Finally

This is a big week for us.

As of now, we have known and loved our daughter for longer than the amount of time she was alive before meeting us.

Aila was 9 1/2 months old when we held her for the first time. It has been 10 months since that first meeting!

I remember those first minutes with her vividly. All 3 of us were absolutely terrified. It was hard to believe that she was actually in our arms, and that we were finally in Semey, holding our precious child.

What a long, long journey it was to find Aila and bring her home.
It was worth everything. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Each day with her has been so full, so rich, so magnificent - we are so completely hers in every way.

- J

Happy Update

The past week has been very exciting in our household.

Our sweet Aila has started, in a very real way, talking!
At 19 months, she is saying "bye-bye!" and "night-night" and "ice" and "purple" - it is the most adorable thing in the world!

But this is the best: Today, she called out to Marshall when he was walking out the door to leave. She called, loudly, "daddy!?!" to stop him from leaving! She has been saying dada a lot, but not directly to him.
Today, there was NO question! He could barely get himself to leave - both of us melted on the spot.

Then, only about an hour and a half later, I was upstairs working and Aila was playing with her babysitter, when, all of a sudden, I heard her call out "Mama?!!" - well, I almost fell out of my chair! I ran down to her and grabbed her and hugged that little girl! I felt like I had just won the lottery!

What an honor it is to be a witness to such magnificent, miraculous growth in our beautiful child. And what joy it brings us both to hear her call out to each of us.

Wow. The love we have for this little girl is mind-boggling.

Just had to share.

- J

Down East

Weren't we welcomed this weekend past with all the hospitality our Mainer friends had to offer: gracious warmth, blueberry muffins, chocolate chip cookies, and lots of tireless touring around the charming town of Boothbay Harbor. As depicted, much fun was had by all, and the two little ones got on famously (except for when the rocking horse saddle was in dispute).

Thank you, Morrisons! This singular bond continues! See you soon...








- J & M (& A)