[Chris3148]

Exactly one year ago yesterday we were standing for the second time in a small court room in Siberia, Russia praying for our petition to adopt our girls to be granted. And it was...seems like yesterday and forever rolled up into one. Our wishes were granted that day, now we will spend the rest of our lives making their wishes come true.

As I look back over the past year, I am in complete amazement as to how much my girls have impacted my life and how lucky I feel to be a mother to the most amazing children I have ever met. Emmalee has blossomed from a shy, unsure toddler whose life was turned upside down, into a sociable, silly little preschooler who never stops asking questions. She is our comedian, couch potato, little helper, dancer, singer, gymnast, moaner, news reporter, hugger, kisser, and so much more. And Alexis has blossomed from a quiet, non-talker infant whose life was changed so quickly, into a silly, stubborn toddler who would sit on your lap all day and sing finger plays. She is our daredevil, book reader, newly potty trained, singer, dresser upper, gymnast, whiner, interviewer, cuddlebug, and so much more.

In a single word, life is amazing, and I wonder everyday why I was lucky enough to be destined to have them as my daughters. And of course there were many long and challenging days, still are, but the love they give outweighs those times. Especially when I hear "I love you mommy as big as the tallest tree." J

Thanks e veryone for letting me share my sappy story and for all the support and love you have given all four of us over the past year. We can’t thank you enough.

If you want to see a slideshow I made for the girls and have about 15 minutes click on this link! (Sometimes the video shows perfectly and other times it gets stuck on some slides and skips quickly over others! L Either way I hope you enjoy it.)

http://www.vimeo.com/clip:153976#