Sunday, July 8, 2012

Happy Gotcha day Dariya!

One year ago today we took Dariya out of her baby house forever and headed back to Kiev to complete our embassy visit so we could fly home, otherwise known in the adoption world as "Gotcha Day".

This year has been an amazing journey.


Sometimes it was completely easy, other times it wasn't.   

But, it has been so worthwhile.

I can't imagine our lives without Dariya.  God certainly knew what He was doing when he chose her for us.

She fits in perfectly, she has come so far in just a year, she loves with abandon, gives the tightest hugs and the sweetest kisses, her giggle is contagious and her heart is pure.

Her life is worth so much more than living inside an orphanage, even a good one like hers.

She has learned so many things this year.  She is one smart cookie.  I couldn't begin to make a list.

But, most of all she has learned how to be a part of a family.  She loves her siblings, she seeks out Aidan and Alayna to play, she doesn't hold grudges or seek revenge when Alayna is having a mean moment.

This girl has a heart of gold and I am so glad she is mine.

Tonight we will dine on Ukrainian cuisine.  Borscht, fresh bread and vereniki.  This tradition was Aidan's idea last year when we sprung her from the orphanage and we thought it was a great idea.

So today we will celebrate our blessing, enjoy a little more of her culture and let her know how loved she truly is here at home.

Happy Gotcha Day, Dariya.  We love you!!!

5 comments:

Charlotte's Mama said...

A year already? Happy Gotcha Dariya!

Lacey said...

I can't believe its been that long! That means its even longer that we've had Arina! In some ways its seems like we've had her since birth. In other ways, it seems just like yesterday I was petrified in this country that was so far away!

teal915 said...

Hope you had a happy day.,what a wonderful,day to celebrate.

Jill said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Dariya!!! You are so blessed to have such a wonderful family and are so beautiful. Your video is beautiful too. :-) (Psst...tell your mom that I'm a little behind in blogging, but I'll have some photos of you up on my blog soon of us eating borsch and verniki together a year ago! So blessed to have met you!)

EVELYN said...

I am sobbing. What an angel!