Playing with Video without Success

So I've been trying all week to post a video of Simon trying ice cream -- but just realized tonight that the file size is too large. So, trying again -- this time with a smaller clip. But once again, it doesn't seem to be working. Hmmm .... I'll keep researching and hopefully will be able to post some video of Simon soon.

In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite photos from the past week.

First time on the sliding board without Mom's help. I can imagine him thinking, "to slide or not to slide -- that is the question."

A classic photo ... trying on Dad's sneakers.

Finally, Mark has someone to play Tonka trucks with! And yes, Simon fits into the back of the truck without much effort.

The smile that melts my heart. And those eyes!


LOVE that smile!! Can't get enough of it.

A Week of Firsts

What a whirlwind week it has been! We love, love, LOVE having Simon Kebebe home with us! He is a true joy. He has personality to spare and keeps us laughing. We do have a few typical toddler meltdowns but overall, Simon has handled his huge transition really, really well. We are in love with our son! His smile and kisses melt our hearts. He's experienced many new things this past week so I wanted to share some of my favorite photos and moments of Simon's first week at home.

First visit to Ailor Photography with Dad

First "ride" on Dad's motorcycle.

First (of many) rides in the wagon around the neighborhood.


Just Simon looking cute!

First (but not the last) time "helping" Mom with the dishes.

Playing with the Sharp's picnic basket.

Simon loves to play under the kitchen table.

First time feeding the neighborhood ducks -- except he ate the bread we gave him to share with the ducks. Oh well!

First time eating American injera and loved it! He gave us a look as if to say, "finally! some food that I recognize!"

First visit to Happy Hollow Park -- he LOVED the swing!

Playing with Dad's pots and pans -- it's incredible the amount of noise he can make!

First nap in his carseat. Thankfully, he has learned to like going for rides in the car!

First visit with Purdue Pete. Simon was not a fan. Purdue Pete tried to give him 'knuckles' -- aka fist bump -- and Simon got scared. Hopefully, he will grow to love Purdue Pete!

All dressed-up in his Purdue gear to visit Senior Send-off with Mom.

Finally a few more photos!

Okay....so we finally had a few minutes to sit down and organize some photos. Sorry it isn't more inclusive, but it will have to do temporarily. We are having a lot of fun having Simon home, but he sure is "busy". Not a lot of free time to sit down at the computer. He is an amazing little guy who makes us laugh constantly. He has, what I would call, an "overabundance" of personality! Hopefully, I will get my video camera working soon and we can post some video of him dancing. Trust me...it will be worth the wait.

Home

We're home! More to come ...

Travel Call!!

We can hardly believe it ... just two weeks and one day after passing court and we got our travel call!!! We are going to Ethiopia and we leave on Sunday!! We just got an update and new photos of Simon today and now we're going to be meeting him in just a matter of days ... probably on Tuesday!! We are just pinching ourselves -- and kind of freaking out, too!

Our update said that Simon is "adored by the nannies and because of that, he may be a little bit spoiled." Uh-oh! We may be in for trouble!

Seriously, we cannot believe that this day has finally arrived and though it's not happening as we planned, we are more than ready to meet our beautiful son. Thank you for sharing the journey with us. We can't wait to introduce Simon to all of you!

As internet access and electricity allows, we will try to update from Ethiopia. No promises but we'll do our best. And you can look for photos of Simon right here when we return in mid-April.

Hooray!!! Mr. Simon K. Ailor is on his way HOME!