Thursday, November 6, 2008

Family Day

Two years ago today, Bill and I were in China waiting to meet our precious baby girl for the first time. We awoke that morning anxious and excited about what was about to happen. We could not wait to finally hold our baby daughter. Our daughter. We waited so long to say those words. We held her close in our hearts and stared at her picture just waiting for this day to finally meet her.
We imagined Emily awoke expecting her usual day in the orphanage. Dress, wash, eat and spend the day with her group home friends and nannies. Little did she know that she would be taking a VERY long train ride to meet us. To meet the two strange Americans that she would come to live with and call mommy and daddy. To change her life forever.
The day we became a family was very emotional for all of us. When I think back on it I still get that same feeling deep in my soul. We all cried and Bill and I prayed we could comfort and heal her breaking heart.
Fast forward to two years later. Emily is everything we had ever hoped and prayed for. She is happy and healthy and has the best sense of humor ever. She loves for all of us to be together. She loves saying that we are a family. She loves to laugh, kiss and hug. She loves music and instuments and dancing. She has the most expressive little face and is a terrific tiny actress. She is a joy to watch.
Emily is curious and sensitive. She is caring and mischievious. She is smart and thoughtful. She is kind and gentle. This little wonder chats up a storm with strangers in the market. "Hi, whatareyoudoinhereallbyyourself". Emily proudly introduces us to everyone as "these are my friends mommy and daddy". We love her strawberry milk breath. We love that she loves chocolate and bacon and french fries. We love that she loves animals and insects and nature. We love that she loves us.
Emily fills our hearts and souls with a love that is deep and pure. She is our daughter. The light of our lives and the beat of our hearts. Emily was a butterfly for Halloween. A fitting choice for our amazing little caterpillar from two years ago. She has blossomed into our very beautiful butterfly. Happy Family Day Emily. We love you Emily Rose. Forever and ever.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I feel blessed just by reading this. Thank you for sharing.

mimi's mommy said...

Thank you Jen.

Anonymous said...

Carol, Bill, and Emily - This brought tears to my eyes reading it. We know how long and how much you and Bill wanted a little girl and we're glad your dream came true. You keep saying how blessed you are ... that may well be true, but Emily is blessed as well having the two of you as her "friends, mommy and daddy". I was thinking of all of you about an hour ago ... I happened to look at my desk calendar (fine time to look at it -- 2:00 in the afternoon), and I had noted "Family Day" on it and I smiled when I saw that, remembering our conversation last week regarding your wedding anniversary and the anniversary of the day you got Emily. Reading this makes me wish it was April 2009 so I could give you all a big hug. Emily looks so precious as a "Monarch Butterfly" -- what a beautiful costume. I hope you had a great time trick or treating and I hope your celebration on Saturday was fun. Hogs & Kusses, Pauline & David

mimi's mommy said...

Thanks Nawnie and David. Also thanks for the cards and gifts! You spoil her! And us!

Love,
mimi's "friends"

Wanda, Geoff and Lexi said...

Carol, I'm so glad I found your blog! The timing was perfect too as you celebrate your 2 years with Emily. I think of you, Bill and Emily often. Emily is a beautiful little treasure! I love her smile! I'll be a frequent reader now!

God Bless your family!
Wanda

mimi's mommy said...

Thanks Wanda! I'm still watching and waiting for you to write "We're Next"! Have you spotted the "bubby" (bunny) you gave her in the pictures yet?