I was finally able to get Leah to leave a headband on her head. I have been trying for ever. She wants no part of hair ribbons or barrets. I put them in and she immediately takes them out. I will keep trying though.
This little girl is such a love. We are amazed that after being with us for only 33 days she understands almost everything we say. We still feel so blessed to have her as our daughter. She wakes each morning with a smile that just melts your heart. It as if she is saying "life is good". 

Leah in a Rocker

 
 
Leah loves this rocking chair. 

N is for Nap

 
 
 
Priceless!!! When Grandpa and Leah are to quiet this is why. Even the dog was asleep. 

Our Choice for Leah's Godmother

 
 
Cathy is Leah's Godmother.
When Chris and I discussed who we would ask, this special lady came to both our minds. We knew Cathy would be understanding and especially supportive in our decision to adopt, and she would love our daughter.
As you can see by this first picture of their meeting we were right. A special bond has been formed and we know Cathy will have a special relationship with Leah. Cathy is one of the stongest mothers I know with all that she has had to endure in her own motherhood, and yet she still manages an infectious smile. Leah will come to know God because of the special gifts this wonderful women possesses and we thank her for becoming Leah's Godmother. 

The Men Who Will Love Leah Forever

 
This is another photo from homecoming. As you can see all Leah has to do is point her little finger and 3 generations of men follow her lead. Can you say PRINCESS LEAH.
Leah is blessed to have these men to shape her life. She will experience the unconditional love of a grandfather, a father and a brother. 

We are home..........

 
 
 
We arrived home exhausted, but safe and sound. We were able to fly home Oct 5th a day earlier than expected. We surprised Christopher and arrived at Grandma's house to find him doing his homework. Can I say how proud We are of him. When he heard Chris's voice as we came thru the door he came to us like a shot. Here are the first photos of Christopher upon our arrival. Pictures are worth a thousand words.
We travelled direct to JFK meaning we left Almaty at 1:50pm. The flight path was as follows:
Almaty to Astana 50 min layover (stay on plane)
Astana to Frankfurt (4 hour lay over)
Frankfurt to JFK
Total about 17 hours on plane with Leah on our laps. Talk about bonding.....
She did well for most of the trip. Ocassional outbursts of crying and good for her I wanted to do the same. Being an adult I refrained. Sleep was minimal for us and Leah took 2 long naps. We were very glad to touch down at 12:30pm to a bright sun shinning day. Customs was a breeze and the agents there we so nice in welcoming Leah to her home. They told her she was an Island Girl now.
Mary my wondeful friend came and picked us up. I could see she was so happy to finally meet Leah. Our car was at Mary's house, so when we arrived there we left right away as we really wanted to get back to Christopher. Mary understood and we were so greatful, friends like her dont come along often she is a keeper. With a kiss good bye and a bottle of water we were off.
Leah went right to Christopher when we got in the door and gave him a big kiss. It was as if they were never apart. After about and hour we went home. Lasagna was waiting as my mother (Nanny) knew we would be hungry and tired. Thank God for MOM'S 

Faces of Leah

 
 
 
We have our embassy appointment today at 3 pm. We are taking the final steps in our journey to adopt Leah. Here are some photos that say it all. Children are such perfect deliverers of unconditional love. 

Leaving on a (very old) Jet Plane

 
We have left Ust Kamenogorsk. It is bitter sweet as we board a really old plane which is evident as you can see by the window Leah is gazing out of. We are flying onto Almaty, and out of her old life. She leaves in Ust Kamenogorsk the roots of her beginning. She is a brave little girl, and has embraced all the wonderous things she is experiencing each day. Mostly she is happy and smiling. She looks content as the bonds of trust are being formed. She is wide eyed most of the time taking it all in. It is such an amazing experience for us. Did I mention what an old plane that was. For those of you really close to us I am sure you are having a goooood laugh right about now.
We have had our clinic visit today and again Leah passed with flying colors. She had everyone laughing and cooing at her. She really knows how to work a crowd. You will all see when you meet her....