happy gotcha day, Annie Rice....

Words can't describe the excitement I have been feeling the last 2 weeks just knowing this day would be here soon. This time of year is such a happy and joyous time for us, because today a year ago on June 25, 2011, we met our beautiful little girl. We had no idea what we were going into, but we knew 1 thing...the Lord hand picked this little girl for our family and we could get through any situation with Him. I remember this day last year like it was yesterday...

Kaz and I both went for a run that morning...We had lunch at Qdoba with my parents and then made the drive to Myrtle Beach. Kaz was a nervous wreck because he just wanted to know the adoption papers had been signed by the birth mom...surprisingly I was very calm. We got to Myrtle Beach a little early so we went to Market Commons and ate a sweet treat at the Chocolate store. We got a text from our worker that the papers had been signed and we could make our way to the office. We went into a little room in Bethany's office that has a large supply of clothes, toys, etc for birth moms. We met a little girl, whose name started with a K. Her birth mom and birth dad came in and gave us this little girl. The moment was harder than I ever imagined. All I wanted to do was hug and kiss this little girl as much as I could, but I had to control my emotions until after her birthparents left. They said there goodbyes and we hugged for a long time. I thanked them over and over for giving us this precious gift. I felt at the time and still do so underserving of such a beautiful blessing. Finally, the 3 of us along with our worker, was the only people left in the room. We signed our papers and named our daughter Annie Rice. We started the drive home and I just couldn't put my camera phone down. I took so many pictures of Annie Rice's smile, feet, hands, hair, and her sleeping. We got back to our house and were welcomed by my parents and Liz and Todd. Boy, did this little girl show off. She clapped and smiled so much. We fed her and she made faces and giggled the whole time. We gave her a bath and she splashed all in the water! We gave her a bottle and put her to bed...and we slept in her room that night! It seems like yesterday. I remember almost every detail. Today is a celebration of not only Annie Rice, BUT the Lord's continued faithfulness in our lives. We struggled for a long time, we cried a lot of tears, and we prayed many prayers for a family and I couldn't imagine anything better than what the Lord has blessed me with today. The Lord has used all of Annie Rice's delays for His glory. Today, on the very day we got her a year ago, she made 2 milestones at physical therapy. She's continuing to become stronger everyday and she's growing into the most beautiful little girl. She does things and says things that I can't help but laugh at. I love her with all my heart and I'm so thankful for her. Adoption is such a beautiful thing, and I'm so thankful the Lord called us on this wonderful journey. 

Thank you Lord for Annie Rice Prikazsky. 

a year ago....

 Today....

I had to include this last picture. This is Annie Rice's physical therapist. She did so much today at PT and made us laugh pretty much the whole time, including putting this shirt on her head just like this, and wearing it around for 30 minutes! She's a silly little girl!