Sunday, April 18, 2010

We Have a New Roommate...

...and she is supposed to be napping, but she is busy trying on my high heels and hauling a huge jug of water around like it is a purse.

Sorry about the ambiguous post yesterday! We did not realize that only the title had been posted!

Alina is doing great, and yes, she is here with us!

With each moment that passes, we are learning more about our amazing little girl.

We have realized that she does not like orange juice, cheese, or salami ;). By the healthy physique on this child, you would think that she does not turn anything down. However, when we offered her these items off the breakfast tray this morning, she was not shy about expressing her opinion. She spit them out with a disgusted look on her face. She chucked the cheese after trying to spit it out, then grabbing at it like we had put a bug in her mouth. We had to giggle. This little girl knows just what she wants and what she doesn't want.

And, who knew that Alina LOVES Eskimo Kisses and that she giggles. A lot.

Other things we have discovered:

She puts on all pants she finds. Including Daddy's jeans.

She likes to dab her mouth with a napkin while she eats.

She thinks it is hilarious when she falls over.

She puts her shoes on herself. On the right feet.

She is easily soothed.

She pats herself on the back when she begins to cough.

Her skin is as soft as velvet.

She likes girly things, but she also likes matchbox cars and sticks.

She sounds just like Bridget when she sleeps.

Some photos from Gotcha Day yesterday:










We had an especially difficult time coming up with what to say yesterday. It was an exciting and emotional day.

And it all hit us at once last night. We have saved a life. This precious little ruby, this innocent child, has been hidden away since birth. What if we had not come for her?

Our hearts are so full and grateful for her and for this journey. At the same time they are aching for the life she has missed out on for three long years, and for all of the other little ones we had to leave behind yesterday--especially the ones with no families coming for them.

At this point, it is all too fresh to write about clearly. We are honestly moved beyond words...

We leave on the train tonight for Kiev. We have a few days of Embassy paperwork and will head home as soon as we can get a flight out :).

17 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, I'm so glad everything is okay...not just okay...wonderful! That accidentally ambiguous post was scary. I'm so glad you found her and hope you have a safe flight home. I can't wait to see pictures of her meeting the rest of her family. I wonder if the ash cloud will affect your flight?

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  2. so happy to hear you are all together!!!! congrats!

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  3. Yes, Sarah, I hope we do get to see you guys AND ZOYA! How great would that be?

    We plan to leave Wed. early...but looks like that might not happen if the ash does not clear, or if flights are very full because of the issue!

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  4. I think Alina is cute, funny, sensativ and dalitful I LOVE ALINA love,Emmy p.s I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD

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  5. Oh Lisa!!! I'm just so happy for you!!!!

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  6. THIS is wonderful!!!! She is precious! I love the one of all of you together! Praising God! The ransom has been paid and a life is saved! I am just so darned happy for little Alina! I am in tears.... [and missing my girls something aweful!]

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  7. You just posted my absolute FAVORITE picture of Alina yet! The one of her laughing in Chris's arms--what a shot! She is a doll!!! I know your kids are so excited to meet their new sister. Here's hoping you get home before the end of next week! :)

    Kristin

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  8. I couldn't be happier for you! What a blessing all around.

    Adoption is the most beautiful thing...

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  9. What a personality your little girl has! I love the pictures - each one sweeter than the last. I'm so thrilled for your entire family!!

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  10. The Kompa familySunday, April 18, 2010

    We're checking the blog daily and LOVE the updates. If Liv sees a new one she quicky yells for me to come look. You've touched so many lives and certainly saved one. Alina is so cute. A fine addition to the Peele family, indeed!

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  11. Praying that you will get a timely flight out of there! So happy to see you all together...as it should be!
    Hugs!

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  12. I can just picture your new little "roommate" evading naps at all costs by putting on mom's high heels and lugging around huge bottles of water...makes me smile as I type this just thinking about it! You are going to have so much fun with her!

    What a journey......what an absolute beautiful journey to an absolute beautiful little soul!

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  13. I love this post and the photos. What a beautiful way to save a life. Sounds like she has a great personality... full of life. LOVE the last photo sleeping on Daddy in her pink cuteness. Prayers for safe travels home. Maybe you'll rub elbows with Jen and Hector :-)

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  14. Congratulations! We will pray for a safe and speedy return home.

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  15. I'm in tears every time I read an update here. I'm so happy for all of you. What a lucky little girl Alina is, and what a lucky family you have. xoxo

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  16. Love this post and am so happy for you!

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