Thirteen Years Ago...

This sweet baby girl was placed in my arms in a hot, airless room in Kalmykia, Russia.  I will never forget unpacking a diaper bag full of baby toys, dolls, and pacifiers as we waited for a nanny to bring Mary Ashtyn to us.  We were scared to death...first time, young parents in a foreign country with no clue what to expect.  Trent was videoing me and I can honestly say I had that "deer in the headlights" look.  My eyes were full of fear and my hands were shaking. 

All of the sudden, the curtain that hung in front of the doorway parted and in came our first little miracle.  As the nanny passed her to me, Mary Ashtyn's little chin started to quiver.  I whispered, "please don't cry, I've waited for you for so long".  She looked straight into my eyes and reached her little hand up and put it in my mouth.  I put my head against hers and just sobbed.  She was our dream come true.  Thirteen years later, she still is. 

For this child did I pray, and the Lord hath granted me my petition, which I asked of him.

1 Samuel 1:27 

Happy Gotcha Day to the the most amazing daughter and big sister ever!!

Summer Fun

During the summer, we love to go, go go...to the beach, to the lake, to the beach, to the lake, to the beach.  Last summer, we dreamed about having our little ladybug with us and wondered if she would love the water and traveling as much as the rest of us.  Once she was diagnosed with MD, I thought we might have to change our lifestyle completely.  I never said it out loud, but I wondered if we should sell the boat and our RV.  How could Lily enjoy all this?  After 4 beach trips and a week at the lake...

My little ladybug reminded me once again that she can do anything!!!

Building sand castles...what a great big brother!!

Hanging out with Grandmama and Grandy

Reece and Lily...missing Mary Ashtyn while she was on a youth trip

Snorkeling

Making Memories

Driving the boat

Reece

Mary Ashtyn

Lily's first tube ride...she loved it!!!

Watching the big kids act crazy on the tube

FUN!!!

Fourth of July at the lake

 

 

 

 

Looking forward to many more trips with the BamFam 5!!