Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Ella's Dedication

We had Ella dedicated on February 19!  What an absolute joy and privilege to publicly commit to raising our sweet daughter to know and love God. 
I think God stored up every ounce of his unconditional love for this little girl and poured it into my heart.  We can't wait to tell Ella her adoption story someday and how, through faith and prayer, God opened our hearts and lead us every step of the way to bringing her home.

 Last time we were on this stage, we were sharing our story on Orphan Sunday (days before we left for our first trip to Russia!)... now here we are on stage with Ella in our arms!!
 Our pastor giving Ella her first bible and saying a prayer for our family
  Love that my friend caught this picture of Jacob praying along with us!
 Back home for a dedication/homecoming/belated first birthday party!
 My mom took this picture... I love it.
 My friend made Ella a smash cake to celebrate.  :0)
   All three of our boys barely touched their cake on their first birthday and were done.
Ella totally embraced it though.

 She did pause along the way to share some with Daddy and her brothers ;)
 I love her cousin's reaction in the background!
 Ella's little ruffle cake was demolished in record time.
 Thank goodness there was a big one for the adults!!
 Maddie and Ella with their knitted hats
 
 What a great day with family celebrating our special girl!

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