Travis & Shannon's Adoption Blog

Happy Gotcha Day!

shannonjwest — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:49:18 +0000

One year ago on July 4, 2010 we held our son for the very first time and finally became a family. Amazing how one child can bless a family in so many ways. I cannot imagine our life without him and thank God for him every day.

Look at that scared little boy

He sure has come a long way in just one year.

Not so scared anymore

The kid sure loves his cake!

Happy 1st Gotcha Day!

One Year Referral Day Anniversary

shannonjwest — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:48:02 +0000

It’s hard to believe that it was one year ago today that we saw this cute little face for the very first time. It’s been a day of reminiscing on the past year and how fully blessed we are to be called “mommy” and “daddy” by this sweet little boy.

Referral Picture

Below is a glimpse into the day that our lives changed forever.

2nd Birthday

shannonjwest — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:26:17 +0000

Wow, how time flies! Makai turned 2 on February 28th.

He sure loved his giant chocolate cup cake. He ate almost the entire thing!

Merry Christmas!

shannonjwest — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:18:51 +0000

First fall together

shannonjwest — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:49:39 +0000

First fall as a family and enjoying every minute!

Our little Makai

shannonjwest — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 22:11:51 +0000

My apologies for falling off the face of the earth. We’ve been home a little over 2 months now and I am in full mommy mode and loving it! Our little guy has brought so much joy into our lives and is adjusting so well. It’s amazing how far he has come in such a short amount of time.

A little about Makai.

Favorite Words: “Look!”, “Elmo”, “Abby GO!”, “I love you”, and “amama duh” (translation “take this”)

Favorite Foods: yogurt, cheese, oatmeal, cereal puffs, blueberries, peas, beans . . . anything round

Favorite Toys: balls, mom’s phone, and anything he can push

Favorite Fictitious Character: Elmo

Favorite Songs: “Patty Cake”, “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Row Row Row Your Boat”

At Last

shannonjwest — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:30:36 +0000

We are nearing the end of our time here in Ethiopia. I cannot believe how fast the time has flown by. It’s been an amazing trip but I am excited to get home and start our new life together.

So sorry for the late posting. I just haven’t had the desire to get on the computer since we left Denver.

One of our first family photos

Below are a few more pics of our time here in Ethiopia.

Hiking with the locals in the Simien Mountains in Gondar

Short hike at Lake Hora just outside of Addis

Mom and Makai hanging out at Kuriftu Resort

Ethiopia or Bust

shannonjwest — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:43:32 +0000

We’re all packed and ready to go! We depart at 12:00 noon tomorrow, June 30th and arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Thurday, July 1st at 7:00pm. Then we head to Gondar (Makai’s birth place), known as the Camelot of Africa (there are more castles per square mile in Gondar than any city in Europe). We will spend a couple days exploring Gondar and Lake Tana, then head back to Addis on July 4th. The agency will bring us Makai the afternoon of July 4th or the next morning, June 5th.

Check out all our luggage! Yes, 6 suitcases! Two suitcases are full of humanitarian aid items though . . . full of diapers, wipes, clothes and toys for the orphanages in Ethiopia. We also have a few care packages to deliver to kiddos of waiting families.

We will try and post updates and pictures while in Ethiopia, depending on internet access. If not, we’ll have lots to share when we return.

Makai’s Room

shannonjwest — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:42:47 +0000

Below are photos of Makai’s room inspired by this room on http://www.ohdeedoh.com/.

It’s hard to tell from this photo, but the bluish/green color on the wall is actually the same color as my inspiration room. It’s a Benjamin Moore paint called Robin’s Nest (Color #618).

I originally planned to paint the Jenny Lind style crib yellow (like in my inspiration piece) but chickened out and just went with white. BTW, I found the crib on Craigs list from another adoptive parent. When she found out I was adopting, she just gave it to me!

The chair and changing table, I also got for free. So all in all, we spent very little on his room. It’s not exactly my inspiration room, but I am happy how it turned out.

Special Delivery?

shannonjwest — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:48:57 +0000

It’s time for us to pay it forward, so if any of you have packages or pictures you’d like delivered to your little ones, please send them our way! Email a photo and your childs info, in the format below please. We will also do our best while we are there to get you some photos and videos. BTW, we leave on June 30th.

Child’s Name
Gladney Foster Care Home #___
Your name/email

Email me at shannon at zipstardesign dot com, I can’t wait to meet all of your cutie pies!