Matched a Year Ago

A year ago, the day before Thanksgiving 2014, was the day we first saw Ella's picture and we were immediately in love. Even though we were trying to be cautious based on prior experiences, Matt and I both knew she was our daughter.  Ella was the daughter we had been waiting on.  She was the child we had been praying for; crying for. And we finally had a face and a name for that beautiful child.

Our first picture of our Ella Bella in 11/2014.

At home with her family in 11/2015.   What a difference a year makes!!

 It's amazing to think how much our life has changed in the last year. We went from a family of three to a family of four that day before Thanksgiving. We spent the next 6 months finalizing paperwork, preparing Ella's room, and waiting on travel approval.  In June we traveled to China to finally meet our baby girl. Since June, life seems like a bit of a whirlwind!  Ella is a strong willed, busy, independent, sweet girl. She keeps us on our toes every minute of the day.  Ella is also smart (really smart if you ask her parents ;)). Sometimes she uses those smarts to prove to us she is learning colors, numbers, names, and songs. But most of the time those smarts are used to test us with her orneriness. Little does she know, she has made us stronger parents over the last 6 months!

Ella has constantly proven how resilient and strong she is. She's transitioned quickly into her new role in our family. She's loving daycare and making friends.  She has formed strong attachment bonds to Matt, Ava, and I but also to her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She battled through surgery and amazed all of her physicians.

Ella you are amazing!!  And we love you so much!!