HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE!!!! We had a wonderful day with her today, the best yet! I know I keep saying that, but each day we see more and more of who she really is. Today she wanted to walk a lot. We walked, banged objects on chairs and really anything that made noise. The best part was that she was totally imitating me. She got her "aaahhh" sound down, and was really trying to work on the "mmmm" sound. She was very close to saying "mama" and I am sure she will once we spend more time together. She also made the kissing sound! She puckered and smacked her little lips together...it was the sweetest thing, and such a gift to us for our last day together. Jim put her on his legs and bounced her and then dipped her back and up...she loved it and kept wanting more. It is so much fun to watch her learn how to do things! She did get a little sick and spit up, but I didn't even care. I guess I am really a mom now...didn't bother me a bit! We cleaned her up and just kept going., She made a face, I am sure it didn't taste good, but she just kept playing. She was really having fun.

It was so hard to let her go when we had to leave. We did get to go twice today. I sobbed and Jim even teared up. The medical director of the orphanage, Galina, was so sweet, she put her hands on her heart, as if to say, "I know this hurts", and gave me a big hug trying to reassure me in Russian. I never thought it would be so hard...but it was. As Jim keeps reminding me, we will be back soon and she is coming home in a few weeks. We have both really bonded to her and her to us. I realize she will regress again, but I know we will catch her up again soon.

I am still in awe, that God picked this sweet little "chubby-cheeked" angel for us. She is an absolute doll...I know I am biased and don't even care! :)

So now we pack, leave tomorrow and count the days until we can see her again. It has been the experience of a lifetime....and we will never be the same. And we won't be complete until sweet Ellie is home with us.

Thank you so much for your prayers, support and encouragement. Your love and enthusiasm is a blessing and a wonderful gift! Can't wait for you to meet Ellie!