Our Journey to Juneau...

Two months ago today I sat in a small room with bare cinderblock walls in a little town in rural Vietnam and waited anxiously to meet Juneau. When they brought her into the room that day, I could never imagine how this little girl would change my life. Now, two months removed from that day I sit here and can't imagine life without her. She has fit into her spot in our family so quickly and naturally that if seems like she hasn't ever not been here.

Bumbo Sissies!!

I've spent the last 6 weeks since we got home slowly working on compiling a video memoir of our family's journey. This has given me opportunity to relive our trip to Vietnam through the 500+ pictures and video we brought home. I am reminded of how scared Juneau was those first days and it seems so funny considering what a happy, silly, playful girl she is now. I am reminded that even in those first few days she was showing me that part of her personality that can be very serious as she takes in her surroundings and sizes everything up.

Juneau's Serious Side

I am reminded of that first week that Juneau and I, in many ways, struggled through together and how it created the special bond I feel with her when I come home and no matter what she is doing, she wants to be held by daddy.

I am reminded of how glad I am that my parents were able to make the trip with me and share in the joys of seeing Juneau join their family. I know it continues to bring them such happiness to reflect back on those 2 weeks and relive the memories of the trip. And I am reminded of Emilie's tears of joy that night at the airport when she finally met the little girl she had dreamed of for so long (I still get teary eyed every time I watch that part of the video...as well as, of course, the part with Juneau and her nanny).

Mommy and Juneau finally together

Juneau's Silly Side

So, after much tinkering, editing and re-editing, I'm glad to be able to share this 8 minute glimpse of our Journey to Juneau: