Father's Day

Here are some pictures of how we spent Anna's first Father's Day!



Life can be crazy somedays with three kiddos!



Daddy's little shadow



Bradey challenged daddy to a game of Mario Kart Wii...daddy lost :-(





Out flying kites after dinner



One tired baby...

Bradey's Recital

Bradey had his second recital this week. He worked so hard and we are busting with pride!

One Month Home!

Anna has been home with us one month today! It is interesting being on this side of our adoption process. I followed so many other families journeys and watch them bring their children home and sometimes doubted if it would ever happen for us. Now she is here where she belongs, and I sometimes still can't believe it! The other day I was driving around and looked in the mirror and saw her sleeping peacefully in her carseat and couldn't help but cry. She is REALLY here, in my car! a place I have prayed for her so many times while driving carpool, running errands, etc. Thank you Lord for bringing Anna home, you have been so faithful even when my faith was weak.





As you can see Anna is not such a fan of her crib (yet!) She made the transition from our room to her room this past week, but is still in her pack-n-play.



I know I am a big meany for taking this picture of her crying, but it was so cute I couldn't resist. Someday she will love her crib, I am sure of it:-)



She has gotten over her fear of the carseat! YEAH!



She decided to join her brothers in the sprinkler and she LOVED it!

A Night of Pampering

This past Saturday night, my sweet friends gave a shower for me and Anna. It was such a fun, relaxing evening and a treat to be able to hang out with my friends! Many of them have walked this journey with Ryan and I for the past two years so it was fun to finally be able to show her to everyone.



Thanks girls for all the adorable clothes and toys!



My friends Cammie, Melissa and June who did the party for me.
Thank you my sweet friends for doing this for me, everything was so beautiful!

Anna's Firsts

I realized today that I (Amy) have not posted to our blog since we were in Moscow. Where have the days gone? We don't quite know how to explain it, but having 3 kids seems like much more than 2+1. The first week was brutal in terms of sleep deprivation and re-entry into our new normal lives. Every day has gotten better and I can now say I am able to do more than what just HAS to be done in the day (i.e. feed the kids).

Anna amazes us every day with how she is adjusting. Of course we know this is just the beginning and there could be many bumps along the way, but from what we see so far she is doing wonderfully! I could go on and on about her, there is no doubt in the world that this little girl was born to be in our family. She just fits perfectly and we all love her to pieces. We took her to an International Adoption Specialist yesterday in Seattle. We are SO glad we made the effort to go and get a very in-depth check-up from a specialist who knows about Eastern European adoptions and what is typical from children from there. We would encourage any fellow adopting parents out there to do the same if you have one available anywhere near you. It is definitely worth it!

Here are some pictures of the "firsts" Anna has experienced with us in the 2 1/2 weeks since being home.



First time in a pool



First haircut



First popsicle



First look at the ocean (its actually the Puget Sound but it counts!)