Mila's Readoption

Today we had Mila's Readoption! This just basically means we had to go to court to register her adoption with our state in order to get a U.S. birth certificate. It's a cute ceremony where we promise (again) to be her parents forever :) Mila got to wear Zoya's GOTCHA DAY outfit for her readoption today! It brought back lots of memories. Uncle Mike and Aunt Carol came with us to celebrate! We are so thankful for their love for our girls!

Calendar Magnets

In case you haven't seen our adoption blog lately, please check out our CALENDAR MAGNET FUNDRAISER and find out how you can see a new picture of our Curlie Girlie! Thanks!

3 Year Heart Anniversary for Zoya

3 years ago today, Zoya was recovering in a hospital in Ukraine, all alone, after an open heart surgery to repair a small ASD and a huge VSD. While I am eternally grateful for the director of her orphanage who pushed so hard to get her the needed surgery, I'm broken-hearted thinking she went through that without us.

After going through an open heart surgery with Mila, a whole new wave of complete sadness washed over me. When I first saw Mila after her open heart surgery, I was taken aback with how "sick" she looked. Once I gained enough composure to look at her again, a second wave washed over me and suddenly I felt as if I couldn't breathe because when I looked at her it hit me so hard that Zoya had been in that same position, all alone, without a mommy and daddy by her side. Tears poured out from my eyes as I ached seeing Mila so broken looking, and also grieved not being able to have been there for Zoya when she went through the same thing. Throughout Mila's somewhat difficult recovery, I thought often of Zoya. When I advocated for Mila, I was saddened that Zoya didn't have anyone to speak up for her needs. When Mila was in pain or discomfort and as I held her to comfort her, I ached thinking that Zoya, rather than finding comfort, likely found more distress and loneliness.  As I stayed by Mila's bedside, only leaving to use the restroom, I hurt for my Zoya-girl who didn't have a mama hovering over her during her recovery.  I can only pray that the Lord covered her during that time and sent angels to shield her.

I'll never be able to change the fact that we weren't there for her during that surgery. But I can surely change every single day since becoming her Mama! I thought about her surgery a lot today. As I looked at her I wondered if they really thought she'd survive, if they were just testing out their skills on an orphan, or if they were truly invested in saving her life. Knowing Zoya went through that pain and suffering without us certainly gives me a new perspective on her personality, post traumatic stress "stuff" and anxiety. Would she be just the same if she hadn't spent two years alone, going through traumatic things without a mama and papa? I still ask myself that question often out of curiosity, but it doesn't matter any more. She is our daughter, who we were born to love. We love her exactly as she is....happy days and tough days.

Tonight I'm thankful for the gift of Zoya, for her health, and for her beautiful personality. She is so vulnerable, so loving, so transparent, so born to share her spirit. Zoya hugged me a million times today. She stopped while she was playing just to smile at me and say "love you way more than you know" randomly, she helped me make cookies to celebrate Grandpa's birthday, she rocked her babies and sang "Baby Beluga," she loved on her sister, she giggled so hard while we tickled her....she took comfort in a lazy day at home knowing just how much she is loved and understanding that she is so very special to us. It was an amazing day to reflect on her sweet life, an an amazing day to remember how thankful we are for her healed heart and beautiful life!

A walk down memory lane of my sweet Zoya girl and I! 

Baking Fun

Zoya helped me make THESE gluten free treats this morning :) We had them for a mid-morning snack and loved them! I will definitely make them again. Next time I might throw a few mini chocolate chips in them to change it up a bit! 

Trying to sneak a little taste....stinker! 

"Hmmm I'll just pretend to look like I'm thinking here while I'm trying to taste the batter that's on my finger." 

Added in some math time as we counted our muffins! 

Still counting! 

Ready to go in the oven! 

She was saying "ohhh boy!" when I set it down in front of her! 

Giving it a sniff to make sure it's okay....she loved smelling the cinnamon! 

"What is this new stuff mom?"

"What are you waiting for??? Feed Me NOW!"

"Oh sorry, I forgot I had to ask....FINE, I'll sign EAT!"

Yum! 

"This is heavenly!" 

So good she had to give it the "Zoya shake" 

"So you're saying if I want more I have to pick it up myself?"

"Fine!"

"Totally worth the work!" 

"Mom, aren't I so cute, don't you want to give me another one?" (Mila ate 2 muffins herself!)

Buddy Walk!

Last weekend we had our local Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome! It was INSIDE this year which was FABULOUS!!! I only remember one year within the last 5 years that it wasn't freezing cold and raining/sleeting/snowing. This year was no different, so having it inside was great! Grandma and Grandpa B. came up for the day and had fun with the girls!

Zoya, making nice time here LOL (she only walked about one lap of the nine! She was spoiled by Daddy and Grandpa B. for the rest of the laps!)

Zoya was afraid of the clown (she must get that from me)

Dancin'

Zoya and Grandpa B.

Mila and Daddy! 

Zoya and Liv! 

So excited to see the bouncy house! 

Grandma B. and Mila

Mila loves her Grandpa and hats! 

Mila trying to take Seth's Dad's mustache off his face! 

Zoya and Daddy!

The best family pic of the 3....LOL! 

Mama and Mila 

Getting sleepy! 

Lap 7 or so....

Happy to be done walking and taking a break! 

This is how Mila ended the walk! It was tough being carried around for a mile! 

Happy girl when there's music! 

Bustin' a move!