Day 35

It's ANNA GRAY DAY!!

She does not love snowsuits.



It's my baby girl's very first birthday and today she left the orphanage for the very last time!!

From the orphanage doctor:
 "I can't believe it, but she kisses you! You love each other very much." (translated).
I'm sure you understand just how grateful we are that this is the orphanage she has called home for the last year.  They've been wonderful and clearly adore her.

A few quick errands and we were home in no time!

Beautiful birthday girl!!

This baby is kind of internet sensation today! Whoa! Mad birthday wishes, little girl!

I wish I could print off all 400 (and counting...), but we'll just hope Facebook is still around when you learn to read and utilize that handy new timeline feature.

We got in a few Skype calls- including her brother and sisters!!
I think things just got real for the big kids. Ha. They yelled out sang Happy Birthday to their baby sister. They're so sweet!

She had a nice nap in the middle of the floor (on a palet).  Eat, sleep, or play...her only options are the floor or my arms, this could get interesting!  I did figure out rather quickly that she can, in fact, roll from back to front :)

I was quickly ushered back into the world of babyhood.
Feeding her the first time... ehhh... didn't go so great. I had no idea when she had eaten last or what time she normally eats, so I just waited until she starting fussing. I fixed her a bottle, which she attacked- but she was having a really hard time actually swallowing any of it. Maybe it was coming out too fast for her? The spoon was a different story...

Like a CHAMP.

How do you like my makeshift highchair? Just call me Mama McGyver.

A full belly and a dry diaper, this kid is HAPPY.

She loves the kissing bunnies Tatiana and Valentine got her for her birthday! (How sweet is that?!)

When she was done, she was DONE. I think I walked more in this apartment tonight that I have any other day, ha. I not-so-secretly missed this.  I had to walk and bounce and sing and soothe until she quit crying and I loved every second of it.  Once I put her down, she was OUT in about 90 seconds. Again, no idea of when she typically sleeps so I'm not sure if she is down for the night or not. I may be joining her soon just incase.

Things I learned from day one:
I did NOT bring enough bibs and burpcloths. I will be doing laundry every day. I should have bought more cookies.


You'll be glad to hear... our flights home are BOOKED! It is the absolute best case scenario, I couldn't be any happier about the flight plan. Thank you to my dear sweet husband who worked his tail off to fix it after my meltdown yesterday!!  And obviously, it would NOT be possible if it weren't for you and your support- prayerful, financial, or otherwise. THANK YOU.

LAYLA, BRYNN, AND CALE (and Nathan):
Anna Gray loved seeing you today! I can't wait until we get home and she sees that you are real! ha! Your great big smiles warmed my heart! Almost home guys! I love you and cannot wait to see the real you too!

ANNA GRAY:
Sweet girl... I don't even know how to tell you how much I love you. And now I'm crying just trying! You make the world a better place. You are sunshine at it's brightest. I don't know why God chose me to be your mommy, but I feel like the luckiest gal in the world. For the next few days, it's just me and you kid. We won't ever get this time back. I can't wait to see what you have to teach me. I apologize in advance if your cheeks get chapped from all the kissing. I can't help myself. Happy birthday, Annie.