LOOK WHO'S 4 TODAY!!

it's hard to believe our baby is 4 today!!

these shots were taken back last Fall at a local portrait studio -Elizabeth was a natural in front of the camera...it was actually a bit scary to watch. :)

she is a delightful little girl.
her giggle is absolutely infectious.
her smile lights up a room.
she is tender hearted and (usually) quite unselfish.
she is ridiculously petite!! ~no hips/no buns/no tummy!
she is incredibly athletic.

she has blossomed in the last 27 months of being home. ~considering what we think her life was like those first 21mo she has come SO FAR. We still have issues that pop up and that we're working on....but all things considered, she has made amazing strides...because she is an amazing girl.

As I sat down to do this post I was reminded that somewhere, on the other side of the world, there is a mother whose arms are empty. In just a few minutes our little girl will wake up and sleepily walk to me, rubbing her eyes, and climb up into my lap for snuggles.

My arms will be full....holding our little girl.

I will get to hear her giggles today.
I will get to see her sweet smile.

I wish there was some way to thank Elizabeth's birth mother for giving her life AND for loving her enough to give her up so we could have the joy of raising her.

Ellie-bellie-

you are such a joyful addition to our family.

since you've arrived there are lots more laughs and giggles around here. :)

you have come so far sweet pea...learning to love and be loved...learning to trust and let us take care of you....learning what it means to be a part of a family.

I know you still have times when you're insecure. I wish I could make everything better with just a hug and a kiss...but I can't.
Only God can do that.
We pray one day your heart is fully healed.....but until that day we will do everything we can to help you feel loved and secure.

We love you so much Ellie-bellie....so much.

love -mommy