Ella's Together Forever Day #3

On October 8, 2014 we took Ella from the only home she'd ever known, an orphanage in Gyumri, Armenia, and she joined our family at six years old.  It's been three years of ups and downs that have felt like two steps forward and one step back in many ways.  We're still struggling with a variety of post-orphanage behaviors in a child that is becoming increasingly educated and independent.

passport photo October 9, 2014

I'd like to be able to say that yesterday was a happy and celebratory occasion, but it was not.  Ella may be one of the adoptees whose trauma flares up around anniversaries such as this and whose behavior deteriorates as a response.  But Ella's smart enough to be aware of all of the dates that are significant in her life's journey, so it's practically impossible to skip Together Forever Day to circumvent some of the challenges.  Instead, we work through it which is harder, but probably healthier for Ella in the long run.

As always, Ella requested an Armenian culinary treat for her special day.  After pouring over two Armenian cookbooks, she settled once again on a sweet bread called gata which I baked for her.

Happy Together Forever Day, Ella!

Daddy and I are fully committed to you and our family.

Adoption is a marathon, not a sprint,

and we're in it for the long haul right by your side.

Precious daughter, we love you.