Wow, I'm embarassed that it's been over a year since I've updated! When I was with Raelen in Colombia, I had all kinds of time on my hands, and I complained about it! Hard to believe that now.

This past September we celebrated Raelen's 2nd birthday already! She has developed into a little girl, no longer a baby, right before our eyes. She is keeping us busy with her 2-year old curiosity. She is saying lots of new words every day, and is now speaking in almost full sentences. Some of the things she comes up with make us laugh. She asked one day "Where Emily go?" so I said, "she's at work," and she responded with "In the combine???" If you know Emily, you'll know why that was so funny:)

Last month we had our final follow up placement visit with our social worker. Everything went really well and everyone seems pleased with her progress. Now if we could just get potty training down...

It's really hard for me to believe that in less than 2 months, we will have had her for two years! I do think about her birth mother occasionally, like on Rae's birthday and wonder how she's doing. Now is the time of the year we reflect on all the things we are thankful for, and I certainly don't forget about her. I could never express how grateful we are for the precious gift she gave us. I think she would be at peace knowing how much Raelen is loved.