'Forever Family' 1 Year Today

It was 1 year ago today that we began our journey as a 'forever family' when we landed in Greensboro about 2am. Donna, Jeff, and Colin were waiting at the Airport for us. Because it was so late/or early, whichever way you want to look at it, the terminal was pretty empty. (We had sat in Atlanta about 6 hours before flying into GSO). We were almost at the back of the airplane and waited for everyone to get off before we made our way up the isle with a very tired little girl. And at the door, chatted with the Flight Crew for a few minutes before we made our way out.

So hard to believe that it has been a year. So hard to believe just how much that little girl has grown and all that things she can do. She was eating her dinner today and just started singing the ABC song. Of course, it isn't perfect, but you can tell exactly what she is trying to say. And more times than not, if you ask her how old she is, she will hold up one finger and say '1'.

Who knows what the next year will bring...but, I can't wait to see how Bella continues to grow and learn and experiment. And I can't wait to continue to share with all of our friends and family the continuing journey of Isabella.

Crocs, Strollers, and Brithdays

 

Thanks Donna for the Crocs, Bella can finally wear them. They are too cute!!! Donna gave Bella the Crocs a long time ago and we have kept them sitting on the shelf in the closet waiting for the day that they would 'stay on'.

And the stroller, Bella tries to sit in it. I have to remind her that it is for her babies, which are all nude. She still doesn't want any clothes on the dolls, at all.


'Pump It Up' is where a friend of hers, Ryan, held his 2nd Birthday Party. The are in one pic together, running. Really neat place. Lots of blow ups to jump, bounce, and slide on. Bella was hanging with the bigger kids but took a quick dislike to the slide when she came down. And that was the end of that.....she found a car to play in and push around. And there she stayed till it was time for Pizza and Cake.

Celebrating our 'Gotcha' Day

Priceless



Boogie Down




Chips and Salsa--Yummy!



The staff at our favorite Mexican Restaurant sang for Bella



I love me some Colin!!



Colin, Donna, and Jeff met us at the Airport when we came home...the first folks to see Bella



The 'Gotcha' Day Celebrating is over for today. Bella is tucked away, sound asleep. And unlike the day we first saw Bella, there were no tears. Instead, lots of kisses and hugs and smiles and laughing. We ate at our favorite Mexican Restaurant. Bella got to wear the big Sombrero and the staff sang to the special 'Chiquita'.

I still can't believe that a year has passed since that first day that we stood in the lobby of the Westin and saw Bella for the first time. We were so fortunate to see so many 'firsts'. The first time Bella rolled over, sat up, pulled up, crawled and walked. What a special year it has been.

One Year Ago Today--'Gotcha'

One year later---No explanation needed! We love you 'Bella Boo'



Headed back home!!




One of the few moments that Bella wasn't crying...she really did miss her Foster Family...




As long as she has food, she is happy!!





One year ago today, we saw and held Isabella for the 'first' time. We had taken a tour of Guatemala and Antigua and made our way back to the Hotel to await the arrival of our Isabella. We would be meeting Bella as well as her Foster Family for the first time. That first afternoon/evening, Bella spent most of it crying. She missed the family she had been with for over 8 months. But, the next day was better, as was the day after that. We sat by the pool, ate at the Hotel Restaurants and just generally hung out with Bella. And before we knew it, our Embassy Appt was complete. We had Isabella's Visa and we were headed back to NC as a 'forever' family.

We are going out tonight to celebrate our 'gotcha' day. My brother and his wife are going to be there. Our good friends Jeff, Donna, and Colin will be there too. They met us when we arrived back into Greensboro with Isabella, almost 2am that Saturday morning, had our cars ready to go and everything. Da Da Keith, wish you could be here today, we love you! Just means we get to celebrate again when you get back home.

One Year Ago Today.....we departed for our pick-up trip

Today, a year ago, Keith and I departed for Guatemala and began our journey to meet and bring Isabella to her 'forever home'. We spent the day getting unpacked and settled into our room. We would spend most of the next day touring Antigua, the Jade Factory, and the Coffee Plantation. And Isabella would be arriving at our Hotel at 4 pm after we had completed our tour. Were we scared or what???? and do you think we slept any that night???? Not!!!! We spent alot of time reflecting on everything that had lead us up to and down the path to International Adoption.

The Greatest Show on Earth

Not only was it Valentines Day yesterday...it was Circus day too. Bella had a blast. She loved it all, especially the Elephants and Tigers. She clapped, danced, and laughed during the entire show. We had first row seats that were smack dab in front of the middle ring, Circus Celebrity Seats. Not only did we have a spectacular view, but, we got to be part of the show. The section that we were sitting in as well as the section to our left all got to walk down onto the floor and sit in extra special seats for about 20 minutes of the first half of the show. The show was actually going on around us. It was way cool.

They were selling everything...a sno cone was $9.00-----OMG.....we didn't get that....just the $15 dollar stuffed Elephant. At least it won't melt. And guess where it is???? in her bed. lol We took a visit to the restroom and ran into a group of Guatemalan kids and their parents. Like 4 parents and 8 kids...all pumped to be at the Circus.

So many firsts....and in just a few days we will be celebrating our 'Gotcha Day', Feb 18th. And a few days after that, we will be celebrating our 'first year home', Feb 23rd.

Our First Valentines Day

What a great 'first' Valentines day(s) spent with Bella. The first party was at her school on Friday. It brought back so many memories of when I, as a child, would give out those paper Valentine Cards. Of course now, they come with candy attached. Then, of course, is the special Valentine Card that Bella made in school and has a heart on the inside with her hand prints stamped on. That's a keeper!!

Keith is out of town, but managed to hide a few Valentine surprises for us to find today. Cards, candy, and Teddy Bears for Bella and me. As you can see, she got a red monkey too. And all of these animals have moved into her bed...along with the existing animals. She is totally surrounded with creatures.

And the extra special treat for the day...was the Circus....more to come

1 Year Ago Today---We were "PINK"

Check out the 'Mickey Mouse' shaped snowflake on the left side of the photo.



She has to have a book everywhere she goes...even to eat!


One year ago today, we found out that were were 'PINK'. We found out when we would be able to fly to Guatemala and hold our Isabella for the 'first' time. And we would be bringing her back home with us to stay forever. I set up our travel arrangements as quickly as I could...leaving on Feb 17, 2008.


And is she growing up or what??? From telling me that she will 'be right back' or 'one more time' or 'school bus' or 'love you'.....that has to be my favorite. And finally, yes finally, she may be taking a bit of interest in letting me fix her hair in the mornings. She left for school in pigtails today. And loves her purses and lipstick.