Happy birthday Princess

January 2009 in Cancun, Mexico
January, 2008 in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
February, 2007
February, 2006 at the courthouse here in town for her re-adoption hearing. She's obviously ready to teach the courts a thing or two.
February 4, 2005. The day before we brought Anna home and also the day our adoption became final in Guatemala City.
December, 2004. Our first time visiting Anna.

Today Anna turned 5....wow. I know it sounds like a cliche, but how time flies! It seems like only last year when we felt our hearts burst when we looked at her smiling face for the very first time and waited to see if she'd cry when she saw us. Others at the Marriott in Guatemala City kept saying, 'she's such a happy baby, and she's so good.' Little did we know that was going to be her personality even after we left there.

We were hoping that happiness would continue, but had no idea that it would continue for years to come. We're quite aware that this may all change when she turns 14. But at least for now, she is the sweetest spirited child you could meet. She wakes up happy and goes to bed happy and truly is a bundle of joy. Last night before bed she said, "Good night Mommy, I love you. I hope you have a good day tomorrow at my birthday party."

We were given the opportunity to be her parents for life and I can't thank God enough for that gift.