Lauren

In April of 2003 we embarked on a remarkable journey to bring home our precious baby girl. Our travels took us around the world ( and back again ) and while aspects of our travels were daunting ~ we would do it a million & one times over again for the gift of this beautiful baby ~ the baby we were blessed to find in Kazakhstan ~ our Lauren.

Last year I shared with you all a longer summary of our time in Kazakhstan, of its raw ~ almost harsh beauty and landscape ~ of its solemn, courteous and courageous people ~ of the many acts of kindness bestowed upon us from virtual strangers.......of one sweet tiny infant girl who opened her heart to us in all the important and big ways, making us the parents & family we are today. Looking at the photo above.....seeing those eyes peering over Scott's shoulder ~ I'm right back there; standing in a Babyhouse in a remote corner of Kazakhstan, watching the moments tumble by that would become the bedrock ~ the threads ~ of our family history. Seeing in those eyes both a keen curiosity and probably bits of trepidation, for we were still strangers to this child. I wrote last year ( Her Story: April 21st, 2009) that the moment ~ that very first time ~ I gazed into those eyes it was instant clarity.......... I was home ~ I was her Mama ~ and so very blessed. Still very far away from the place we called home....but "home" just the same.

7 years doesn't seem like such a great span of time and there are still moments I see bits of that baby in my 7 year old big girl today. Her spirit, infectious laugh, intellect, compassion, mischievous twinkle all still remain. The cheeks have thinned and the legs are much longer......more hair to style and once in a while an abundant stubborn streak too. An amazing big sister now too. 7 years ago an angel found her way into our arms ~ how thankful and fortunate we are for the miracle of this child. How amazing it still seems, despite this passage of time that we were chosen to shepherd this remarkable child of God and delight daily in all that she is.....all that she was.....and all she has yet to become. How lucky we are to watch her continued journey and story unfold each day.

Lauren,

Never forget for a moment how loved & cherished you are and by so many. On April 18th, 2003 a judge in Karakastek, Kazakhstan made official what we already knew in our hearts. On that day, our adoption decree was granted ~ we passed court ~ and became a joyous family of 3. We spent 3 weeks in your country of birth, with many highlights throughout our stay; but on this day we knew without hesitation that we were yours' ~ always & forever

Thank you for finding your way to us............the joy you have brought us over these past 7 years is beyond measure. It was the gift & staggering bliss of you that gave us the courage to find your incredible baby brother last year ~ he too is part of your legacy.

I love you, always & forever.

xoxo

Mama