We already have over 100 pictures of Alina! We saw her briefly this morning (green dress) before we completed A LOT of paperwork. We were able to go back and spend two hours with her this evening (pink shirt and pants).
I have details to share tomorrow, but what I can say briefly is that we met a little girl today who melted our hearts. We met a little girl who is full of potential. She is busy, and sharp, and curious and adorable. While she is not talking a ton, she understands everything that is said to her in Russian! (She did say "book" for us, though.) This is the first picture of us with her, taken by our facilitator, Marina:
Here are a few other of the many photos we took today of our "little tank":
Alina LOVED the photo book of her new family. She kept wanting to go back into the room and show it to her groupa and caretakers. Actually, she wanted to show them all the toys we brought along. She LOVED the phone and her daddy's Blackberry--she tried to take off with it :).
She carried the photo book, though, with her wherever she went. Her caretakers let her keep it with her overnight :).
When we were leaving, one of the women asked her to come back and give mama and papa a hug goodbye. She turned right around and stretched her arms out to me and gave me a huge hug. She then gave Chris a huge hug.
We can't wait to see her tomorrow! We will post more as soon as we can!
I'm sooooo happy for you guys!!! She is doing GREAT!!!!!!! Amazing...God is just amazing!
ReplyDeleteAwe Lisa, this is what it's all about.
ReplyDeleteThat's so amazing! I couldn't be happier for you all!
ReplyDeleteShe is so adorable!!! I love the picture of her looking at Bridget! Be still my heart is right Lisa!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm in tears. What a beauty she is. And look at that HAIR!! I am living vicariously through your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteOMG!!!! She is just ADORABLE!!!!!!! She seems NOTHING like she looked in her pictures. I am so happy that you finally got to meet your daughter!!!!!! Can't wait to read and see more!
ReplyDeleteLuv and Hugs!
That is the prettiest "tank" I've ever seen! She is adorable.:)
ReplyDeleteCrying tears of joy. She is amazing.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a difference HAIR can make! She is beautiful, Lisa! Can't wait to see the new pics.
ReplyDeleteWow, Lisa. I have tears in my eyes as I am reading all of the developments. I know we don't know each other that well but you are a fascinating and loving person. I wish you nothing but the best with your new little girl. She is adorable and so lucky to have found such a wonderful family!
ReplyDeleteShe is amazing. I am so happy for you...I can't stand it! She is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteKeep your eyes out for little "Ross" :-)I hope you can see him and give him a big kiss and hug for us!
Gretchen
Feeling teary-eyed here...Wonderful pictures!
ReplyDeleteOh Lisa! This is just SO amazing...so so amazing...
ReplyDeleteKeep the pics coming if you can!! : )
xoxo
She is ADORABLE!!! AND she has HAIR! I know that makes you happy. :)
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you and for her! What a sweetie! I love Gods intimate care of forming a family! I JUST LOVE IT!
Look at your beautiful girl!!! And her hair is growing out! woo hoo!!! She looks so happy and loved already! I'm so thankful you guys had such a positive first meeting. Many, many, more to come. Oh Joy!!!
ReplyDeleteKristin
so precious! I know your beside yourself now that you are finally there with her! :)
ReplyDeletethis is a beautiful sight. and many tears are running down my face as i try and type.
ReplyDeletethe picture of alina looking at bridget's picture...of all her siblings...just MAGICAL.
lisa, you are certainly going to have your hands full with these special children. AREN'T YOU SO LUCKY! :)
I am completely undone by the hug story! Happy tears! She is perfect in every way. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteso beautiful!!! woo hoo!!! hope everything goes very smoothly for you!
ReplyDeletehugs.
Congratulations!! Can't wait till you bring your precious daughter home!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteFriend of Kristin Ferguson and fellow adoptive mom. Alina looks great! So happy for you!
Lisa
Wow.. What a day "mama and papa"! :) So many hugs to all of you !!!!! We can't wait to meet her when you all come "home"!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome, Lisa... totally amazing! I am SO happy for Alina and for your family!!!
ReplyDeleteOh - my eyes are overflowing with tears. I can just imagine the joy, the love, the beauty of the day!
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful!
I am very happy for you all!
Oh my gosh, what a beautiful first encounter! To think how many months you've longed for her and now she's finally getting a small taste of what is to come. Beautiful post -- love the pictures!
ReplyDeleteShe is absolutely a doll! I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear more about your visits. We just missed you in Kiev - we just had our SDA appt today and we are hoping to get our referral ppwk tomorrow and see our babies on Thursday. Prayers for a quick and safe court date! We'll be checking in on you!
ReplyDeleteMary
(adopting Tatya, Ana, and Eli)
Amazing!
ReplyDeleteEvery day I have anxiously signed on to follow along with you on your journey to Alina. What a beautiful beginning to the rest of the adventure. She is just adorable and the perfect addition to your family. Adam is particularly anxious to meet her. He has always been concerned about kids who are without parents (mainly because he's worried about himself if something happens to us:) We told him about Alina and that you and Chris are picking her up to take her home. After lots of questions he is very relieved that you will be able to care for her in a way her biological parents couldn't and that Alina will be very happy because you have a VERY FUN family. We all can't wait to meet her and see you all - hopefully very soon.
ReplyDeleteI am in tears over this! I am so happy for you both that you got to meet your little girl. She is so blessed to have found her forever family! You guys are doing such an amazing thing!
ReplyDeleteMore happy tears! So excited for the next chapter!
ReplyDelete