Home two years and potty training

Two years ago today we returned home from Guatemala with Gabbie. She was exactly 5 months and 1 week old. The pick up trip was rough to say the least. She had a hard time separating from her foster mother. Pretty much the whole trip was spent with her crying and Steve walking her around in the carrier to calm her down. The flight from Guatemala to Dallas was really rough. She cried the first hour and finally fell asleep. Poor Steve had to hold a blanket up for over an hour to keep the noise and commotion to a minimum while she slept because we were in the last row of the plane and right by the restroom. It was quite noisy there.

I will never forget getting off the plane in St. Louis with Gabbie and seeing our family and friends waiting. It was such an emotional moment. It was so obvious to me how much Gabbie was loved even though no one had met her until then. I think it is pretty safe to say she has brought us more joy than we ever could have imagined.

Now Gabbie is 2 years, 5 months, and 1 week old. I don't really know how that is possible. She has grown and changed so much. The newest thing is potty training. She has been wearing underwear since last Wednesday or Thursday (I can't remember) and she is doing great!!! We tried this a month ago and it failed miserably but I think she is ready now. We are so proud of her and love her so much.

Now for the pictures.

This was the first photo I took of Gabbie in Guatemala. It is one of my favorites of her.


This was taken the morning of her embassy appointment. I normally don't do frilly dresses but I did for this occasion and she was such a princess.

Steve and Gabbie in Antigua. This was pretty much her way of transportation this entire trip. She was happy facing out and kicking her legs. Look at how little she was!

This is the last picture we took in Guatemala. Steve and I wanted a picture with Guatemala on it somewhere but couldn't find one in the airport. We were running out of time so we hopped in front of this and had one of the workers take it. Not the best picture but that's okay.

These next pictures were taken back at our house the night we returned home.

Grandma was pretty happy to have Gabbie home!

Peyton and Gabbie - Apparently Peyton ate something blue that night and in all of the pictures she has a blue mouth! Peyton was quite excited to finally have her cousin home. I think we have it on video but at the airport she first said to Gabbie 'hi Gabriella I am your cousin Peyton". How cute is that!

Here is daddy bringing Gabbie up the steps to see her new room for the first time.

In her crib for the first time. She liked it and thankfully still does! I loved this perfect little shirt!

Finally these were taken this morning. My baby is getting so big. Ignore the lack of pants. It is easier to get undressed and on the potty without them!