The Merrill Adoption Story: All for Nati

Nati needs to have an entire post just for him. He has so many great things happen in the last month. Well let's say the last year. Can you believe that the boys have been here almost an entire year?
Back to Nati- He had his first school music program, his 8th birthday, another report card, finished his first indoor soccer league and grew another pant size. He also has this obsession with anything related to horses. He asks everyday about the possibility of getting a horse. He has the boots and spurs and wears them frequently around the house, even with his pj's.
At the end of February, Nati had his first all school music program. All the Beitel Bulldogs performed at the Art and Science Auditorium at the University of Wyoming. We weren't sure how he felt about the program, seemed excited and seemed to be practicing his songs around the house from time to time. He needed to have a white button down shirt and dark pants. Thank goodness for Wal-Mart! He was so excited about his dress clothes that he stayed in them one night until daddy got home, about 9:00. He was so handsome and what a performer. Why were we surprised? Is there anything that Nati has not been able to do. Pictures and video to follow...

Nati also had his first American birthday! He turned 8 years old and oh my...is he 8?!! There is nothing that escapes this kid!! He not only had a whole weekend of birthday celebration, but also had cupcakes and juice at school on Monday. Nati got a skateboard with all the pads they had at the store. Clothes, legos, baseball equipment and books. The last gift to finally arrive was the coveted FOUR WHEELER!! of course it is faster and bigger and better then Kidus' four wheeler. Not really, only in Nati's eyes and that is what counts, right? Monday the 9th of March was Nati's actual birthdate. We opened a few more presents that arrived in the mail that day, had dinner, bath and cake and ice cream then into bed. The whole evening had gone really well and bedtime was pretty normal. I was lying with Kidus on the bottom bunk and could hear Nati up on his bunk. He was crying.. "Nati are you OK?" and he replied "I miss my mom". Daggers through the heart!! We had lots of hugs and kisses and talked about his mother, Kidist Afework. The only phot0 that Nati had with him from his mother was a photo of them together with a cake, a birthday cake, Nati's cake. I know this must be a good memory for him, one I hope he never forgets. I know I never will!! Pictures and video to follow....
Nati also continues to progress at school. He loves his teacher, Mr. Skagen. A special connection, I guess, because Mr. Skagen and his wife have many adopted kids in their home. Nati had a good report card except for "making disruptive noises in class". We are working on that.
Nati also participated in an indoor soccer leaugue this winter. he is such a natural athlete. He really would score at least 5-6 goals per game. He is so fast and really does love the game.
What else can I say about our Nati...Let me share a story that Mr. Skagen shared with Clint and I.
There is a little 1st grade boy. He has been a little fearful of Nati at recess. Nati hasn't done anything to cause it, may just be the way the kid is. He tends to cling to the recess teacher and doesn't play much. So one day, Nati went up to the little boy clinging to the teacher's leg at recess and said, "It's OK little boy I am a nice boy and I won't hurt you." Nati grabbed the little boy's hand and they are forever pals at recess now. Mr. Skagen was so impressed!! He really is a loving, funny kid. I remember our driver while in Ethiopia said, "he is not free in his face" and I think is is safe to say that Nati is FREE!! We cannot imagine our lives without our Nati!!!