After a night of driving six hours, checking into our hotel, getting a young toddler settled into an unfamiliar crib, and sneaking out the hotel's pool towels (of course we didn't think to pack our own), we were ready to head to the beach. Armed with oh so cute swim attire, Miss Addison finally had her beach debut.
The verdict...She loved it and took 1st prize in the swimsuit competition. This babe wasted no time digging her beach ready feet deep into the sand
and had a blast building sandcastles with us.
Yes, we have discovered that our sweetie is a beach girl. After awhile, she tried out her beginning walking skills. That didn't work in the thick sand so she did what she does best when the walking thing gets too complicated --- crawl!
Miss Addison was a little more reserved with her excitement about chillin' on a float navigated by her daddy. She was somewhat unsure about being in what must have felt like a giant bathtub without bounderies. After a couple of minutes of taking in the sights, smells, and sounds, our beach babe relaxed, smiled, and allowed her hands to glide through the salty water. Of course she took this opportunity to sample the water by licking her hands. I guess she was thirsty from the free sand samples! After about fifteen minutes of floating, our beach babe almost dozed off! I think this girl understands what vacations are all about! Watching Addison perched upon that bright pink float in that beautiful blue-green water was such a Kodak moment.
By the second day, Addison had to admit to herself that sand isn't so palatable so instead she devoted her time to sifting, pouring and rubbing sand over her skin. Well it's never too soon to learn the benefits of exfoliating!
During those two days at the beach, I couldn't help but think about how far we've come as a family. My thoughts bounced between wondering what Addison would be doing if she were still in Ethiopia, to wondering what Aaron and I would be doing if we didn't have this darling girl in our life. But there's one thing I know for sure. Florida's beaches are wonderful, but watching Addison discover new things brings pure sunshine into our lives regardless of where we are.
Miss Addison took part in a very important celebration last week. She was in the mix celebrating Ethiopia’s Millennium. O.K., so I’m about a week late with this post, but I wanted to share a report from the BBC News in Addis Ababa explaining why Ethiopia is just now celebrating their millennium. People in Ethiopia celebrated the New Year on September 12th. It was the start of the year 2000 and the beginning of millennium celebrations. The reason why they are celebrating more than seven years after the rest of the world is rooted in Ethiopian history and in the beliefs of its own Christian Orthodox Church. Educated Ethiopians live comfortably in two calendars. Prior to September 12, it was still 1999. However, there is the complication caused by the leap years in the two calendars being out of sync. But even if they are quite at home with the Western calendar, Ethiopians show no sign of wanting to abandon their own. Thirteen months is part of their national identity, not to mention allowing their tourist industry to boast that they can offer visitors 13 months of sunshine.
The short 13th month is just one of the tell-tale signs that Ethiopians took their calendar from ancient Egypt. Another is the date of New Year, originally linked to the annual flood which brought new life to the Nile Valley. But none of this explains why the millennium is seven years late; why Ethiopians think that it is 2000 and not 2007 years since the birth of Christ. Conservative culture Ahmed Zakaria, professor of history at Addis Ababa University says the reason is that the Roman Church amended their calculation in 500 AD - adjusting it by seven or eight years. The Patriarch says Ethiopia became isolated from Europe"So we are seven or eight years later than the Roman calculation, so that's the difference that came in." The recalculation of the birth of Christ was just the first of a number of changes in the rest of the world which the Ethiopian church ignored. It is partly because the country was so remote and isolated, but also, says the current patriarch, Abuna Paulos I, because Ethiopian Christians are intensely conservative. "People are not inclined for any reformations, especially when it comes to religion. "They are very much loyal - to change one sentence is a betrayal as far as they are concerned."So because of this, they have been isolated. They have been loyal to their faith and they have maintained their own traditions." So there you have it. Happy Millennium Ethiopia!
Above are photos of Addison celebrating the Millennium at Meskerem - a great Ethiopian restaurant. In the first photo, she's enjoying the attention of two waitresses. In the next one, she's doing what she does best...striking a pose for the camera.
Yep, our sweetie is now entering the world of toddler hood. She's trying to walk, eats big girl foods, and is quite chatty when she wants to express her thoughts. Until I became a mother, I never understood why watching your precious baby mature is an odd mixture of excitement and sadness. It's exciting that she's blossoming into this little person and absorbing all that life has to teach her, but it's a little sad when my chubby little bundle wiggles out of my arms to head across the room for the new man in her life...a stuffed Micky Mouse. My little sweetie pie has made it perfectly clear that she never wants to see another jar of level 3 baby food, not when her parents are eating things that smell and look much tastier. I'm quickly reminded that I'm the mother of a one- year- old whenever something is taken from her. Yeah, those 60 second meltdowns are quick reminders that there's a little person in your life who's demanding that her wants and disappointments be known. I grabbed a baby reference book the other day to see if Addison was exhibiting the habits and behaviors expected of a one year old. My girl is the poster child for the typical one-year-old crew. At this stage, it's all about Addison and it's our job (and honor) to provide all the love, security, and nurturing that every child needs and deserves. So off we go into the land of toddler hood! Wish us well.
A proud father holding his happy daughter is such a joyous sight. The highlight of my day is watching the huge sweet smile on Addison's face while saying "Da-da" (or something of a similar tone :-) as Aaron walks through the door in the evening. Addison is usually eating her dinner during Aaron's grand entrance, but always stops just long enough to receive a kiss from her favorite guy before turning her attention back to one of her favorite activities...eating. I always knew Aaron would be a wonderful father, but seeing him in action far outweighs my predictions of his capabilities in what I believe is his best role yet - FATHERHOOD. He is Addison's consummate teacher, protector, and co-biggest fan (yeah, mommy and daddy share that position). Oh yeah, he's also Addison's favorite mode of transportation. When Addison sees Aaron putting on that Bjorn carrier---those plump little legs start moving and those arms start waving like she's trying flag down a cab!
The other day, Addison and I were headed out for a stroll around the neighborhood when it started to rain. I casually mentioned that I should push Addison around the house in her stroller since she was already strapped in and eagerly holding on like she was ready for some heavy duty riding. Without missing a beat, Aaron grabbed a towel and started cleaning her dirt packed stroller wheels so that she could enjoy her anticipated stroller ride indoors. By the sounds of her giggles and the size of her smile, Addison loved speeding around the house in her stroller. I don't think she cared that we didn't pass any trees, flowers, or barking dogs. The rain was not interfering with her daily stroller ride. I can only smile when he offers his physical and verbal assistance to our 10- month-old to help her stand, roll a ball, or chew. Yes, Aaron actually demonstrates chewing to our toothless Addison when he feels that she is swallowing her food without gumming it. I love how excited Aaron gets when Addison masters a new skill--ANY skill, rather big or small. Moments like these remind me of why I so wanted Aaron to experience fatherhood. I'm forever grateful to Addison for giving Aaron the honor of receiving these special blessings that come along with the role of "Da-da".
Just look at her running into her room!
Not only is Addison walking, she’s become quite the dancer/bouncer/grooving to the beat girl. Yep, my girl has rhythm. Although she is usually the youngest in her music class, she leads the way when it comes to smiling when she hears her favorite song, as well as swaying, bouncing, rocking, and rolling. Addison has already figured out how to turn on the CD player in her bedroom. Now we placed this CD player in her room so that she could fall asleep listening to classical music and lullabies, but Addison’s curiosity lead to her discovering that pressing the button to the left results in music that is much louder and upbeat. She actually kept pushing the buttons until she landed on a top 40s station (that happened to be playing hip hop music at the time). Yes, Addison is in the house!!! 
She’s a shoe girl! It seems that Addison’s walking skills brought upon this new interest in shoes. Her favorite are a cute pair of metallic pink sneakers. She loves these things so much that several times a day, she will go into her closet, ramble in her shoe basket, and retrieve the matching left and right shoe. Yes, she’s already appreciating the wonder of shoes. MY GIRL indeed!!! The 2nd runner-up shoe favorite is a pair of bright pink faux Uggs boots. For some reason, she only grabs these at night. Maybe that’s because they look so comfortable, warm and toasty. 
Even while trying on a new hat and mittens set, Addison holds on to her phone!
The verdict...She loved it and took 1st prize in the swimsuit competition. This babe wasted no time digging her beach ready feet deep into the sand
Miss Addison took part in a very important celebration last week. She was in the mix celebrating Ethiopia’s Millennium. O.K., so I’m about a week late with this post, but I wanted to share a report from the BBC News in Addis Ababa explaining why Ethiopia is just now celebrating their millennium. People in Ethiopia celebrated the New Year on September 12th. It was the start of the year 2000 and the beginning of millennium celebrations. The reason why they are celebrating more than seven years after the rest of the world is rooted in Ethiopian history and in the beliefs of its own Christian Orthodox Church. Educated Ethiopians live comfortably in two calendars. Prior to September 12, it was still 1999. However, there is the complication caused by the leap years in the two calendars being out of sync. But even if they are quite at home with the Western calendar, Ethiopians show no sign of wanting to abandon their own. Thirteen months is part of their national identity, not to mention allowing their tourist industry to boast that they can offer visitors 13 months of sunshine.
