What a Difference a Year Makes!

Now

Then

One year ago today was Gotcha Day! It's so amazing to think about that day, and how much our lives changed the moment we took Sofia out of the orphanage. Not to mention how much her life changed! We have had a year of learning, love, and growing as a family. Sofia is doing really well. She is taller, her hair is longer, and she has a huge personality. The quiet toddler from Baby House #5 has turned into a sassy, sweet, bossy, outgoing, giggly little girl. She will be three at the end of August, and will start preschool in the fall. Sofia acts and talks like she has always been in this country. She likes watching movies and cartoons, loves the park, the zoo, french fries, and to sing songs. The things that come out of her mouth are so funny, even when she is being naughty. It's really hard not to laugh sometimes. We love her so much!

Favorite PJs

Trying to figure out how to eat "Nerds"

Sofia and Cousin Mickey

Sweetest Smile

Her "Daddy Shirt"

Valentine's Day

I Love Chocolate!

"Ya Ya's" Birthday

The day we met

first day with Sofia

day 2

day 3

Last year at this time we were in Krasnoyarsk! Yesterday marked one year from the day that we met Sofia. I can remember the moment that they brought her into the play room where we were waiting. She had on a big yellow bow, a cute little dress, and was so timid and quiet. That day was so emotional! We were happy, nervous, excited, anxious, in love, and exhausted all at the same time. Looking back to that day, it is so amazing how much our little Russian baby has changed. She is, by no means, that quiet and timid girl anymore! She is sassy and loud and silly and has soooo much energy. We are constantly laughing at the crazy things she does. We are also constantly trying not to laugh at the sassy words that come out of her mouth. Sofia is 2 1/2 now, and is really good at it! She is still super sweet and caring, but she knows how to push your buttons. Two of her favorite phrases right now are "i told you!" and "you back-up!" She is super bossy, and I think I hear "no, no, mama" at least one billion times a day. LOL. In March we took her to see Dr. Ladage, the pediatrician that specializes in internationally adopted children, for a follow-up. Sofia is right on target for development and speech! She is still small for her age, but she has a good growth curve. We are finally doing big girl panties full time, except when she is sleeping. Yay! She is so curious about everything, and loves to learn new things. Preschool is still going really well, and she starts swim lessons next Wednesday. It's amazing how far we have come since that cold, snowy, day in Russia!

Time Flies!

One year ago, on March 19th, our lives changed forever. It was the day we found out that we were becoming parents. We will never forget the moment when our adoption agency called and told us that we got our referral, and that it was a little girl! We raced to the agency to see her pictures for the first time, and we immediately fell in love. I can remember those feelings like it was yesterday. We had been waiting and praying for a child, and God finally blessed us with our sweet Sofia. She was worth the wait. :) Here are her referral pictures.

After the first snowstorm

Christmas Day

Christmas Morning

2011 is off to a great start! Sofia continues to change right before our eyes. She is taller, smarter, and super sassy. Even though we always felt close to her, and her to us, it seems that our feelings have solidified. She is sensitive and loving towards us, and gives lots of hugs and kisses. Watching her grow and change has been amazing. We laugh a lot! She is soooo bossy. She is constantly telling us what to do, and what not to do...especially Hannah and her cousin Mickey. She talks non-stop, and we love her misspoken toddler words. Mark and I find ourselves speaking in "Sofia" all the time :) She still calls herself "Wea" and Hannah, "Ya Ya." She loves all of her cousins, and loves loves loves being spoiled by all of her grandparents. We are so fortunate to have them! Preschool is going really well, and she is almost back to being 100% potty-trained. On Saturday, it will be 8months since our adoption was finalized. It's so crazy to think that this time last year, we didn't even know about her. She was most definately worth the wait! We were truely meant to be a family, and we are looking forward to the months ahead.

Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving Day

First day of preschool

The Elf on the Shelf

Picking out a Christmas Tree

Christmas was a magical time for all three of us this year. Mark and I loved watching Sofia get excited about Baby Jesus and Santa. So many firsts for her this month...picking out a Christmas tree, decorating, visiting Santa, Christmas music, the Elf on the Shelf, Christmas cookies, Christmas mass, and of course...presents! She also started preschool one day a week, and she loves it. She looks so cute bundled up in her coat with her little backback and lunchbox. These were just a few of our favorite pictures. I will try to add some pics of Christmas Day soon. We hope everyone has had a safe and wonderful Christmas season!

Cute pics

Not much to say, except that Sofia's Baptism and first Halloween went great! It was such a full and fun day :)