One year ago this month....

We were traveling back to Ethiopia to bring home our sweet baby girl, Lilja. It's hard to believe she has been home for a year. In some ways...it feels like just yesterday...and then when I look at these pictures of that little peanut...it seems like ages ago. She has been such an amazing blessing to our family.

When we first told people we were adopting a second child...I think most thought we were absolutely crazy. And honestly, five months after bringing Henri home...I thought we might be a little crazy, too...but we knew in our hearts little Lili was meant for our family, and we thank our lucky stars every day for our sweet little Lili.

Here we are...one year ago...in the airport...waiting to bring you back to the states. You were so tiny...now you weigh almost 23 lbs...and you are only 2-3 inches shorter than your brother! Since January of this year...you have grown almost four inches...the doctor couldn't believe it. She made you get re-measured....but four inches it is. :)

One of our first photos as with both parents. We were heading out to celebrate your adoption with other families who adopted. You were wearing your cousin, Emma's, hat and coat....and were swimming in it! You were still very shy and a little scared. You did not like loud noises, or loud voices, and you did not want to sleep, unless you were touching us. So sweet.... 

One of your first baths at the hotel. You could easily squeeze into the sink...with room to spare!

We just said goodbye to Hywot, your caregiver...she also took care of your brother, Henri. She made sure you had lots of love...until we arrived to bring you home. You were still a bit overwhelmed with everything that was going on...and a little scared to be leaving the transition home...

Here is one of the first photos we ever saw of you. I thought you were the most beautiful baby girl in the whole world, and couldn't believe that you were going to grow up in our family. This is still one of my favorite pictures....you are so beautiful, so honest, so our baby, Lili.

Lili's eyes...I love now, when you point out the various parts of your face....when you say "eyes" you blink your eyes fifty times. Your big, beautiful, eyes! We are so happy to have you in our family...and can't wait to see what else those eyes bring....

Happy one-year home in America, Baby Lilja! Our sweet, scared, quiet little Lili...has now turned into our fun-loving, always laughing, life of the party! You win everyone over with your sweet spirit, gentle disposition, and your smiling, friendly ways. And...you love to make everyone laugh. We love you! 

Cheers to many, many more years as a family together....