Happy 6 Months Baby Girl!

Today is Zoe's 1/2 birthday!  It's been a little bittersweet.  Although I'm so happy to celebrate her 1/2 birthday, I soooo wish that we had her home and could celebrate with her.  When I think back to Evan's first year and how much fun we had celebrating each milestone, it's hard for me to think about how different things will be with Zoe.  I hate that she has to go through so many milestones in an orphanage, but it is what it is and there's nothing we can do about it.  So I'm trying to CHOOSE JOY today and I think we may have a little 1/2 birthday party for her tonight (and take pictures to show her someday).  I'm also trying to take comfort in the great things we have heard about the nannies in her orphanage and trust that they are loving her and celebrating in her milestones while we can't.

I got out Evan's monthly scrapbook I made for his first year just to see what he was doing at 6 months...  This is what I had written:  "It's your 1/2 birthday!  This month you can sit up all by yourself!  You're also loving fruits and veggies, sleeping all night, rolling more often, making lots of noises, and wearing 12-month clothes.  You've found your feet and love to smile and laugh.  You are such a joy!"  He weighed 21 lbs, 12 oz at his 6-month checkup (HE WAS CHUBBY).  When Zoe had her check-up a couple of weeks ago, she was about 16 lbs (and I think she'll be a little chunker too).  We're so thankful for our chubby Ethiopian baby girl!  A huge blessing for sure!

Oh, and I have to share this story... A couple of days ago Evan was praying before breakfast. He prayed "God, please be with daddy and help him to get to work safely, and please be with Zoe and help her to be happy today... Thank you for our food and everything you've blessed us. Amen. " Needless to say, I was a puddle of tears when he was finished.

Sorry this post has been a little choppy, but I wanted to write down my thoughts on our baby girl's 6 month birthday!  WE CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE HER HOME!!  We are still hoping to hear within a week or so when our court date (1st trip) will be...  Thanks so much for the prayers and encouragement!