Our 2 Little Girls

January 31, 2008. The day we met our daughters.

Here's another excerpt from my journal:

Today we met our 2 little girls. Oh girls, you are so amazing!

Sasha (Lexi), you are such a tiny little thing! The same blond hair as your brother and sister. Stuffy nose, all sniffles today. Big blue eyes. You wore a white dress and a big red bow on top of your head. You are a quiet little girl so far. You haven't had much to say yet, but you sat in my lap and played with some toys. You've been a little nervous about your daddy, but just you wait little girl. He is going to be your best friend very soon. We can't wait to be with you for keeps.

Liza (Natalie), another beautiful, special little girl. Big blue eyes. Long dark blond hair. You came into the room ready to play. You wore a purple shirt and jean jumper with a humongous purple bow in your hair! Such a good big sister. Ready to help Sasha and the other children. Unlike your sister, you had a lot to say! Chatting away from the moment we met you. Naming pictures in books and reciting rhymes. You are so smart and outgoing.

Our daughters. We love you already. We just wanted to scoop you up and bring you home today! Why, oh why, must it take so long?! It was such a special day. We will always treasure this day we first met you. Girls, may you always know that you are God's perfect creation.

Here are a few pictures of our first visit with Lexi and Natalie:

What Were You Doing 2 Years Ago Today?

We were meeting our son for the very first time.

Here are bits and pieces of what I wrote in my journal that night.

A letter to Justin...

January 30, 2008
8:45 pm

I'm so tired. 30 hours of traveling and we've barely slept. But, I won't close my eyes before I tell you about The Day I Met You.

You live in an orphanage in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. It's faded blue and 3 stories tall. There are 60 children in your home. Boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 7.

You are 4 and a half years old.
And today we met you for the very first time.

Soon after arriving we were led into a playroom. We took some time to speak with the people who have helped you and taken care of you. We found out a little about your birth family and when you first came to stay at the orphanage. We listened to a social worker, a woman with long, dark graying hair, a mouth full of gold teeth and quite a mustache. Her name was Valentina. She bragged about what a good boy you are. How you are helpful and play nicely with other children. Clearly, she cares for you and is certainly proud of you.

Then, before we were able to talk much more, suddenly there you were!!! A caregiver had led you in, and there you were! Politely saying hello. Big eyes. Dark blond hair. We give you two Matchbox cars, which you gently take with a smile. I'm sitting on the floor, playing with you, but I'm in another place too. Just thinking how this is so amazing. HERE YOU ARE. The words keep repeating in my head. Finally. In front of me. And you are just perfect.

Yes, little one. You are just perfect. I am so thankful that God has been watching over you. You are the answer to my prayers.

Here are a few pictures from that first meeting, 2 years ago, that I never posted:

The next day we would meet the girls. More pix and journaling to come. (Really!)