Happy 1st and 4th!

This time last year...

Our friends and family were anxiously awaiting our arrival at the airport.




































Jeremiah and I were practically running to be reunited with our family again.





































And we walked out of the airport as a family of five for the first time.

























We were tired, overwhelmed, and a little bit freaked out over what we had just done.

And we had no idea who this little boy was...haunted by a traumatic past, so tiny and frail, afraid and cautious, and full of quirky faces.

























He didn't look like my kid.
Didn't act like mine.
Didn't smell the same.
and he didn't even seem to like us very much.

I wasn't sure I could love him like mine. Like he deserved to be loved.

Turns out I couldn't.

BUT GOD COULD.

And a year later I can absolutely and honestly say he equipped me and filled me up to overflowing with HIS love for Eli.

I couldn't even imagine my life without his sweet spunky presence in it. Wouldn't want to imagine a life without him.

And how he has grown this year.
Not just the 4 inches taller and the 7lbs heavier.
He is stronger physically and emotionally.
He is affectionate.
And he is secure in his position within our family.

Ezra and him have gone from the best friends that weren't into the best of brothers.

























To go from what I felt this day last year to what I know today...
is NOTHING short of a miracle and a true testament to the grace and faithfulness of my God.

Happy 1st year as part of our family Eli Cade...
you are the bravest boy I know and have brought so much to our family!

I love you.

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