Thursday, September 18, 2008

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

14 comments:

Susan said...

We adopted Tyler on his 10 month birthday, and his 20 month birthday last month was poignant for me. Just going through that amount of time with him, realizing how long it really can be, I felt sad for him that he had to wait so long to have parents. But we are so completely his, too. This whole experience we have all gone through is just so amazing. It's still sort of unbelievable to us, all that we had to go through, and that somehow we ended up with the perfect child for our family, who just happened to be born on the other side of the world.

Sandi said...

I love it, the way she is looking at Dad is wonderful. SO happy that you are achieving milestones, it makes me smile.

I hope that my daughter will share Semey with your daughter, only time will tell.

Sandi

Susan said...

What a wonderful blessing indeed.
and here were are, only 7 weeks into meeting Lil Leeza Grace and already so head over heels in love with her i feel like i have known her for ages. I can't wait to see how we have all grown a year from now. Let's see, we met Leeza at 10 months, but she was just 5 days shy of being 11 months.
For all we've missed, we've experienced her first crawl in all 4's, her first wave, her first peek a boo, her first clapping, her first kiss, her first point to her nose and her first time to stack stacking rings like an olmypic contestant. :)

Such a wonderful incredible miracle and I'm so happy for you. :)

What a sweet sweet pic of her and daddy. :)

xoxoxoxo

Unknown said...

Such a sweet & tender picture... it warms everyone's heart!

You ALL are so lucky. You're demonstrating that every day with moments like this and with your beautiful words through this blog.

Many, many more milestones to come...Enjoy each one!!

Lots of love, Janet

Jennifer said...

What an awesome photo!! (Minus the shirt- I just have to tease you!) Oh my gosh, look at that hair! She is so beautiful. Seriously. I can't believe how grown up she is. Are you sure she's not 4? :-)

Congratulations on reaching this wonderful milestone. I was just saying the other night to my MIL that within a few years, the 6 months we didn't have Gigi will seem like a mere drop in the bucket.

Our kiddos are growing up so fast. Isn't it interesting how there is that desire to both pause time and enjoy this age for a good long time, yet fast forward time to see the person they will become? An interesting paradox.

Lots of love!

Angela said...

That first meeting is huge, isn't it? It is so very significant - everything grows from that point in time. You have an amazing family. I wish you continued happiness and joy!

Our Family of Bloggers said...

First of all, absolutely beautiful picture of Aila and Daddy. A wonderful milestone to pass- and as each day passes, the "ratio" only grows on the times Aila is home. She is beautiful. Enjoy each other!

Patrick & Eileen said...

Very precious - every word, every thought and every sweet photo!

Eileen

Karen said...

I too love the first sweet photo. (I especially love the tee.) Your little girl gets prettier with every post. Your family is beautiful inside and out. Congratulations on achieving this big milestone.

You and Marshall are so blessed to have each other too—my eyes are tearing up again. Cherish every day you have together.

Hugs,
Karen

The Cook said...

It is such a big event...it was for us too. Congrats.

Aaron and Julie said...

I love the photo too :) Thinking of you guys as we both come up on a year of milestones. Can you believe it?

Chris & Christy said...

What an amazing realization! You have known Aila for over 1/2 of her little life. :) Made me think, I too have known Z for over 1/2 of her life now, I best follow your lead and post about the wonderful news. :)

I just can't believe how big Aila is getting, she looks like a little person now. :) She is truly beautiful! That photo from your last post of you kissing her head is precious.

Christy

Catalina said...

thank you for the birthday wishes, the pcitures are adorable and I can feel your happiness to be her parents, surely it was a very long journey but so much worthed.....I love the picture of mommy and daughter on facebook :)

Regina said...

What an amazing and moving milestone to celebrate! And what PRECIOUS photos.

I can relate a lot to the joys of hearing them start to speak. Milo's vocabulary has gone from zero to about 30 words since being home. Hearing his sweet little voice say mama and dadda is downright musical.

Sorry I've been away. Things are great here, but are still pretty all-consuming. I miss you!

xoxo,
Regina