Sunday, March 22, 2009

Finally......pictures!!!!!

The moment you have all been waiting for is finally here. We pick up the court decree tomorrow, so we felt it would be safe to go ahead and post photos of our boy.


The reason we picked the name Daniel is because, just like Daniel in the Bible, Daniel Anatoly is going to be taken from his homeland to live in a foreign country. Our prayer is that, like his namesake, Daniel will come to know Christ and be a strong witness for Him in a new homeland. Please pray for Daniel as we take him away from everything he has ever known. Sure, we believe we are taking him to a better life but it will still be scary and unnerving to leave the security of what's known and go where everything is new. We know God brought our family together and we embark on the next chapter of this journey believing that He will guide our steps.


And now, presenting Daniel Anatoly Karlen.......



Fashion show.....

Building sand castles.....




Standing next to my bed....

Wearing the hat Laurie made.....




'Driving' Simone's car.....



Getting ready to go outside to play.......



First bike ride.......


Just like papa, our boy loves his guns......



These pictures don't really do his big personality justice. To see more, head on over to www.youtube.com where we have posted some precious videos. (and one totally embarrassing video of mama - funniest home videos here I come!) Just search for Jason's youtube login which is agobc594. All of the videos are there. You can see him say 'please', read a story, loving his 'Go Cards' hat, puzzling, speaking English, counting and all kinds of fun!

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm crying. Wish I had my waterproof mascara on this a.m. What a sweetie! I just came back to the blog to leave a note from Saturday and WOW what a joyful time that we have all been waiting for.

The smiles on your faces reflect that of Daniel's. He looks totally secure, comfortable and completely loved by papa and mama.

God is so good and this was in him plan that He speaks of in Jer. 29:11.

Gotta go and watch the videos. Our prayers are with you. You came as a couple and leave as a family.

Love,
Jeanine

Carrie said...

What an adorable, perfect little guy. You have truly been blessed. I watched the video of him counting and speaking in English. He is amazing. Congratulations, and good luck on getting through the rest of your paperwork quickly.

Anonymous said...

Oh My Gosh !!! He is wonderful...what a blessing for all of you..Jeanine says it best..You are definitely leaving as a family...The pictures are wonderful...I like the Cards Hat and the momma picture and the one with Jason holding him on his shoulders is perfect...These are only the beginning...He looks so happy and content...Now I am crying...God has blessed all of you and now Daniel has a perfect little face to go with his perfect name...Hurry home and be safe..
Love and prayers,
Debbie & Dave

Carol C. said...

Love the pictures and you make a great family. I can't wait to watch the video but that will have to wait until after work. Have a safe trip to Kiev.

Anonymous said...

What a cutie - Sandra

Laurie said...

He's just too adorable. Everything looks perfect. Have a safe trip and we'll look forward to seeing you when you get back home. All the best - Laurie

Conethia and Jim Bob said...

how absolutely precious he is!!!! i do pray he grows to know Christ as Daniel did. you two are truely blessed.

Anonymous said...

hooray for Daniel we've been enjoying the adventure can't wait to meet Mr.Daniel I know it'll be good to get home and settle into a routine. Give Daniel a hug and kiss from us have a safe journey home and try not to do too much spinning. Love, Carol & Rich

Carol C. said...

The video are great. I really like the spinning one. He is really doing great with English. Back to watch some more.

Kim said...

YEAH!!! PICTURES!!! He is absolutely precious. And smart. And funny. And perfect!! LOVE the videos - love the pictures - prayers for an easy end of process and safe travels home!!

adoptedthree said...

Oh he is just DARLING!

Anonymous said...

No wonder you fell in love at first sight!! He is adorable and that energy! Boy, have you got you a good one!
Kelly, that spinning video may just win the $100,000 prize! I laughed until I cried! You may have to work a little bit on the "spinning" routine before you visit a park in the U.S..

adopting2fromUkraine said...

He is adorable! He looks like a very happy little boy.

Best wishes on a speedy passport process!

June

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to meet him in person! I can only imagine how excited you are. He is certainly a handsome young man. When is his birthday? Is he closer to 4 or 5?

PAM

Anonymous said...

Hey Jason & Kelly:

It was great to finally see Daniel...He is just adorable...Cannot wait to meet him. We really enjoyed the videos...He sure is energetic and seems very bright...Looks like he will keep you guys on your toes. Good Luck

Dan & Bonnie

Anonymous said...

Congratulations from your small group! We are all so excited for the Karlen family! We just shared a lesson taught by Chuck on Hebrews Chap 2 and we are now collectively reading your blog and cheering and yelling and in general acting like crazy believers!

Chuck - "We send our love and are keeping you both and Daniel in our prayers. We miss you all!"
Marian "We miss you and love you!"
Mary - "Come on home, we want to see that boy!"
Alice - "I can see the joy we've been waiting for you to experience on all three of your faces! Daniel is just absolutely gorgeous, er, uh, I mean, very handsome like his father! Your pictures tell the whole story and we'll be here waiting for the little details when you get back! When will that be, by the way?

Anonymous said...

We are so excited that you are on your way. What a glorious little guy. Edward watches the videos each night and cannot wait to meet his new neighbor. We know that you will be awesom parents and that you all have been blessed.
Hugs and travel safely- The Ruzicka's

Anonymous said...

How exciting to finally see pictures. What a handsome little guy! I don't know who has bigger smiles, Mom and Dad or Daniel?!? We're praying for a quick trip home and safe travels!

JW said...

Hugs and prayers to your family...from Kazakhstan. It is so interesting to see my own experiences reflected in yours (as well as a sneak preview of when I will get to take my little fellow home to be with me!). Thanks for sharing your experiences. Looking forward to reading more now that the rush of preparation and travel is over.