Today at Therapy School......

I present 'Dancin Anna'......

Who said therapy wasn't any fun?! Thanks Helen and Leah for loving on my little lady- yall are great!

Is she standing?

Several folks, who saw the picture below (Birthday pics- Part 1), have asked if Anna is standing.

Yes and No.

She was standing under her own power but balancing on the rocking chair behind her. Still, pretty good for a little lady who could not bear weight through her legs in February!

Birthday Pics- Part 2

Good morning Birthday girl!

Birthday Muffins

Anna's not so sure about all these people at her house....chillin with a cracker is just fine!

Lots of water fun going on.....where's Anna? Not in the water.

Mmmmm, yogurt. Better than icing!

Hey mom, it's my friend, Naomi!

All our party pals.

All good things must come to an end......

I am so thankful to have my little girl home for her first birthday. She has changed so much since she came home 4 months ago....and she has changed me just as much. What did I do without my little Anna?

I've thought a lot about Anna's Enat. In Ethiopia, they don't keep track of birthday. So when a child comes into care, they estimate the birthday based on the nearness to holidays, the phase of the moon, etc. , so she may not be marking Anna's birth to the day. But I wonder if she doesn't think more about her daughter during this time of the year; if she doesn't miss her just a little more? I know a little about the day Anna was born, but there are still things I'd love to know: who tied her belly button (they did a great job!)? how long did her mom labor? what was the reaction of her family? what were those first hours like for them? I hope we get to find out the answer to these questions one day. I'm eager to send Anna's Enat pictures of our daughter- maybe it will ease her worry and grief just a little. Maybe she'll find a little joy. I am thankful everyday for the incredible sacrifice she made; for the selfless gift she gave me.

So here's to my daughter's first year-it's been a long journey, little lady, but you are doing fantastic. You amaze me everyday and I love you very much!

Birthday Pic- Part 1

I've been trying all day to get these up and blogger just won't cooperate. So, for now, I'll pick just one. I'll keep trying......
How about my big girl?!
Happy Monday!

Happy 1st Birthday, Anna!

Today we celebrated my sweet girl's first birthday! She had some of her friend over for a little water play. Blogger is running too slow to post all the pictures (and I'm too tired) so here's a favorite....I'll try to post them all tomorrow!
That's pretty much the face she wore all morning....I think we mistakenly put on her grouchy pants today :) Even still, she is super cute!
Happy Sunday....and Happy Birthday little lady! I love you so much!

Drum roll please....