The Daily Grind

Dear Joseph,

We got to visit you at the orphanage again today. It was so wonderful to get to see you and hold you again. Today was very special because we got a glimpse into what everyday life is for you right now. Dad picked you up first thing this morning and was in for a surprise. We think you may have had a lot to drink for breakfast because your diaper and your shorts were all wet! We followed one of your nannies who took you to your room and changed your diaper. What a great photo-opportunity that was, we will use those pictures to embarrass you in the future! While they were changing your diaper we met all three of your day-shift nannies: Genet, Abaynesh, and BeadYaie. They all love you so much and take really good care of you. I can tell they think you’re really special. We got to see where you sleep each night and apparently you are no longer sleeping in a crib. It looks like we have some work to do when we get home-converting your crib to a toddler bed!

Next, it was time to go outside and play. We can tell you love to play outside, it’s hard to get you away from that soccer ball! After we played for a bit it was time for lunch. We were able to watch you and your friends eat lunch. You were really good at using a spoon to eat your meal and only needed a little help. After lunch you and your friends sat in a row and the nannies sang songs with you. Our favorite song was one where you all took turns pointing at the boy or girl whose name was being called out by the nannies. You know all the names of your friends and point to each one at the right time. After song time it was time for potty training. The nannies took you and all your friends and put you each on training potties in the bathroom. You all sat there together and sang a song about poop and pee, it was really cute! You get to do this twice a day for twenty minutes each time. Maybe you will be close to being potty trained when you come home; we’re not counting on it though…

After your potty training session it was nap time. We were sad because that mean it was time for us to go for the day. It was harder today to leave than it was yesterday. I’m sure it will be even harder tomorrow because that will be the last time we will get to hold you this trip. We took so many pictures and movies of you so we would have something to look at and watch while we are waiting the 4-6 weeks until it’s time for you to come home. Tomorrow is a big day for your mom and dad as we have to appear in the Ethiopian court to finalize the adoption. Can’t wait to see you again tomorrow.

Love,

Mom and Dad