I can't believe that just a year ago we were in China to bring our little boy home.
A Year in pictures:
Gotcha Day Jan.5, 2015
Joel was afraid to let go of his shoes in case
he needed to make a quick escape.
The first night was really scary for Joel and for
the rest of us too.
It's official! We are now a forever family.
What a difference a day makes! On Joel's second day
with us, he was letting down his guard a little and
already beginning to form some attachments.
Joel continued to grow more and more comfortable
with us while in China. We began seeing his big personality
and his silliness too, but he was a very sick little boy. He
had an upper respiratory infection. The antibiotics and
otc cold medicine his orphanage gave to us kept it under
control until we got home. I believe that it was only by the
grace of God that we stayed out of the hospitals in China.
Farewell China...
First night home.
Joel turned 4 on March 11, 2015.
June - playing at Daddy's office.
my little Superman
In July we moved to a new home to be closer to Brent's work, so he would have more time at home and less time on the road.
Chef by day...
Ninja by night.
Too cute!
Best buds.
We dedicated Joel on August 9.
In August, Joel failed his eye exam for Pre-K.
We thought that sometimes one of Joel's eyes looked
crossed. The crossed eye caused him to develop a lazy
eye. Joel could hardly see anything out of his left eye by
the time the problem was caught. He has a very strong
prescription and is wearing a patch over his "good" eye for 2
hours a day. Hopefully this will correct the lazy eye, and no
surgery will be needed. Joel is very proud of his glasses.
Anytime someone mentions his glasses, he lets them
know that he got them at JC Penney's.
He is quickly catching up with Mia.
Mia and Joel with their big sister, Emily.
Spiderman and Sophia the First
always together
Our first Christmas with Joel.
Gotcha Day 1 Year Anniversary
