Today's amazing gifts!!!

All the way from Connecticut!!! Thank you Auntie Wendy and Ate Lily!!!!!!!!!! A year ago, who would've thought that not only would I have an absolutely beautiful little girl, but that we would be receiving a boxful of beautiful clothes handed down to us all the way from across the continental US!!??? It was one of those..."Wow!!! Did that really just happen?" moments!!!! Yup, that's what happened to me and my beautiful baby K, TODAY!!! Wendy Cushing, fellow blogger and momma to Lily and Becky, sent us approximately 40 pounds of clothes and we received it from the awesome "UPS man", today!!! The blogging community has been an amazing support system to us during our adoption journey. I have made many friendships as a result. So touching are the stories and walks of life of the many women that I have met in the blogging world. I treasure each and everyone of you. Honestly, the blog has been such an avenue for me to truly put into words the emotions during this journey. Those of you who've followed us and stood by us know, that those emotions ranged from: sheer joy, blissful happiness, absolute chaos, frenzied frustration, and just over the moon giddiness!!! But out of all that, many meaningful bonds were formed! The UPS box delivered on our door today was a tangible expression of those relationships. Not to be forgotten also, was a lovely package that came from Renee Squires from Canada (now mommy to Rafael) of a beautiful shirt, that she specially picked out for baby K a couple of months ago!!!
How lovely these gestures of thoughtfulness and generosity!!! Whether you've sent us gifts or not, please know that I treasure friendships, blogging momma friends!!! Thank you so much...I am truly blessed by YOU!!!

P.S. Another amazing gift today happened while I was in the kitchen cooking dinner. Baby K, came up and hug my leg and said, clear as day, "I love you Momma"!!! This was followed by an endearing (yet loud) scream of "I love you daddy", from the bottom of the stairwell towards Daddy's office upstairs. Usually, baby K would say I love you back to us when we say it first. Today, was the first day she initiated it on her own! We are so touched by this moment. She surprises us with new things everyday. She is such a sweet sweet girl. What a blessing she has been and a ray of light in our lives!!!

Welcome Baby Party

at Daddy's work a couple of days ago was fantastic!!! I've been meaning to sit down and write about it...but as you can see I've been distracted by sweet daddy moments and not so sweet poopie moments!!!
Now, that baby K is napping comfortably and quietly, I can talk about the sweet day that we had at Daddy's "office" with all of his wonderful co-workers and friends. These amazing folks have "labored" with us through the years that it took to bring baby K home. They've been supportive and have done many gestures of kindness towards us. It was lovely to celebrate with them and share our beautiful little girl for her first "coming out" party! Baby K made out with lots of compliments on her pretty dress and shiny golden shoes. She also made out like a bandit with lots of generous gifts, that were opened by her and her Daddy. Among her favorite gifts are: the bunny goodnight book, Melissa and Doug art supplies, and a cool Dora wooden chair. She was over the moon with all the presents, which we haven't even been able to unpack from the trunk of our car. Not to be remiss are the wonderful dishes that was served, including baby K's favorites: grapes, noodles, and a huge Dora and Diego cake!!! There were also a lot of details which we truly appreciate and are so thankful for. Baby K enjoyed all of the fun balloons and Mommy and Daddy were so touched by the matted picture of our family for guests to sign. We also loved the DVD of the shower, which we were given before leaving. We watched it as a family that evening and it was a great way to end what was already and enchanting day. Thank you so much to Daddy's crew!!! We are so blessed by your thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity. Thank you for being part of our family!

Not so tender moment...

Meltdown this AM. Baby K would not get into her carseat. Fought me like there was no tomorrow. I lost the battle to a toddler! It turns out, she was pooping!!! I guess, I wouldn't want to sit on my poopie butt either...

Tender Moment...

that I just had to blog about!!! Tonight, baby K fell asleep while snuggling on Daddy's chest!!! So precious...

She has really bonded with her daddy...it just melts my heart to watch them! The two people I love the most, sharing such a tender moment. We're all so blessed...

God's grace

explains it all!!! Kristine is adjusting very well, after 2 months with her mommy and daddy! She has seamlessly adapted to her life with us, much to our surprise. We were worried about attachment and bonding issues, but we all seem to be doing well! Kristine definitely know who her parents are. She's very affectionate and oh, so sweet. She gives us sweet kisses...nuzzles us with her cute little nose and puts her head on our shoulders when she's tired. She is a happy baby with a boisterous laugh and a "melt your heart" smile. We are so in love with her, and we believe that she loves us too. Everyday, we are amazed at our daughter. She has new words almost everyday, she likes to do her puzzles and is currently learning "textures" and blended colors. She is a bright girl who is very inquisitive and eager to learn new things. Her memory is also unbelievable, she retains information for new words and things that she has learned. So, it surprises us in a way, that she does not call out or ask for her wonderful foster family, who she was deeply attached to. But if her daddy steps out, even just to the garage, she'll say, "Daddy, come back". She has also grown attached to our little neighbor, Nolan. She plays street hockey and ride trikes outside with Nolan for the past few weeks. This weekend, he went on a little spring break getaway for 3 days. For three days, baby K asked about him during her morning and afternoon outside time. Saying, "Momma, where's Nolan? Nolan come back?". I am so amazed at how seamlessly she has adapted so far. I know she misses her foster family in her own way, but I am encouraged that the trauma from that isn't greater than it is. And nothing else can explain it but God's grace. I know He's looking after all of us and helping baby K through her transition and has great plans for her future.