Happy 1st "Gotcha Day"!!!

Exactly 1 year ago today we were picking up our beautiful daughter from ISRC in Kolkata India. She had spent over three years waiting for a family and we arrived today. She was frightened beyond belief and sooo sad to leave her only home that she knew. It was a change for our family that couldn't be predicted or explained. How can someone else that has nothing give you more than you give them when you have everything? She is a little miracle.
Here is a small update for all who prayed for her to find a family and knew of her medical needs. Her left side weakness has improved and she has great flexibility on that side. She is still testing comparable with her peers. Her only deficiency is no speech. Schizencephaly is considered a terminal condition because the seizures will eventually become uncontrollable and they will take their life-guess what? Not one seizure. Praise God!!

Bringing her in the office to meet us....she was a frightened little girl.

After screaming uncontrollably (her, not me-even though I was close to it) on the way to get our visa we are calmed walking to the embassy because we think there is a chance of us returning home. Not home-so we cried so hard at the embassy they asked us to wait outside. :)

Now were home. Posing on our front step this fall.

Jumping in the jumpy with the boys.

Swimming in the back yard with her adoring brother. She finally warmed up to the cold water, at first swimming was not an option. Too Cold!!!

Waiting to walk Jonathan down to the bus stop early one sunny morning.

Loving one of her many "babies"

Sweet little trick or treater!!

Her last "first" because we are nearing her homecoming-her first time trick or treating. If you think about it Halloween is a strange activity for someone that has never experienced it. We stuck her in a costume, dragged her out in the dark, there were strangers roaming the neighborhood-some in not so friendly costumes and then people give you candy. Did she love it? Of course!! She word Allie's costume that she wore when she was 3-that was 17 years ago. Kyle's mom sewed it for her right before she passed away from cancer. So, it had special meaning to us. The bonus of Halloween for Amisha is that she LOVES chocolate-I think she could live off of it.

She likes the guts!

Nearly a year ago Amisha came home to us and just missed carving a pumpkin. So-as with everything she does-she loved every minute of it. She especially liked playing with the innards.

Adoption finalization!!!!

Arriving at the courthouse and filing at the probate window.

Today we finalized Amisha's adoption. She is now legally ours!!

All paperwork is in order and we head down to the courtroom.

We sit and wait for the judge to be ready for us.

We waited and waited....

and waited some more...

and then we were in the court room listening to the judge.

everything was in order

And it was final!!!!!

Amisha's First Birthday....with a family

There was something so important about giving Amisha her "first birthday". It may be because she was alone on her first three or to know that she may not spend as many with us as we would like, but with all that said, it was important. I wanted to share some pictures with all of you who have shared her amazing journey so far. You are all so important to us. It marks almost a year since she made the journey home. She has changed so much. The blessings she has brought to everyone around her are enumerable. Happy 4th Birthday Amisha

The first Fathers Day with 5....(yes, late I know)

Update for summer....

Looking so pretty

Getting up close to the dolphins at the zoo

Dressing up for prom with our sister

Swinging at the park

In our arms for 6 months today!

November 7th we arrived after an exhausting flight 1/2 way around the world with one very scared little girl. In this short time she has blossomed in so many ways. What a blessing she is to our lives.

'For I know the plans that I have for you' declares the Lord

How could one ever imagine that 2 orphaned children born more than 1 year apart in different areas of India would end up here together? And with me as their mother of all people!! They are very rarely separated from each other. They LOVE each other. Jonathan is learning determination and compassion from her and she is learning to be loud and that it sometimes takes force to get what you want. (Ha Ha) As I ride in the car and look back in my mirror and these two I just have to chuckle. Over 15 years ago I had a 3 and 4 year old. I wiped noses, put on band aids, woke up during the night and here I am again doing all these things over again. I let them both have a huge bottle of Gatorade (blue & red) in the car and they both were thrilled. Would I have done it 10 years ago? No way. It's fun to do it all over again. Jonathan will sometimes sing that "he was born to be wild" as I drive. Is it my driving or his personality? I hope the latter, but have to consider how God changes you through the years. So, as you are reflecting on your life or thinking about your future remember that.... Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. James 4:14a
(I didn't know that included drinks that stain on beige car interior)

Wild jumpy girl!!

Wild laundry girl

Family Weekend

My sister Cathy teaching her how to fish.

Our cute little face after our first taste of Cheetos

Dancing in our cousins room.

Allie was having her "punch" Jonathan in the face and they thought it was hilarious.

Finally being able to enjoy a warm Minnesota day!

My sister was here from Seattle for my neices confirmation and we were able to spend a nice relaxing weekend with extended family. My dear friend & neighbor had come by on Friday and mentioned how it was on her heart that orphaned children will not only grow up alone, but who would they invite to their wedding or see on their birthday. It was such a timely message for me to appreciate being with family and being able to share it with Amisha.