2011 in Pictures (and a bit more)

2011 was a fantastic and memorable year and I am so thankful for what we've experienced and learned.

Much has changed in our first full year together as a family.  Our girl has made huge strides in her level of confidence and security.  Andrey has grown as a Dad.  His relationship with Ella went from guarded and distant (on her part) to a moment on New Year's Eve when I tried to take her from him so he could drive some people home and she clung to him and cried, "Neeeeeeed Dadddy!"

Andrey and I have gotten better at caring for our relationship now that we are parents.  After eight years of just us, we know we have to work at it now and we're getting better at it.  I've changed a lot too.  I started the year feeling unconfident in my abilities as a new mom and struggled with anger and control.  I received some prayer and have worked hard to walk out the healing I experienced.  Today I feel more free and more like my true self than ever before. Thank you, Jesus!

Now to recap the year... with all its travel and firsts.

Malapascua in January with friends

Ella met Mimi for the first time in February when she came to Cebu

Back to our favorite beach spot in Moalboal in February

First international flight to the US in March

First road trip in the RV with Grandma and Grandpa

First time meeting Papa

Finalization of the adoption in April

 

Family time in North Carolina in May

Ella and her cousin Annika started a lifelong friendship

My first Mother's Day

Ella discovered a love for pecans and PJs at Mimi and Papa's house

Family Reunion Easter weekend in Alabama

Ella's first baseball game (and NY Yankees hat, thanks to my dad)

Back in Cebu: Andrey's first Father's Day

 Ella got LOTS of pool time throughout the year

First tricycle

Another beach trip in July

First tennis game in a very long time with good buddy Charlotte
(I won, but not by much; Charlotte made we work for it)

Ella's third birthday family dinner in September.  And yes, we always give her beer.

My first Scuba dive during a retreat with the organization my husband works for

Ella's first trip to Canada in October and first experience with snow

First family photo shoot

Fun times with Annika during our time in Canada

 

First horsey ride

First time meeting Grandma GG (and all our other wonderful relatives in Canada)

 

Ella and I began spending lots of time with new friends Hanna, Tessi and baby Gabe in October

Ella loves baby Gabe, like seriously loves him. Talks about him all the time. Cares for her baby dolls who she pretends are baby Gabe. Will pick him up like she does our cat if you turn your back for even a second with baby Gabe within reach. Having said that, she is very gentle and sweet with him.

 

A few of Hanna's shots from a trip to Crocolandia (who knew Cebu has the Philippine's largest crocodile? That was a little freaky)

 

Trip to Bantayan Island for Andrey's birthday

It was this trip when we realized that Ella really knows how to swim

 

During the last days of the year we took one last beach trip to our favorite spot in Moalboal with some great friends. We took a boat trip and spent many hours playing on the beach and in the pool.

Look at that starfish Ella!

Sweet daddy-daughter times

We have such great friends!!

 Happy New Year!