Tomorrow is Leila's Gotcha Day. It was questionable as to whether or not we could bring her home this trip and I was a nervous wreck, so technically, I don't feel like we truly "got her" until we landed on American soil.
You can see just how much she has changed and how much she has accomplished since then. She works hard as she has physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy every week. She used to think it was play time but she is starting to catch on!
I know I've said how appreciative I am over and over to all of you who stood by our side during our six month struggle to bring Leila home. We could not have made it through without our friends and family, your support was amazing and I truly believe all the prayers that were said made a difference. Even my friends that are not religious shot up some prayers, and that tells me something.....I have some pretty special people in my life.
This was one of Leila's caregivers, she took care of her and Leila's friend Kaiden. We know Kaiden's family well and keep in touch with them.
The lady to the far left was her other personal caregiver, she came back to the orphanage just this day to say goodbye to Leila. The other two gals on the right are caregivers for all the babies.
Daddy holding her on our way to an appointment. Locals look down at you if your baby is not all bundled, even if it's 90 degrees, so every chance we had we unbuttoned and let her cool off!
We called all our family on Skype to meet Leila for the first time, what a great invention!
This is me signing the official book stating that this child no longer belongs to the orphanage.......Hallelujah!
Daddy holding her on our way to an appointment. Locals look down at you if your baby is not all bundled, even if it's 90 degrees, so every chance we had we unbuttoned and let her cool off!We called all our family on Skype to meet Leila for the first time, what a great invention!Seems like this all just happened yesterday, I can't believe it has been a year already.
How far we have come.............
Oh Kelli, your posting today brought tears to my eyes. I am so incredibly happy for you and your family, and I really know how special this day is. Both of our families are BLESSED to have Kyrgyz children! Looking back on our struggles to bring home our little angels, I thought of the Chinese proverb -- "An invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break."
ReplyDeleteI will write and send pictures soon, promise! God Bless! Amber
Oh my what a day tht was! It hardly seems possible that our little gift from God was ours a year ago. My heart flutters with joy when I think just how blessed we are that she came into our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Kelli & Tariq, for making a dream that I always had as a mother come true for me as a Grandmother. I love you all, Mom
ReplyDeleteWOW.. Sis, I can't believe it has already been a whole year. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember seeing her little face for the first time, we all fell in love with her right away. We love you and are so excited to see your family grow together. Jese
ReplyDeleteWe all love that little nut:) I'm glad she fell from the tree and landed in our family when she did! We love you Links!
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