Saturday, October 24, 2009

Yipeeee, Tati's 3!!!

Here she is... the beautiful birthday girl! Tatiana Elizabeth turned 3 today. WHAT a difference a year makes. Before I get to that, here is a quick snapshot of today.

Little T woke in new jammies sent Gramma and Grampa. Very fitting for the upcoming Halloween week!

... opened presents from mama! And had a party! More pictures later... but this is a big week for anniversaries and events!
A year ago today I filed my intent to adopt a little girl in Artem, Russia. It was the end of a whirlwind week and I was exhausted, excited and ready to start my life with this gorgeous child. It also happened to be her birthday. She was turning two. While I was overjoyed at our future together as mama and child, I was saddened that yet again she wouldn't have a special day. But it was so much more than that. As much as her caretakers loved her and cared for her - it isn't the same as parental love. You can easily start to think of all the things she was missing above and beyond a cake and ice cream.
I visited her with a balloon, some treats for her groupa, a teddy bear, and some clothes. One outfit she has on in her picture below. It was so hard to leave her but I knew I'd be back - and this time we'd be together for good.
A year later she has changed my life as much as hers has changed. She's an amazing, happy, sweet girl and I am so thankful that we were matched - even by crazy twist of fate - together. She's come so far this year, I love watching her personality emerge.
Thank you to all our friends and family who have supported and cheered us on this year. Your love and support means the world to us!!

17 comments:

Aunt Pammie said...

She's sooooooooooo precious!!! What a difference a loving mom makes. Looks like she had a fantastic time. When are you going to bring my niece down here?! Love to Tatiana.

Mike and Heidi Lee said...

Happy Birthday Tatiana!! We remember how excited your Mom was to celebrate your second birthday as well.

Joy said...

Happy B-day little T!! Now give us the pictures of her blowing out the candles!!
Joy

Gloria said...

Happy Birthday Tatiana! What a beautiful birthday girl you are!

Carolynn and Steve said...

Happy Birthday Miss T!
What a great birthday you had! I'm so glad to see you're both so very happy and that you could share this very special day!

Barb said...

Happy Birthday, T!! You are so beautiful and have grown so much this year!

Jeanette said...

Happy Birthday, Tatiana!!! It's amazing to see how much she has changed over the past year. Not just size, but the light in her eyes!

Tracy said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! I didn't realize that she was the same age as Ashlyn.

Shelly and Steve said...

Happy BDay to you little one!!! So happy she had a wonderful party this year :o) ADORABLE outfits!!

Yes, you are both beyond blessed.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Tatiana, what a difference a year makes, such a happy beautiful little girl...
Great job Amy....
Brady's Grandma Mary

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

Happy Birthday Tatiana! You have the most beautiful hair I have ever seen....and I love your new pajamas!!! Hope you had a wonderful birthday sweet girl.

Clarese said...

Aw! Happy birthday, Tatiana! She has grown so much since you first met her - she looks like a completely different kiddo!

Chandra said...

Oh my gosh I can't believe she's 3 already. Happy Birthday beautiful girl!

findingourdaughter said...

Love the birthday outfit!! What a princess! Can't wait to see the birthday party pictures....Tati blowing out the candles....
Hugs and love, Ansheen

www.russiansweetbaby.blogspot.com said...

Happy Birthday, T! :)

Holly

Lindsay & Corey said...

Great pictures Amy. Looks like Tatiana had a wonderful 3rd birthday.

Kim Abraham - Mom to the Fabulous Five! said...

Wow! T's three! How exciting, I think age 3 is my absolute favorite age. Her hair has grown so fast and those beautiful curls are back! Yea!!! Happy Birthday