Friday, August 24, 2007

Forever Family Day




Today marks one year since Gabriella was placed in our arms forever and we began our life as a family. We, of course, were a family from the day we had her referral, but August 24 was the day we never had to say good-bye to her again and leave her behind. I still remember it like it just happened. Yet, other times, it seems she has been with us forever.
What a year it's been. I look back at the old pictures and can't believe how much she has grown and changed. It's been such a journey to watch her learn new things every day.

Here are a couple of pictures from one year ago today when we were just reunited.






We decided to keep it low-key and I made dinner and we had my mom over. I made Guatemalan Chicken in Pineapple and Guatemalan-style rice and some sweet plantains. It was YUMMY.
Daddy brought her some balloons and boy oh boy was she a happy girl! She ran around the house playing with those until dinner. Good thing she was hungry or it could have been ugly taking them away to eat.


Where's mommy?


There she is!



And here's some cuteness from earlier in the day.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow one year alreay! Where does the time go? Can you please share the recipes? They sound yummy. It is amazing to see her as a baby since she seems always so grown up toddling around the house.

Amy S. said...

Happy Forever Family day Allene! I enjoyed reading your blog. That is one sweet princess you have. I really enjoyed the pictures too. I couldn't help notice the "big" cat in the window. What is his or hers name and how much does he or she weigh? Wow! I bet you can't beleive the year went so fast. They grow wayyyyy to quick.:(

Hugs and Love...

Natalie said...

Happy Family Day!!! Wow...how she has changed in the past year! She is such a cutie :)

The Cook said...

Happy Family day you guys! We are going to celebrate too. Gabby has changed so much in a year. She is such a little cutie full of sparkle. You guys have done a great job.

Kim said...

Happy Forever Family Day!! Ok - I have to ask - where did you guys stay on pick up? We were at the Marriott at the same time on a visit trip! Looks like you guys had a great day!!!

THE MERRILL FAMILY said...

Happy Family Day! It sounds like it was the perfect celebration for your sweet princessa. We can't wait to meet y'all in Atlanta! Of course, Garrett and Elena are concerned that they are going to have to teach her about football and cheering for the "right" team -- the Pats! LOL

veggiemom said...

Happy Family Day!!! I can only imagine how exciting that must be. Gabby was so cute one year agoo and now she's grown into a beautiful toddler. :)

Kerri and Ruby

Well-heeled mom said...

I want to know how you made Guatemala style chicken! Recipe, please.

Sharon and Olivia Grace said...

How quickly they grow! Love the pictures from a year ago. Forever Family Day is such a wonderful milestone to celebrate! I know you will enjoy a lifetime of celebration!

Sharon

Type (little) a aka Michele said...

Gabriella is such a lucky girl that she has 2 special days, her birthday AND her family day.

Sometimes it must seem that she's never been anywhere else. :-)

And Ferdy's got his hand in your pocket, how sweet!

Bobbi said...

Happy forever family day! Congratulations. Hard to believe how fast it goes.

I would LOVE those recipes, or at least where you got them from. I like that idea for a tradition.

Again, how beautiful she is!

Melissa said...

Oh, happy family day. I know ours will be here before we know it. What a special time for your family.

Ms. Carr said...

Oh that makes me so happy! I am so happy for you guys! I can't believe it's been a year!

Carrie, Rich and the Kids said...

Happy Forever Family Day! The time does go so fast and I so know what you mean about it feeling like yesterday, yet feeling like she was in your life forever and can't imagine it without her.

She was so tiny and sweet and look at her now--a beautiful and fun-loving toddler!

What a nice celebration you made. Very special for a wonderful family and precious girl! Balloons are the bomb and nothing makes these girls happier!

Love her Forever Family Day dress, of course!

Such a coincidence that you, me, and Kim were all in Guatemala at the same time last year, but we did not know each other.

Samantha said...

Oh, Happy Family Day! How wonderful! How tiny she was! And what a big, beautiful, grinning girl she is now!

I am totally making that pineapple chicken. :)