Welcoming Ashenafi: Brothers of Many Sizes and Colors!

 

Several months ago, we learned that Asher's little brother Christian and his mama Erin were planning to bring home a new baby brother from Ethiopia! One month ago, Erin returned from a grueling trip to Africa with little Ashenafi (pronounced ASH-uh-NOF-ee) who is now almost eighteen months old. After a few weeks of "cocooning" at home with his immediate family, little Ashi was ready to spend some time with his other fans. After months & months of impatient waiting, I *finally* got to train my camera on this happy little guy (who I personally think could possibly be the cutest little boy ever born!!!) On a warm Sunday evening, Erin brought the boys over to play and while the big brothers romped around the yard in the sun, Ashi was subjected to his first professional photo shoot. Here are some of my favorite photos of our adorable new friend... and a few with the big brothers too : )

     

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The name “Ashenafi” means “winner” in his native language of Amharic. I have to say it seems quite fitting from my perspective… I’m not sure who is more in love with who here : )

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Christian had just pulled out his first upper tooth the night before so of course we had to get a shot of that gaping new hole in his smile!

At the orphanage in Ethiopia, the little ones loved to sit in boxes…. so naturally Ashi climbed right in when he found this bin outside my back door!

Little Ashi decided Big Ashey needed a little forehead bump!

Big Ashey is pretty stoked that Little Ashi is finally here too : )

I’m sure it won’t be long before we see pictures of Christian trying out these torture techniques on Ashenafi!

He was quite interested in the pinwheel he found in my garden…

until he pulled it apart  (multiple times)…

and so decided to work the “big brown eyes” angle (for which, it turns out, I am a TOTAL sucker.)

 

Nothing makes Ashi happier than a “quas”… Amharic for “ball”…

although banging together some bamboo sticks with the big boys was pretty fun too : )

To Erin & Christian: We are so, so, SO thrilled to have Ashi join our quirky little “non-traditional family.” I am so thankful that you are giving this beautiful little boy an opportunity for a happy, healthy life and for allowing us to shower him with the love he deserves : )