She is beautiful and already adores her big sister. We received Ava a day earlier than planned... at least one part of our waiting was quicker than expected. :-) It was awesome to watch the other ten families in our group also receive their children, although I have to admit we were a bit distracted since we were the first family to receive their baby.
Here's what we've discovered about Ava so far:
~She is strong - has a good grasp and can stand a bit with help
~She is a snuggler and likes to be held
~She is enamored with her big sister and watches her wherever she goes
~She likes to roll over
~She sucks two fingers on her left hand
~Intently studies everything that is going on around her
~She is very long - guess that update was correct. She's about as long as Hannah was at 1 year.
We are so thankful to finally have Ava as part of our family. We are also so thankful to all of you who have been praying for her and us during this long journey. We will try to post more in the days ahead but it's been a challenge for me to even do the two latest posts - the internet connection is not very good. Hopefully this post will go through okay. Enjoy the photos... I think they speak for themselves.
I'm off to bed... hopefully. We send our love to you all. One more thing, could someone please let Doug's parents know that we have been trying to call them but have not been able to get our calling card to go through.
25 comments:
Hey Bakers!!! We are so happy for you. We checked your blog today to see what you've been up to and were so excited to see that you have Ava already!!! What a great surprise. It's wonderful to see you all together!!!
The Kingmas
Dear Baker Family!
Congratulations on receiving Ava! How excited we were to read that you have her one day ahead of schedule...:) We can tell she is a wonderful addition to your family-loved seeing all of the pictures, especially the ones of Hannah and Ava together,and the ones of Ava with her grandpa and grandma Rietberg,and the new family of 4!!!! We rejoice with you!!!! God is so,so good. Glad to hear that God is keeping your mom healthy,Sheryl. We are just so,so,so happy for your family! :) Tears of joy for sure!
Love, The Marshes
Congratulations! We are so happy and excited for all of you, and delighted to see all the pictures of Ava and her new family already! So glad to hear all is going well and thankful for Marilyn's good health. We wish you God's blessings on the rest of your journey!
The DeKrygers
Praise God!!! What a beautiful little girl you have added to your family! Thanks for sharing the pictures, they are priceless! Love the one of your family where Ava is hanging onto Hannah's finger - already creating that sisterly bond!
Hi Doug and Sheryl,
What a happy family! We are so happy for you all and praise God for His faithfulness and His great gifts! She is adorable and we can't wait to meet her.
Love - Kristin & Jon
Dear Baker and Reitberg families,
Wow! So good to see you all together as one big happy family! Ava is adorable! Can't wait to see her and hold her! You must all be SO happy and thankful! What an awesome God to bring you all together! Keep us posted..it is really special to feel connected even though so many miles apart!
Love and hugs to all,
CJ and Kay
Hey there Bakers!
We are so thrilled for you guys. Ava is just adorable and keeping up with your journey brings us right back there. Thanks for posting and the great pics. Best to you guys with the bonding process already beginning, I can see!
Erika, Jeff, Mia, Ella and Max
Congratulations Ava is beautiful you already look perfect together! It sounds like Hannah is going to be such a special big sister xx
Paul and i Cam and Mac are all so happy for you all. Love love love kisses and squeezy hugs to the Bakers and mom and dad#2.
Thinking of you all and sending special kisses from aunty nicky to Hannah and Ava xxxxxxx
Congratulations!
Ava looks so healthy and happy. May the rest of your adoption process and trip go as quick and smoothly. A special Hello to Hannah and we are wishing her wonderful memories of becoming a "big sister".
Mike, Sue, Hannah and Hayley
Bakers - Congratulations! It was so great to see pictures and see such a beautiful, happy family! We said that you looked just as happy as we did on our wedding day. God is good!
Love, Michelle and Jose
Hello friends, It is with tears of happiness that I read your blog this morning. I am overjoyed for all of you. Your beautiful pictures tell your story; happiness in your faces as you first saw your daughter and granddaughter, Ava tenderly touching your face Sheryl, sisters already bonding, yes, Ava sucking her two fingers, priceless pictures of each of you together with Ava. We rejoice with you in God's goodness to all of you. Blessings on the rest of your trip. Love, Rog and Karen.
p.s. I noticed you all had the same color shirts on and I like Ava's new outfit. :)
Dear Hannah,
Do you know that you are starting to look older? I can see from the wonderful pictures that you are ready for the job of being a big sister! Ava is so blessed to have you for a big sister. You will have so many things to teach her. I am so eager to see all of you when you come back!
Love, Miss Lorna
Hey Shirlita and family!!
I sit here at work with tears of joy streaming down my face...looking at your great pictures. Ava is truly beautiful. Hannah looks like she is getting the hang of being a big sister already. What a wonderful new family you have. God Bless you all always. We love you!! Stacy, Ed, Zach, Jordan & Sophia
Congratulations on Ava’s Gotcha Day! Judging by the pictures it looks like everyone is having a fantastic journey. We’re relieved to hear mom/grandma is feeling fine. We’re excited to meet our niece/cousin in person—we can hardly wait!
Love—Dan, Angela, and Andrew
Dear Hannah,
I like your baby sister. Your a big sister just like me now. Since you got your baby sister I would really like to see her. I really, really, really love your baby sister. I'm glad that you found her. Love, Grace Ydenberg
Hey Bakers,
We are do happy for you!!! We cannnot wait to meet Ava. She is beautiful and looks like she is happy to be a part of your family. Hope to see you soon after you return. Blessings to you all. Love, The Ydenbergs
Congratulations!! Thank you for sharing this wonderful joy with us.
Marlyce
Hi guys...It sounds like I'm not the only one sitting at work with tears streaming (thanks, Stacy). Like the others, I was just checking in to see how things were going and was so excited to see that Ava has finally met her family. What an awesome day!
Give your mom my best...I've been praying for her since you left and am so glad to hear she's feeling well.
Can't wait to meet Ava next week!
Dana, Cory, Lance & Drew
Hi Doug Sheryl Hannah and Ava!! WOW!! What an exciting time-- Ava is beautiful and looks vey content and happy!! Thanks for sharing the journey and pictures-- we will be eagerly awaiting your arrival to introduce her to all her cousins!!
Love and blessings-
Diane, Jen Matt and Chris
Hi, Glad to hear all of you are doing well. How special to see the photos of Ava being welcomed into her new family. We continue to keep you in prayer.
Aunt Carol
Bakers & Rietbergs:
Congratulations new parents, new sister, and new grandparents!! The pictures were wonderful to see, and we praise God for His Goodness in giving you your beautiful little Ava.
Sounds like the trip has been great, and we were glad to hear it's gone well for Marilyn. Our prayers go with you!
Love, the LeFebres
Hi doug ,sheryl ,hannah and ava
granma and grandpa baker are very happy for another granchild added to our family!! we are eagerly awaiting your return. Saw the pictures on the blog she is beautiful and lovely and we are all going to love her. Grandpa JB
Hey Honey bunny,
I love her already!!! I love the pictures. She is just a beautiful little girl. I can tell that Hannah is smitted with her already. Oh - I can't wait till I can see you all again. Lots of love to you and your family.
Keith, Aunti Sue, Lauren, Ashley & Ryan
Dear Doug, Sheryl, Hannah and Ava:
Congratulations! Ava is so beautiful! We have thoroughly enjoyed the photos you posted. They have helped us share your joy. Our prayers will continue until you all are safely home.
Love,
Aunt Ruth and Uncle Rodg
Congratulations Bakers! Little Ava already looks like such a natural part of your beautiful family. We're so happy for you all! Enjoy the rest of your trip as you finish up the papers and formalities. Have a safe and healthy trip home with your newest treasure. With love, the Wynbeek's
Hi Doug, Sheryl, Hannah and Ava,
Congratulations on a wonderful blessing to your family. We love seeing the pictures and sort of being there with you. We can't wait to see all of you. God is so good!!!!
Love, Alana, Steve and cousins Chelsea, Hillary and Justin Baker
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