Here are Yosef and Biniam sitting watching Baby Einstein together. (Though they aren't sitting for long, as you can see in the next picture. They are always trying to push the buttons on the TV! I think in the bottom picture Biniam is praying that Yosef won't get a time out!)
Anna LOVES cuddling with her brothers. And they like it too!
All of that to say, it is so neat getting to see the joy that the kids take in being with each other. I don't know what Anna would do without Yosef and Biniam. She wants to see them right when she wakes up, wants to tuck them in at night, and loves playing with them. I don't know what Yosef would do without Anna--he adores her, is always trailing after her, wanting to play with her. Biniam and Anna love to sit and laugh together--they get going and end up laughing hysterically. And Yosef and Biniam share a sweet background and have been there for each other since birth.
I have to admit I worried, before we went to Ethiopia, what it would be like for Anna to have two new brothers. Going from being the only child to having two brothers only eight months younger than you seemed like a big deal. I even felt a little guilty. But what a blessing these kids are to each other! It's fun getting to know Anna not only as a daughter, but in the role of sister.
It's crazy to think about all of the things society tells us are important. Having a lot of stuff, being able to do exactly what you want when you want, taking fancy vacations every year, etc. I find myself buying into that line of thinking sometimes. But then I look at these pictures of my kids and think, man, THIS is what life's about. I don't see us taking many trips to Hawaii, but hopefully we will be able to continue financing more Ethiopian adoptions. It takes me forever to get anywhere because I've got three toddlers to get out the door, but the way they all instantly clap, kick their feet, and squeal with delight when the Tracy Chapman song "Revolution" comes on in the car easily becomes the highlight of my day. I love our crazy life and the fact that our kids have each other!
8 comments:
Thank you so much for this post. Right now, my 3 big kids are away with Grandma on a road trip. My 3 year old told us the other day that, "it is pretty lonely when there are only 4 people in your family." I guess some people are just meant to be in big families!
I am SOOO glad you all are considering more adoptions in the future. Life will be infinitely more interesting! 8^)
This entry made me smile (-:
My kids are each other's best friends. Siblings are precious gifts. Isn't it a joy to watch them together?
What a sweet post. Your children are so cute together. I really love the picture of your son watching his sister eat cheerios. What a wonderful bond they will grow up with!
Hello again from Texas
You are so very blessed.!!!!!!
Life is so very Good!!!!
Penny
I was just reading a study that siblings, more so than parents, teachers, or friends are the most influential person in a child's life. It is who they spend the most time with and it helps define their unique role in the family. I think it is awesome that they are all so close in age. I'm sure three toddlers are a handfull, but it makes the day go by quickly :)
5kidmom--that is so cute that your 3 year old said that! How sweet!
Rachel that is an interesting study. Funny you mention the day going by quickly--before we had the boys, the afternoons would drag by. I was always looking at the clock. NOW though, all of a sudden it'll be time for Kevin to be home!
Yeah. My Aunt wants more children, but they've recently decided that 2 is "plenty expensive". But, keep in mind that she buys all her daughters' things at Nordstroms and refuses to hand anything down from the older girl to the younger one, because, "My children won't wear used clothing." It's all about priorities!! I would rather shop consignment shops and garage sales and have my kids grow up with as many siblings as they want! You can make it work if you put aside selfishness and teach your kids to do the same. They end up totally blessed and wise beyond their years if you do. Great post!
I love seeing the first picture with your son's pinck and purple cup. I have 3 young children, and lets just say when we get to the nursery at church the ladies always look at me funny when I hand Cutter (18 mo. boy) to them with his pink flower cup. Hey, I think I am doing good to have gotten there with all three kids and a drink. I love it!!!! -Daisy
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