On April 5th, we left Daniel for nine days. That's eight days longer than we have ever been away from him... and each one was painful. Fernando and I packed up a bunch of big bags and headed to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to bring home Daniel's baby sister, Violet Mariam. It was a grueling journey, and I'm glad we decided to leave Daniel in Arizona. Still though, it was tough not to see his sweet face every day.
We left him videos to watch each morning, with a corresponding present to open. His beloved aunt Keila (TK) was wonderful enough to stay at our house with Daniel for the entire nine days and told us that he didn't cry once - just happily told everyone he saw that Mommy and Daddy went on an airplane to Ethiopia to bring home baby sister.
He met us at the airport, standing in front of a large group of family and friends, carrying flowers and a doll for Violet. He ran towards us, yelling "Baby Violet! It's Baby Violet! My sister! That's my sissy!" He was all smiles and sweetness.
After nine days away (spent holding a 16 pound baby) Daniel looked older. Stronger. Fuller. Taller. He felt much heavier. And surprisingly, his brown skin looked whiter than I remember! (I guess that happens after a week in Africa). It took a few hours to get past the distance between us - he felt just a little standoffish and uncertain towards us, but by bedtime was hugging and kissing us like before.
On the way home, Violet was not a happy camper in her car seat. And Daniel wasted no time in showing off his big brother skills. "It's ok Violet - we're almost there!" "Mommy Daddy, if you let me get up out of my seat I can give her a bottle!" And my favorite, he sang her songs so she would stop crying and clap along with him (which she did).
I hope that I don't have to spend that kind of time away from him again anytime soon. It was uncomfortable for everyone involved, but for a good reason - Daniel has a baby sister. Here's hoping the next few weeks make for a smooth transition.
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