It was a great day of celebrating together as a family as well as with Amy's parents who flew in from California. We plan on making this a special day for Anna every year by focusing on her Russian heritage and talking about our memories of the day she was finally ours. We made a meal of traditional Russian Borsch soup and stuffed cabbage rolls (recipe courtesy of our Russian friend Nina!). We also set out various souvenir's and mementos from our time in Russia. I remember the day we took her from the orphanage as clearly as I remember the birth of the boys. Every moment was so special, a new beginning for all of us! It has been a tough year in many respects but also a wonderful year, I am so glad to be where we are today in our understanding of each other. Sometimes I wish we could go back in time, knowing what we know now of Anna's needs and personality and redo some of those days of trying to figure it all out. I am so thankful to be where we are!
Leaving the orphanage one year ago with our sweet baby
One year later, a complete family!
Anna with some of the Russian souvenirs
Playing with her Matryoshka doll (this is a special thing I normally don't let her have it because I am afraid we will loose some pieces!) She loves to play with this!
The day was even better celebrating with Grandma and Grandpa and of course a few presents!
4 comments:
Great pictures Amy!!! So glad you all are doing so well! Crazy how time flies, huh? We are adjusting, but some days are tough as you know :) Talk to you soon!
I'm glad you all had a good Gotcha day! I've got to let Colin play with his matroshkya some day soon...I've been scared to let him do it but it looks like Anna did well with hers (with supervision, I'm sure!)
heather
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amy, i just love seeing these pictures. wow anna is growing and changing. her hair is getting thicker and longer, she's looking more and more like a "big girl" -- which i know you probably don't want to hear. i know... i'll keep maella as "my baby" for as long as possible. love the pictures of your family, so beautiful. and happy gotcha day anna! kara
So glad you celebrated in such a specific, personal way. I hope all our latest additions learn to love and respect their home countries!
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