Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Our Third "Gotcha Family Day"

Ana Claire making cookies for her special day.

Sharing her cookies. She was so proud of herself. She did a great job!
We went tonight to celebrate our family day with Ana Claire. We went to our local favorite Chinese restaraunt. Ana Claire has come such a long way overcoming her fear of Asian people. In my post here, I described her fear. Sue, the lady in the photo below made Ana Claire climb over the table in fear and crying back in July. Tonight she gave her a big hug. I was so proud of her. Sue couldn't believe that she let her hold her. I was so proud of her.

Second Anniversary 2007


Click here to see our post from last year.


First Anniversary 2006



Photos from our Gotcha Day and time in China

Click on collage to enlarge

Referral photo 2005
This little girl has brought so much spice and love to our family. Over the past three years I have watched her blossom from a scared baby, to a toddler with some security issues, to a beautiful little girl that is taking babysteps to become little Miss Independant and over comes her fears. She is smart, funny, kind hearted, curious, hot tempered (we do have our very own little Hunan spice). It is so hard to believe that three years have already flown by. The first year was so hard. I think Ana Claire and myself were in survival mode. She has truly stolen our hearts. She has filled that empty spot in my heart. My heart overfloweth with love for her and her brothers.
Ana Claire, we love you baby girl!


26 comments:

Sonya said...

Love the pics from the past!!!
HAPPY GOTCHA DAY ANA CLAIRE!!!

Sonya

PS Katie Lin is matching you today!

Melanie said...

HAPPYYY GOTCHA DAY!!!
Those pictures are beautiful, I'm glad you had a great day celebrating it!!!:)

Sheri said...

Happy 3-year Gotcha Day Anniversary!! It was awesome to look at the pictures you posted from the last three years and see how much Ana Claire has blossomed and grown. She has become such a sweet, beautiful little girl! Your whole family has truly been blessed.

Denna said...

Happy Gotcha Day. I love the pictures. They are great.

LucisMomma said...

Happy three year anniversary! Ana Claire's story is a lovely one. She has blossomed into such a lovely young girl--I love watching her grow up!

Luci was scared of Asian people for a long time, too.

I was tickled to see our blog on your list...thanks!

susan w.

Tammy said...

Isn't amazing that 3 years has passed? Happy 3rd Gotcha Day!
Tammy

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

I imagine that Asian people are scary because they didn't provide the warmth and affection that her new caucasian family has provided. It would take a while for adjustment.
I love your new header and other elements.
Very refreshing!

Charlotte said...

Happy Gotcha Day ! Has it really been three years ? WOW !

Charlotte and crew
www.charlottes4angels.blogspot.com

Holly said...

Happy Gotcha day!! Great pics. Gracie and Ana Claire share the same Gothca day! Yesterday we celebrated our 1 year anniversary with Gracie.

Football and Fried Rice said...

OH, I love referral pictures!!! She was such a peanut:) CONGRATULATIONS on your anniversary of your forever family day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

i cannot believe that it has been 3 years!! time does fly when you are haivng fun!! sharon

Hope for Lucy said...

Happy Gotcha Day....I love the picture of each year. Each year....you get more beautiful. I would love for us to get together. Hope you had a special day.

Love
Green Party of Four

The Ferrill's said...

Oh Lisa, I love the pics from each year! But my favorite are from this year of course. AC has grown into such a beautiful, smart little girl. Even through pictures you can tell this little gal has a sweet, joyful countenance!
Can't wait to meet in person! ;)
Laine
Happy Gotcha Day to you all!

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Happy, happy, happy Gotcha Day... just remember you are a very much loved little girl... take care

Anonymous said...

Happy Family Day!
I loved looking at your pics from Changsha, we stayed at the same hotel and must have missed you by just a few days!

Alison

Nicole said...

Happy Gotcha Day! I loved the photos through the years. She is a beautiful addition to a beautiful family!

Steffie B. said...

Happy Forever Family Day.....she is just beautiful....what a precious gift!

I think your blog look darling! ;)

mommy24treasures said...

happy happy family day, I love all of the pictures and memories. Beautiful.

Jake and Taryn said...

Congratulations on a VERY special anniversary!! Ana Claire is just gorgeous and has changed so much over the past years!! What a beautfiul day to celebrate! :)

Grace said...

Happy Gotcha Day!!! And a very special day it is.....

Yummy - those cookies look great!! Can I get the recipe Ana Claire so that my boys can make some???

drew and lori said...

CONGRATULATIONS on another gotcha day!

Faith, Hope, and Love said...

Happy Gotcha Day Ana Claire!!! What an adorable referral photo! Your cookies look awfully yummy...can you send some to St. Louis?

missy said...

This is such a sweet post! Happy Gotcha Day sweet Ana Claire. You are a beautiful little girl and I know your family is so proud of you!

asiangard said...

What an adorable little girl!!
I know this isn't the same as Anna Clare since Kai-Li wasn't adopted, but she is scared of tall white guys!
The opposite of Anna!
I'm glad she is getting over her fear though, and it means you are doing everything right!

Anonymous said...

She has changed so much! She lost her baby fat. But she is as adorable as always!

Steph said...

awww, its all because of the love you show her, isnt it amazing?? :)