Bright Eyes

While trying to fall asleep tonight my mind wandered to Ethiopia. And Biruk's past. And how blessed we are to have Biruk in our life. It's hard to believe he will be turning 2 next month and that he's been with us for nearly 17 months. We've come a long way in those 17 months. And as I watch him running around the house now, chasing his big brother, holding his little brothers hand and reaching up for us, my heart wants to burst with happiness. I don't know when exactly it happened but he's let go of whatever was holding him back and he's let us in. He needs us as much as we need him. Doubts have disappeared. Arms opened wide.

His independent personality is still going strong. He'd rather do things under his terms. He still likes to back into people when he wants attention but now runs into dad's arms when he leaves for work. He needs his security doll less and less when he's upset while our presence calms him down more and more.

His beauty is undeniable. And his eyes. Those big ole, beautiful, brown eyes. They light up when he smiles. I saw it the time he smiled in Ethiopia when meeting him for the first time. And I still see it when I look at him and every single picture of him with that big grin on his face. And that is my dear Birukee. He is an onery little shit but he knows he can fix everything with that darling smile of his. And as soon as you start to scold him he says "hi mama" and bats his eyes at you.

I always worried I'd be sad for the moments I didn't have with Biruk (his first six months of life) but I don't feel that way at all. While I'm sad for the tradegy and trama he has endured, I am grateful he was surrounded by people who loved him. And I am so very grateful that we get to watch these eyes shine for many days to come. I love ya Birukee!