More Pictures to choose from

Here are 5 more pictures to choose from. Check out the post below this one for 5 more photos.

Pictures...which one do you like?

Today a photographer was going to come over and take some family pictures for ZiZi's 2nd birthday. She called this morning to say that she was sick and didn't want to spread germs, so we had to reschedule. Since we already had things set-up we decided to take some of our own.

They aren't professional, but we would love your feedback. Which one(s) do you like?

Zamara is turning 2!

Hi all! Zamara's birthday is just around the corner (3-8-08) and we have been trying to figure out a good time for a party. March is shaping up to be a crazy month for the Ducommuns so we will let you know a date as soon as we can figure one out.

Friends and family have been contacting us about what ZiZi might like for her birthday. After much deliberation we have decided to do something different for her birthday.

After Zamara was found at the church in Addis Ababa, she was taken to an orphanage called Kids Care. She was only there for about 2 months before being moved to our agencies Transitional Home. We were blessed to get to visit Kids Care when we traveled to Ethiopia to pick ZiZi up. It is such an amazing facility. We were completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of children they are taking care of. We went into room after room filled with children. As you can see by the pictures, the facility is a lot different than what we are used to seeing here in the States, but I can tell you that they do their very best with very little. It is clean and well run. The nannies love on the kids and it shows. Zamara was very well taken care of while she was there.

Both Craig and I feel like we need to give back to this orphanage. We contacted our adoption agency in Ethiopia and were able to get a list of items they could use. So in lieu of gifts for Zamara, we would like to put together a box to send to Kids Care. Below is a list of items they need:

Donation Items You may send for Orphanages and Transitional Home

1. Paper Towels
2. Children’s clothing (new or slightly used); Boys and Girls; sizes 0-8 years. Clothing needs include day clothes (especially pants), pajamas, underwear, and shoes.
3. Diapers size for up to 30 pounds
4. Toys to stimulate babies such as colorful objects, rattles, etc. that are appropriate for babies up to 2 years
5. Unscented baby wipes
6. Powder formula with DHA/RHA
7. Lactose free formula
8. A + D Original Ointment, Diaper Rash and All-Purpose Skincare Formula;
9. Hand Sanitizer
10. Pens (to use as gifts at appointments, etc.)
11. Candles
12. Children’s Notebooks
13. Underwear for older children

Medications/Medical items:

· Multivitamins

o Tri-vi-sol (o to 6 months)

o Poly-vi-sol (6 months to 2 years)

o Chewable multi-vitamin (2 years to 9 years)

o Adult multivitamin (9 years plus)

· Tylenol (acetaminophen)

o Infants

o Children's

o Suppository

· Syringes for giving medicines (5mL)

· Plastic and Latex disposable gloves

· Baby nose saline spray

· Neosporin

· mouth and nose masks

· Benadryl liquid/elixir

· Permetherin for scabies

· Lice kits

· Toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss

We know this is a long list and we are not expecting to send everything. In addition, we will have to ship internationally we would like to try to keep the box a reasonable size and weight. We would love it if you would like to help us collect some of these items.

As we mentioned above we will be having a party for Zizi and we have a few gifts we will be giving her. She really doesn't need a whole lot (she has a ton of toys and clothes already). If you would still like to get her a small gift it would be welcomed, but not expected.

We are excited to be able to help Kids Care and to teach Zamara about giving back to those in need. Please let us know if you have any questions about the donations.

Check back soon for confirmed birthday party date and time. For those of you in the Flagstaff area, we will be sending out birthday invitations.

blessings,

Craig, Laura, and Zizi

We have Poo in the Potty!

This last weekend we went down to Phoenix on a mini-vacation. We had such a great time. The weather was perfect--75 degrees! We did a ton of fun stuff! I will be sending more pictures in the next week or so, but I just had to share our exciting news.

She will, of course, be mortified when she gets older, but we are so excited that our little girl did her first poo in the potty. She has been sitting on the potty for a couple of weeks now but this is our first official "landing". It happened on Sunday morning while we were getting our swimsuits on for pool time. She was so proud of herself. We HAD to get pictures of the event. So cool! Our little girl is growing up! We all did a little happy dance and she got to flush the toilet.

So here is our "racy" picture. I apologize in advance for those of you with weak stomaches...after 13 years of youth ministry it doesn't even phase me.

I JUST WON THE "WORST BLOGGER AWARD"! (JK)

So I know I am really terrible at blogging. I have come to terms with it and so should all of you (is there actually anyone left out there still tuning in?)

I should probably start out by announcing that WE HAVE BEGUN THE ADOPTION PROCESS AGAIN. We are currently collecting paperwork for our Home Study. Our goal is to have our dossier sent to Ethiopia by June 1. This may not be possible, but I am working hard toward that goal.

This time we are asking for a child under 12 months, either gender. We can't wait to see who God brings into our lives this time.

Zizi is very excited to be a big sister. She is quite bossy and will be a great big sister. Right now she only gets to boss around the cats ("no, no! Budderfiga" she says when the cat gets up on the counter), so I am sure she will love having someone smaller then her to keep in line.

I also have been promising Christmas pictures...I know it is already Feb. But anyway, better late than never. Here are a few to tide you over until I post again..