Thursday, August 14, 2008

One year ago today...

we held our sweet little pea for the first time. I can't believe it has already been one year since I first kissed those cheeks! I can still remember all of our excitement, nervousness, and anticipation of meeting our son for the first time!!! Oh, wow!!! What an awesome, unforgettable moment. Holding Eli for the first time was probably one of the most incredible moments of our lives. It was absolutely perfect. Pure love and joy. Eli was only 4 months old and an itty bitty 10lbs!!

Little did we know at that time that we would be making 3 more trips to Guatemala over the next several months! Through a garage sale, other fundraising parties, generous donations from friends/family/complete strangers, selling stuff on ebay, 2 minor car accidents (insurance $$!!), a second job, the IRS, and lots of scrimping and saving, we were able to make these trips possible. Though, these trips were absolutely priceless in so many, many ways. The other day, Jason was showing Eli some pictures from one of our visit trips and telling Eli the story behind each picture. At that moment, I was reminded of how much we experienced over the past year waiting for Eli, of all the incredible memories and stories we have to share with him, and how much we really were a part of his first year of life. It is all part of our story of becoming a family and it is pretty awesome! Our journey to becoming a family is just as important as life together as a family.

This slide show is LONG, but how do you narrow down hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of pictures?!?!?! So, grab your coffee, settle into that comfy chair, and enjoy!


10 comments:

Victoria and Joe said...

WOW What an amazing year. I know you will have many more happy years together... This is only the begining. It will only get better

Bobbi said...

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.....oh what a trip it was. But, the prize was worth the marathon!! Think of all the memories you have with him on those trips.

I was just "meeting" you one year ago as you went on this trip!!! Holy cow!! Has it really been only a year? Seems like I have known you forever.

Happy One Year Ago......

Jess said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jess said...

I can't believe it's been a year! I feel so blessed to have come in on your journey (in person) on the same day! They grow up so fast!

Gretchen said...

You have brought tears to my eyes just thinking about that long journey we have both been on. But oh wasn't it so worth it? Thank you for sharing your pictures. Those memories are priceless.

Greta Jo said...

Please pass the tissues! What a beautiful slide show. Wow!

Pam L said...

Wow, this has been a week of tear jerking blogs. Seems like many are just like you; looking back and remembering. And what wonderful memories you have to share! I loved the photos and sharing in your walk down memory lane. Loved the music too! I'm praying for the day when Phil can sing "I'm on my way" while pics of Nola are scrolling by. I know you and Jason waited a long time to bring Eli home and you give us hope that some day our journey will come to a happy ending.
Blessings to you and your family!

Pineapple Princess said...

What a beautiful slide show!

Stacy

Kelly said...

Amazing....I cannot believe its been a year!!!! Happy Happy Days!!!

Heidi said...

Wow, what great memories. Eli is so worth everything you went through to get him. Happy Anniversary.