June 18, 2008
These are the pictures of our family that we sent to Siyum in Ethiopia. The Nannies at the care center show the books to the children so they can start to recognize us as their family.
Hello Siyum. We are your family. Part of your family. Your American family, because you will always have your Ethiopian family. But we are the ones who will fly in, pick you up, talk in a language you won’t understand and then fly you approximately 32 hours to a land where french fry grease is the national aroma. We’re THOSE people. We don’t blame you for being scared out of your mind. Just as forewarning, we will also be that family that will cheer too loudly at your soccer games and will tell you we love you in front of your friends. The good news is that upon arrival of that giant airplane, there will be lots of balloons and bright poster signs that say “Welcome Home Siyum!” and the littlest person in this picture will be there waiting. If you just look right at her, right in her eyes and not at all the bright flashing lights and speeding golf carts and giant circular metal jaws of suitcase vomiting death, you will feel okay. Stick with her, she’s a good one.
Here we are again. You will notice that we are White. That’s probably a little weird for you. And that weirdness will likely stick around for the majority of your childhood, teenage and young adult life. We apologize about that. Truly. Just know, we are working on ways to make it less weird. We’ve requested the manual “How White Parents Should Raise Black Adopted Children Without Ever Making Mistakes” along with “How All Parents Should Raise All Children Without Ever Making Mistakes; Volume One” and are anxiously awaiting their arrivals. We figure with these two manuals combined, nothing can go wrong.
But really, we are working on ways to make this less weird.
There’s your sister. She says she is going to teach you how to get your teeth knocked out. This way you guys can look like your cousin Mialee who is missing a front tooth. So. Something to look forward to. In addition to learning English vocab through Justin Timberlake songs. You may not know the whole American alphabet by the end of summer but you WILL know how to say “I’m bringin sexy back.”
She’s a little wild and can be quite bossy. But I’ll teach you some ways to annoy the crap out of her, some useful tips in sweet revenge, if you will. Things like eating all the red Popsicles, walking through one of her baby doll napping circles and worst of all, turning down an already in play Miley Cyrus song. You and I, Si, we shall collaborate in this endevour. You need not fear.
This is Delaney again with the guy who will be your Dad. He is really banking on you fixing the current female over-population problem he seems to think we have. You will be expected to help his cause when it comes to votes on movies we rent, places we eat, music we listen to in the car and the family therapist we will likely need to see. A lot is riding on your swing votes Siyum. And so help me, if you show a preference for Bob Dylan over my CLEARLY more refined taste of Lil Wayne…. my memory is like a STEEL TRAP and come red Popsicle eating time, things could get a little dodgy. That’s all I’m sayin. Let that be a warning.
There we are again, your Mom and Dad. Once you have settled in here a bit and maybe gotten to know some other Moms and Dads, you might begin to realize that your Mom and Dad are slightly different than other Moms and Dads. You see Siyum, there was an emotion cross-wire which occurred within both of us parents at birth and now, sadly, we have both been left with the emotions of the opposite sex. So, in short, Mommy acts like a Daddy and Daddy acts like a Mommy. I know, it’s rare and unfortunately, incurable. As strange as it is, your DADDY is the one who cries at meaningful crap and likes to TALK and SHARE thoughts and discussions, who apologizes and resolves issues and HUGS. He hugs. And your MOMMY, well she gets blotchy and hive-like if she feels a tear coming on. Or a hug for that matter. But together, we are still a balanced couple, just reversed. When you have a problem with a kid at school, your DAD will be the one to tell you to gently speak with this other child using phrases like “When you do this, it makes me feel this….” and I will be the one to tell you to go ahead and punch that kid in the kidney.
They are circumstances we have come to accept, you will too, over time.
Don’t be frightened. This is a family pet, we CHOOSE to live with this animal. Her name is Annie. She’s not very smart. I’m not being mean, she really is ranked, her breed, in the bottom five of ALL DOG BREEDS for dog intelligence. But she’s incredibly sweet and happy and will lick you as if your face was a salt lick. She’s a good family dog. And since you will be in the family, she will be your family dog too.
So, that’s us! Let’s see if we went over everything. French Fry Grease, Red Popsicles, Ramifications of Picking Bob Dylan, Freak Emotional Cross-Wire Accident, Ugly Dumb Dog, Justin Timberlake….. I think that’s it. We’ve covered all the primary details you will need to know. Except one last thing.
We love you so much and have a place in our lives waiting to be filled by you. We’re coming, sweet boy, we’ll be there soon. In about 4 more weeks.
Love,
Your Mom, Dad, Sister and ugly Dog.
Posted by Jamie @ 12:21 am • adoption schmaloption
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June 18th, 2008 at 12:38 am, Kay Daniels Says:
What a precious introduction to your family for that sweet little boy. I laughed but also cried at your descriptions of each family member. Si has no idea what fun and what love are waiting for him in his new home in Idaho!
I am so excited for you all……can’t wait to see him and hear your stories about life with Si and Delaney!
June 18th, 2008 at 3:08 am, Jane Says:
Who could help but love that family? He is blessed!
June 18th, 2008 at 7:58 am, Sonya Says:
We’ve been following your story for a while & are so thrilled to hear about the precious boy you’ll bring home. Stand strong as you wait & be ready for all the intensity you can imagine as you go through the emotion of coming home with him & living through the first months. What a gift & what a fight!
We brought home our little 18mth & 3 1/2 yr old darlings from HH in Dec. ‘06. We are excited to hear all the new things happening in your home in the next year.
June 18th, 2008 at 8:41 am, 3carnations Says:
That was a great post. I’m so excited for you guys!!
June 18th, 2008 at 8:44 am, Stacy Says:
fun!
June 18th, 2008 at 9:06 am, dawn Says:
I am laughing. It was so very sweet. You will have to give him this letter on his 13th birthday and he will get a good laugh out of it.
Absolutely hilarious and the love is overwhelming.
also, Can you forward those manuals to me when you get done? Can’t wait to “meet” the newest battlestation member. 4 weeks will fly by. I am leaving on Saturday and the time has flown.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:29 am, Jess Says:
This is the cutest thing ever. I want to be part of your family now, too.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:35 am, becca albertson Says:
Oh, yay! This is great. 4 weeks??? You may need to email me about that. AWESOME!!!
Let me know if you need packing tips- I’d love to help.
becca
June 18th, 2008 at 10:01 am, Tarah Says:
Siyum will LOVE you guys.
Sounds like you are doing great with the wait to travel. Good job!
June 18th, 2008 at 10:07 am, Sarah Says:
I think underneath it all, your wires aren’t as crossed as you think… I think you may just be a matter-of-fact sap after all… what a sweet and endearing post albeit very funny! I think your little guy will very quickly let his guard down with such a fun family to grow up in! Congratulations on 4 weeks! WOW! Happy packing!!
June 18th, 2008 at 10:37 am, julie Says:
Too cute. we’ve been sending books to Jorge and it’s so much fun to make them and then to see him looking at them! I must say, our captions are a bit less….honest. Well done.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:38 am, Jesi Says:
Yeah Jamie! Only 4 more weeks! Time really will fly by as you pack and prepare for your handsome little man. You are too funny… I always love reading what you’ve got to say and can’t wait for Si’s fun additions to the craziness at Battlestation’s home!
June 18th, 2008 at 12:28 pm, Julie Says:
You know I usually loathe the… “you’re lucky to be adopted” phrase, but in this case… Siyum is truly lucky to be able to grow up in your family. I wish I could grow up in your family. Can I live with you too? I don’t need too much room… but I do come with three kids and a husband. Hope that’s ok.
Uh, ok. Just let me know. I’ll pack a few boxes while I’m waiting to hear back from you.
I’m sitting here by the phone now… No rush. I’ll just be waiting to hear from you….
You’re not calling…. Ok, I’ll just go pack now…
June 18th, 2008 at 1:26 pm, misty Says:
Four weeks? Are you internally flipping out? Will it be on the news??? Not much happens around here so if it will, I want to know. I want to watch, pop the popcorn and cry (like Mike) over the miracle of it all.
And you know, everything I read sound pretty normal to me
June 18th, 2008 at 1:32 pm, Emy Says:
Love the pictures, and so will Siyum! Any news on how he’s doing?? Sorry, you probably get asked that ALL. THE. TIME. but, just dying to know here!
Who knew JT was such an awesome golfer?!?
June 18th, 2008 at 2:06 pm, Patty Says:
Well, we laughed and we cried over here in the midwest. And my 4 year old daughter wants you to know that she doesn’t think your dog is ugly at all. She says, and I quote, “it’s TYOOT!”. Can’t wait to hear what Siyum thinks about his new family.
June 18th, 2008 at 3:59 pm, Lara Says:
This is going to probably sound a little stalker-ish and freaky, but I found your site when bored and clicking on links at other blogs I read daily, and I was hooked. No, really, after reading a few posts, I went back and in one sitting read through your entire archive. After finishing them, ironically enough, on June 3 (the day of your last post), I’ve been obsessively checking for a new post. I honestly thought that great, I find another awesome blog the same day she decides to quit posting. So you can imagine my excitement when I found a new post today!
And well, Jamie, this might sound forward, but I’m a little in love with you. And your hubs. And the little wild one. And the soon to be one. And possibly even the dog.
June 18th, 2008 at 4:00 pm, Kristen Says:
your honesty is awesome.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:11 pm, Christin Says:
ok, I love your blog!!! You always say what I am to scared to say!!! I love the part about your husband and you changing roles that is SO me and my husband!!!! Look forward to watching the rest of your journey!
Christin
June 18th, 2008 at 5:28 pm, Jillienne Says:
Love the post! Love the blog! Can’t wait to see picture of your new little one! Congratulations.
Jillienne
June 18th, 2008 at 5:39 pm, Habesha Child Says:
That kid is going to be PSYCHED!! And/or horrified. But probably PSYCHED!!! Seriously, though - you guys are a freakin’ jackpot for any kid stuck in the adoption sweepstakes.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:47 pm, Lindy Young Says:
It sounds like you’ve covered a lot; I’m sure he’ll appreciate having it all up front like that. He’s a lucky duck. And, not that I know you, but I don’t believe that anyone as astute as you could be too separate from feeling absolutely everything. Say what you will.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:05 pm, kris Says:
this is the best post i’ve read all day… and you haven’t seen my embarrassing bloglines- i’ve been reading… ALL day…
June 18th, 2008 at 7:20 pm, sari Says:
I love the photo book, how exciting and wonderful.
June 18th, 2008 at 11:16 pm, DWS Says:
If Siyum has half your humor, I think you will be able to take the family act on the road.
June 19th, 2008 at 8:49 am, Waiting for Zufan! Says:
What a great post. You guys just might be the best-looking family I’ve ever seen.
June 19th, 2008 at 9:34 am, tracy Says:
FINALLY– another couple sharing the same dynamic as mine. He’s sweet. I have to remind myself to NOT chew somebody’s face off.
AND– another shitzu owner who believes those dogs ARE UGLY!! (I had two in my teens.)
Congrats on the pickup date. What a special time that must be.
June 19th, 2008 at 9:53 am, mama2roo Says:
I know you must be excited out of your mind. Wishing you all the best as your little one comes home!
June 19th, 2008 at 12:10 pm, Kristi Ottmar Says:
you forgot to tell him that you aren’t sleeping till you go and get him. you are way too excited to sleep. He is one lucky/blessed little boy!
June 19th, 2008 at 12:39 pm, tracy Says:
Oh totally off subject here:
You’re my blog idol. Fo realz.
I’m not even in the adoption circle, but I keep tabs everytime your feed updates just because I enjoy the stream of conscious story-telling.
You’re a blogging rock star!
June 19th, 2008 at 1:25 pm, April Says:
I love that post, I love your family, and you are so beautiful, on top of being smart AND funny, that you might need to be taken out. Or worshipped, it’s a fine line.
I think we have travel dates around the same time because I too will be leaving for Central Asia to pick up our peanut in about a month. Any chance you’re flying through either Heathrow or Frankfurt? I’ll be the exhausted short, white woman with the exhausted central asian baby boy trying to locate a caffeine dispenser to attach my lips to.
Congratulations!!!
April Taylor
http://www.taylorkid.com
June 19th, 2008 at 2:47 pm, Meghan Says:
Hi Jamie - I posted quite a few weeks ago that I hoped I would show the same grace and courage with my referral as you have with your son. Let me join you in the land of sons…and yes…I was idiotically graceful as well! Good luck!
June 19th, 2008 at 4:14 pm, Tam Says:
Four weeks!!!! WooHoo! Loved the post.
June 19th, 2008 at 8:26 pm, Robyn Says:
I was given the link to your website from a mutual online friend (Jess, mom to fabulous SK) and I must admit my new addiction. So thrilled to be able to wait and eventually travel with you to pick up Siyum. Plus, I wish I’d had half the sense of humor you’ve maintained while I was waiting for the referral of my daughter from S. Korea. Do you think they make a how to raise an Asian kid book? Oh well, at least I’m already saving up for her therapy
June 19th, 2008 at 8:46 pm, Lauren Says:
So…I’ve been lurking for quite some time and thought I’d finally make a comment. You are absolutely hilarious, and I wish you lived closer so we could be friends! I am so excited about the newest addition to your family and can’t wait for him to be home with y’all.
(sister to Lindsey Wheeler, although she doesn’t talk about me on the blog…so you probably didn’t know I existed- typical for the middle child!)
June 19th, 2008 at 10:02 pm, becca Says:
YEA! Four more weeks? I am so excited. Love the letter. Please tell me you’re going to call him Si, so our kids can have the same(ish) name. And your family could not be any cuter… unless it was mine.
PS- I’m watching SYTYCD right now! totally wishing i was in Vegas by a pool…
June 20th, 2008 at 3:16 am, Debbi Busack Says:
You are so funny! I love it! HEY, if I didn’t tell you already thanks so much for your help on June 7th!
Do you have a travel date?
June 20th, 2008 at 11:29 am, Laurie Says:
You crack me up, especially the crap about your gender reversals! Siyum, you are going to have a fun life buddy. If you don’t already have an incredible sense of humor, I’m betting that is something you will learn!
Oh, and Jamie, you’d BETTER be blogging from Ethiopia! You won’t leave us behind, right? K, sounding needy now so i’m signing off.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:02 pm, Julie Says:
Awwww…You guys are so darn cute! Siyum is going to love all of you, even Annie the ugly dog. (:
June 20th, 2008 at 5:50 pm, Pat Says:
Siyum, you are one lucky little boy. Although I only know your new family through this blog I am sure you are in for the ride of your life. Theit love comes blasting through hyper space and seizes my heart, all the while causing me to convulse in gales of laughter.
Normal? Who needs normal?
Praying that the four weeks flies by. I am Ashton Wondemu McGregor’s grandmother. I get to see him for the very first time next Thursday so I feel both your excitement and pain. Pat Campanaro
June 20th, 2008 at 11:41 pm, emily Says:
I’m a crier and this was so great!! Sweet Siyum, you have so many people that love you. Love your Texas cousins.
June 21st, 2008 at 10:04 am, Maggie Says:
What a wonderful introduction! I can’t help but imagine Siyum as an uber-cool 15 year old reading this, and knowing how crazy his family was about him from the get go. The four of you (plus the furry one) will all be great together. Thanks for sharing!
maggie
June 21st, 2008 at 12:16 pm, haze Says:
That? That was fantastic fun to read. That’s what that was.
Siyum won’t know what hit him when he joins your family, but boy is he going to be one happy kid. And he will know how fortunate he is that the adoption gods hooked you guys up with him. What a beautiful family you are - and how much more beautiful you will be with your son.
I loved the gender balancing stuff - too too funny!
And only 4 weeks now! AWESOME!! What an amazing summer you will have.
June 21st, 2008 at 12:28 pm, Michelle Says:
“and I will be the one to tell you to go ahead and punch that kid in the kidney.”
Love it!!!!
June 21st, 2008 at 1:08 pm, haze Says:
p.s. I just tagged you:
http://forneko.blogspot.com/2008/06/tagged-my-six-word-memoir.html
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 am, Anna@BlueCollarAdoption Says:
Are you sure there isnt something in the water over in Boise? A hot-ass mom, sexy cute dad and freakishly gorgeous daughter- plus a smart alicky sense of humour?!?! Too perfect.
Love the post…you seem to be fairly sane in the preperations before travel! I, on the other hand, am completely freaked out scared about going. I think Siyum will be an awesome addition to your insanity
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm, DC Says:
This is an AWESOME compilation of phoros and stories. I can’t believe Siyum will be in your arms so soon!!
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:05 pm, starfish Says:
Hmm..makes me think I should write one of these for our next one - based on life with the first one, it might be helpful.
Funny as always - especially the part about the emotional cross wiring - I thought we were the only freaks like that! That’s why daddy stays home and mommy goes to work every day!
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm, Chandra Says:
I love you Jamie!! I can’t wait to hear about your travels and meeting the new guy. Big hugs during the rest of your wait. You have SOOOOO much to look forward to
Chan
June 24th, 2008 at 3:14 pm, Annee Says:
This is so funny. I want to be your friends
I laughed and I cried as I read this.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:44 pm, Desi Says:
I love your view on adoption, and birthmothers in particular.
I’ve scheduled a post for tomorrow about adoption and I’ve included a link you your blog and a post you had on birthmother’s feelings.
Please check it out and let me know if linking to you is ok.
Thanks!
June 25th, 2008 at 7:08 pm, Amber Boyd Says:
What an adorable family you have! I enjoyed reading your post. What a lucky boy to have you all.
June 29th, 2008 at 10:53 pm, Mandy Says:
WAY behind on this, but those pics are great and I cannot wait to see pics of you all as a family of four! How many more weeks till you travel now? I am ssooooo excited for you!
June 29th, 2008 at 11:16 pm, Suzanne Says:
Gah! I’m so behind, having spent the last two and a half weeks in Kyrgyzstan, then Cape Cod. So now there are 53 comments, many of which I bet will say the same things I’m about to write:
1. You may be weirdly white, but you are also a freakishly gorgeous family. Seriously, you guys must just sit there at the dinner table, looking at each other, and say, “Man, we are so freaking gorgeous!”
2. I love the emotional cross wires.
3. I’m afraid I’m in the Dylan camp.
4. Siyum is going to have a blast with you.
-Suzanne
June 30th, 2008 at 12:22 am, Jonathan Says:
How I love this hyperlinked world we live in… I go searching haphazardly for a Star Wars quote and stumble upon a most touching blog post.
Congratulations on the expansion on your family. Siyum is a very lucky child.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:20 pm, MM Says:
Hi Jamie!
I’ve been trying to e-mail you off of your blog, but I keep hitting a hiccup. I wonder if you could share a link to my blog where I am doing a fundraiser for Plumpy’nut - you have sooooooooo much traffic and I need eyeballs!
http://under-the-acacia-tree.blogspot.com/
(ya don’t have to post this reply, it’s my best way of figuring out how to reach you, even though you sent me a nice e-mail congratulating my on Zeke’s referral - WAH, I can’t find the e-mail!)
July 1st, 2008 at 12:24 pm, Utah Jennifer Says:
What?!?! I am the 54th commenter?!?!?!? When did you go and get so popular?!?!? It must be Siyum!
He really is going to have a blast being your son!
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:34 pm, Julia Says:
Good Looking Bunch - Lindsey Wheeler said you are a must read- so here I am - thank ya M’am;)
check my Crew out at:
http://www.thejujucrew.blogspot.com
July 7th, 2008 at 9:55 am, becca albertson Says:
So what’s up my friend??? Are you leavin on a jet plane yet? Thinking of you often as you prepare to meet your sweetie…
take care-
becca
July 7th, 2008 at 1:34 pm, jen Says:
OMG, OMG, OMG….I haven’t looked at your blog in a while and then, boom, you have a son! Wow!!!!!! I’m sooo excited for you. You will have such an amazing journey, all of it, and will forever be a changed woman (and family.) Amara has been keeping us busy and doing really well. We’re already talking about doing it again. See, it’s great, truly!
Anyway, email if you have any questions. I’ll be watching your journey and can’t wait to see pictures of your son. (I know WHC doesn’t allow that until later.) Anyway, take care!!!