We can finally say “It’s a girl!” We are so proud to introduce you to our new little one! Her name translated into English is Gegenya, but we are trying to figure out tonight how to rename her so that it still sounds the same but doesn’t look so strange. It’s hard to explain but the “G’s” are pronounced similar to the way you say Zsa Zsa Gabor’s name. It’s so beautiful to hear but difficult to translate. We’re welcome to ideas - but make it quick because we need to let them know tomorrow! We call her Genya for short and it suits her perfectly. She is a petite, quiet, thoughtful little girl who loves to take in everything around her. At the same time, though, she loves to interact with us and likes to keep a hand or foot touching us at all times, as if to make sure we’re still there! She is just such a blessing and we are loving every minute that we get to spend with her.
We’ve only seen her twice now, but already she’s warming up to us. When she first saw Rick she cried a little, but the babies are not used to having any men around, so it was a normal reaction. Now she can’t get enough as you can see from the pictures. She loves hand to hand contact and will just stare into my eyes when she gets tired as I rock her in my arms. It is the most beautiful thing and I can’t get enough of it!
By the way, I forgot to mention that her first birthday is coming up at the end of July! As most of you know, I thought we would be bringing home a younger infant closer to 6mo old, but God had a different plan for us. She is the perfect addition to our family and we can’t wait for you all to meet her.
We will continue to post as many pictures as we can. Since we take a few hundred every time we see her, there’s plenty to choose from! It just depends on how well the internet connection is working as to how many I can get on at one time.
Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers during this process. We love coming home in the afternoon to read all of your comments and be able to feel connected to everyone at home while we’re so far away!
It sounds as if her personality is very similar to yours Kristen. She is soooo beautiful, and a welcome addition to our families. I am in awe of God's perfect timing and wisdom! What a joy!
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you all.
"CONGRATULATIONS" she is beautiful. Give her a big hug and kiss for us and tell her that uncle mark, aunt sandy, lauren and jacob can't wait to meet her.You both look so happy wish we were there with you, love you all
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you mommy and daddy and welcome to little Genya. Your little blessing was just waiting for you to arrive. And OMG, that smile!!!I want to squeeze her through the picture! the way she looks at you is like she has always known you. It is just beautiful. (Ok I am crying again!)
ReplyDeleteCongrats! So happy for you. She's so cute. Morgan is going to be SOOO happy to meet her and play with her! We love you guys!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I noticed in one picture that she is looking at a picture of her baby goldfriend already!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much everyone! She is wonderful, and yes Renee, her personality is very similar to mine! I think that is what connected us shortly after we met her. She can't wait to meet everyone. You can see in one of the pics that she loves to look at the little photo album we made her of family and friends :)
ReplyDeleteApril, she LOVED the picture of beanie! I swear it was as if she knew her! She got excited when she turned it over and saw her baby goldfriend and kept hitting her hand on the picture over and over. I was near tears, it was so sweet!
ReplyDeleteOMG!! That picture of you holding her and the way she's looking at you brought tears to my eyes! What a beautiful baby!!!! I know what kind of new adventure you and Daddy are about to take with you precious daughter. All three of you will have a lifetime full of blessings. I am very ,very happy for you Rick and sweet Genya!
ReplyDeletewhen you get a chance could you please add susan, she would like to be a kricket.
ReplyDeleteDITTO,DITTO,DITTO...To everything everyone else wrote. I wish I could see through the tears,to write this.
ReplyDeleteI am sooo happy for you, the smiles on all of your face speaks volumes. God is so good at keeping promises. We are all happy for you & Rick and our familes, but I am happier for this beautiful, sweet child who will have MORE LOVE FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS, than she will ever imagine. Can not wait for Genyas
arrival home. Oh, I like her name. It is her...
she is beautiful! I am so happy for you guys, i can not wait to meet her! and I love the name Genya, if i am pronouncing it right! We miss you guys and cant wait until you come home!
ReplyDeleteLove, Kelsey, Max, Belle, Opie & Zeus!!
Kelsey you are going to love her! She is the sweetest thing ever. Aunt T I can't stop looking at her pictures whenever I get a chance. I can't get enough and am usually looking through tears myself! Sandi can you send me Susan's email address again? Not sure what happened to it - sorry! Thanks!
ReplyDeletemary e-mailed me pictures, I printed them and took them to show mommy and daddy. Mommy is so excited and they both think she is so beautiful, everyone loves her name (hope i pronounced it right) they both send their love and would like it very much if you would come home now!!!! lol
ReplyDeleteKristen, your mother gave me a little of her background info. Do you know how long she has been at the orphanage?
ReplyDeletesmd.moront@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYeah!!! Drying my eyes!! Love and kisses... Cant wait to meet her!!! xoxo Amber and Hannah
ReplyDeleteLOVE these pictures! You would swear she has known you two forever! Can't wait to meet her, Catherine and her are so close in age that it will be fun to see them grow up together! love to you all!!
ReplyDeleteKristen, check your regular email. I sent you a picture of gram and gramp holding the picture of Rick and Genya!
ReplyDeletePS. as far as her name, does it sound a lot like Jenna? Maybe that could be an option.
I'm so happy for you and rick,she is so beautiful.If i didn't know any better I would think you gave birth to her the way she looks at you and plays with rick it's like you have had her for a year now, I just feel like crying. I see a little of anut shari in her face LOL :-) I can't wait to hold her and the girls in the gift shop they want to go shopping NOW. God Bless the little one, Love you PS more pictures :-) I'm at work doing this so I hope it there are no miss spelled words. LOL
ReplyDeleteDitto Ditto Ditto to everything that has been said. She is beautiful and I can't wait to see her. I am so happy for you and Rick. I love all the pictures. Her oval face and little double chin looks like Rick, I think. All my love XXXOOO
ReplyDeleteMore pictures please
Kristen--we are all so happy for you and yes--tears of joy all around at amch for you!!! hug her for us and know our arms are wrapped around yours with good wishes and love!
ReplyDeleteSo we have been researching names all evening! We are so excited for you. She is beautiful. I know you are looking for a name that sounds like her translated name... hmm that's tough. I thought about it and picked it apart. I came up with Enya, it means Jewel; blazing. I know it is scottish but it is a good nod to her nickname. Good luck and we look forward to following your journey. Take care and Enjoy! Loni and Jeff
ReplyDeleteCongrat's on the little one. She is absolutely beautiful. We cant wait till the you all are home safe and sound. We are sooo happy for the two of you. Soon Genya will know that she has the best parents in the world!! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteBarry and Nicole
Been searching online for Gegenya and Genya. Found a couple of famous Genya's, one is a singer from Poland. Not sure on pronunciation.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Jeremy had 3 hemangiomas, one over his eye, behind his ear and a large raised rough strawberry on the back of his thigh. They all faded and went away.
Thanks Renee, that is what I thought too, but glad to hear it. At least it's only on her leg if it doesn't disappear.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Kristen and Rick! I am so happy for you both. This is so heart warming to see. Kristen she is meant to be yours esp the way she looks and touches you. Everytime I see you and her I have a tear in my eye. She is so beautiful and I love her name.
ReplyDeleteSorry this congratz is so late, I was having trouble getting onto the blog, I think it is working now, have to see. She is gorgeous!
ReplyDelete