Monday, August 17, 2009

My first in real life visit...Photo style

As hard as it is to believe that I first saw her picture in January it is even harder to think that the first time I met her it was over 5 months ago. As easy as it may appear that this wait has been for me I can not tell you in words how wonderful it feels that it is now over.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from my first visit

36 comments:

Julie said...

Awesome!!! So excited ti hear/read your next installment of this journey. I am thinking you have her right now!! (10:45 CST, Monday Morning, Aug. 17)

Julie said...

I meant "to hear...."

Dana Doctor said...

So glad Anna is now with her forever Mommy! Cherish every moment!

Melissa said...

Oh JOy...she is really beautfiul. I love her bonnet you made...and the photo of you kissing her on her forehead. Oh my gosh. What a doll. I'm so excited for you...tears are forming. I can't wait to see new photos....maybe a playdate???

Amy said...

beautifully done, Joy!!!

Matt and Carla Morgan said...

She is adorable! I love picture #20 - you look so blissful :)

cm

Allie from MI said...

Awwww congratulations!!! She is so beautiful... I bet you are enjoying every moment right now.

Anonymous said...

Joy
She is just adorable !!! I am so excited for you. I have been following you through this process and I will be breathing a sigh of relief when you are both safe at home.
I read the article you linked for your family and friends. I wish you would suggest it as reading for everyone.
It was an eye opener for me....ya' know I just had never thought of it from that perspective ... but OH so true.
Hugs
Sher

Chickie said...

She is BEAUTIFUL!!!! Congrats and I can't wait for you to be home and share all about your trip!

MandyJo013078 said...

Joy...

The pictures of Anna are beautiful. Can't wait to hear all about your trip. You & Anna are in my prayers for a safe trip home! Amanda

Melody said...

Oh Joy, I am just in tears right now thanking and praising God for this precious gift you've been given. And the gift Anna has been given!! To have been able to witness your journey from the moment you were referred your sweet girl has been so amazing and I cannot even put into words how very very happy I am for you. Congratulations!!!!

Suz said...

Oh I loved seeing these! You're bound to have her by now and I can't wait to read more and see more.

Joy, I'm sooooooooo very excited and happy for you.

chrissy said...

She is absolutely gorgeous! So close to being home!

Mandy @ The Party of 3 said...

Great pics:) She is so blessed to have you as her mother:)

Adrienne, Another Ordinary Miracle said...

Oh Joy,

The pictures of you two together took my breath away. I loved all of these!!!!! Oh my goodness, I think you may have her now. I hope you are doing GREAT and can hardly wait to hear you are home. :) The bonnet looks beautiful by the way!!

We love you!
Adrienne

Michael, Carrie, and S said...

Such sweet pictures! I especially love the pictures of you both together. So happy that she is finally with you forever!

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

LOVE the video...my favorite pictures were the ones with you and little Anna together! I bet she has grown and can't wait to see her with you in your "forever" pics.

XXX

Hope everything is going well.

Carolynn and Steve said...

Oh, Joy....
I'm getting teary just looking at the pictures---what a sweetie she is!
I'm so excited that you're almost HOME! YAY!

I can't wait to see the new pictures, either!

Trisha, Duane, and Family said...

Big Congrats...She is a darling baby!!! Many blessings and enjoy your grand finale. It's a great experience and gets even better from here;-). Trisha (mom2b4#10)

Jill and Cliff said...

She is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I loved seeing all the pictures of her. I really liked the ones with both of you. You looked like you had always been her mother. You have such a glow about you. I pray you have a safe trip back. Looking forword to seeing more pictures of her. This is such an exciting time in both of your lives. Cherish each moment it goes by to fast.

Dede said...

What a beautiful daughter you have! Those are great photos and I think you both have that matching eyebrow. ;-)

RandiFayPayton said...

OH that mischievious (?spelling) eyebrow! Oh I bet you are trying to just inhale her right now! I'm so happy for you...you're a mommy!!! The one of the forehead kiss welled up some tears-precious memories to treasure! Praying for a safe home journey and smooth transitions!
RF

Penny said...

Oh Joy! I am so excited for you, it is so good to see you back with your sweet baby girl. The pictures brought up so many emotions from giggles to tears of happiness for you both. I have thought of you so many times today and over the last few days.
Cling tight Mommy!! Your little darling is going to change your lives so much.
Prayers for safe return home!!

Barb said...

Love the intensity in her eyes! Pic 14 was one of my faves . . . the eyebrow up, the lips pursed!

Laura said...

Priceless pics -- you made my night.

Many blessings to you!!!

~Laura

kate said...

Joy, she is simply stunning. I bet you're living up to your name right now--full of JOY!

Carey and Norman said...

Very sweet! Anna is absolutely precious and I love seeing the first photos of her from January!

I hpoe you are enjoying your time in Russia!

Anonymous said...

Hi Joy,
I was not able to see these pictures! Darn!
Thankfully I was able to see the first ones you posted!-She is such a doll!!
Congratulations!!! I am just so happy for you!!! Teresa

Roger and Joanne said...

Simply beautiful!!!

She's gonna have the best parents!

Scott said...

What great pictures! Congratulations! Looking forward to more pictures.

Julie said...

Well it is the night of the 18th, so I imagine there it is the morning of the 19th. Hope that means you are on your way home with your daughter forever!! Looking forward to your next post!!!

Kami said...

She is absolutely beautiful! Her expressions are too cute! I am so happy for you guys!

Pam said...

Joy,Gerald & Anna,
Congrats on becoming a forever family!!Anna is just adorable!! I cant wait to see your first family pictures.Reading your blog I would bet Anna is in for such a fun life and she looks like she'll fit right in. I think Anna and our DD had the same beautician. Thank- you for letting us be part of your journey,keep it coming!! I so enjoy it!
Pam

MandyJo013078 said...

Joy...

Just wanted to send a little note to let you know I'm praying for your safe return with little Anna :) Loved the pictures from your first visit. Can't wait to hear about your travels and first few days home with Anna ;) I'm in school for Nursing & I'm a single gal and I'm hoping to adopt once I'm doing with school.
Amanda

findingourdaughter said...

Anna is precious! I am sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear that you have her in your arms!
Update when you can!!
Prayers for your first days with Anna....hope the transition is smooth.
God Bless!

Becky and Keith said...

Joy - she is absolutely beautiful!!! I love the picture with her eyebrow up - too, too cute! :-) Hope you are having safe travels and are having fun with that gorgeous girl!