journal with me to write down the things she says. But leave it to her to get up and dance like crazy to the Top 20 Michael Jackson Videos special on MTV; we'd expect nothing less of her.</p><p>In the coming days, I'll certainly post more pictures and videos from the past several months. As unbelievably excited as I am to start at Smith this fall, I regret having to leave her, to say the least. I want to make my current time with her count and keep a close record of our time together, which I hope to continue in college during my visits home.</p><p>Happy 4th of July everyone! (And on that note, a special happy birthday to Carsten, my youngest brother; I can't believe he's 10!)</p>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-53751785032581774792009-01-28T16:28:00.007-05:002009-01-28T18:27:10.260-05:00Obama?<p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzuMAe7k_qe619qzdK7O0lRKzPAS0SH6IKAe_txGnNgA93i77kv7ChVfJqIChD57uHH0NSf5S3Khio' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p>Without going into details (so as not to step on anyone's political toes) we're Obama fans in this house. The inauguration, which I got to watch in school, was incredibly momentous, more so than I expected it to be. Watching it, it made me feel happy. There was so much positive energy that it was contagious. In these tough times, it really gave me hope for good things to come. I think the fact that one of Obama's daughters' names is Sasha (or <em>Sasha! </em>for those of you who heard the funny way it was pronounced at the inauguration) is a sign of that.</p><br /><p>I wasn't the only one affected by the new presidency. Sasha, as you can tell, learned a bit of politics too. (For the record: Sasha CAN say "president." It won't be long before she realizes the president can- in the basic sense- "make rules"...I wouldn't be surprised if Sasha wants to adopt that role in our family :))</p>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-10525861849325432332009-01-18T16:12:00.002-05:002009-01-18T16:38:59.095-05:00LONG Overdue Update!First of all, my ridiculously long blog hiatus (more like abandonment) deserves an explanation. As a senior in high school, I have been extremely busy with college applications and all that goes along with it- and, sparing all the un-interesting details, I can just say that time to sleep was a luxury. But I am thrilled (most of all relieved) to say that <em>that</em> part of my life has finally ended- I'm going to Smith College next year, so I can finally peel my eyes away from Microsoft Word and commonapp.org. At Smith, I plan on pursuing a double major in Education and French, and becoming a certified elementary school teacher. My dream is to someday work for an organization like the UN to develop education programs in third world countries, particularly Africa, and definetely spend time living there. I've always wanted to do the Peace Corps in Africa, but I want to travel after that too, living and working in African countries. I want to become fluent in French so that I can work in French-speaking Africa and/or teach French in the States (since the demand for language teachers is always so great.)<br /><br />Anyway, first semester has also ended, and midterm exams (hopefully) successfully completed. I'm officially a second semester senior with an abundance of free time (hear that, mom?) That's the ideal, anyway. I just can't let myself completely fail out of school :).<br /><br />In other exciting news, Sasha has officially graduated from the Terrible Twos and, as of this past Friday, is three. Her growth on all levels has been astonishing. She's seriously a little person now, with amazing senses of self and humor. She's extremely independent and is the only one in the family who does things <em>before</em> she's told to do them. You can always count on her to, with nothing better to do, load the dishwasher.<br /><br />Sasha has also become extremely girly (I <em>swear </em>she doesn't get it from me, although I'm sure I endorse it by impulsively picking up dress-up accessories and stickers when I'm at the store.) The most common word that comes out of her mouth is probably "princess," although she can get pretty bossy when she gets into the role. A few weeks ago Sasha was trying on a new dress-up dress and our conversation went like this:<br /><br />My Mom: "Sasha, can Mama wear this princess dress?"<br />Sasha: "No, Mama's too big."<br />My Mom: "Well can Susanna wear it then?"<br />Sasha: "No, Susanna's not a princess."<br /><br />I know I've said this before, but she's honestly one of the most incredible people I've met...so full of life and energy I wish <em>I </em>had every day. I can't even begin to think about what I'll do without her at Smith one day. In an interview I had with them before I was accepted, I talked extensively about Sasha and I think it made my interviewer want to accept <em>Sasha </em>on the spot.<br /><br />Along those same lines, I also talked about my <em>Sweet Dreams Project</em>, which is still up and runnning. I came across a minor setback recently because several boxes of donations were returned to me by the recipient without warning, so the money I raised through bakesales to send the boxes was wasted. Obviously that won't stop me though! I'm convinced I'll be in contact soon with other people who will be able to bring them to Ethiopia for me, and then I'll hold another drive probably in the next few months. I also definetely plan to bring the project to Smith and getting other students involved in my efforts.<br /><br />That's been my life in a nutshell over the past few months! I can think of many more stories and events to impart here, but I think this should do it for today :) I'm back in the swing of things, though, so I'll definetely update my blog more regularly now.<br /><br />Stay tuned!Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-74469387411602002882008-06-22T08:28:00.000-04:002008-12-09T12:28:05.843-05:00June 22nd<strong>Pre-Sasha</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><em>We ordered and ate this cake the day we got our travel date, the date that will always hold a golden glow in our minds: June 22nd. On that day, however, we hadn't actually arrived in Ethiopia yet. Instead, we spent one last day in Dubai as a family of five- especially memorable since Carsten and I both got terribly sick. That made for a very interesting first meeting (more on this to come!!)</em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222475080344381554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHn1amxBqHI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/SMmbHHuKG6k/s400/DSC01666.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222474778915845474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHn1JD23NWI/AAAAAAAAA0I/WrtGGM7dot0/s400/DSC01667.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222475211730191410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHn1iQN2BDI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/ebOYRsM39jw/s400/DSC01672.JPG" border="0" /><br /><strong>One Year Later</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />On this day in 2007, Sasha had no connection to us (although, of course, we felt connected to her!) Just see what difference a year made! I've never seen two siblings more loving of each other.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHn24QASoAI/AAAAAAAAA04/ibY9KaGdmcA/s1600-h/Picture+189.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222476689142095874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHn24QASoAI/AAAAAAAAA04/ibY9KaGdmcA/s400/Picture+189.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHn2yAyO4II/AAAAAAAAA0w/C626Yrj5W6E/s1600-h/Picture+190.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222476581977383042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHn2yAyO4II/AAAAAAAAA0w/C626Yrj5W6E/s400/Picture+190.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222476233305063250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHn2dt4Rf1I/AAAAAAAAA0g/AMVE6jGmBns/s400/siblings!!.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222476392664629074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHn2m_ijf1I/AAAAAAAAA0o/japWgwK8K4U/s400/Picture+194.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-15814923394390162182008-06-21T08:14:00.006-04:002008-12-09T12:28:06.390-05:00Flashback 2008Alright, so I didn't really publish this on June 21st. But for the purposes of following what I'm about to do, I've decided to set the date back to the day my family arrived in Dubai from a 12-hour plane trek, our first stop on our journey to Sasha Eraye.<br /><br /><strong>Pre-Sasha</strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><em>After arriving, completely jet-lagged, we spent two leisurely days in Dubai, mentally preparing ourselves for the life-changing events to come!</em><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHn0DgeokFI/AAAAAAAAA0A/SaOdA0ctcLo/s1600-h/DSC01670.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222473584008007762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHn0DgeokFI/AAAAAAAAA0A/SaOdA0ctcLo/s400/DSC01670.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Post-Sasha</strong><br /><p><em>Sasha is, clearly, the spark of energy in our lives!</em></p><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHnzLFDVmQI/AAAAAAAAAz4/QsjNd_slF0M/s1600-h/Picture+202.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222472614573086978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHnzLFDVmQI/AAAAAAAAAz4/QsjNd_slF0M/s400/Picture+202.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHnzBsrj5GI/AAAAAAAAAzw/9ECweJxLvnE/s1600-h/Picture+173.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222472453412086882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHnzBsrj5GI/AAAAAAAAAzw/9ECweJxLvnE/s400/Picture+173.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHnyuafPooI/AAAAAAAAAzo/uak9tes3UIE/s1600-h/Picture+170.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222472122111074946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SHnyuafPooI/AAAAAAAAAzo/uak9tes3UIE/s400/Picture+170.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>For the following posts, I'm going to be comparing photos from that day with photos from a year later, to show how radically our lives have changed! I'll then give a much-needed update on what I have been doing with my life recently. Enjoy :)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-53307939664538356172008-06-20T14:36:00.003-04:002008-12-09T12:28:06.654-05:00Do you remember...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SFwBxsOSAUI/AAAAAAAAAzg/ZiwlNCJV8QA/s1600-h/DSC01677.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214044421784469826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SFwBxsOSAUI/AAAAAAAAAzg/ZiwlNCJV8QA/s400/DSC01677.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SFwA7uKsB7I/AAAAAAAAAzY/2d59ydZt-Cs/s1600-h/DSCI0014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214043494593333170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SFwA7uKsB7I/AAAAAAAAAzY/2d59ydZt-Cs/s400/DSCI0014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>what happened <a href="http://bigsisdiaries.blogspot.com/2007/06/and-were-off.html">on this day last year</a> ?<br /></div><br /><br /><div>That day will forever stand out in my mind...it was like no other I had, or have, experienced. What are you <em>supposed</em> to think on the day you embark on the journey to bring home your sister from Africa? I had nothing to compare my pending experience with. It wasn't like traveling to Kenya, nor was it like either of the births of my brothers. In no way was it like a combination of the two. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>We woke up early that morning, following scattered hours of restless, excited sleep. We proceded to spend the remainder of the day on our 12-hour Emirates flight to Dubai, throughout which time I could not decide which way to direct my thoughts. I was unbelievably excited, probably more excited than I'd been in my entire life. To quote my post from June 19th, 2007- 17.5 hours before we were set to jet off from the home which was now to house <em>six </em>people- "The day I've been waiting for for two years is finally right around the corner- it seemed like it would never happen!! It's amazing to think about how my dreams are about to come true..." </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The magnitude of what was about to happen, though, was overwhelming. I can relate it to how I similarly felt when I was seven; I had been begging for an American Girl doll ceaselessly, and my biggest wish was to get one for Christmas (which happened to be several months away.) One day- probably to shut me up- my mom conceded: "Okay, you can have one." I couldn't believe how easy it was; I had completely assumed I'd have to fight my way through her arguments against it. I almost didn't want it anymore. I had been yearning for it for so long, and I was alarmed at how soon my wish was to be granted. Of course, I had waited for Sasha for years. Yet in that time, I had so many visions- conscious and subconscious- of how our meeting and lives would be that, when it came finally time, I became nervous. <em>What if she resists us completely? What if she never will feel a part of our family?</em> </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>And now, here I sit, a year later. It blows my mind how fast the time has gone. Sasha grew from</div><br /><br /><div>a baby who knew nothing about us or what was happening to her to a bold, self-confident toddler who is hyper-vigilant and always- amazingly- in the know. Of course, as we watch her take the initiative to feed the cat or load the dishwasher, we can't help but remember the 17-month-old who followed the nannies at the care center on shaky steps, helping arrange cups and plates and plastic chairs. What I guess I never realized in my fantasies was how much of a <em>person </em>she was. In my dreams, she was my sister, relying on me and needing constant attention. But the attention she demands is not out of need but out of pride. And so, in my first annual reflection on when Sasha entered our lives with a bang, I understand not <em>that </em>she shaped our lives, but I realize the numerous ways she does. </div></div>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-7887371698922386042008-06-01T18:52:00.003-04:002008-06-01T19:17:17.288-04:00I'm Dreaming of A...Baby? (No, Not an Adoption Announcement; Don't Get Any Ideas ;))First of all, I'd like to attribute my <em>severe</em> lapse in blogging to an insane load of work. Although I survived SATs and AP testing, I have finals next week and I'm taking the ACT the day after school's out. Yikes.<br /><br />I can't help but remind myself, though, the excitement that was practically visible on me a year ago. As you recall, at this time last year, we were in the mere weeks before travelling to pick up Sasha. It was, simultaneously, a weird time, since I had no idea what to expect of the whole situation. Living sisterless for the first fifteen years of my life, I couldn't imagine living- <em>every day</em>- with a toddler girl.<br /><br />Sasha is, of course, the absolute light of our lives. I'm embarassed by my lack of funny Sasha Stories here, but it's like I can't even begin to describe her. Her happiness is so tangible and so contagious. And she has the biggest heart I've ever seen.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, our kitty Coco ran away (we actually haven't seen her since, which is pretty disheartening.) About a week after we last saw her, I started researching coyote and hawk relationships with cats, and I just burst into tears. Sasha came up to me with a look of genuine concern and empathy and said to my mom, "Susanna sad." She then, without any prompting, gave me a really long hug. We told her "Coco went bye-bye" by way of explanation- which she understood- but it almost didn't matter; she was completely shaken up by the idea that I was upset, because she's very rarely seen me crying. Recently, she saw a picture of Coco and immediately announced, "Susanna sad" and frowned. Her complete concern for others is so touching.<br /><br />On a much happier note, the number of referrals our agency has given out lately is astounding! I feel so happy for all the lucky families, and my mom and I are feeling a little jealous. We asked Sasha, though, if she wanted a referral, too, and she sighed, "Noooo." (She doesn't know what a referral is, of course, but we had to laugh.) Having said that, though, I'm not sure how Sasha would take having another child in the house; she's extremely nurturing towards her dolls, and is obsessed with other babies, but she gets jealous if Carsten sits on my mom's lap for only a second. It would definetely take some getting used to.<br /><br />Although it doesn't seem like Sasha will have to deal with that in the very near future, a family in a neighboring town were just matched with sisters who are 3 and 4. Sasha already has regular playdates with T, who just turned 3, so we think these new additions will be perfect. I'm glad that Sasha will be expanding her network of little Ethiopian friends.<br /><br />The crazy end-of-the-year happenings, and an eventful year in general, calls for a vacation. Three weeks from today, we'll be heading to Florida to visit Key West, Key Largo and Miami. When we asked Sasha if she wanted to go to Florida, she characteristically sighed "Noooo," (which is her automatic response to anything she doesn't know anything about), but when we showed her a picture of a waterslide at one of the hotels, she pointed to it and exclaimed "Sasha!" I'm already looking forward to it; I'll be glad to spend more time with my family, since schoolwork, work, extracurricular and social commitments have been pulling me away lately. And of course, by the looks of it, Sasha will really enjoy herself too :-)Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-63189570821546611232008-05-14T18:11:00.009-04:002008-12-09T12:28:07.996-05:00College Visits (yes, Sasha's already pushing for the Ivies!)As a junior, I have been subjected to the stresses and thrills of college searching. It was Sasha, though, who seemed to feel most at home at the Columbia campus. (I was really looking at Barnard, but we strolled through the surrounding areas to get a "feel"- which I loved!)<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SC3y2EeWLiI/AAAAAAAAAy4/z11qeSMIt8M/s1600-h/Picture+088.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201080155410673186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SC3y2EeWLiI/AAAAAAAAAy4/z11qeSMIt8M/s400/Picture+088.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SCtkoEeWLhI/AAAAAAAAAyw/hGX5KcPzQAU/s1600-h/Picture+089.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200360834287939090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SCtkoEeWLhI/AAAAAAAAAyw/hGX5KcPzQAU/s400/Picture+089.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201081130368249426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SC3zu0eWLlI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/MXVlworyEl0/s400/Picture+093.jpg" border="0" /> <div>I was pretty excited to see this flyer posted around Barnard; it's advertising a campus showing of a movie that clearly highlights Ethiopia. Also on campus the day we visited was a festival for children adopted from China. All of these cultural events that hit close to my home certainly drew me toward the atmosphere of the school- I know I'd be happy learning more about the aspects of my life that are most important to me. Now, if only I could get in- their acceptance rate is a little intimidating...</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200360722618789378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SCtkhkeWLgI/AAAAAAAAAyo/zWTzRcrPccw/s400/Picture+090.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200360314596896226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SCtkJ0eWLeI/AAAAAAAAAyY/q4knFfE_mpI/s400/Picture+092.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SCtjyUeWLdI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/mSkq9YpK2fc/s1600-h/Picture+094.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200359910869970386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/SCtjyUeWLdI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/mSkq9YpK2fc/s400/Picture+094.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p align="center">Recognize this? It's the diner always featured in "Seinfeld" :)</p>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-26259643823725621402008-05-09T16:52:00.000-04:002008-05-09T19:51:23.642-04:00100 MORE Things About Me In Honor of my 200th PostSince this is my 200th post (and an embarassingly delayed one at that) I have compiled 100 more things about me to bring the number of "things" up to 200 (you can see my first 100 "things" <a href="http://bigsisdiaries.blogspot.com/2006/10/100-things-about-me-part-1.html">here</a> and <a href="http://bigsisdiaries.blogspot.com/2007/03/100-things-about-me-part-2.html">here</a>.) Of course, it's really difficult to think of 200 things about yourself, so these certainly won't be as interesting as the last- but by the time you're through reading this, you'll know as much about myself as I do!<br /><br />101. I have seen every single episode of <em>Friends </em>(multiple times)<br /><br />102. I can only tie my shoes the little kid way, by making two "bunny ears" and tying them together in a knot. I never learned how to do the more common, wrap-one-lace-around-one-loop way.<br /><br />103. In Italy, many people drink grenata (a type of iced coffee) and brioche every morning; I tried both in Sicily when I was six, but the grenata I tried was strawberry-flavored<br /><br />104. I refused to wear pants- ever- until I was seven years old. Up until that time, I insisted on wearing only skirts and dresses.<br /><br />105. I've always imagined I would marry someone from a foreign country. I guess it remains to be seen if that will happen!<br /><br />106. I have been playing the flute for seven years<br /><br />107. I have saved every single magazine I've ever bought or subscribed to since I was seven<br /><br />108. My backpack was stolen on a trip to Jamaica when I was seven<br /><br />109. I choose Coke products over those made by Pepsi<br /><br />110. All of my friends call me Susy, but I prefer my teachers and most other adults to call me Susanna. Somehow, it sounds awkward and unprofessional to me if an adult who I want to take me seriously calls me Susy.<br /><br />111. My mom has promised on two different occasions during my life to take me to a Broadway play (once when I wasn't able to go on a Girl Scout trip to see one and once when I traded in a birthday party to see a show with her) so now she owes me two. I'm dying to see <em>Wicked- </em>if we ever manage to get around to it!<br /><br />112. I'm probably one of few Americans who is not fixated by <em>American Idol</em>. For some reason, I'm a little uncomfortable watching other people sing; even if they're good, I feel almost embarassed for them.<br /><br />113. I don't like olives<br /><br />114. I've had my hair braided African-style a handful of times, but Sasha never has. It's a struggle to get her to sit still long enough to de-tangle her hair after a bath!<br /><br />115. I have lived in six different homes in my life<br /><br />116. Skydiving is NOT on my list of things to do before I die<br /><br />117. We went to the famous Serendipity cafe in New York City, and were all sorely dissapointed. We had to leave and eat at a street-corner pizza place :)<br /><br />118. I have two good friends in Norway who I correspond with regularly<br /><br />119. In Ethiopia, given my oh-so-pleasant sickness (for new readers, all of us were sick in Ethiopia since my dad convinced us it was fine to drink the water in Dubai on the way over...needless to say, it was <em>not </em>fine) I ended up losing a few pounds in the week we were there. The only thing I remember tolerating was the banana bread at the Hilton (which I recommend, by the way, if any of you happen to go there.) The amazing food at our Dubai hotel on the way home, though, made me gain the weight right back :)<br /><br />120. I have started a tradition of buying a piece of jewlery whenever I travel to a foreign country<br /><br />121. I've only been ice-skating maybe four times<br /><br />122. My ears are double-pierced; I got the first set done when I was 8, and the second set when I turned 14<br /><br />123. I saw Marie Antoinette's room at the Schonbrunn palace in Vienna<br /><br />124. Carsten calls me "Susan" just to irritate me<br />125. I love banana boats. My brothers, dad and I went on one in Dubai (it was Carsten's first time) and on one huge turn, we were sent flying into the scaldingly-hot salty water. It wasn't the most pleasant experience, but it certainly was a memorable one!<br /><br />126. My feet are usually a size 5 or 5 1/2- 6 on rare occasions. That means I'm in the lovely position of being able to buy both kids' (for the price) and women's (for the styles) shoes<br /><br />127. I have been to 21 US states<br /><br />128. I have four cousins in Michigan who I haven't seen since I was five, but interestingly, I see my two cousins in Norway once or twice a year<br /><br />129. I've never shared a room with anyone, so splitting a dorm in college will be, admittedly, pretty difficult for me<br /><br />130. I used to be a Girl Scout<br /><br />131. I have never eaten at a Taco Bell<br /><br />132. I looooove Cadbury Creme Eggs; I ask for one every year at Easter :)<br /><br />133. I went to a Britney Spears concert when I was ten<br /><br />134. At age two, I got to see the queen leaving Buckingham Palace in London<br /><br />135. I've never been to Disney World<br /><br />136. I have never broken a bone<br /><br />137. I'm terrible at most sports, except for maybe track (how difficult is it to run?) and skiing<br /><br />138. I took the SATs this past Saturday, and an AP exam Monday...just completing both of them makes me feel so accomplished!<br /><br />139. I have a strong tendency to burn rather than tan during the summer, so I over-apply sunscreen and use bronzing lotion instead<br /><br />140. I tentatively plan to spend next summer improving my Norwegian (mostly the reading writing component, since I speak the language fluently) at the University of Oslo<br /><br />141. I drink herbal tea most days, even in the summer<br /><br />142. Although my brothers love Star Wars, I couldn't even stand to sit through the first movie<br /><br />143. <em>Lord of the Rings</em> also couldn't hold my attention; needless to say, I'm not big on science fiction/fantasy<br /><br />144. I decided to get bangs a few months ago, and it was one of the best hair decisions I've ever made<br /><br />145. My favorite class in school this year is the one I thought I would like the least (aside from math, of course!)<br /><br />146. I'm always cold. Unless it's 80 degrees, you'll probably find me wearing a cardigan, or at least long sleeves.<br /><br />147. Having missed the first few seasons, we decided to rent <em>Lost </em>on DVD to watch as a family so we could catch up. My addiction has been terrible since then: not one to get too wrapped up in shows, I find myself looking forward to Friday nights days in advance, when we all have the time to sit down and watch a few episodes. The rest of my family is equally enthralled, and even Sasha has taken an interest. Please take this as a friendly warning: anyone who doesn't watch <em>Lost </em>is missing something vital from his/her life.<br /><br />148. My parents told me that when I was three, I told a cab driver, out of the blue, "I'm from Africa. I'm an African girl." Maybe I knew more about my future than I understood even then...<br /><br />149. Headbands are fashion staples for me<br /><br />150. I am near-sighted, but didn't realize how truly blind I was until I got my glasses (which I still only wear when necessary)<br /><br />151. I have ridden on ostriches, camels and naturally, horses, but I have yet to ride on an elephant. I will someday though!<br /><br />152. Paul Dano, star of <em>Little Miss Sunshine </em>and the recent <em>There Will Be Blood</em>, graduated from my high school six years ago (my English teacher had him as a student). He has a small band, and I saw him perform last summer at the local library.<br /><br />153. When I was eight, I went on a Caribbean cruise with both sets of grandparents, as well as my aunt, uncle and cousin on my dad's side. It was a fun way for everyone to meet and a lot of memories were made, although my mom still resents that the trip messed up Carsten's (then an infant) sleep schedule.<br /><br />154. I hate coffee<br /><br />155. I have the blondest hair in my immediate family<br /><br />156. I attended a show at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna; the horses performed the same show aired every year on New Year's Day on PBS<br /><br />157. I saw Harry Conick Jr with his daughter in a neighboring town a few weeks ago. John Travolta, Robin Williams, Sean Penn, and Robert DeNiro have also been spotted in our own town within the past year (our proximity to NYC means many movie shootings in our area.)<br /><br />158. Speaking of celebrities, Sasha <em>literally </em>bumped into <em>The Sopranos </em>star Joe Pantaliano in a coffee shop recently, causing him to look down in surprise. At this rate, she might be noticed for a TV/movie roll in the near future!<br /><br />159. Speaking of child stars, Carsten's best friend from school will be starring in an upcoming movie as Marisa Tomei's son; the movie also stars Mickey Rourke and Evan Rachel Wood. I personally find this really exciting; I beg Carsten to have him over just so I can bombard him with questions about it!<br /><br />160. I never sleep late, even on weekends- waking up past 8 is rare!<br /><br />161. I have only ever attended three weddings and one funeral<br /><br />162. I hate rollercoasters<br /><br />163. I visited <em>Out of Africa </em>author Karen Blixen's home in Nairobi, Kenya<br /><br />164. I also visited the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam<br /><br />165. I'm a naturally slow driver; when I was practicing driving with my dad on the road a few weeks ago, I had to actually pull over to let the car behind me pass. If I can get over my fear of up-to-speed driving, I hope to get my license this summer!<br /><br />166. When I was younger, I decided that my first car would be a white Volkswagon bug that I'd splatter-paint myself. Now I just want something small, simple, affordable, and above all, safe!<br /><br />167. I get really tense before going to the dentist<br /><br />168. I like the smell of gasoline, even though I know it's unhealthy to inhale it<br /><br />169. I long- and vow!- to go to Paris, Thailand, Egypt, India, Singapore, Uganda, and South Africa in my lifetime<br /><br />170. I have been asked to co-host a website for "tweens" affected by adoption; more on this later!<br /><br />171. I really like British singer Lily Allen's music<br /><br />172. I love fruit, and eat a ton of it daily. Better that than candy, I guess!<br /><br />173. One of my favorite actresses is Natalie Portman<br /><br />174. I have never been stung by a bee<br /><br />175. I realized a weird sequence in terms of birthdays in my family: our cats were born on the 1st of a month, Kristian on the 2nd of a different month, Carsten on the 4th of another month, me on the 8th of a month, and Sasha on the 16th of a month. In other words, the date doubled gives you the date of the next person's birthday (yes, I admit that math has been ingrained a little too deeply into my brain- and it's my least favorite subject!)<br /><br />176. My dad has ONLY Norwegian blood- no one in his family, up until now, has married anyone other than a Norwegian.<br /><br />177. My mother, conversely, is about as American as you can get (aside from those of Native American ancestry.) Her great-great-great (x10)-grandfather settled in Rhode Island a few years after the Mayflower docked in Plymouth, so even though she has Irish and English blood, she can pretty much be considered American since her roots are in this country for pretty much as long as it's been settled (by Europeans, of course.)<br /><br />178. I have decided I would only ever consider getting a dog when I'm older if it's small, almost completely silent, and doesn't jump<br /><br />179. When indulging in unhealthy food, I always go for the sweet over the salty. Both Sasha and my dad, however, would much rather have chips over cake.<br /><br />180. I love accents in general, but British and African ones in particular<br /><br />181. I run between 2.5 and 5 miles a day, time permitting, just for exercise- although running on our basement's treadmill, in front of a TV, makes it so much better! (I'm honestly less motivated to run when there's nothing interesting on.)<br /><br />182. I just returned from 48 hours in Boston for our school's music trip. I've probably never laughed so hard in a short time span in my life.<br /><br />183. A hedgehog has decided to make his home in our backyard<br /><br />184. My cell phone, digital camera, and iPod are all pink :)<br /><br />185. The walls of my room are painted two different shades of pink (see a trend?)<br /><br />186. Both of my brothers called me "Dada" when they were babies before graduating to calling me "Sana", but I called myself "Nana" and Sasha (who was a little older before she started to call me anything) calls me "Su-nana"<br /><br />187. I have only been to Florida for 24 hours<br /><br />188. I'm taking a semester of African Studies in school next year and I'm already looking forward to it!<br /><br />189. I have held a job at my local YMCA since September; I babysit kids whose parents are at the gym or pool, and I sometimes work at pre-school birthday parties. This summer, I'll be working for several weeks as a camp counselor there.<br /><br />190. I don't like anything coconut-flavored<br /><br />191. I've kicked around the idea of dying my hair jet-black, with bleached-blonde layers on top, after high school, just for the sake of doing something different and unexpected of me. We'll see in the next eighteen months if I dare to go through with it!<br /><br />192. Although we own both a Wii game system and Guitar Hero, I have <em>never </em>played either one. I have absolutely no interest in video games, except for The Sims, which I occasionally play on the computer.<br /><br />193. I would love to become a better cook. I've tried out a few recipes on my family, and so far, no one has been poisoned, so I take that as an encouraging sign!<br /><br />194. I have only read the first four <em>Harry Potter </em>books<br /><br />195. I don't like sushi<br /><br />196. I list <em>Run's House</em> and <em>The Soup</em> among my weekend guilty-pleasure TV watching<br /><br />197. I'll be writing my college essay about visiting AHOPE and how the experience affected me<br /><br />198. Speaking of college, I refuse to look at schools farther than a few states away; I want to be close enough to Sasha that I can visit home every few months<br /><br />199. I am also only looking at small liberal arts schools in village settings (with the exception of Barnard, which I adored and would give anything to get into, even though it will probably be a stretch for me!) I prefer closer-knit environments, since that's what I'm used to. I would, however, like a place with more diversity than where I live now.<br /><br />200. It took me several days to compile this list, which is (part of) the reason why it's been so long since I've last posted. It's really difficult to search your brain for 200 things about yourself- try it sometime!Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-31895562604244131932008-04-11T16:05:00.004-04:002008-04-11T16:57:30.971-04:00The "Sweet Dreams" Parade Marches On!I've mentioned my <em>Sweet Dreams Project </em>here several times, but it's really taken off in so many directions and with such speed that I'm finding it difficult to find a minute to sit down and relate it all here! Now that this afternoon marks the beginning of a week-long break from school, I have the time- and peace of mind- to update all my volunteer-hungry readers how my project is growing.<br /><br />Last year, as I need not tell in detail again, I collected over 200 pairs of pajamas for AHOPE in Addis Ababa, which I personally delivered last June when my family travelled to pick up Sasha. Of course, I realized the profound discrepency between what they have and what they deserve, so I made it my mission for this school year to spread awareness about how others in my community can help. Although it's difficult to track people down to get the backing for giving my presentations (and my hands were sore from typing what seemed like hundreds of e-mails a day!) once I touched base with one person, others began clammoring for me to enlighten them with my presentations. Every week now, I present to several freshman and sophomore classes about AHOPE through a PowerPoint presentation, and explain specifically what they can do to bring a little more joy to these kids. Two days ago, I presented in my school's auditorium for hundreds of students which- although slightly nerve-wracking at first- went very smoothly. I actually had three people come up to me following that presentation, each of them suggesting I contact people they themselves are in relation with who can probably help me (the owner of a second-hand shop who routinely gives unsold items to charity, for example.) I don't, of course, expect each of my audience members to drop everything and donate to AHOPE- but if I reach just a few people, that's a few people whose outlook I shaped on poverty and need elsewhere in the world. Of course, the more money/donations I can solicit for AHOPE, the more comfort and joy those children will have.<br /><br />As part of my presentation the other day, I showed a clip from Sasha's video Lifebook, which is a documentary CHSFS made about Sasha's life and history. I of course omitted anything private, but I did show a part that gave a brief overview of Ethiopian history and culture. Seeing that video again instilled in me a strong urge to go back; unlike wanting to go back to a particular vacation place I may have travelled to, I feel so deeply connected to Ethiopia now. There is no question I'll be back at least a few more times in my life (hopefully for more adoptions, whether the children are my siblings or my sons or daughters!) but I want to experience more of what Sasha came from. I'd love to volunteer there, maybe for a summer while I'm in college, just like <a href="http://www.thereisnomewithoutyou.com/">Melissa Fay Greene</a> 's son Lee did for AHOPE. I feel like as repitive as presenting bi- and tri-weekly on the same subject may be, I learn more about myself and how much this cause means to me with each presentation.<br /><br />Another opportunity for me to spread awareness fell right in my lap. As I picked up my local paper a few weeks ago, the front page jumped out at me: the church a few streets down from our house is rallying support for an organization they started to support orphans in Ethiopia. Mind you, this is completely separate from my efforts, and our town is small by most measures. I was so excited that I e-mailed them right away; they responded, saying that they'd love to have me present at one of their masses or religious education classes one time. Although I have a lot going on, I fully intend to do this, and I'm also looking into contributing through their organization as well. It's through a church, of course, so there are some religious connections to it, but anyone can contribute, as far as I know. Please go to <a href="http://www.hoeministries.org/">http://www.hoeministries.org/</a> to learn more!<br /><br />Finally, I'd like to speak about my next big Sweet Dreams-related project. Counting on the support of the school that last year accounted for the 200+ pajamas I brought to AHOPE last year, I've started a drive collecting new and gently-used sheets and blankets. When I went to speak with the student organization of third-to-fifth-graders who are helping arrange this, they were beyond enthusiastic, especially since many of them remembered me and almost all of them remembered my drive. The posters they made to advertise the drive displayed the passion they have for this, and it reminded me again of what I'm doing. As much as this will nicely polish off my college applications, <em>Sweet Dreams </em>really isn't about that. This project simultaneously brings hope and happiness to AHOPE's kids and presents an important window into the lives of the less fortunate for the kids in my community.<br /><br />I realize this post is incredibly long, but thank you for taking the time to read it. I know that if I can make one person think differently- more introspectively- about the world we live in, I know I've done my part. Please visit <a href="http://www.sweetdreamsforahope.blogspot.com/">http://www.sweetdreamsforahope.blogspot.com/</a> to follow along on my project!Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-10344844225125959442008-04-04T17:54:00.003-04:002008-04-04T18:16:14.011-04:00Daily Moments In Which I'm Kicking Myself For Not Having My Camera ReadyFor all the videos/pictures of Sasha I post here, there are a million more events/silly moments/funny expressions that go un-captured, so I will attempt to relate a few especially notable occurences here, in words:<br /><br />1. At the dinner table a few nights ago, Sasha managed to get a hold of the bottle of honey mustard dressing, unscrew the cap, and pour about a pound of it onto her pasta. Looking at how her plan for a delicious meal went awry, she shook her head sadly and sighed to herself, "Oh, Sasha."<br /><br />2. For about an hour last week, Sasha decided she wanted to be a kitty. Although she understands everything we say, she doesn't use many words in general, so it's funny how she gets ideas in her head and then carries out her plans without saying anything out loud. On that day, Sasha spontaneously dropped to the floor and crawled around, saying, "Meow, meow." She insisted on eating her lunch from a plate on the floor, without her hands, and then chasing a little rubber ball.<br /><br />3. This next moment is cute for the same reason. Sasha followed the boys outside but came in a minute later, stating matter-of-factly, "Cold." She then crossed the room, went into the closet, pulled out her jacket, and promptly went back outside. This was all done without speaking and without any help. I love this especially since it represents her utter confidence in herself and abilities; she completely recognizes and takes advantage of her place in the family, and relies on nobody to do what she wants to get done.<br /><br />4. This is a prime example of Sasha's <em>very </em>keen observational skills: in CVS the other day, Sasha marched over to the crate of inflatable balls, picked one she liked, and proceeded to the check-out line. She stood in line just like everyone else, even standing exactly the way the other customers were standing and sighing with impatience from time to time, just as they were. After a minute or so, Sasha decided that, as princess of the world, she had the right of way. She stepped out of line, cut to the very front, and handed her purchase to the cashier. My mom came up behind her and said, "Sorry, Sasha, we're not buying that today,"and Sasha- without complaining- looked down sadly and reluctantly returned her ball to the crate. This was all done without a word out of her, which almost makes it cuter, if you can envision it.<br /><br />I take these instances as signs that I should wear my camera around my neck at all times...Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-59442158392229402052008-03-22T16:41:00.003-04:002008-12-09T12:28:08.774-05:00A year ago today...<div>...we saw this heartbreaking face <span style="color:#ff99ff;"><a href="http://bigsisdiaries.blogspot.com/2007/03/adoption-updatefinally.html">for the first time.</a></span> <div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073124136437882018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 392px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 308px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="295" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/RmdbhgXXHKI/AAAAAAAAAFE/Hd9i0M4Htbo/s400/baby+eraye.jpg" width="388" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073123990408993938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 392px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 297px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="302" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/RmdbZAXXHJI/AAAAAAAAAE8/Q7PPccOnTx4/s400/baby+eraye+2.jpg" width="400" border="0" /> </div><p>If you remember, March 22nd, 2007 was the day we were officially matched with Sasha Eraye. This day came at the end of an agonizing month and a half in which we had to decide whether or not to accept our first referral, and at the end, we had to turn it down with a heavy heart. Five days later, however, we received a call from our agency, informing us of another very special little girl. She was 14 months old, and although she was a peanut in figure, her personality shone through like the world was in the palm of her hand. She has certainly grown tremendously in a year, but the smile you see above is no doubt the same one that currently melts hearts by the day.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180671115663505986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R-Vw7ms_-kI/AAAAAAAAAyA/k3W9PGLpJIA/s400/DSCI0025.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="color:#000000;">I'm telling you- what would we do without this girl?!</span></p><br /></div>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-12297876989080210292008-03-08T20:23:00.003-05:002008-03-08T21:19:46.459-05:00Keeping Culture AliveLike all adoptive families, we feel compelled to keep Ethiopia a big part of all of our lives. Before bringing Sasha home, we were concerned that, given where we live, we would not have as many resources as we would like in order to do this. Fortunately, we've found that actually having Sasha with us has opened more opportunities:<br /><br />There is an Ethiopian restaurant about a half hour from us, which we go to every once in a while, and there is another in that area that we haven't had the chance to try yet.<br /><br />We also discovered an Ethiopian restaurant a literal two-minute <em>walk </em>from my grandma's house in Michigan, so we go there whenever we visit (which has been already three times since Sasha came home.)<br /><br />My mom spoke with a woman who works at our local supermarket the other day, and she is a native of an African country (I'm embarassed to say I can't recall which one it is now.) She said she takes English classes at our local community college, and that there is an Ethiopian woman in her class. She then promised to let this woman know about us, so when my mom goes back to the store she'll see if there is a way to contact the Ethiopian woman.<br /><br />Best of all, Sasha and my mom now belong to a playgroup for Ethiopian-adopted children. There are currently four or five families that belong, and they meet around twice a month. Sasha's best friend so far is a little girl I'll call T, who is roughly 9 months older than Sasha and came home from Ethiopia this past Christmas. I actually met T's mother before T came home at Melissa Fay Greene's talk, and I met the two of them again this past Thursday. (10th graders had standardized testing in the mornings last week, so freshmen, juniors, and seniors got to come in late :)). We met at Border's, and Sasha immediately innitiated play with T. Although T was a bit shy at first, they soon started interacting very sweetly, and were best friends a half hour later. At one point, the two grabbed hands and ran away together; the mothers and I started looking everywhere for them, but they had just gone off to innocently play Ring Around The Rosy. Oh my gosh, it was one of the most <em>adorable </em>things I have ever seen.<br /><br />Kind of stemming from this, my mom met a woman in a neighboring town the other day who happened to have a dark-skinned little girl with her, too (around us, that's not something you see every day.) Naturally, my mom and this woman talked, and it turns out her little girl- who is now 15 months- was adopted from the Caribbean. My mom invited her to join her Ethiopia playgroup and she obliged, so hopefully we'll be able to expand the circle this way.<br /><br />For now, it seems like we have a nice set of resources to maintain Ethiopian culture and identity, but of course, we'd like to strengthen our ties to Sasha's birth country. My question now is: for any readers who have adopted from Ethiopia- or for any other country, for that matter- do you have any suggestions/recommendations on how to keep your child's roots prevalent in your everyday life? This is very important to us, so we're happy to hear anything!Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-28109186720078767242008-03-03T21:19:00.002-05:002008-12-09T12:28:12.412-05:00A Day in the Life of Sasha<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R82xqQhHJqI/AAAAAAAAAx0/PSJPOU3t22I/s1600-h/DSC01920.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173986886465037986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R82xqQhHJqI/AAAAAAAAAx0/PSJPOU3t22I/s400/DSC01920.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R82xjAhHJpI/AAAAAAAAAxs/CGCOd4HvwrI/s1600-h/DSC01921.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173986761910986386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R82xjAhHJpI/AAAAAAAAAxs/CGCOd4HvwrI/s400/DSC01921.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81JDmwgFpI/AAAAAAAAAxk/8K93MvLef5w/s1600-h/DSC01922.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173871873210979986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81JDmwgFpI/AAAAAAAAAxk/8K93MvLef5w/s400/DSC01922.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81I4GwgFoI/AAAAAAAAAxc/NYPbNpqlfz8/s1600-h/DSC01923.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173871675642484354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81I4GwgFoI/AAAAAAAAAxc/NYPbNpqlfz8/s400/DSC01923.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div align="center">Attending Kristian's at-home cello concert</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81Iv2wgFnI/AAAAAAAAAxU/kBl8DpXxcQg/s1600-h/carsty%27s+concert.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173871533908563570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81Iv2wgFnI/AAAAAAAAAxU/kBl8DpXxcQg/s400/carsty%27s+concert.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81IrGwgFmI/AAAAAAAAAxM/UKm29JkmZjY/s1600-h/DSC01931.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173871452304184930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81IrGwgFmI/AAAAAAAAAxM/UKm29JkmZjY/s400/DSC01931.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81IkGwgFlI/AAAAAAAAAxE/GELB0ntwQuE/s1600-h/DSC01932.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173871332045100626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81IkGwgFlI/AAAAAAAAAxE/GELB0ntwQuE/s400/DSC01932.JPG" border="0" /></a>Watching Carsten's school concert<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81IYWwgFkI/AAAAAAAAAw8/76g3ijZ-QP0/s1600-h/flower+girl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173871130181637698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81IYWwgFkI/AAAAAAAAAw8/76g3ijZ-QP0/s400/flower+girl.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81IRmwgFjI/AAAAAAAAAw0/DVpAZxwgKC8/s1600-h/flowery.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173871014217520690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81IRmwgFjI/AAAAAAAAAw0/DVpAZxwgKC8/s400/flowery.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81ILGwgFiI/AAAAAAAAAws/HUIPt2_oS3s/s1600-h/wings.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173870902548370978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81ILGwgFiI/AAAAAAAAAws/HUIPt2_oS3s/s400/wings.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Playing dress-up! (She purposely turned so we could get a shot of the wings.)</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81HCWwgFhI/AAAAAAAAAwk/sUgReCXc21I/s1600-h/DSC01954.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173869652712887826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81HCWwgFhI/AAAAAAAAAwk/sUgReCXc21I/s400/DSC01954.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81Gy2wgFgI/AAAAAAAAAwc/MvwSyHxV2lc/s1600-h/helping.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173869386424915458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81Gy2wgFgI/AAAAAAAAAwc/MvwSyHxV2lc/s400/helping.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81EyWwgFeI/AAAAAAAAAwM/KXAZCHZt8Hs/s1600-h/DSC01957.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173867178811725282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81EyWwgFeI/AAAAAAAAAwM/KXAZCHZt8Hs/s400/DSC01957.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81EpmwgFdI/AAAAAAAAAwE/lK5K49_IR0o/s1600-h/DSC01958.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173867028487869906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81EpmwgFdI/AAAAAAAAAwE/lK5K49_IR0o/s400/DSC01958.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81EhmwgFcI/AAAAAAAAAv8/7ErWzVy3uUs/s1600-h/DSC01959.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173866891048916418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81EhmwgFcI/AAAAAAAAAv8/7ErWzVy3uUs/s400/DSC01959.JPG" border="0" /></a>Helping Papa bake a cake!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81EZ2wgFbI/AAAAAAAAAv0/1VEk49VqH14/s1600-h/DSC01962.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173866757904930226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R81EZ2wgFbI/AAAAAAAAAv0/1VEk49VqH14/s400/DSC01962.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8yyAWwgFaI/AAAAAAAAAvs/amaJErOuMnk/s1600-h/DSC01967.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173705791120610722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8yyAWwgFaI/AAAAAAAAAvs/amaJErOuMnk/s400/DSC01967.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p align="center">Taking a bath in the sink at her request (<em>demand.)<span style="font-size:+0;"></span></em><span style="font-size:+0;"></span></p>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-4553194601414245902008-02-28T16:41:00.013-05:002008-12-09T12:28:14.212-05:00Do you think we have enough craziness for one family?<div><br /><br /><div>I take that back. Do you think we have MORE than enough craziness for one family?!<br /><br />If we ever add more children to the family, I don't see how they could <em>possibly </em>compete with this one. </div><div> </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172156721232614802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cxInu4FZI/AAAAAAAAAvk/AfvldOC6GTs/s400/SMILEY.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172156579498694018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cxAXu4FYI/AAAAAAAAAvc/gF3qYQzqnPo/s400/DSCI0016.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cvHnu4FVI/AAAAAAAAAvE/3NjGfiBmPTM/s1600-h/DSCI0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172154505029490002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cvHnu4FVI/AAAAAAAAAvE/3NjGfiBmPTM/s400/DSCI0005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cvCnu4FUI/AAAAAAAAAu8/RkYVzQM8o2o/s1600-h/DSCI0006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172154419130144066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cvCnu4FUI/AAAAAAAAAu8/RkYVzQM8o2o/s400/DSCI0006.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cu9Xu4FTI/AAAAAAAAAu0/DZDtk4XieqU/s1600-h/DSCI0007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172154328935830834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cu9Xu4FTI/AAAAAAAAAu0/DZDtk4XieqU/s400/DSCI0007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cu23u4FSI/AAAAAAAAAus/RXTa0ENSEZ4/s1600-h/DSCI0009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172154217266681122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cu23u4FSI/AAAAAAAAAus/RXTa0ENSEZ4/s400/DSCI0009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cuxXu4FRI/AAAAAAAAAuk/kYGHpVdE2iI/s1600-h/DSCI0011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172154122777400594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cuxXu4FRI/AAAAAAAAAuk/kYGHpVdE2iI/s400/DSCI0011.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cucnu4FOI/AAAAAAAAAuM/wM70JEpx0ZY/s1600-h/DSCI0017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172153766295114978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R8cucnu4FOI/AAAAAAAAAuM/wM70JEpx0ZY/s400/DSCI0017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Sasha was an absolute <em>riot</em> when our social worker came for another post-placement visit last Tuesday; more on that later!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-70778501931805238302008-02-20T19:14:00.010-05:002008-12-09T12:28:21.670-05:00Ellis Island<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zDbnu4FNI/AAAAAAAAAuE/JkSeR9ZH85o/s1600-h/DSCI0029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169221351603967186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zDbnu4FNI/AAAAAAAAAuE/JkSeR9ZH85o/s400/DSCI0029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zDWHu4FMI/AAAAAAAAAt8/sUy_NM-9YSg/s1600-h/DSCI0030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169221257114686658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zDWHu4FMI/AAAAAAAAAt8/sUy_NM-9YSg/s400/DSCI0030.JPG" border="0" /></a> While you're taking pictures of magnificent foliage, you might want to snap a shot of my lovely popcorn-filled mouth.</div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zDPHu4FLI/AAAAAAAAAt0/G6_1Qff5SFs/s1600-h/DSCI0039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169221136855602354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zDPHu4FLI/AAAAAAAAAt0/G6_1Qff5SFs/s400/DSCI0039.JPG" border="0" /></a> Two Ethiopian languages, English, Norwegian...might as well learn Dutch, Spanish, and Yiddish too. (As for myself, do you think there's any chance my AP Government exam in May will ask the origins of the word "filibuster" as extra credit??)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zDIXu4FKI/AAAAAAAAAts/DZ7dCcxOAgU/s1600-h/DSCI0040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169221020891485346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zDIXu4FKI/AAAAAAAAAts/DZ7dCcxOAgU/s400/DSCI0040.JPG" border="0" /></a> Look mom, no jacket! (Though unfortunately, the unheard-of 55 degree weather that day was only a tease of spring.)</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zDCnu4FJI/AAAAAAAAAtk/sZyX3p2LGMM/s1600-h/DSCI0043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169220922107237522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zDCnu4FJI/AAAAAAAAAtk/sZyX3p2LGMM/s400/DSCI0043.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zC9Hu4FII/AAAAAAAAAtc/lhJRnaJLm5M/s1600-h/DSCI0044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169220827617956994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zC9Hu4FII/AAAAAAAAAtc/lhJRnaJLm5M/s400/DSCI0044.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>Hmmm...admire the pretty view of NYC, or steal my mom's makeup to maintain my youthful glow? (Given the fact that I took two pictures of her doing this, it looks like she won me over on this one.)</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zC2nu4FHI/AAAAAAAAAtU/Gf_W8KLytqA/s1600-h/DSCI0045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169220715948807282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7zC2nu4FHI/AAAAAAAAAtU/Gf_W8KLytqA/s400/DSCI0045.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-21576588094667894852008-02-15T16:31:00.009-05:002008-02-15T18:30:31.427-05:00Here's the Video! (SEE POST BELOW)<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwreN2cJj9JTA_S26qLykbyd_dwGw1FCOBFzHoT9NV7jc60g3tKo3BxnkfKt1BRmVL6q466bmhcqAk' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-75765833924754741232008-02-15T16:31:00.006-05:002008-12-09T12:28:22.124-05:00Running with Scissors...and More Gushing about Sasha<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7YGmXu4FEI/AAAAAAAAAtA/0EDgziLbQNY/s1600-h/DSCI0010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167324878729647170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7YGmXu4FEI/AAAAAAAAAtA/0EDgziLbQNY/s400/DSCI0010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7YGf3u4FDI/AAAAAAAAAs4/_SXk1PrQ4fk/s1600-h/DSCI0007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167324767060497458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7YGf3u4FDI/AAAAAAAAAs4/_SXk1PrQ4fk/s400/DSCI0007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7YGZXu4FCI/AAAAAAAAAsw/IssKRBL_83U/s1600-h/DSCI0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167324655391347746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R7YGZXu4FCI/AAAAAAAAAsw/IssKRBL_83U/s400/DSCI0005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Actually, with Sasha, we really don't need to be concerned about that. At barely two years old, she can hold scissors correctly and cut perfectly, as demonstrated by the following video. How smart is this little thing? Maybe it's just me, but I find that pretty impressive.</div><br /><br /><div>Oh, just a note on the word little: the doctor noted today that Sasha is now in the 75th percentile for height and 50th percentile for weight. At the time of our referral, she was below the charts in both categories. I think I see a model in the making...</div><div> </div><div>Okay, I admit the following will sound like bragging on my part, but since I'm not genetically related to her, I feel almost as if that gives me a right to go on and on about how <em>perfect </em>my sister is.</div><div> </div><div>Of course, Sasha has grown tremendously since her homecoming. In fact, I almost find it frustrating because there is no way I can explain it all here. She's obviously an absolutely adorable child, and strikingly pretty (although my dumb camera can never capture the perfect picture!) She has this <em>charm</em> though. I can't explain it. She's the most social child I think I've ever seen, and is so aware of her surroundings and other people. She knows exactly what you're feeling all the time. Yesterday, I was frustrated because I couldn't get a good picture, and she immediately stopped cutting and came over to give me a hug. She has this instinct to pick up the most minute facial expressions and personal actions and this is heightened by her amazing memory. One time, Carsten got a slightly pained look on his face when he was having his temperature taken, so Sasha makes that face whenever the thermometer comes out. </div><div> </div><div>Sasha's acute memory became very clear when we went to Michigan last month for my grandfather's funeral. In my grandparents' appartment, my grandfather had had a room to himself where he had to stay at all times. Sasha would go visit him in there and play little games in the only ways my grandfather still could, like Peekaboo. When we walked into the appartment this past January, Sasha headed straight for his room and, finding it empty, asked in confusion, "Where'd he go?" After we distracted her, we thought she had forgotten about it, but she did the same thing the next day; it's almost like she had decided in her mind that he'd be gone for the day but would of course be there the next day.</div><div> </div><div>Today, I overheard Sasha saying to her baby doll, "Wanna-go-see Papa?" in this really tender voice, just like my mom says to Sasha when they go to see him in another part of the house. When Sasha and her baby walked into the office, she chirped "Papa!" and demanded that he kiss her doll.</div><div> </div><div>She also, I think, has more than just a touch of undiagnosed OCD. In the doctor's office today, when my mom said it was time to go, Sasha said, "Okay, okay" but refused to leave until everything she had played with in the waiting room was in order. Even the little subscription card that fell out of a magazine had to go back between the exact pages it had been in before. I find this incredible that she's already like this at not even 25 months old, but I do recall that the nannies at the care center reported her to be the exact same way at only 16 months of age. </div><div> </div><div>Lastly, I wanted to mention that Sasha met another little Ethiopian-adopted girl this past Tuesday. Both our mom and the little girl's mom met for coffee at a local shop, and Sasha had a ton of fun interacting with this other girl. The other girl is about eight months older than Sasha, and came home this past December. Sasha, as always, was the one to initiate the play; it's so instinctive for her to take the lead in everything. This, in combination with the fact that she's soooo hyper-organized, should make her a very powerful businesswoman; but then again, her height and exotic beauty would also transform her into a supermodel!</div><br /><div> </div></div></div>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-70852801341880080072008-02-10T11:08:00.000-05:002008-02-10T11:16:16.087-05:00Proving Once and For All That Toddlers Have a Much Greater Vocabulary Than We Give Them Credit For<p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw24suSwRQW5eAlgxfmMzMxy2WkRsPZM7_iVtaV50IpSg4h819MRNeyMROioG_dRYAgRQO3_EjODKc' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>First, I have to give a brief background on why I asked Sasha that question in the video, before anyone thinks I have no better way to cure boredom than to ask young children what kinds of non-human creatures they are:</p><p>I take a course called Child Development in school, in which I get to work with the kids who attend my high school's pre-school. Part of the curriculum of the class is to develop a curriculum for the children. I have a friend in another class who was telling me how she had to develop an aquatic-themed program, including learning stations on the different sea life animals, etc. I told her that I highly doubted three-and-four-year-olds had the slightest idea what "aquatic" meant, but as you can see, the above video proved me wrong. I mean, Sasha <em>obviously</em> has her home in the sea- see her shiny scales?</p><p>(It's also very clear, though, that Sasha wanted us to make no mistake about the fact she was getting very tired of this question.)</p>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-34861408201929906192008-02-07T19:07:00.001-05:002008-12-09T12:28:23.438-05:00Look Who's Feeling Better?Overall, the surgery went extremely successfully. Sasha was a little trooper, and as always, everyone in the hospital was absolutely smitten with her. According to my mom, she wanted to do everything herself, including all the tasks the nurse was supposed to perform on her. In fact, she was the one to notice one of the leads had fallen off during a test, and promptly let the nurse know.<br /><br />Although she wasn't the happiest of clams once the anesthetic wore off, she's absolutely, 100% her same, crazy self now. She's definetely happy to be home, though- she screamed, "SU-NANA!" when I came home from school today, and she almost started hyperventalating when Kristian walked through the door a few hours later. On the whole, things really couldn't have gone more smoothly- but we're all so glad to have our healthy baby home!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6uhbiu1YKI/AAAAAAAAAsk/BI1vKVzloAY/s1600-h/DSCI0014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164398892262187170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6uhbiu1YKI/AAAAAAAAAsk/BI1vKVzloAY/s400/DSCI0014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6ueNSu1YII/AAAAAAAAAsU/jeuR7LhSOF4/s1600-h/DSCI0022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164395348914167938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6ueNSu1YII/AAAAAAAAAsU/jeuR7LhSOF4/s400/DSCI0022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6ueHSu1YHI/AAAAAAAAAsM/aS1gnpGnBA0/s1600-h/DSCI0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164395245834952818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6ueHSu1YHI/AAAAAAAAAsM/aS1gnpGnBA0/s400/DSCI0005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6ueCCu1YGI/AAAAAAAAAsE/SSmB-sbSA7E/s1600-h/DSCI0006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164395155640639586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6ueCCu1YGI/AAAAAAAAAsE/SSmB-sbSA7E/s400/DSCI0006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6ud6yu1YFI/AAAAAAAAAr8/_D2DowrMlsk/s1600-h/DSCI0008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164395031086587986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6ud6yu1YFI/AAAAAAAAAr8/_D2DowrMlsk/s400/DSCI0008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6ud1Cu1YEI/AAAAAAAAAr0/qepAIkzMQcw/s1600-h/DSCI0009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164394932302340162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R6ud1Cu1YEI/AAAAAAAAAr0/qepAIkzMQcw/s400/DSCI0009.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-42616461570618699652008-02-04T17:15:00.002-05:002008-02-04T17:35:29.914-05:00Superbowl Recap & Sasha's SurgeryAs MA natives (well, actually, no one in my family is, but we lived there for ten years), we're pretty avid Patriots fans. Here in CT, our town is almost equally divided between the Pats and the Giants, so it made for some interesting Superbowl hype.<br /><br />Needless to say, we were all tearing our hair out at the end of the game (although admittedly, I don't understand football, as many times as I ask my dad to explain it to me.) My dad and Kristian were especially depressed. <em>Sasha</em>, however, was <em>completely </em>ecstatic. I SO wish I had taken a video- seeing her react to the end of the game was absolutely the most hilarious thing I've ever seen. Responding to the cheers of people in the stands, she began to run across the room and back incessantly, only stopping to dance and spin in a circle. She started clapping and screaming "YAY!!!!" over and over- this lasted for a good fifteen or twenty minutes. The fact that there were commercials made it even funnier though. At the breaks, Sasha would stop and patiently watch the TV, only to resume her passionate enthusiasm when the football came back on. All the while, my brothers and dad were sulking, and Kristian was close to tears. We, of course, had no idea what a <em>huge </em>Giants fan Sasha was until now, but then again, what would make her want to support the Pats? Unlike the rest of us, Sasha has never even been to Massachusetts.<br /><br />On a different note, I just wanted to mention that Sasha needs to have heart surgery this week for a heart murmur. There is nothing to be concerned about at this point, but please keep her in your thoughts as we hope for a seamless recovery.Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-17915345618416644972008-02-03T14:35:00.004-05:002008-02-03T16:11:20.622-05:00Second "Sweet Dreams" project a success!You can read about it <a href="http://www.sweetdreamsforahope.blogspot.com/">here</a> .Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-69022337460538262602008-02-03T14:35:00.002-05:002008-02-03T14:44:39.187-05:00Chicago Bears Player Adopts from EthiopiaFollow the link below to watch the video!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/multimediapopup.asp?MM_FILE_ID=1038&PLAY_CLIP=Y">http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/multimediapopup.asp?MM_FILE_ID=1038&PLAY_CLIP=Y</a>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-36156163397280527952008-01-27T15:32:00.001-05:002008-12-09T12:28:25.768-05:00More from Sasha's Big 0-2 Day!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zrnSu1X_I/AAAAAAAAAq0/E-rmo6PBjdw/s1600-h/DSCI0009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160258333335445490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zrnSu1X_I/AAAAAAAAAq0/E-rmo6PBjdw/s400/DSCI0009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zriiu1X-I/AAAAAAAAAqs/U1DQGsPYnjA/s1600-h/DSCI0010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160258251731066850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zriiu1X-I/AAAAAAAAAqs/U1DQGsPYnjA/s400/DSCI0010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zrcCu1X9I/AAAAAAAAAqk/PlyMGbts7hk/s1600-h/DSCI0012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160258140061917138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zrcCu1X9I/AAAAAAAAAqk/PlyMGbts7hk/s400/DSCI0012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zrUSu1X8I/AAAAAAAAAqc/Z-12Sj2LHV4/s1600-h/DSCI0013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160258006917930946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zrUSu1X8I/AAAAAAAAAqc/Z-12Sj2LHV4/s400/DSCI0013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zrLSu1X7I/AAAAAAAAAqU/lEPIfTL7t6o/s1600-h/DSCI0014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160257852299108274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zrLSu1X7I/AAAAAAAAAqU/lEPIfTL7t6o/s400/DSCI0014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zq8yu1X6I/AAAAAAAAAqM/W-XDd7DMfcc/s1600-h/DSCI0016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160257603191005090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zq8yu1X6I/AAAAAAAAAqM/W-XDd7DMfcc/s400/DSCI0016.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zq2yu1X5I/AAAAAAAAAqE/uyc9tYlOMbk/s1600-h/DSCI0018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160257500111789970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zq2yu1X5I/AAAAAAAAAqE/uyc9tYlOMbk/s400/DSCI0018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zqtCu1X4I/AAAAAAAAAp8/6pvV5ONXPKw/s1600-h/DSCI0022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160257332608065410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zqtCu1X4I/AAAAAAAAAp8/6pvV5ONXPKw/s400/DSCI0022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zqkyu1X3I/AAAAAAAAAp0/6TaoanJOXUc/s1600-h/DSCI0023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160257190874144626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5zqkyu1X3I/AAAAAAAAAp0/6TaoanJOXUc/s400/DSCI0023.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxtkJ2yt--Z9DHWV6VqNNnrY8X60rFUVoNpf7DlyML9GDwhLQL5bUpjdNjfInUYIRBCc5BRafNBLpI' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31471963.post-13332704371128455932008-01-18T18:49:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:28:27.532-05:00More from Sasha WorldBowling (Norway)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5E88ZQ2VDI/AAAAAAAAAps/m-QbgHtGGqs/s1600-h/DSCI0075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156970056587301938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5E88ZQ2VDI/AAAAAAAAAps/m-QbgHtGGqs/s400/DSCI0075.JPG" border="0" /></a> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwgItHBB_ayx7441aecf_SeFkY0WjsDBEit0H6UhbW1Ceq73UKG8-4Jx1aFvQfA8ZbiL196i2lBRsA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br />Playing a game she made up called "Put your head in the sink" (also Norway)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5E8FJQ2VCI/AAAAAAAAApk/1sQ_iA-mtAs/s1600-h/DSCI0080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156969107399529506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5E8FJQ2VCI/AAAAAAAAApk/1sQ_iA-mtAs/s400/DSCI0080.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5E7_ZQ2VBI/AAAAAAAAApc/qk6Ur1giQWk/s1600-h/DSCI0083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156969008615281682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5E7_ZQ2VBI/AAAAAAAAApc/qk6Ur1giQWk/s400/DSCI0083.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5E735Q2VAI/AAAAAAAAApU/6ezfaML9zvE/s1600-h/DSCI0084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156968879766262786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T5pCkgJ08A0/R5E735Q2VAI/AAAAAAAAApU/6ezfaML9zvE/s400/DSCI0084.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNpoLPU8mPZCMY-cttCzvQ5hs4vj7iv2UP-XEqil569uNRYSTP2eq9nyoIr0jXB2a7DyCGyRfFLGU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Just a cute little side note: Sasha made up a new song about me today. It goes like this: "Su-nana, Su-nana, Su-nana, Su-nana" (repeat until you get tired of it.) Be sure, also, to sing it in a very soft, high-pitched voice, with a bright smile on your face :-)Susy Qhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10483726491761643951noreply@blogger.com5