Wednesday, February 10, 2010

What a difference.....6 months has made !!

I can hardly believe where we were 6 months ago today.

We had waited so long for Dahlia's little sister, her mei mei. And when I look at this picture of her in Daddy's arms for the first time, my heart hurts. For her. That poor sweet child was so tramatized.
China (and home) Aug 09 008
We all were a little bit. Despite my attempt at trying to look happy and normal - Milana had shut down. And poor Dahlia wasn't far behind.

China (and home) Aug 09 021
(and yes....that really is me in a........not black piece of clothing. I know, it's shocking. But I digress.)

China (and home) Aug 09 009
Poor, sweet thing.
And now, just look at her - 6 months later.

to Feb 6,2010 girls portrait, recipes etc 073

to Feb 6,2010 girls portrait, recipes etc 075

to Feb 6,2010 girls portrait, recipes etc 165 I blew this one up 'cause I want to remember even the spittle drooling down her mouth.
And her schnobbely nose.
I just love that face!

to Feb 6,2010 girls portrait, recipes etc 165

Milana has come so far and our family is so much richer and happier (and crazier) with her in it!

This is Milana (Banana) today!
to Feb 6,2010 girls portrait, recipes etc 146-2
Keep going, sweet one. You've only just begun.

How is it that God chose us to be your family? We don't know....but we thank Him for you.

We love you Milana!

16 comments:

Domestic Goddess..Diva sometimes said...

6 months does make a difference. They are now both happy with their mom and dad. :)

Buckeroomama said...

Sweet, sweet, sweet! I love that last one, ooh the happiness in that smile! What a sweetheart. :)

ellieshine said...

oh poor sweetheart - the process really is all so difficult isn't it? All worth it as you can see by Milana's beautiful smile in that last photo!

She is a beauty :)

Dita said...

OH, that first photo of Milana just breaks my heart but the ones of her today...well, they melt it!

I LOVE the one you blew up. Milana's face is so incredibly expressive...she is a true beauty.
I laughed watching the Hawaiian Girl getup in this FRIGID temperature! What a doll.

Oh, and by the way.....you looked amazing in that blue....just gorgeous!

Happy 6 Month's Home Milana!

xoxox
Dita

Love Letters To China said...

Happy 6 months home!!! Isn't it amazing how quickly time goes by and how resilient these kids are? Your photos of Milana in her daddy's arms for the first time are heart breaking. They look very similar to the ones we have of Liam. Your pictures are proof that love and family are the key to raising wonderful children. The last photo is adorable of her with the tutu. Pure happiness!

JinXiu said...

Happy 6 Months together

she is georgous and looks very happy. It just goes to show you that you are doing a terrific job. She is very lucky ( and so are you)

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Happy 6 Months!!

It is amazing to look back and see how that traumatized little girl has adjusted and fit so beautifully into your family. It is so evident that she is such a happy little girl:)

Whenever I see pictures of the first "Family Day" I can't help but feel so sorry for the babies...... As exciting as it is for us, the parents, you know that their whole world has been turned upsidedown, but you know in a matter of days, weeks, months......it is all going to change for the better.

These pictures of Milana are BEAUTIFUL...... I especially love the last one with the pink tutu.....SO SWEET!!!

xoxo,

Lisa

PS....Look at you in BLUE!!!

3 Countries 1 Love said...

Aww, she looks so sad......but then you look at her now and she is so full of life and happy! It's amazing to see the transition and change in our kiddos!

BTW....here's a link to a blog that has TONS of helpful hints on blogs/changing codes, etc!
http://sneakymommablogdesign.blogspot.com/

Susan said...

What an adorable little! Congratulations on your anniversary!

hm said...

Milana we love you and we love watching you bloom!!!

God bless you and your family

Congratulations

luv

me

Unknown said...

What a lovely tribute to Milana. And what a beautiful child. Happy six-month anniversary to your family of four!! :)

Lisa said...

Oh, it can't have been 6 mos. already....

6 months of beautiful family making and blossoming ~ for that's what I see in your photos and in each heartfelt post!

I feel so honored to have followed these past 6 plus months and absolutely cannot wait to see the next 6 plus with your lovely family!

Happy 6 mos. Mama!! Beautiful baby girl!!

Gail said...

It really is a miracle isn't it...how far they come(and us too!) I always tell people that. What a beauty she is, can't wait to see what the future holds for her!!!

Donna said...

I can't believe it's been 6 months already. Seems like yesterday and forever all at the same time!

I'm lovin' that last photo though. TU TU cute!!!

;)

Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!

Mahmee said...

Ho boy...that tutu pic is crazy sweet and beautiful. Congrats on your anniversary! She's looking fabulous!
M.

jenbusymom said...

Happy six months! How so much changes so quickly in six months! What a beautiful post, and beautiful black and whites of Milana and great last shot, pure joy!

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Hi, I'm Wanda. I am a happy woman, wife to Danny for...oh....lots a years and finally Mom to THE most adorable little girl from Hunan, China - Dahlia. And now we have been blessed again with another daughter, Milana, from Zhejiang, China. (The 2 best things I've ever done!) We live in the Montreal area. After a loooonnngg wait for Dahlia's little sister Milana (pronounced - Mee-lana, like banana), we finally brought her home in August 2009. Dahlia came to us in Nov 2004 (at 20 months of age)and a year later we began the application for another baby - at the time the waiting period was around 8 months. Almost 4 years later (say what!?!)we, at last, brought Milana home. This began as the story of our journey to bring Milana home and life with her big sister, Dahlia. It now continues as we live as a family of four!
God. My (growing) family. Hangin' out with my girlies. My wonderful friends (you know who you are!). To laugh (out loud and a lot!). Music. Painting. Hugs. Long chats with my buds. My garden. To read (ha...when I can!). Sunshine. Spring, Spring and more Spring. Building things. Cooking. Decorating. Parties (ahem). The internet. Life. Movies. A.I. Dancing with the stars. So you think you can dance. Travel. Umm..did I say laughing my head off. Oh Gee...everything actually!!
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