Friday, December 12, 2008

The day we met Anya Rashi







December 12 last year was the day we held our little girl for the first time! Peter, my sister Alicia and I went into the little room full of cribs and searched every face for the one that matched those precious photos we'd been clutching for the past seven months.

Part of me was afraid I wouldn't be able to pick her out from the crowd -- but we knew instantly which baby was ours. She seemed afraid, so we went slowly, getting down on her level and talking to her before we tried to lift her from the crib.

It was love at first sight -- for us, at least! Anya Rashi was not as thrilled to meet us as we were to meet her. After some tears, whimpering, and a bottle, she settled in with us a little better. We felt such compassion for her -- she was one smart little cookie, and knew that something momentous was happening.

Then it was our turn to shed tears of joy as we thanked Ms. Roy and the ayahs. They took a moment to say goodbye by laying their hands on Anya Rashi's head and murmuring a few words to her. Then we went down to the taxi, with Anya Rashi clinging to Nancy.

We can't believe it's already been a year. She is vivacious, smart, funny, loud, loving, and beautiful. We are so grateful to God for giving us our daughter, and our thoughts are with her birth parents, who wanted a good life for their baby. We pray so often that we are honoring and fulfilling the trust they placed in us.

8 comments:

Amy said...

My eyes fill with tears as I read this. What a blessing Anya is! Thanks for sharing and giving other families hope that their special day will come.

Pam said...

Happy 1st Gotcha Day!! Isn't it an amazing feeling to cross that threshold?? We are coming up on our 2nd one already! Time flies!!

Shad and Maggie Alsworth said...

Thanks for sharing your Gotcha Day with us!!! I love seeing how much Anya has grown!!

Julie & Patrick said...

Oh! She was so little! I remember what a cutie pie she was in the crib with Devi, Jenya and Max Rup when we were there. Hard to believe that a year has past. I love to compare the photos of day of being united to now. What a difference and every child seems to blossom in the most delightful ways.

Congrats to your family.
Julie R

Karen said...

Congratulations on this wonderful occasion!!! Woo-hoo! Thinking of you -
Karen & crew

The Labontes said...

Enjoy the memories, and thank you for sharing them.

Tina and Todd said...

How precious. As I read your post, tears flowed as I think how scared Anya was. It is so awesome to see how close and connected she is to her mommy and daddy now - and to see the love and security that she now feels. We love seeing her grow...

Cindy said...

Time does fly, doesn't it? WOW-terrific post!! Love the pictures..