One year ago today. . . .

One year ago today (10/23) I held my sweet baby for the first time! That's right folks, Joshua has been a Rieben for a whole year! Can you believe it!? In many ways it seems like just yesterday that I was holding him in my arms for the first time and at the same time, it feels like he has been part of our family forever! This smart, funny, determined, adorable little boy has undoubtedly been one of the greatest gifts the Lord has ever blessed us with. He is pure sunshine and lights every corner of our lives and we thank our Heavenly Father each and every day for allowing us the privilege of being his mommy and daddy!

Meeting Joshua for the first time (10.23.07)

Signing him out of the baby house (10.26.07)

Joshua and I with my step-father who traveled with me to Uzbekistan (10.26.07)

Sleeping peacefully the first night I had him with me. I remember laying there for hours just staring at him. I couldn't believe that after almost 9 months of waiting for him, all I had to do was roll over and there he was, just inches away. Such an amazing feeling (10.26. 07)

Joshua a few days before heading for home. Poor little guy was so sick, but, even though he must've been miserable, he never stopped smiling (11.1.07)

Our crazy baby (as we affectionately refer to him) one year later (10.17.08)

I am putting together a video of his first year and hope to have it posted once we get back from Philadelphia. Joshua, Evan and I are heading out around 8 am (we will be driving this time) and hope to be back late Friday night! In the meantime, for a recap of our first week in Uzbekistan please click here.