Referral Day

Yesterday day marked one year since our referral of our daughter. For adoptive families, this is a pretty big day. Although it may not always be the happiest day for every family, it was for us. It was the first day we laid eyes on our sweet baby. Although we waited another 2 ½ months to get her in our arms, we finally realized we were going to be parents. We had a great night celebrating and I will never forget what an awesome day that was. I got the call with my mom on my way home from the mall. After getting to our house, we waited an excruciating 45 minutes for everyone to congregate. We then got a call and an email with this attached:

Here is Saida Kenean now…in all her baby glory!

Holiday Highlights

Now that the holiday season has come and gone, I really felt the need to get around to posting some updates and pictures. As always, things are busy around here.

Saida's first Thanksgiving at Nana's house

The plane ride to Florida for Christmas

Auntie Casey with new cousin Eva

Catching some rays in the Florida sunshine

Christmas Eve with the family. All of the kids opened their presents from each other together.

Meme with her grandchildren.

Out in Athens, during Christmas break. We got to hang out with our best friends. We were all roommates in college and now everyone is married with kids. Weird!

Playing mommy to her bff Max!

Firsts

Saida is starting to do all kinds of things. It has been a lot of fun to watch her acquire new skills. Right now, she can say hi, no, and dada. She is also signing more and milk. She really wants to walk but it hasn’t happened yet. She is standing and cruising constantly, so I know one day soon we will turn around and see her walking for the first time. That is what happened when she first stood up. I was in the bathroom getting her tub ready and I turned around and saw this:

Of course we grabbed the camera for this momentous occasion. Ever since we’ve kept the bathroom door shut and the toilet lid down! It just goes to show you can never be to cautious when it comes to developing babies.

The Love Affair

Miss Say is totally, head over heels, in love with our cat, Roxy. I am amazed at the things the cat will let her do to him. She lies on top of him, pulls off his collar, yanks his tail, and gives him kisses.

Most of the time, she is sweet like this:


Then, all of a sudden, it can turn ugly like this:


Mommy must then intervene to rescue Roxy from the crazed baby.

A few pictures

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thankful

This time last year I knew she was here. People thought I was crazy, but I just felt it. My mother did too, which was a huge comfort. We didn’t know her name or what she looked like, but I thought about her often. I hoped she was safe, comfortable, and loved. I was also grateful to be in the adoption process, even though it was hard at times, because I knew it would lead us to her. This picture is of little Miss Say. It is the earliest picture we have of her. Our agency gave it to us when we were in Ethiopia and I am so happy to have it. She is only a month and a half. It was taken in November of last year. I am honored to be her mother and thankful that she is with us. At the same time, I am aware of the sacrifice her other mother made. This year, I am hoping that she is safe, comfortable, and loved.

Birthday Girl!

Someone just turned one!
Before the party


During the party





After the party