5 Years Ago Today... On a Chilly Day in Moscow

Five years ago today we walked into that orphanage in Moscow on our second trip to Russia. This time it was not for a brief visit, like all the others. This time, it was finally the day we could leave the orphanage with our daughter. We were first-time parents of a nearly three-year old, so we were plenty nervous, but most of all, we were excited beyond belief. Oh, I remember those butterflies in my stomach like it was yesterday.

Leila fought leaving the orphanage with all her might. We were taking her away from the only life she had ever known. She cried and cried until she made herself sick, but shortly after arriving at the hotel, she started breaking down that wall she had built between us. Of course, the terrible twos set in by day four, but that's another story. :) March 22, 2004 was the day we became parents. It was everything we had dreamed about... and more.

One of our first moments together as Mother & Daughter - getting ready to leave the orphanage on 3/22

To celebrate our fifth anniversary together as a family, we let Leila pick where she wanted to go for dinner last night. She chose Ch*eeseburger In P*aradise, primarily for the balloon artist that they have on Saturday nights. She told me that she didn't want an animal this time, she wanted a crown.

And a crown she would have. (Trust me on this one... it's a crown.) :)

"Hey, if my big sister wants a crown, I want a crown!"

My artist and her meticulous coloring.

"Hey, isn't this the way you wear a crown?"

Our server put a candle in Leila's dessert for her special day. Leila, I hope that all your wishes come true.

Mommy & Daddy know that ours already have. We are so blessed to be your parents.

We love you, sweetheart!!

Have fun golfing with your Daddy this afternoon!

To read more about our journey to Leila, click here for Part I and here for Part II.