One year ago today...

I met my beautiful son, E. As you can see, our relationship had a bit of a rocky start. Apparently we arrived during his afternoon nap and he was more than a little groggy when he was first placed in my arms. Poor baby, it hurts my heart to see these photos where he is so clearly terrified and confused. What you can't tell from this photo is how terrified I was as well. But I simply held him close and kept whispering to him that I was his mommy and he was so very loved and that he could cry as long as he wanted, I would wait.

Eventually he calmed down and snuggled into me...one of his very best traits. He is truly the snuggliest baby ever.



Our first family photo. As you can see, he's still in shock, clinging to his new teething ring for dear life.



E and Mommy asleep in the Frankfurt airport.




E & L a few weeks after we arrived home. As you can see, L is not terribly pleased with her new competition little brother.




E's first birthday. Already looking less like a baby and more like a toddler. Sniff sniff.




Fun at Mimi & Papa's!




Just took this yesterday. He was not afraid of the sprinkler for ONE MINUTE. And check out the pirate skull & crossbones on his trunks. How cute is that? I do love me some Target.




Gorgeous boy. Those eyes.




I don't know why I love this photo so much. It's just so very him. He may walk away from me for a wee bit, but he's always always checking in, blessing me with his smile.



 My beautiful boy. One year ago today a nanny put you in my arms and my life changed forever. Here are some things I want to always remember about you: you love to be in your mama's arms (seriously, I'm getting some impressive guns as my boy just keeps getting bigger and bigger), and when you get sleepy, you pop your right thumb in your mouth and your left hand immediately goes down the front of my shirt. Your dance moves are hilarious: some random squats followed by a rather violent up & down movement of the arms. Your emotions are swift and dramatic...if you feel as though you've been wronged (perhaps by another cute little Ethiopian that happens to be your sister) you make sure we KNOW it. And if you are happy, it's huge smiles, laughter, and dancing (like when I gave you your first sucker today). You are fearless and your curiosity and desire to get into things is unparalleled. I had never heard of a 15-month toddler learning to open baby gates, or doors, or plastic water bottles until you, my little MacGyver. You give the best sloppy kisses (some day we'll have to talk about how you shouldn't go in for a kiss with your mouth wide open, but that can wait a few more years). You are a mama's boy, through and through, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy "Gotcha Day," my amazing, beautiful boy. Every day I thank my lucky stars that God brought us together.