5 years...unbelievable!

Five years ago this week we were in Guatemala finalizing Gustavo's adoption. It had been a wild 6 months since receiving his referral. The trip felt surreal. It was the week before Christmas and Mark and I were hanging out in sunny 80 degree weather preparing to bring home our son who we feared would quite possibly never join our family.

Gustavo loves the story of his homecoming. He particularly loves one part of the story. My parents brought Zack, Katie and Marco to the airport to greet the newest family member. After the initial hugs and kisses we headed to baggage claim. Marco was sitting in his stroller and my mother knelt down with Gustavo in her arms. As she was allowing the new brothers to get to know one another Marco reached out and "tweaked" (grabbed) Gustavo's nose. It was as if Marco was saying "welcome to the family Gustavo...just realize I am the older brother!"

On December 18, 2003 Gustavo Adolfo arrived in Ohio and our family has never been the same. According to his foster family Gustavo started giggling at ten days old. We totally believe it! He has a zest for life like no other.

We are so thankful for the past 5 years...and can't imagine what the future holds! Enjoy the video tribute to the boy we honor this week. :)