Sunday, December 28, 2008

Day 3:Our Newest Addition

Leah Ekaterina Hill




Our daughter was born on April 26, 2008. Her birth name is Ekaterina but her caregivers call her “Katya.”

Leah has dark blonde hair, fair skin, big brown eyes and the longest eye lashes you have ever seen! Even the international doctor said in her 13 years of practice she has never seen such long eyelashes!! She will be one lucky chick when she can wear mascara! She just turned 8 months old and weighs 13 lbs….yes that is right, 13 lbs. She is healthy and has no known medical problems, which is quite rare in international adoption. The doctor observed a video we sent and was surprised at how developmentally on target she is for being institutionalized. She was born 6lbs 12 oz and the doctors feel once she is given adequate nutrition she will gain weight quickly. I am spiking her apple juice with some baby vitamins today!

We have enjoyed getting to know her and can already tell she recognizes us when the caregivers bring her in. She doesn’t cry anymore which the caregivers find amazing. We are so blessed that God has chosen this sweet child for us! It is true what we have been told…you will get the child you are meant to have. She was worth the wait.



Davis has been the best big brother so far. He is very interested in her and wants to hold her a lot. He is always giving kisses to her and brings her toys and shows her how to play with them. When we tell him we are going to the baby house, he gets all excited about seeing his sister. He even brought his blanket to the baby house so he could wrap her up in it. When the caregiver brought Leah in, he ran over to get his blanket. She is just as interested in him. She is thoroughly entertained watching him do anything. When he holds her she is so interested in looking at him and touching his face. I think the two of them have found a playmate for life!


We couldn’t be happier and can’t wait to take her home. As exhausting as this trip has been, it is an experience of a lifetime. We are so grateful that God has chosen this path for us and picked the perfect child to share our life with.


We'll post some videos when we are able to get a high speed connection.

9 comments:

Angela said...

Leah is perfect! What a beauty!!! I haven't checked your blog in a while. I was pleasantly surprised to find you already in Kaz holding your daughter. Gives me chills. Enjoy your time there with your family. It will go by faster than you think.

Angela
Mom to Izaak and Aaliya

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful girl! On the second photo she is wearing the jogging we bought for Mila when we were there in november. We recognize it!
Enjoy every minute, because before you know, you have to leave her and go back to NC.

Greetings from Belgium,
Evi and Michel, still without Mila

Anonymous said...

she is awesome guys!
what a perfect addition to your family!
xo

Unknown said...

What a beautiful baby and so content! She seems to love her new family as much as you all love her! Can't wait to meet her, although it will be a while, I know. You all look so great and happy! Thank you for allowing me/us to share in your experience, and we look forward to getting to know little Leah! Congratulations! It was worth the wait for sure!!!!!!!
Love, The Martins

Alysa said...

Leah is gorgeous! What a beautiful and perfect addition to your family. So glad everything checked out. Definitely worth the wait.

Unknown said...

Dad and I both cried with joy to see you as a complete family! Leah is a beautiful name and she is a beautiful addition to your family. We are overjoyed and all the waiting and anticipation was well worth it. Hugs and kisses to Davis and Leah. Love, Mom and Dad

Cathy said...

Tears ran down my cheeks when I saw the picture of you all together. Leah is beautiful. A little doll. Such big eyes! Miracles really do happen. She is living proof. You are truly blessed. Hugs to Davis and Leah from Grandma Cathy

Chris & Christy said...

Oh thank you thank you thank you for inviting me to your blog. My heart is so full seeing photos of the bonding room again. I miss my time in Aqtobe so much, sounds weird, but there was a peace that I experienced there that was undiscribable. I sure hope you also have an amazing experience in your daughter's region.

Your daughter is absolutely gorgeous - wow! Her eyes, little button nose, fair complexion, just a beauty! I am so happy to hear that she is healthy and on target, blessing after blessing for your family. I am a believer as well, and God did great work for your family! :)

Blessings and Happy New Year!
Christy & Zahria (from the Ymit Baby House in Aqtobe_)

Unknown said...

Tears of joy! She is precious indeed. I am so happy for you all. God Bless