New Pics of Our Girl

We got new pics of our sweet Ella today!  When I opened the email, I instantly burst into tears. It's wonderful to see her doing so well.  It's bittersweet because while I'm thankful that she's growing, it also reminds me how long it has been since we've seen her.  She's gained weight, and she's even holding a cookie in the picture!  I know it seems like a strange thing to be excited about, but when we were visiting her in the orphanage, her caregivers wouldn't let her have a birthday cookie because they said she was 'too young'.  All of her meals were spoon-fed to her.  She didn't even try to grab the spoon out of my hand; it was clear that she had never been allowed to try to feed herself.  So whether she's eating the cookie or just holding it, I'm overjoyed that she's being given the opportunity to learn to self-feed.

Isn't she adorable in her little yellow shoes???

Georgia and Colvin were excited to see more pictures of Sissy Ella.  Can't wait for them to meet her in person!

We are still waiting on our last form from Tarrant County, but we're being told that it should come through sometime in the next week.  We had a huge answer to prayer yesterday.  One of my friends from church agreed to accompany me on our 3rd trip to bring Ella home!  I am so thankful that she is willing to join me on this journey so that Ryan can stay home with Georgia and Colvin.  Thank you!  You know who you are!  ;-)