Gotcha Day, a year later

It's been a year since I walked out of the orphanage with my newest son in my arms! It was nothing less than miraculous! Elijah was a hidden angel, no one had met him, he wasn't on any photolisting, and he was all alone. But God knew he was there.....and He had a plan for Elijah much bigger than the four walls that Elijah saw everyday through the bars on his crib. Most of you know my story. Elijah was a blind referral that I received only 3 days before I was to travel to meet him. Nervous? A little. Exciting? Yes! I almost cried when I saw his precious photo for the first time! Less than a week later, I was holding my little angel in my arms for the first time.

This is Elijah's referral photo. It's also the first picture I ever saw of my peanut.


This is the first time I saw my little guy. His caregiver handed him to me right after I took this picture. I was already in love!



Special Firsts after coming home!Elijah's walking now!


Elijah on his 1st vacation with our family!:)


Elijah's 3rd birthday and first birthday with his family.


Elijah's 1st day of school!


Elijah a year later!


I love this little boy so much! He has stolen my heart with those beautiful eyes of his and his sweet smile, his cute little giggle, the way he puts his arms around my neck for a hug, the way he backs up and sits on my lap, the way he gets excited when I give him a cookie, the way he runs to get his shoes when he knows we are going somewhere, the way he lays his little head on my shoulder when he's tired and just wants to be held, the way he says "no!", the way he dances when the music comes on, the way he giggles and lights up when we play Elmo songs in the truck, the way he races up to Caleb's bed to wake him up, the way he jumps up and steals Ben's spot on the couch when Ben gets up and can hardly stop laughing as Ben tickles him for taking his spot, and the way he says "Mama" just melts my heart! I could watch him as he is sleeping all night and I can't wait to kiss his sweet little face in the morning! Thank you God for the gift of Elijah! It is an honor to be his Mama!!