Sunday, November 16, 2008

Amazing

One year ago today, we landed in Semey, drove straight to the Babyhouse and held our daughter for the first time.
Wow.

Here is our cherished Aila now - at 21 months old:


We've all come a long, long way together since that amazing day a year ago.
We are so thankful and so in love.

- J

P.S. To view a photo of the 3 of us in our first minutes together, go to our first post in this blog (May 24, 2008).

20 comments:

AJ said...

Let me be one of the first to say Wow. What a beautiful picture. What a beautiful journey.
AJ

Susan said...

she is such a beautiful lil girl-so happy and so loved!!! I had to go back and see her first picture to compare. Always beautiful-but the difference is stunning.

And, to think-what Leeza's hair could hopefully look like at her age. :)


I so remember all of your journey-the hard waiting, the struggles-and then meeting her-and seeing her now-and watching you all grow together is such a wonderful happy miracle. :)

I am so happy for you!
Leeza says hi and she hopes her hair is pretty like Awesome Alia's is!

Much much love and congratulations!!!

Anonymous said...

You did it...you made me cry, when I compared the two pix. You know how thrilled I am for you three! Love you, Janet

Julian and Sara said...

What a magical journey this "process" provides. Thank you for allowing us to share your experiences with you. And Happy One Year Anniversary!!

Susan said...

I just went back and compared the pictures. She's always been beautiful, but looked so scared then, and just so content now.

Enjoy this special day, and all the special anniversaries that will follow now!

Susan, Mitch, and Tyler

Our Family of Bloggers said...

Happy one year anniversary of such a special day- the memories of which will forever be imprinted in your minds. Aila is such a stunningly beautiful little girl. Happy one year. Enjoy your beautiful princess!
By the way- I am not sure who looks more scared in that first picture- Jennifer or Aila! It is remarkable to look back on the changes. Amazing what a difference a year makes!
Hugs from AZ!

Jennifer said...

OH. MY. GOSH. That is one of the most beautiful photos I've ever seen. Seriously. Amazing!

Congratulations on one year! Wow, has it really been that long? The difference both in age and expression is simply astounding. Aila is so very beautiful.

Congratulations you guys.

Lots of love to you.

Kjersten, Steve, Aitugan & Nurai said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! It is so insane to believe that you met one year ago. My how the time does seem to fly by when looking back, huh? Aila has grown and changed SO much in the year that you have been together. What a gorgeous, sweet, brilliant daughter you have. We are honored to know the three of you and to have you in our lives.

Wow, there really aren't adequate words to express all that has happened in the past year! Congratulations again and big hugs to the three of you!!
Love,
the Boothbay Gang : )

John & Jenny Morgan said...

WOW! That is a gorgeous picture of a beautiful girl! She's changed so much, and I am sure you two have, too.

Congratulations on having apent a great year with Aila!

Regina said...

Catching up on your blog is like opening a great big gift. I just can't tell you how much I enjoy your writing, your photos and seeing your stunning little Aila grow up. You are so special and very dear to me.

Warmest congratulations on your one year anniversary!!!

Angela said...

Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I have so appreciated all of your insight along the way. What a beautiful photo of Aila! I am so very happy for you. All my best on a very, very special annniversary for an amzing family!

Matthew Ruley said...

What a beauty! She really is gorgeous!

Patrick & Eileen said...

Like everyone else says....what a wonderful photo of your beautiful daughter! It's like a magazine ad!

Congrats on your one year anniversary - so very special :)

I want to thank you Jen for writing so openly, giving advice and being there for me. Times are difficult (as I'm in pain right now - neck pain due to stress).

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Well Audrey is up and needs to use her potty!!

Eileen

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! Looking forward to seeing you three real soon.

Jaimie, Gena and Berik said...

What a beautiful picture! I just put down what came out of my mouth when I saw it. I don't mean to sound redundant as I am now reading the other comments above. I have to go now because I am on my way to the first three minutes picture. You'll have a beautiful family. Gena

Karen said...

Is that the same girl from last year? What an incredible transformation. It's amazing to watch. Beautiful girl, beautiful family. Congratulations!!!!

Kelly and Sne said...

It is amazing how much can change in a year! And for the better! Aila is so adorable in that photo. I can't believe how much she has grown and blossomed since you three became a forever family.

Unknown said...

How fast they grow....

Patrick & Eileen said...

Hi,
I'm not sure what blog to say hello on :) I've been ill since being home and the in-laws left on Jan 13th....so I am finally getting a chance to check in on people's blogs.

I still can't get over the changes in Aila. She's a beautiful little girl!! I saw more photos of Aila on Aitugan's blog.

Thank you for the wonderful bath toys. Audrey loves to play with them....I like to play with them too :)

Take care,
Eileen

Susan said...

yo..in need of a gorgeous Aila update....

signed..
Leeza