One year ago today...

One year ago we were in India to see our beautiful daughter for the first time. It was a joyous and exciting event. She literally ran across the room and into my arms. When we met her for the first time it was love at first sight.





She has blossomed since she has been with her forever family. It has been a year of doctor appointments, speech therapy, socialization, bonding, laughing, crying, and blessings. On the way home from JW and Jessi's wedding reception we were talking about how everywhere we go, people are drawn to Leena and she gets quite a lot of attention. And at home . . . she pretty much rules to roost. And Nate said, "It's Leena's world, and we just live in it." That about sums it up.

Happy Halloween

The friends.

Wicked Witches!

Leena's first Halloween!

The loot!

Our little Doggie.

I made this costume for Nate when he was 2 -
and all of the kids have worn it for Halloween!

2009 Football Highlights

I want to preface this post by explaining how hard it is to get football pictures! I can barely follow the play, let alone find my kid on the field, and then take the picture before he moves!

Go Bengals!

Both Cole and Nate are #10!

Brighton Bengals are the Best!

The brothers.

Yes that is snow.

Nate's goal for the season: to grow out his hair so it hangs out past his helmet.
I think he reached his goal. (Isn't it cute!)

I'm proud of you for getting up at 6:00 all summer long, making it through 2-a-days in the heat of August, playing as a team, making a commitment and sticking to it, having Bengal Pride, sticking together as brothers, and saying "love you Mom" in front of the whole football team.

San Diego, Sealing, & Surgery

Well...my excuse is that my camera was lost. So I didn't have any pictures to post. We had an exciting summer starting out with a trip to San Diego. Leena was afraid of the water (yay!) but loved wearing her life jacket. We made sand castles, body surfed, hung out with cousins, went to In-N-Out Burger, went to a County Fair, stayed up late, went jogging on the beach, and had lots of family fun.

Then we had our big day, where our whole family was sealed together for eternity.

Then Leena had surgery - her adenoids removed and her ear tubes re-done.

Wow! What a summer!

It's Official

It's official. We finally belong to Leena! On June 18th at 9:30 am, we met with Judge Fratto at the Matheson Courthouse. Leena was dressed in her traditional Indian attire for the special day. Our family and the Grandparents were all there to help us celebrate. It is a day that will stay in our hearts forever.

Sisters!

I'm so happy!

It's all about me.

Places to go . . . People to see

Our Indian Princess.

The Zoo Is Fun When You are 2!

To keep celebrating Hansen style, or family went to the zoo. Leena loved all of the animals. Most of them were "doggies" to her. She thought each animal was there for her delight.

The "hatti" (elephant in Marathi) came right up to see us.

Leena was scared of the elephant's sounds!
Everything was so exciting!

The zoo park was fun!

Especially for the boys!

I love Grandad.

It was a fun way to spend a summer day. We ended the evening having Indian food with Grandma & Grandad, Uncle D, Auntie Jen and baby Alexis.
Happy Birthday Leena. We love you!

Janam Din ki badhai!

Leena is 2! Happy Birthday Leena. We celebrated the big day by having all of the Aunties, girl cousins and Grandmothers over for an Indian celebration.

Leena had fun learning to share with her cousin Ella! We had basket lunches and danced to Indian music. Then, following Hindu tradition, we sprinkled "a few"grains of rice over the birthday child's head for prosperity. This is very telling: