It was one year ago today that we got the e-mail/call we had sooooo long awaited.
"Hi Jon and Laura! Congratulations on your upcoming court hearing!...." I remember screaming along with my friends/co-workers upon reading the e-mail. I can still feel the enthusiasm/support like it was yesterday. Kinda like labor pains setting in (without the physical discomfort!) accompanied by excitement, nervousness, and disbelief ~ we're going to be parents. (Click here to read last year's post...)
Fast-forward one year later, and we're totally into the swing our new routine. Last year, we couldn't post pictures of Kristina until she was officially ours. So this month, as I begin to recount our trip and wrap up our first year, I'll include lots of "never before seen" pictures (ha, no longer photos of our angel's body from only the neck down!).
Then, in May, I'll probably start to wrap up this blog. I will have it printed out into a hardcover book as a momento to Kristina. Words cannot express the mixed feelings I have about closing this chapter of our life and documenting our experiences along the way. This blog has been my emotional outlet ~ reaching out to family, friends, virtual blogger friends, my husband, and, of course, my dear Kristina. For everyone who has been following along, I ask that you continue to post comments so that Kristina can read them someday and know that even if it was only for a moment or two, her story touched your life. (I will, however, continue to read other's blogs and live vicariously through the lives of other adoptive parents who are still on the adoption path!)
Each day is a new beginning of experiences for us and I thank God every single day -- numerous times (easy to do when commuting 3 hours a day!). How were we chosen to be so loved and blessed? I wouldn't change anything from our numerous paths in life because they all led to where we are right now.
We love you, Kristina --- and would go anywhere in the world and do anything for you --- just because. xoxox
Kristina's mischevious grin...playing with markers before school today.
10 comments:
We are celebrating our year anniversay of 'the call' as well. I love the camparison to labor pains. That is sooo true! Here's to a year full of blessings!
Wow! I can't believe how far we have all come. And your story will always be intertwined with ours, as a part of ours. I love Kristina's little smirk, as my mom calls it. It definitely matches Colby's to a T. I so wish there was a way for us to meet. I bet they would get along so well.
Melissa
P.S. Have a wonderful Easter!
BLINK! 1 year. Just incredible. Soon it will be "Mom, can I borrow the keys to the car?"... but you know what? along the way you'll always be able to look back and say "I did the most I could to enjoy and appreciate each and every single day with this little angel"... because you do -- love her and care for her and be the best mom -- and in return, oh the love you feel in your heart... and did we even know the depths of our hearts before "that call"??? CONGRATS on the year and great job with the blog for Kristina! would love to hear the details on how to actually make it a book! I keep hearing the rumor and May is our "time" so need to figure it out :) So happy for you guys!
Can hardly believe that it is the 'anniversary' already. I can say I have read every entry of your blog (sometimes more than one!). It has been like awaiting the arrival of a favourite magazine when you just can't wait to read the next installment of a great story you have been following. I will be sad to not be 'logging' in... but will just pester your Dad for news after your last entry.
Love to you all,
Cousin Sarah, Fife, Scotland
I love following your story and sat on pins and needles with you as you awaited the "call". I enjoy watching how beautifully Kristina is growing... she looks so mature in the recent photo. I do hope you'll start a new blog to let us know all about your angel's antics!
It has been wonderful being able to follow your story and share your first year with Kristina. The year really has flown by!
To say you wouldn't change anything of the process that brought you together as a family is quite a statement. It shows how much you love Kristina and how you were meant to be together. God had a plan and your perseverance made it happen. - God Bless :)
Wow ... it's so hard to believe that a year has already passed since you got the news and were headed back to Russia! I have enjoyed following your journey to Kristina and getting to know you and your family!!! The connection to Russia and both our babies being from baby home #6 has just been incredible!!!
Christine
Her smile makes me smile!!
Love the picture!!! What a beautiful smile! We are so blessed to have these wonderful children, aren't we?
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