Friday, July 27, 2007

Pure Joy!

07/27/2007 10:20 pm
HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? SHE’S BEAUTIFUL!
We met Norah this morning, she is 5 months old her birthday is February 18, 2007, what a mighty little thing, strong, alert, rolling all over the place, grasping tight, she has a smile that will melt your heart. We can’t wait for you all to meet her.

We have been traveling since July 23rd, leaving Philadelphia at 5:40 pm, we arrived roughly 7 hours later in Frankfurt, Germany for a sleepless 5 hour lay over, and then, it was off to Almaty, Kazakhstan. We arrived in Almaty sometime around midnight, and felt like we were on another planet. We made our way around this foreign city, attempting to navigate menus in Russian and slept in tiny twin beds that came about 6 inches of the floor. Jet lag was definitely kicking in as we left on a small scooter plane for another 5 hour trip to Kostania, Kazakhstan (destination Norah). We arrived after 10:00 pm and were delighted to find it was still day light!!! Kostanai is a beautiful, small city with the population of about 210,000; weather is enjoyable, warm & breezy. The people are extremely diverse and absolutely gorgeous. We have never seen so many high heeled women, high fashion is the norm. Our interpreter, guide and coordinator, Olesya Dunayeva is a stunning blond haired, blue eyed Russian.

Unfortunately, we have been unable to call home, our calling card is not working and our cell phones are not functioning. There is a lovely couple right across the hall of our AWESOME hotel. Amy & Galen are from Mechanicsburg, PA and are adopting two toddlers. They have been a God send-their Russian is quite good and they have been kind enough to take us under their wing. Thank God they will be here another month. Please know that we are safe and will journal on our BLOG as often as possible. Hopefully, we’ll figure out how to call very soon. We miss you all!

10 comments:

Brittany said...

PURE JOY! She is GORGEOUS! We cannot wait to meet her! We love you all SO MUCH and miss you SO MUCH! Welcome to the family, Norah! WE LOVE YOU! oxoxoxox

Dianne Gizowski said...

Well JEEZ!!! I'm all choked up. You guys look amazing together. What a beautiful family! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Love, Nan

Debbie and Allyson said...

She us sooooooo beautiful!!!!! I will use Aunt Sandy's line, "she is the perfect blend of Christy and Larry." Just to see you two with a baby brought me to tears. You both are exuberant!!!!!! Can't wait to meet her and hold her! We are all so very very happy for you three. I'm so happy that you have now felt that instantaneous all consumming love. It really is a miracle. God bless, be safe, we love you all so very much, Debbie Sue

Unknown said...

WOW!
You're bliss can be felt right through the photo! She is adorable! And you guys look great - are you sure you are sleep deprived??? The three of you just belong together...and to think God sent you two guardian angels... you know this was meant to be!
Thank you for the posting - we are thinking about you all the time!
Love,
Stacey

Carlee and Uncle Bob said...

What a beautiful family photo. The three of you look wonderful together. Your love for her shows through over the miles. You two look amazing for the lack of sleep and long hours of travel. She is absolutely gorgeous. God bless all of you! Safe travel. Carlee (and Uncle Bob)

Aunt Jennifer said...

She is beautiful!!

What a great photo - you can feel the happiness in your expressions!

Norah's cousins are quite excited - Taylor said tonight that she would like to keep Norah; and while snacking on strawberries she said< "Mommy look at this tiny one this would be good for Norah!" Loganman said she's cute and after asking what her name is he said "that's a beautiful name."

We were all so happy to finally hear from you, and it makes it that much better to know that everything is going so well - just like it is supposed to. We are so happy for the three of you!

XOXO
Aunt Jennifer

Ann & Tony said...

Naturally
Outwardly
Radiant
Angel from
Heaven!!!

I took one look at your picture and began to cry with JOY!!! She is absolutly precious!! Christy, your smile is priceless (and Larry, you look pretty great too!) I am soooo happy for you both! =) Enjoy this moment together and give Norah kisses from me!!! We can't wait to meet her in person! With Love,
Ann, Tony and Sarah

Unknown said...

Christy and Larry - Congratulations on your new family!! Norah is adorable! Your first family picture is fantastic too! Christy I know that you will make a great mom. Its been a long time coming. The other comments have been right - you can see and feel the joy and happiness in your smiles. I am glad that your travel was safe and its comforting to know that there are others from PA right across the hall from you. I can't wait for you all to come to TEXAS!!
Travel safe and be well.
God Bless
Love and Miss you all.

MC
Lisa
and all the Williams'
from NY to TX (and beyond!)
:)

Jim & Sandy said...

She is absolutely gorgeous! We are so happy for you guys. We know exactly what you are feeling... savor every moment! The road it took you on to her was worth every step---don't you agree? You are a beautiful family! Wishing you a safe journey home! We can't wait for Addison and Norah to meet!!
Love, Sandy, Jim & Addison

cindy s. said...

Norah is beautiful! I am glad that you are doing well. The picture you sent of the three of you brought tears to my eyes. To know all that you have gone through these past years and to see where you are brings joy to my heart.
I love you both,

Give Norah a hug for me.

Cindy