Milestones

Although we enjoyed all the festivities of the holiday season, we had two additional celebrations last month.  In the middle of the month, we celebrated one year as a family.  One year since we walked out the door of the baby home forever.

 

 

We were so happy to be walking out that door we realized when we got to the car that we left my purse and our bag in the waiting area.  I wasn't going back for it!  I stayed in the car with our daughter and sent Bill back in to retrieve it!

I remember getting her back to the hotel and stripping off all those layers she was required to wear out the door.  Poor baby was so hot, she was soaking wet.

 

She spent the rest of the day in only a onesie.  No shoes, no socks.  It was a newfound freedom!

 

And she ate and ate...

 

Of course, I will never forget that first night either.  She was scared to go to sleep.  And she was exhausted.  She cried. A cry so unsettling.  We tried everything to settle her.  Finally, Bill was holding her and I went in to the bathroom.  My heart was breaking for my girl.  I got on my knees and started to pray for peace to come to her so that she could sleep.  Suddenly, as I prayed, the room went silent.  She fell asleep and slept 11 hours!

 

What a difference a year makes!  Our sweet girl is filled with joy.  People ask me all the time, "Is she always this happy?"  Yes, she usually is.  Just last night we were having dinner with friends.  Juliana somehow pinched her finger and she cried hard.  Our friends looked so concerned because they had never really seen her cry.  Don't worry she does cry.  But overall, she is a happy girl.

 

 

 

She is talking nonstop.  Did I say that clearly...NONSTOP!  There are times I crave I quiet moment.  But I am also amazed that she has learned so much in just a year.  I would not trade that constant chatter for anything.



We spent a relaxed day together.  She did receive a little gift. 

So excited to see what's inside.
 

 

 

 

It was a little nativity scene.  She loves it.  She wants everyone that comes to the house to see "my people" and her baby Jesus.

The other milestone we commemorated was one year home.  A year filled with so many firsts.  First holidays celebrated.  First words.  First haircut.  First fireworks.  First birthday party.  First family picture.  First trip to the zoo.  First time dipping her toes in the ocean and her fingers in the sand.  First day of preschool.  First time using the potty.  First time eating all kinds of food.  First time saying I love you. 

 

 

God had a plan for us.  He knew that although she started her life thousands of miles away from us, He had a perfect plan to bring us together. 

To create a family. 

To fill our hearts with a love we had never felt before. 

To show Juliana that she could share all of her love and joy with a family. 

Her family.  Her forever family.