While most new parents get a first glimpse of their little baby either moments post-birth or all swaddled up in a blanket, our little baby was wearing a white dress with red flowers and looking at us tentatively as she walked up to us to play. Just in case, I was prepared for the "you may not fall in love immediately since it takes time" situation...but that was out the door the moment we laid eyes on Kristina. She looked at us, interacted with us, and we were in love.
All our prayers for 12 years to become a family were being answered. Some friends and family members remained "cautious" up until the moment we got custody of Kristina 8 months later. But after holding her, kissing her, seeing her smile and staring into her eyes, we just knew that God had lead us in the right direction. We never would have thought that we would have to travel across the world to bring our daughter home, but He knew.
A year ago, the only pictures we could post were those "sneak peeks" - either a body part or a headless child. For the first time, I share a glimpse into the excitement we felt and the beautiful little girl who entered our hearts forever.
First picture with Kristina: Moments after the Orphanage Doctor brought Kristina in to meet us!
I helped Kristina up the slide only to learn a few minutes later that she could climb up herself!
Kristina loved the stacking cups and rattle ball we brought her.
Kristina with Dr. Khouloudis, the pediatrician we flew in from Moscow to examine Kristina and read her medical charts. Best investment of the entire adoption process!
One of our very first family photos taken, September 24, 2008
Some quiet time and first time we saw Kristina sucking her thumb. September 25, 2008
We sweat it out each day trying to get Kristina to smile. JD got close here!
First thing we fed Kristina...Animal Crackers! September 26, 2008
Cracker in one hand and a box of BandAids in the other. We discovered Kristina loved anything that was like a sticker or tape!
Tending to Kristina's cold...looks like some things don't change!
Love, love, love this photo of Kristina looking into Papa's eyes! September 27, 2008
Mission Accomplished: First giggles from Kristina ~ took 4 days!
A very sad moment ~ when the caregiver came in to take Kristina away and we didn't know when we'd see her again... September 27, 2008
One year later...tired and all of us are battling bad colds but we've never been happier! September 24, 2009
16 comments:
Loved all the pictures...that little face...she is such a dolly. The last picture was undoubtedly my favorite!
What a beautiful family.
Kristine
Laura and Jon,
I know the road was very long and bumpy for you. There were so many people praying for you through each bump and curve. Know that not only were your prayers answered, but ours were answered as well.
With love,
Anna (OH)
What a great post! I love the early pictures and seeing how much she has changed.
What a great post! I love the early pictures and seeing how much she has changed.
WOW what a difference a year makes!! I love the early pictures especially the first Family photo. She is adorable. Hope you guys feel better soon.
beth and Mattie
I loved seeing these pictures! Thanks for the post and I hope you're all soon well again!
What a beautiful angel she is! She just lights up a room, I can tell from the pictures! It always amazes me to think about the destiny of it all, she was meant to be your girl from the first moment she breathed!
What a difference a year makes! Thanks for sharing the pictures with us!
Laura:
Loved all the first pictures and memories!!! It does feel so surreal that first time you meet them.
christine
Congrats! Your post brought back such vivid emotions from our first visit. The nervousness and the unsure feelings we had. What a difference a year makes! She was so cute then, but she has grown into such a beautiful little girl! I especially love the photo of her looking into Papa's eyes. Such love!
Melissa
What a difference a year makes! (Did someone already say that?!?) The pictures are beautiful. Can't believe how much her hair has grown in the past year!
gina
Laura, Jon, and Kristina -
How incredibly special of you to share these very private and special times with us -- I can see the shine in her eyes, and all the reasons you fell in love -- and the shot of you all together, 1 year later, 4 months after being home just takes my breath away -- dreams coming true... to people who appreciate every single morsel!!
OMG!!!! This post brought soooo many great memories...
Thanks for sharing.
Kristina is sooo beautiful and blessed to have you and Jon as her parents.
It is really nice to see the whole child of all those pictures :)
Laura and Jon,
What an amazing year! I am soooo happy for you. You both seem so happy, I can see the joy parenthood brings you. Kristina is blessed by you and you by her.
Love you SWAK
Susan (KY)
Awwww! Congrats!
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