We have been blessed with two special daughters and two sons from Eastern Europe. We welcome you to follow our journey as a family of five, waiting to travel and pick up #6, with the ins and outs of family, education, farm life, and love!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

What A Difference a Year Makes

A year ago today, June 23, 2009, in a small town outside Belgrade, Serbia, we became legal parents of a sweet young girl whom we had considered our daughter since January 2009. Mila Krgic became Mila Rose Layne.

One year later, the little girl whom we brought home, has become part of the family. She is my daughter whom I cannot imagine my life without. She may have delays, but when you hear her infectious giggle, I do not know how anyone couldn't love my little 'Lazy Daisy'. She is ours, now and forever, and I wouldn't have my life any other way.

Today, Mila got her own set of wheels. We went to get her wheelchair that was specially designed for her. The hope is that soon, with practice and lots of encouragement, she will be able to maneuver herself in her chair. She likes her chair. When we left from getting her chair, she kept asking "My wheelchair, in car??", making sure Papa had put her chair into the car and brought it with us. She was so excited to show Grandma her new chair.


I have to admit, there was a moment of sadness for me when I saw her in the chair. For a year we have transported her from place to place by using an umbrella stroller. She looks like a typical toddler in a stroller. Now, in her chair, there is a notable difference. My prayer is that she is confident in her chair and that we as her parents and the school staff advocate for her and educate others that Mila is a kid, just like everyone else. I don't want children to shy away from her or be afraid of her because of her difference.

After picking up her chair, we took Mila out to lunch to celebrate being part of a family for 1 year. She asked to take her chair and was very excited to sit at the table like Mama and Papa for the first time.

In the evening, we went to see Toy Story 3. This was the first movie for both the girls to see in the theater. Armed with a big bucket of popcorn and multiple snacks from home, we sat front and center to watch the movie. Both girls did fairly well--just needed a potty (get up and stretch) break in the middle of the movie. It was so much fun watching the girls watch the movie as they 'yelled' at the movie and watched with excitement.

To end the evening, we stopped for Mila's favorite treat--ice cream! What an ice cream monster she is!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

she has grown so much in a year, must be all thet tender loving care her momma and papa give her! HAPPY DAY:) Patty

Michele said...

Wow...this made me cry. I can't believe how both girls have changed since they have been with "mama and papa"! :-) They have both made such awesome accomplishments! It helps to have a great Mom and Dad that gives them the kind of support and incentives to be the best they can be. Way to go Mila, Hannah, Mom and Dad! Michele

And patiently waiting... said...

Yea Mila!! And congratulations on one year!!! Together a family, just hand picked for her by God! The wheelchair is great and it will be fun to hear how she is doing with it! :)

THE CAMPBELL FAMILY said...

Oh how big your girls are getting.
lOVE Mila's new chair. She has gotten so big..How happy the girls look...