Macy's First Time Trick-or-Treating!

This was Macy last year on Halloween.

Although we had custody of her, we were still in Ethiopia, so we weren't able to do the "Halloween-y" stuff (although dadblastit I was gonna have her looking the part in her festive dress!).

And this was her this year!!!

She LOVED trick-or-treating! And I mean LOOOOOVED it!

And honestly, we thought she would HATE it, because she hates anything with a mask. Or that looks like an animal. Or looks scary. Or weird....or ANYTHING. We figured we'd have a short night because she'd just totally lose it. But NOOOOO, this girl was skipping down the sidewalk singing "I'm off to see the wizard" and saying "Look at all my candyyyyyy!". I think this girl could do Halloween every single day of the year.

Our Wizard of Oz Crew....

So her first "American" Halloween was a huge success! Of course, it may have just been due to the sparkly shoes and the wig...but our girl had a great time!

Happy Meetcha Day!

One year ago today a tiny, sick, quiet, little girl was placed in my arms. The moment was surreal. That child we had been praying and dreaming about for the past 12 months was finally, FINALLY with us. Just like the day I birthed my other three kiddos, it's a day I will treasure forever. Jason and I sat anxiously in plastic lawn chairs waiting to be introduced to our Macy Bereket. When the Head Momma walked in carrying our tiny little girl, our hearts just about burst. It was love at first sight. I didn't blog about it then, but those first couple of minutes with her were of course joyful, but also nothing what we could have prepared for. Macy was MUCH smaller than we had expected. And I know I had read that a lot, so that really isn't big news. But along with being so small, she also had very poor torso control, and had a hard time walking. She also had a lumpy noggin'. Lumpy enough to cause Jason and I both to be concerned. She acted lethargic and loopy. And no matter what we did, we COULD NOT get that girl to smile. We thought something could very well be wrong developmentally with her. On top of all of that, she was really sick with some kind of respiratory funk. I was worried out of my mind. Back at the hotel that night we laid in the bed and decided that no matter what the future held, we were committed to adopting her. She was the child for us.

What makes that kind of humorous now as we look back on it is that there is NOTHING wrong with that child. When we went back to Ethiopia just three weeks later to bring her home she was running and jumping and smiling and talking. She was a COMPLETELY different kid. The lumpy noggin, which she still has (you can't tell with all that crazy hair!) ended up totally fine. Just part of her makeup. She was healthy and happy and gaining weight. Like I said, a totally different kid. Looking back, we believe that due to her illness, she may have accidentally been over-medicated. Probably some kind of cough syrup or something. Because she was loopy and lethargic like she was drugged up on something.

So our original "Meetcha Day" was awesome, and alarming at the same time. But good gosh what a difference you can see now! That funny little girl has more spunk than all three other kiddos combined. And some A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E. Whew!

What an amazing 10 months it's been! We love you Macy B!

Happy Nine Months Home!

Miss Macy has been home for NINE MONTHS TODAY! Oh, okay....it's after midnight, so technically she's been home nine months and 41 minutes. But hey, it's been a long night. As you can see, it's been an eventful couple of months!

Our Referral-versary!

One year ago today we got the phone call that changed our family forever. (To read about that incredible day, click HERE.) There was a little girl in Ethiopia that needed a home. A little girl that through sickness had become fatherless, and through poverty had become an orphan. This little girl needed a family and a home, and we were it.

Last July 14th, this was the first picture we saw of our precious daughter.

And this is her today.

I'm not an overly, sappy, emotional person. But as I look at her first pictures, as I've looked at hundreds of times over the past year, tears pour from my eyes. Because LOOK AT HER. Look at how scared and confused and malnourished she was. And then look at that sassy little girl today. My heart breaks at the thought of "what-if". What if we hadn't made the leap of crazy faith to start the adoption process. What if the "it's so expensive" and "what will people think?" thoughts had won. What if.

This precious daughter of ours has changed so many lives already. More kiddos are coming home to their Forever Families because THIS LITTLE GIRL has impacted several of our friends. Do you understand how amazing it is to know that our adoption wasn't just about bringing Macy home, but how it's encouraged other families to start the process to bring their sons and daughters home as well? It truly is humbling.

One year ago today I went to bed praying for Macy's birthmother. The woman that gave her sweet baby life, and then after two and a half years of trying to provide for her, had to make the agonizing decision to take her youngest child to an orphanage. Today, my thoughts are on her again, as they are everyday. I want her to know how happy, healthy, smart and funny her daughter is. How wonderfully well-adjusted she is. How much happiness she has brought to our family.

What an amazing year. A year I can't believe that is already passed. A year of fears, trials, joy, and overwhelming appreciation to our Father who has so perfectly knit our family together. I tell everyone that He picked the perfect child for us. She was a Humphrey just needing to come home.

July 4th

The man who started it all....

Back in the summer of 2009, an amazing speaker and author named David Nasser came to speak at our church. We looked forward to his visits. He was funny and REAL, and totally rocked mine and Jason's world. He spoke passionately about the world's orphan crisis. About all these children without families. Or a hope. Or a future. He talked about the amazing process of adoption, and reminded us that WE had ALL been adopted into God's family and given a new hope. And a new future. Jason and I had never thought about adoption. Honestly, we thought it was just for couples who couldn't have children, and since we the crazy, fertile couple having three babies in three years, adoption had never even crossed our minds. But then David said something we just couldn't shake. If you've seen our adoption video, (if not, click HERE) you know that this one particular statistic is what pushed us "over the edge": "If just seven percent of THE CHURCH (not the world's population, not American citizens, just THE CHURCH) would adopt, then there would be no more orphans". Good GRACIOUS that hit us like a ton of bricks. So one Sunday back in the summer of '09 we got into the car after church, and while sitting in the parking lot decided we were going to be part of that 7%. Our decision was that quick and that easy. We were all in.

Fast forward to October 2010. It's been over a year since we'd heard David speak. After a CRAZY time trying to fly back from Ethiopia (see that story HERE...for reals, it's so bad it's funny) we arrived home after 17 hrs in the air on a Saturday night from our first trip to meet our new daughter. We were tired and jet-lagged (and I was an emotional basketcase having to have come home without Macy), but knew that David Nasser was going to be speaking at church the next morning. So we took our bleary-eyed selves to church. After service I grabbed Jason's hand and rushed backstage on a hunt for David. I wanted to let him know how THANKFUL we were to him for planting that seed in our hearts. I showed him Macy's pictures, and of course, cried my eyes out. He listened to our story, asked to keep Macy's picture, and prayed the most incredible, touching prayer over us. He is THAT KIND of guy. You know, the Real Deal. We were incredibly touched. The next day I got a knock on the door from someone delivering a precious gift from the Nassers, with a handwritten note about how amazing adoption is (they have an adopted son as well).

So NOW fast forward to this past Sunday. It was time for David Nasser to come back to Long Hollow. Whoop Whoop! Again, I rushed the stage after service and was so excited for him to meet our spunky little Ethiopian. She passed out the hugs and love - and thought he was pretty cool too. This time we were able to meet his sweet wife as well. It's so great to talk to other adoptive mommas who "get" it. We snapped some pics so we can show her someday WHO IT WAS that prompted us to adopt. (And of course, Hannah had to jump in the pics too. That is SO Hannah!)

Needless to say, the Nassers hold a special place in the Humphreys hearts. We will be FOREVER grateful! Because of this man, and the message that God spoke through him, Macy's life has been redeemed. And that hope and future I spoke of....well, now our daughter has them. And we give ALL the glory to God.

Our "not-so-lazy summer"

I knooooooooooooow it's been forever since I've blogged. But GOOD GRACIOUS we've been busy this summer! I'm now working full-time for our church, working part-time as a photographer, and doing a lot of it from home which means, of course, I've got four little "helpers" with me all the time. Life is GOOD, but it is BUSY! On top of that, I've had some major computer problems, so the fact that I actually got this blog post up and running is nothing short of a miracle.

So here's some pics of Miss Macy from our beach trip. She LOVED the ocean and the pools. The waterslide...ummmm...not so much. We had a wonderful time. This was the first year since becoming parents that we've actually been able to just watch our kids play, and not have to hold or chase a baby the entire time. I'll be honest....it was lovely. As crazy as my 2 toddlers and 2 preschoolers are, they sure are a lot of fun.

One year.

One year ago today our sweet Macy was relinquished by her birthmother at a local government office, and then taken to an orphanage to wait five months to join her Forever Family.

That was a year ago.

This was today.

We are so thankful that Macy had two and a half years with her birthmother. We firmly believe that is why she was able to bond so quickly with us. She knew the love of a Momma. She had experienced bonding and attachment before. And as soon as she was placed in my arms, the process started with her new Momma.

So a year ago today our little girl was scared and alone. Today she jumped waves with her family.

Life's good, folks.

Macy sees the ocean for the first time...

We arrived in Gulf Shores yesterday and are having a BLAST! We spent yesterday and this morning at the rockin' awesome pools they have here on sight, and this evening after dinner decided to take a walk on the beach across the street. Macy had seen the ocean from the condo balcony, but not up close yet, so I wanted to document her reaction to seeing the vastness of the the ocean. And for the record, her reaction was absolutely priceless.

Here she is walking up the boardwalk to the beach....

And just LOOK AT HER SWEET FACE when she sees the ocean for the first time in her life!
She was in AWE...this beautiful little girl from Ethiopia just took in the wonder of the ocean!

She loved the sand, the waves, all of it!

Yes, we came to the ocean to walk and look for shells.

All four kids ended up soaked and sandy. Lovely.

This is how Jason had to finally get her to leave.

We will be back first thing tomorrow morning!

Oh, and by the way, as of yesterday Miss Macy has been home SEVEN MONTHS! Yay!!!

Macy's Dedication

I remember last Mother's Day typing a post about how I felt incomplete without my daughter home with us. (Read that one HERE.) We were waiting for our referral and I was DYING to get that magic phone call.
Well, this year....my heart was complete! I had four little ones wishing me "Happy Mudders Day, Momma". I didn't get the whole "breakfast in bed sha-bang" that a bunch of other Momma's got, as since I work for our church I was there preparing for our services at 6am, long before my babes ever woke up. But celebrating later in the day was just as fun. And this year our church's Baby Dedication fell on Mother's Day - so we were finally able to dedicate Macy.
We have dedicated each of our kiddos at our church. And since Hannah was born, we've always taken the siblings up on stage as well. We felt like it was a family affair to present our child to the church, and it's always gone smoothly. Well, Saturday night I realized, "Wow, we are totally going to be hauling FOUR kids ages five and under onto that stage. THIS should be interesting."


So yes, it felt like we took up half the stage. And I"m pretty sure we were the only ones with four kids up there. But other than Hootie announcing "I'M GRUMPY!" at the top of his lungs just before we went on stage, they all actually did pretty well.
(And let me just give a Shout-Out to my amazing hubs. Since I have to be at church so early, HE is the one who gets them dressed for church each Sunday. Granted, I have everything laid out for him, and I do the girls' hair once they get to church, but doesn't he do a GREAT job?!?! Pretty impressive, huh? I think that should be a Love Language: "Husband Can Care For Children". Sorry ladies, he's taken.)

Our little princess received a pink Bible, which she's rather proud of.

Wow. Five out of Six of us are looking at the camera. Now that one's Blog Worthy.

Here's one last pic. Remember Jadon who came home just a few weeks after Macy came home? (Read about that HERE.) Well, he was dedicated on Sunday as well, and we just had to snap a pic. You know, to show at their wedding and all. (Doesn't Jadon seem thrilled to be holding Macy's hand?)

Hope all you Momma's out there had a great Mudder's Day!!!

What being in a family for just 6 months can do for ya'!

Today we celebrated our Macy Bereket being home a HALF OF A YEAR! And since I practically have a camera attached to me at all times, I just HAD to take a picture to remember the day. And then I had to go back and look at OLD pictures of her. What a SHOCK to see these pics side by side. She doesn't even look like the same kid! Sure she's grown, and yes she has hair now (yippee!), but look at her eyes. You know how they say the eyes are the window to the soul? Well, whoever "they" is, they are totally right. Do you see the hopelessness, confusion, and fear in that first pic? Can you even imagine what she was thinking? She had just been brought to the orphanage in that picture. Imagine the uncertainty my daughter had going through her innocent little mind. Little did that precious child know that we were praying and waiting and praying some MORE for HER.
And then look at that silly, happy little girl in the second picture. Wanna know what she was thinkin' in THAT picture this afternoon? She was wishing her Momma would hurry up and snap the stinkin' picture so she could run off and play with her brothers and sister. Oh the JOY in that picture! And the safety and love you can see in THOSE eyes. THAT picture makes me smile!
So, in six months Miss Macy has done some growin'. That's because the girl can EAT. And eat and eat and eat. Since her first dr. appt here on American soil 6 months ago, she's grown TWO AND A HALF INCHES! And FIVE POUNDS! That's a LOT for a little girl who started out at just 22 pounds for almost three years old! (FYI, my other kids were OVER that weight by their FIRST birthday.)

Her favorite foods: Pizza and Pasta - she's totally our Italian Ethiopian
Her favorite activities: Picking out her many outfits (total diva!), coloring, taking all toys away from Houston, her "bigger, little brother".
Her favorite sayings: "Oooh la la", "More snack, please", "Rock me, Daddy".

Her language skils are crazy good. She can understand EVERYTHING we say, follow directions, and talks a TON. Gone are the days of her using any of her native language and singing the songs she learned with her birthmother (which makes me a little sad). Hannah will still try to use some of her Sidaminga and Amharic words with her little sister, and Macy just gives her that "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis" look.

Thanks for sharing our journey with us!
I'm looking forward to looking back at these same two pictures in ANOTHER six months!!!

Happy SIX MONTHS HOME, Miss Macy! We love you more than you will EVER know!

P.S. One more thing...I have been AMAZED at the response we've gotten to Macy's adoption video. Completely DUMBFOUNDED, in fact. I've had people- total strangers- from other parts of the country contacting me saying what an impact it's made on their friends and family. And I'll tell ya, folks. That's what I WANT. I want others to see our journey, and to be moved. And prompted. 'Cause ya know what? There's 146,999,999 more Macys out there needing a home.

Our video is finally finished!!

On Thursday we will celebrate Macy being home SIX MONTHS!!! HALF A YEAR!!! She has now been with us longer than she was in the orphanage and transition home combined. We are AMAZED at this sweet child EVERY SINGLE DAY! It's only taken me six months, but I've finally finished her Adoption Video. For those of you who don't know, I am TOTALLY "computer stupid", so accomplishing this is nothing short of a miracle. I hope you enjoy. I'm also hoping someday I can watch it without needing a tissue.
(NOTE: BE SURE to scroll to the BOTTOM of THIS page, turn off the music on the Playlist - stop is the circle with the two lines, Mom - that way you can hear the music that goes along with the video.)
Oh, and if you'd rather see it FULL SCREEN (the way I like to see it) check it out on Vimeo by clicking HERE.
Okay...NOW you are ready to watch! ENJOY!!!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Dancin' the Night Away

Last night Jason took the girls to a local "Daddy - Daughter Dance". He took Hannah last year and she vividly remembers how much fun it was. So she's been literally counting down the days until Friday night. After work last night Jason came home presenting each girl with a tiny wrist corsage. They helped Daddy pick out his suit and tie (notice:pink), I got everyone prissied up, took pics, and off our little princesses went with their prince.
Hours later when they returned Hannah ran in and at the top of her voice screamed, "MOMMA, I ATE STRAWBERRIES AND I DANCED LIKE A CHICKEN". Thus, telling me they had her favorite food and did the Chicken Dance. Apparently, this combination of activities made her night.
It was especially sweet to see Macy all excited about spending the evening with her Daddy. He's the first Daddy she's ever had, and OH HOW SHE ADORES HIM! A far cry from how scared she was of him just five months ago.
Everyone had fun. But GOOD GRIEF is there not such a thing as a "Mommy-Son Dance". Because I know a certain five year old (oh, and ummm...me!) that would REALLY like to go to one.

Showing off their corsages.