Sunday, December 17, 2006

Ethan Pictures and Stories





Wow, we are exhausted. We still must be on Ukraine time, at least Ethan is. He was up at 2:30 this morning and absolutely would not go back to sleep. I was looking forward to getting back home and one thing that I really missed while in Ukraine was Fox News Channel. Well, since returning 2 days ago, I have yet to watch Dish Network #205. But I have watched the Wiggles Christmas Special, Bob the Builder and a Veggie Tales DVD! Ethan is getting along very well meeting family members. We started slow, but soon realized he liked and appreciated the interaction.

We had a scare on friday night after returing home. We brought Ethan in the house, showed him around and visited with his Grandparents and then we did it--we nearly scared him to death. We brought our Chocolate Lab, Dixie, in the house. Ethan did not like it at all. He was so scared and cried so much that Steph was scared and crying. I was worried that we may have to change the arrangements with Dixie being an inside dog. Fortunately, Ethan has made up with Dixie and now they are best of friends. Ethan is petting, pulling, pushing, kicking, hugging and kissing Dixie. He even shares his food with her--and unfortunately, Dixie shared her food with Ethan as well. I caught him sneaking a piece of Science Diet. Yes I convinced him to spit it out but it wasn't as easy as I thought it might be. Perhaps a testimony for Hill's Pet Food--So good even a 2 year old will eat it.

Another good story. Justin and Kari brought Ethan's cousins Emma and Ella over. Ella simply LOVES her Aunt Stephie. Ella asked Steph, "Will you take Ethan back to 'NewKraine' when you are done with him?" Steph told her that Ethan is our little boy and will stay with us until he grows up, then he will be our big boy, but he will always be ours. Ella realized then she is going to have to share her Aunt Stephie for ever.

More later---as time allows. Wait, is there anything such as time when you have a kid? So far I haven't found any!

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Steph Joe and Ethan
Welcome home! in answer to your question Joe, Ive been doing this parent thing for 22 years now,and still havent had much time to catch my breath.but treasure each moment as Im sure you are doing. He is such a sweetheart! make sure you write down the funny stuff as it will bring back such sweet memories later on. Im so happy for all of you. cant wait til its Gateways turn to meet him. the dog thing, had he ever even seen a real dog before? I can imagine his reaction to the Llama! Have a Merriest of Christmases, which Im sure has already been the merriest ever! God Bless! Shelley

8:50 PM  
Blogger Karen said...

What great pictures! I'm so glad Ethan and Dixie are friends now. He's so cute. We're so glad you're safely home and adjusting well. Love...John and Karen

6:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What cute pictures! Dixie seems completely uninterested that Ethan is sharing her bed. How long before Ethan is sharing his machina bed with Dixie? Yes, Joe, time goes by really fast with a 2 year old in tow - gives a whole new meaning to "working at home" huh? Too bad we can't plug in more memory to multi-task faster!
How did I get a day behind on the blog? I got my fix the old fashioned way - cell phone.
Can't wait to meet your son. When is our turn? Sign me "takin care of business"

5:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I came across your blog through Karen Smith. I'm so very happy for you! What a wonderful testimony to how amazing God is.
Much Love,
Robin Resler Hartzell

7:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SWEET!!! We can't wait to see everyone this weekend!

11:11 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Welcome Home Guys!! I love the new pics, especially the one of him in the dog bed. We got caught up in church on Sunday from everyone. Sounds like he is adjusting very well to everything and all the family. Ella's comment was so funny, we thought it would be an adjustment sharing "her Stephie" with Ethan. We love you guys and cant wait to see you all! Mark and Heather

12:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Joe, Steph, and Ethan,
So glad to have you back in the States safe and sound. Have a wonderful Christmas as a family of three! We can't wait to meet Ethan and hear more stories.
Love,
Brian and Stacy

7:08 PM  

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