Lauren Akins to Her First Daughter, Willa Gray: ‘You Are Better Than My Best Dreams’
Thomas Rhett and wife Lauren Akins adopted their daughter Willa Gray from Uganda in May 2017, and on the little girl's second birthday — her first living with the couple in the United States — her mom recalls the path to bringing her home.
It's a touching message alongside a series of photos that may bring you to tears.
Shortly after midnight on Nov. 2, Akins turned to Instagram to share words of love in honor of her special day, saying she and husband Thomas Rhett "never prayed so hard for anything or anyone."
"Now half way across the world from where we first met you’re turning 2 and you are better than my best dreams. God not only answered our prayers for over a year when you came home, but He WAY exceeded them by giving us you," Mom Lauren writes.
Akins also shared private photos showcasing her love for her eldest daughter, many of which appear to be from the first time they met, when Akins went on a mission trip to Uganda. One picture shows her cradling little Willa in her arms, planting a sweet kiss on her face — another shows two of them fast asleep together, as if they've been bonded from the start.
"I love getting to be your mama & watching you shine," Akins continues. "Happy birthday to my first baby, I love you to the moon and stars my precious little one."
Rhett and Akins were finally able to bring Willa home after a long adoption process, just months before the couple welcomed a biological daughter, Ada James, on Aug. 12. The family threw an adorable unicorn-themed party for Willa Gray's birthday, complete with a unicorn cake and piñata.
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