Yesterday Desta went in for her 6 months shots (we’re trying to catch up and are almost there!) They weighed her and she is a whopping 17 lbs! I have seen the weight come on her, seems like overnight and I was thrilled to see that 17 flash up on the scale.
Three months ago yesterday we met our sweet baby girl for the first time. I looked over those pictures and cannot find the Desta now in those photos. The Desta now has these sparkly eyes, this infectious smile and HUGE cheeks. She is happy now.
And I got sad. Because as I think of her, I am reminded of ALL the other children we left behind. There were so many. I wish had gotten this “adoption bug” sooner. I would love to take all these precious children into our family and see what good nutrition, lots of one on one love and affection will do.
I’m also realistic that number one, that won’t happen and number two, not all children adopted thrive like Desta is now.
It’s hard. This season is about celebrating our Savior’s birth. It’s about children, love and giving. And my heart is torn when I think of all the love we have here and all the love needed there. 
I was born in Jos, Nigeria many years ago. I spent the next nineteen years living in Liberia, Kenya and Ethiopia.
I’m with you, Sister! She is doing beautifully! I was just thinking today about what I can do next…we will see! As much as I really wish the sanitation there was better, Ethiopia has not seen the last of the Lanzillotta Family. I’ll just take antibiotics the whole time this time (though Ben agrees it was either Dubai or something in our room that got everyone on our floor sick – except you and Matt, lucky ducks)!
17 pounds is awesome! Mallory was only 17 at her first birthday!
She is a doll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Think we’ll be back too!!! Jenny want to go together ??