THE DUCOMMUNS

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We are the Ducommuns! There are 4 of us now-Craig, Laura, Zamara, and now Mahashavah, our 1 year old son. We adopted Zamara from Ethiopia in 2008. Our son is also from Ethiopia and we are hoping to bring him home soon. We live Flagstaff Arizona. We are so glad you found us. Take a look around and don't forget to leave us a message.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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