One year ago

One year ago tonight, we received the referral for a sweet baby girl named Sena.  This is the precious face that spoke to my heart when I saw her on the waiting child list:

 

Here is what she looked like last November:

 

 

And here is our sweet angel today:

 

Ta da!

 

How about this?

Or this?

She cracks herself up!

 

 

 

It does not seem possible that it has been a whole year since we accepted her referral and seven months since she joined us at home.  We are so thankful for this baby girl who has brought so much joy to our family.  She has such a zest for life - I can't wait to see what God has planned for her. It's going to be GOOD! 

 

Addie has come a long way in these months since her homecoming.  Though she seemed right at home from the very beginning, as time has passed, she has become even more settled.  Each morning when she wakes up, she is happy to see us and when we tuck her into bed at night, she snuggles in her crib with a baby in each arm and a big smile on her face.  When she grabs my face to plant a kiss on my lips, my heart just melts.  Every.single.time.  She is a very affectionate little lady who makes friends wherever we go.  She smiles, waves, and blows kisses and she has developed quite a fan club at the grocery store and other places we frequent.   

 

Addie is saying a number of words and a few phrases.  Her favorite one is, "Hold me!"  She is a big fan of Dora and loves to say the names of the characters.  She and Sena enjoy snuggling up on the couch and watching it together.

 

 

 

 

 

 The two of them have developed a great relationship and that has been a tremendous blessing.  While they certainly have their moments that are less than loving, overall they get along well and have lots of fun together.  One of my biggest concerns about bringing another child into our family was what it would mean for Sena.  As it turns out, having a baby sister has been one of the best things for her.  I pray that as they grow, their relationship will continue to be a blessing for both of them.

 

As we enter this holiday season, it is very bittersweet for our family.  It will be so fun to experience the firsts with Addie, but we are keenly aware that these are also the first holidays that Papa will not be with us.  That makes my heart hurt, but I am so thankful that we know we will see him again one day.