Three Years

Ashlynn has been home with us for 3 years. It seems strange, it feels like she has been with us forever. It has been so awesome to see her blossom into the sweet little girls she is.

She fooled us though, we were able to visit her 2 times in Haiti, each visit lasted about a week. She would never smile, talk, laugh, or look us in the eye. The only time I ever seen a little hint of a smile is when I was kissing her neck, it must have tickled her because she let out a quite little laugh and a small smile, and then it was gone.

After being home for less than 2 days, she was a totally different child. She would smile, laugh, play, dance, want to be snuggled and kissed. She still does all of these things, plus she talks nonstop. This is Ashlynn's referral picture. When we looked at this picture of her we knew that she was ours!!

When you are going through an adoption you look so forward to any new information and new photos!! Here are a few more of her in Haiti.

In October of 2005, Bart, Lindsey and I went to Haiti to meet Ashlynn (Mitchelina).

I remember how excited I was to be able hold her, and kiss her checks. She was so tiny, so much smaller than I expected her to be. We stayed with her for a week. We were able to take her to the hotel with us, and have her with us all the time. It was so great!!! But then it can time to say good bye. How does a mother leave her child, and go home. That was one of the hardest things I have had to do. I cried like a baby, and ached to hold her in my arms.

It took us 18 months to get Ashlynn home. This is Ashlynn on the airplane leaving Haiti.

It is hard to believe that this is the same little girl, after only a few months home.

And here she is today. What a beautiful, sweet, smart, and sometimes stubborn little girl. I'm so blessed to be able to be her mom. I love this girl so much!!!!