Celebrating 20 and 10

Today Olivia turns 20 months old. Today marks 10 months since Olivia was placed in our arms. Today she has been with us the same amount of time that she was with her foster family. They love her so much and I know they miss her very much and think of her daily. We are forever thankful to them for giving Olivia such a wonderful and loving start to her precious life. They are a part of our family and we will never forget them. We talk about them often to Olivia and she knows who each of them are when we point to their pictures. These pictures were taken the last few days prior to our arrival in Guatemala to meet Olivia for the first time. They not only took pictures but also made a video for us so we could see a glimpse into her life in Guatemala. These images are very precious to us and they will always be a part of Olivia's history.

I cannot imagine what they were going through when it was time to place Olivia with us. Having had her in our life for the past 10 months is not nearly long enough. I can't imagine a day without her.

Olivia,

We are so thankful to God for bringing you to us. We are so blessed to be able to call ourselves your Mommy and Daddy!! You are an amazing little girl. You are as beautiful inside as you are outside!! We look forward to every day we spend with you. You make us laugh all the time and the sun is always shining when you are near.

We love you,

Mommy and Daddy

Olivia in Guatemala

Papa Raul giving besos. Brother Raul Gabriel on the right.

Olivia with Brother Brandon Raul

Olivia, Papa Raul and Brandon

Olivia and Mama Mildred

Brandon, Papa Raul and Mama Mildred

The first time I ever held Olivia. November 22, 2007. I will never forget that day. It was so surreal. It felt wonderful to finally have her in my arms, yet it felt strange to be taking her from her foster family, she cried so hard, I knew I was breaking her heart. Her foster Mother and foster brother cried equally as hard. I tried not to cry. I was so nervous and my heart was breaking so much for Olivia and her foster family. I focused so much on how awful it was for all of them that I felt bad to celebrate the overwhelming emotion of finally holding MY DAUGHTER in my arms. It was the hardest thing I have ever done and yet it was the most awesome and wonderful moment of my life.

Now......Happy as can be!!

First Family Photo. Olivia cried so hard and wanted only Mildred to hold her.

Recent Family Photo

The first smile on our pick-up trip.

Now....Always smiling.


First days home, still pretty serious.

Now.....silly and lots of fun.

We love you beautiful girl!!