Happy Forever Family Day Mei Mei!

Dear Mei Mei,

Exactly one year ago, at 3 pm China time, we officially became a forever family of 5. It seems like yesterday we were sitting in the Civil Affairs Building waiting for your name to be called. I remember it as if it were yesterday. There you were behind the curtain sitting quietly on a little stool. We were overjoyed to see you, a living breathing little person, instead of the still photographs we had memorized during our wait. Our hearts were about to explode in anticipation. A bittersweet day for all of us...

I have replayed those moments many times over the past year. It was like being in the delivery room with 46 families as we all became parents simultaneously. Loud. Chaotic. Sweltering HEAT. Crying babies. Emotional Mommy's and Daddy's. Lots of Cantonese. A guide trying to keep it all together. In a nutshell, sheer pandemonium.

I remember the look on your face when you were handed to your Daddy. I remember your cry and the fear in your eyes. I remember how tiny you felt in my arms. I remember how Mrs. Jenny whispered in my ear, "She will be ok...just give her time." I remember the prayers I prayed over you... "Lord, please comfort her in a way I can't. Lord, please tell her YOU will love her forever...and so will we. Lord, please help us know how to help her." I remember feeling so ill equipped to be your Mommy but knowing with certainty that you were the daughter of our hearts.

We've had quite a year. Many firsts. Many prayers. Many moments. Many struggles. Many snuggles. Many confirmations. Many aha moments. You have come SO far but then again so have the rest of us. Slowly but surely we have woven together as a family of 5. We have been blessed to watch you blossom into a smart, funny, joyful, dramatic, loving and full of life little girl. You've made us love deeper and taught us more than we ever could have taught you over the past year. The day we became your family is one of the most joyful and miraculous days of our lives. Someday you may choose not to celebrate this day and if that is your wish we will certainly honor it. Whatever your decision may be, we will always quietly give thanks for September 14th and the privilege of being chosen to be your family... forever.

Happy Forever Family Day Mei Mei!
We love you all the way to China and back again...