It's been 5 years since you were first placed in my arms. I remember that day like it was yesterday. We had been waiting to lay our eyes on you for over 4 years as we navigated a complicated adoption process. The adoption agency we had been working with merged with another and we lost the Colombian program coordinator that we had loved. The orphanage we had chosen and where our paperwork had sat for over a year was shut down due to embezzlement by the director. Colombia closed its healthy infant program which we had previously been accepted into. Additional laws were put into place in Colombia requiring the search of relatives up to the 6th degree of relation before a child could be declared adoptable, thus making it nearly impossible for some kids to ever be placed for adoption. It was a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. And just when we had nearly given up hope, there you were! A picture of the most precious little girl I had ever seen. Seeing you for the first time made the tears and worries during all those years of waiting fade away. You were so worth the wait.
It would be almost 2 more months until we had the last approval needed so that we could finally travel to Colombia to get you. On March 18th we boarded a plane bound for Bogota and two days later on March 20th it was FINALLY time to meet you!! We arrived at FANA and waited for you in the same room where we had met your brother Owen. We had butterflies in our stomachs as we anxiously awaited your arrival. And then through the doorway you appeared! You looked adorable dressed head to toe in pink. Our long wait for you was over and our new life as a family of 5 was just beginning.
For your 5th Family Day, we celebrated at home due to the Corona Virus pandemic, but you didn't seem to mind one bit. After spending the morning drawing, we headed outside to the play set.
It was quite colder than we had anticipated so back in the house we headed to get better bundled up for our outdoor adventure.
After swinging it was time for lunch. You requested mac and cheese with ketchup! You LOVE ketchup and will put it on just about anything - even strawberries! You think everything tastes better dipped in ketchup!
The day ended with you tearing open our most recent My Colombian Box of goodies and snatching up all your favorite treats. Between you and Kate, the box was quickly devoured.
Miss Rose - you are our feisty, energetic little girl. You love being outside, riding bike, playing on the swing set and splashing in the water table. You are a social butterfly, greeting neighbors as they walk by. No dog can walk by our house without you making sure to pet it. At preschool, you've made so many friends that I've lost track how many emails your teacher has sent letting us know that one of your school friends misses you and wants to get in touch. You are one tough cookie and will stand your ground against even your biggest of brothers. You do not back down easily.
When asked about your favorite things, you responded:
Favorite color: pink, orange, golden AND rainbow
Favorite thing to do: Go outside!
Favorite food: rasberries
Favorite drink: smoothies
Favorite movie: Frozen
Favorite music: Christmas songs and Will Hale
Favorite book: Fish Out of Water
Favorite animal: unicorn
Favorite pet: dog
What you want to be when you grow up: a Super Hero AND a pilot!
Where you want to live when your a grownup: at home with Mom and Pa
You are our opinionated, sassy, sequin-loving, skirt twirling little girl. The past 5 years have flown by in a blink. The sweet little baby that was first placed in my arms has grown into a beautiful little girl. We are so thankful we were chosen for you. We love you, Rose Angelina!
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