ours

Little Man

Today the US Embassy told us you are our son. This is something we have known for some time, but rejoice in having it made legal. As we have journeyed to you, you have gone by many names. It has been a journey of hope to get to you. As we waited, it was difficult to think about our child and him or her being matched to us, but instead we were matched to you and your needs. So often it was easy to lose site of the journey not being about us, but being about you and God’s plan for us as a family. 

Our first name we called our child was “Ducky.” Ducky was based off of a dream for having a family and the love that comes with family. While shopping with your aunt Jennie, I found an outfit on it with a duck and matching bib that quacked. You so won’t fit into this outfit, but you fit in our family and the wish and dream of having a family. 

As we journey through paperwork and waiting, your Dad’s co-workers gave you a new name. Lando Magic. You can blame the Star Wars convention occurring in Orlando, Florida for this. The people attending the convention wanted to change the city of Orlando to Lando after Lando Calrissian. So from this, your letters began. I loved writing to Lando, writing to Lando made our journey to you seem more real. 

On September 26, we got THE CALL that changed our lives. We saw you for the first time. We learned your name, Kibreab. (Okay, it was also spelled Kebreab and a couple of other ways.) We feel in love. The expression on your face in that first set of pictures told us you were ready to come home. 

We struggled with pronunciations. (Besides getting many spellings.)

Ka-breb (as in the sound in bread)

Ka-breeb

It was the Ka-breeb pronunciation we went with. It was the Kebreab spelling we leaned towards. We were sent pictures while waiting to meet you. 

 Then, we traveled to meet you. On December 4^th we held you for the first time. My heart stopped as I saw you through the window of the baby house at HH. Tears poured from my eyes as you were placed in my arms for the first time by a special mother. LOVE. That is what I felt. During those four days I learned our scent, I got to see you go from looking at anyone but us to watching us and following us with your eyes when we were in the same room. We learned about how you love to be sung to. Your Dad and I hummed Chelsea Dagger, a lot since you didn’t cry when we did so. I saw you smile for the first time as your Dad held you.

We learned your name was spelled Kibreab. We learned your name was pronounced:

Ki-brob. It means “in honor of God.”

We left you in Ethiopia. 

On Sunday, we got you. In December we were named your parents in Ethiopia. Today we were named your parents in the United States. We have been your parents since September.

Your Dad and I had many ideas for a name for you. (There was also a fairly big list of names we would not name you.) At the same time, we also kept an open mind about possibly keeping your name. Once we had your referral, your Dad had a rule. We didn’t talk names until after we passed court. 

So at Christmas, we shared your name with your Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Today I get to share it with everyone. 

Your Dad and I are proud to introduce: 

Charles Howard Kibreab

"Charlie"

On the way back from the Embassy we told you the Charles comes from your Dad’s grandfather. He is a wonderful God loving and humble man. He literally has built churches and playgrounds. He makes awesome fudge and is so excited to meet you. He loves his family and he loves you. The Howard comes from my Papa. He was a stubborn and brave man, who was very important to me. Although he didn’t like to talk about it, he was in the 101^st Airborne and jumped into Normandy on D-Day.

We love you son!

Mom and Dad

Highlights from yesterday that didn’t make the post:

-As your Dad held you, and I stood next to you both, you would raise your hand to first my lips for a kiss and then to your Dad’s. You repeated this many times. 

Highlights from early morning and so far today:

-Embassy and being told you were our son!

-You woke up at 2:30 in the morning and drank 4 ounces! You had to be able to see us, so you ended up falling asleep between us in the bed. Throughout the night you rolled back and forth between us and cuddled.

-Your Dad changed his first bad diaper. It was a little messy. . .

-Changing your diaper for the first time in a public restroom at the Embassy. I also got to show a lady how to turn on the water.

-Up until getting in the van post Embassy you have been a quiet child. The WHOLE way home from Embassy you did a “babble-like” song. We hadn’t heard you talk before. You wanted to talk up until we finally got you down for your nap. You were even making noises during your two bottles post Embassy.  

-You and Dad singing together. 

 Our Captain Adorable.