This week we’ll celebrate 8 months having Finley at home. Next week we’ll celebrate her 2nd birthday, our first birthday to celebrate with her. It is amazing to think about how much has happened since that day in May that was called “Gotcha Day.” That day was incredibly emotional. When they placed her in my arms, I was overwhelmed with how good it felt to end the paperwork journey and start the real journey. I was scared too. I had no idea how the first year would go and I was prepared for the worst.

Finley & me on “Gotcha Day”

The journey has been amazing. It hasn’t been easy, but it also hasn’t been as hard as I prepared for. When we first met her, she could hardly sit up. But by the time we left China she was scooting across the hotel room! And after two months home, in August she learned to walk. Now at 2 she’s running around and has learned to jump off things with two feet. And she is a climber. Her physical development is right on track.

First studio session with a new sister

I have been so blessed to watch the boys accept Finley unconditionally. They are protective and helpful. They take her by the hand and are so proud to tell people that she is their sister. And she is smitten with them too! Her favorite words are Guh Guh (for Gavin and means older brother in Chinese) and Bubba (for Noah).

Finley & me this summer

Every day Fin’s personality blossoms even more. The first few months she smiled and laughed but was also cautious with emotions. Now she is loud and carefree, snuggly and fun. She loves to dance and sing, “Baby, baby, baby, oh!” along with Justin Bieber. She is definitely her mama’s girl! I’m enjoying having a little girl who wants to ride on my hip and stay home with me when the boys go camping. I feel so blessed to have a daughter that I love beyond all I could imagine. I feel grateful for all the love and support that you, our friends, family and clients, showed us before we left for China and since we’ve been home. Everyone has accepted her wholeheartedly, and we couldn’t have made it this far without your help.

Finley & I joined Bryan for a wedding he was photographing in New Hampshire this past fall!

For those who haven’t seen the clip of us on the local news, you can watch it here. And if you drive to Mobile, you can see our smiling faces on this billboard.

Thanks for letting me share!

Ashley

All images shot on a Rolleiflex (by Bryan of course!)