Happy Halloween!

I don't think she had a clue what was going on, but people were giving her candy and she loved it! Here are some pictures of our fun...

And a few formal ones...

Happy Gotcha Day Baby Girl!

One year ago, our plane touched down. HOME. Four letters never meant so much. What is Gotcha Day? This is the day your child is forever yours. Some adoptive parents get to celebrate this day on the same day they meet their child. Russian adoptions are a little different. So, Russian adoptive parents celebrate it on the day that feels right to them. Some parents celebrate on the day they meet their child, some celebrate on their court date, some celebrate it the day they carry their child from the orphanage, and some the day they are home. For us, we will celebrate the day she came home because it wasn’t until then did she truly feel like ours. She was a US citizen and on our turf. No one could take her from us!
This was a very emotional time. As I look back now, I can see the fear in her eyes. She was smiling, but her eyes were screaming. We have had many ups and downs, but she has developed beyond our imagination. She is amazing. She speaks English almost as well as the average child her age…this alone blows me away. She has grown over 4 inches in one short year and gone from 9 month sized clothing to 24 month. She loves her big brothers and will follow them anywhere…hence all the bumps and bruises, LOL! She is a beautiful gift from God and I cannot imagine our lives without her.

You demanded them...

So, here they are! New photos of Julia. The first few are of her birthday party outfit and the bottom few are of our Mother's Day mommy and me outfits. Enjoy!!!

Court Anniversary

One year ago today, I stood in a tiny Russian court room and became the mother of my sweet baby girl. She is growing like a weed and learning something new everyday. I cannot believe how quickly time has gone by. Nor can I imagine my life without her!

The day we met our daughter!

One year ago yesterday, we stood in a Russian orphanage and met our daughter. We were exhausted, nervous, anxious, and just plain out of sorts, but when they brought her trough the door none of that mattered. The baby home director said, "Russian, Russian, Russian, Mama y Papa, Russian, Russian, Russian" and literally tossed her at us. She was tiny and scared. But being the "nosey" little girl that I now know she is, she had to check us out. I can only imagine what was going through her head. We were huge compared to everyone she'd ever met, not to mention that we spoke gibberish. Also, let's face it, Daddy was a lot hairier than any person she had ever met too! One look into those inquisitive eyes and I knew she was the child God had prepared for us!

I'm sorry I didn't get to post yesterday, but we were out all day. Also, I would love to post some pics, but my SD cards and main computer are packed. I will post them as soon as I can. I have asked this before but not recently. God's calling to care for the widows and orphans is for ALL Christians. PLEASE do what you can! God will bless you for it! Look how he blessed us...with our own little angel!

Beach Bum!

It's official...Julia LOVED the beach.

She was a little afraid of the waves at first but quickly got over that!

Her favorite activity was digging a hole in the sand.

OR should I say having someone else dig a hole so she could climb in it!
She really loved the pool and lazy river, even though the water was freezing!

Also, she learned to say "putt-putt" sometime mid-week as that seemed to be the favorite activity of her big brothers.

I can't wait to go again next year!!!

By The Way...

Our oldest son has decided that we need one more "sister". Why? Two of each...two boys and two girls! I like his logic...Anyone want to talk my husband into it? ;)

"Mum mum mum mum mum...Daddy!"

Our sweet girl has been home for over 7 months now! She is growing out of her size 18 month clothes, running ALL OVER the place, and is quickly growing hair. But, none of this compares to her calling me Mama! I knew she could say it. I'd heard it. But, she just preferred to say Daddy. Daddy this, Daddy that, DADDDDDDY shes sings...she'd even call me Daddy! But, basically refused to call me Mommy. Well, for the past couple days I decided that I would start correcting her. "Daddy," she'd say. "Nope, I'm Mommy," I'd reply. Well, this afternoon she finally did it. At first, I didn't even respond...I was so used to being called Daddy! Then I realized, that tiny little voice following me around was saying it! "Mum mum mum." I melted! I love that sweet little thing! So, all day she has been calling me Mom! This afternoon she said, "Mum mum mum". I said, "What baby?" She said, "Daddy!" I had to laugh!!! (But, did quickly reply..."No, Daddy's at work.") What a Mother's Day Gift!!! (It's close enough, right?!) My sweet baby girl is finally calling me MOM!

Here are a few pictures to enjoy. She has changed SOOOO much!

This picture is halarious...she just found out that the Easter Bunny had came to her house. Why the face? She was scared to death of the Easter Bunny!

Well, she quickly figured out that maybe he isn't so bad...he leaves toys????

Her first Easter Egg Hunt.

She was VERY serious about finding those eggs!

A few formal Easter Pics.

One more sweet one with her big brothers.

A Few Recent Pics Of Julia

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Home Four Months

Miss Julia has been home for almost four months now! It doesn't seem possible. She has transformed from a tiny, helpless infant to a very busy, independent (not to mention beautiful) toddler. She is not only walking, but running! She is showing interest in potty training. She is eating much better but still has a few issues with certain textures. Monday was her 18 month old check up and we have some great news! She has went from the 15 percentile to the 25 percentile in height in only 4 months!!! This is just wonderful!!! Her weight is still low, but the doctor told us that this is normal. Children usually catch up their height first then their weight. So, hopefully by her next check up she will have some meat on her bones! She had to have a few more tests ran, but all the results came back normal! This is the final set of testing, so these answers are considered definative! We have been so blessed by our angel!!!


Her first Christmas was wonderful! She enjoyed ripping up the paper more than the actual gift inside it. Santa brought her a tea set and a pink horse that she just loves! Also, she received a princess chair from her Mimi that she will not stay out of. Yesterday, the dog was trying to sleep in it and she sat on him!!! (I'd say "poor dog" but he deserved it.) Her daddy has her calling him "dumb dog". They just laugh and laugh at the poor dog's expense. I will try to give you an update sooner next time but for now see the post above for a few recent pictures of Julia.