1 Year...

Its been 1 year.

1 year ago today I met my beautiful new daughter Ava. Not feeling well and barely able to grunt. Chicken pox all over her face. But, she was able to smile on the first day we met... 

She was able to reach her tiny hand out and stroke mine. 

She was able to capture my heart in ways no-one will ever know.

1 year ago today Charissa and I braved an action packed trip to Ukraine to meet her for the first time. 

1 year ago today, Ava started a brand new life. 

1 year ago today, Ava started her forever transformation.

1 year ago today, Ava NEVER had to worry about going to an institution ever again.

1 year ago today, Ava didn't have to wonder anymore where her dad was.

1 year ago today, Ava got to see pictures of her brothers and sisters.

1 year ago today, Ava got a mom, dad, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, grandparents, great grand mothers, great uncles, great aunts, semi-great uncles, semi-great aunts, 25+ cousins and tons of friends

1 year ago today, Ava got to start counting the hours until she goes HOME... forever.

Now, I just can't imagine what I ever did without her.  Why did I ever even question adopting a little girl like this? She has brought so much life to us. She is simply beautiful. Have you ever noticed her beautiful blue eyes. Her smile is contagious.

365 days later, she is still working miracles in my life. Stealing my heart and tiny little ways. Looking into my eyes and signing Pa Pa. So much life to give. So much life to live.

Now, she is pulling up, all by herself! Charissa is going to post the movie soon. Until then, just look at the "Amazing" video that Charissa did many months ago, then go to her blog and see what she is doing now:

I'm so proud of Ava. 

I'm so proud of my wife. 

I'm so proud of my kids. They are doing a wonderful job with, my newest daughter!

Ava and the Rubiks Cube

Ava and I spent some time together this afternoon working the Rubiks cube while watching the Steelers beat up on the Chargers. And, I'll have to say, she loves working the Rubiks cube!


I don't even have to look at the cube!


"Let me get the blue first!"


So fast, the camera can't even freeze the shot...


Hmm.. almost there...


Intense concentration....


I GOT IT!

Look Who Is Jumping!

Training up a child

Ava loves NFL football!!

Why Do I Find These Things....

In the back seat of my suburban!!!

Ava Speaks To Me...

I often wonder what Ava would say to me if she could talk. Its just amazing how she seems to communicate so well without saying a word.  Here is interpretation of her actions and mannerism's:

* Oh dad! I love it when you pick me up and hold me

* Dad, watch me, I can pick up a cracker and eat it all by myself

* Dad, when you throw me up in the air like that, it makes my tummy feel like butterflies. Do it again!

* Dad, I'm so glad you came and picked me up out of my bed. I was crying because I wanted you to hold me. I'm OK now, you can put me down and I'll go to sleep now

* Dad, I sure am glad to see you! Where have you been all day?

* Dad, watch me! I can sign "Dad", "Music", "Eat", "More"! Are you watching?

* Dad, quit looking at your phone and pay attention to me. I'm about to crawl.

* Oh, yea! Please lay on your back and throw me around using your legs! I love that! It makes me laugh real hard. 

* Dad, I love it when you kiss me on my neck. It makes me feel so special.

Holding Hands

I love it when my daughters hold my hand.