Brynly's Doctor Appointment

Today, Brynly had her first "well child" doctor appointment. I am happy to report that she is now tipping the scales at 17 pounds. This is a gain of about a pound and a half since we got home. Good food and getting rid of the Giardia has been the key there. Evidently, having this bug can prevent nutrients from being absorbed. She is certainly absorbing them now, you should see her little belly.

She also began her vaccinations. I have opted to begin anew even though she did have some vaccines in Ethiopia. She got three today and was not overly thrilled about the experience. She had the BCG while in Ethiopia-most kids do in orphanages. This may cause her to test positive for TB in the future with the skin test. This is something to be aware of.

The doc commented that she is much more "wiggly" than when I brought her in right after we got home. He has that right. My travel buddies would not recognize this loud, jabbery, squirmy baby as the same VERY quiet and still little thing from Ethiopia. But, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I am happy to have this appointment under our belts. It is evidence of all the positive progress she has made in such a short time. It is amazing what good food, medication for simple things like an ear infection and more serious things like Giardia, better conditions and individual attention can do in a month.

Pics of the Brynster

I would be a serious slacker of a blogger if I did not post some pictures of my little Ethiopian cutie as one of my very first posts. So, here she is..Miss Brynly Frances Birhan

Okay, so...

Okay, so I have never been one to do things in a traditional way, so why should my blog be any different, eh?

This is going to be an international (Ethiopian) adoption blog. The thing is, my daughter is already home. I brought her home in November. I will write about my adoption process, but also about the things I am thinking about now. For example, I am white and she is black (obviously). I want to raise her with a sense of her Ethiopian roots and a strong, positive identity. How am I going to do that in the way that is best for her? Also, I am a single mom. This presents some different challenges than would be faced by a couple. Again, how best can I deal with related issues in the way that is best for her?

Since my return from Ethiopia I have been having strong feelings that I need to DO something. I was deeply affected by the experience of seeing where my daughter comes from and the challenges faced by the people (most remarkably, the children) of this country. I am not yet sure what that something is that I am supposed to do.

I will be pondering such things (and happily accepting advice and the ideas of others) in this blog.

So, off we go with a little bit different kind o' blog.