Five years as a family..........

Today marks 5 years that Emily and I are a family. I cannot believe that it was FIVE years ago today that I was handed my precious baby girl. She was so tiny and so sweet and was so very brave. She cried for a few minutes and then nestled her face into my neck and fell asleep. I was instantly connected to her from the moment I saw her picture for the first time 6 weeks earlier. But, that moment, in the Civil Affairs Office in Kunming, I experienced something far more intense. A feeling that only a parent knows when they are handed their child for the first time. I felt fiercely protective and intensely in love. Having my Mom beside me at that moment was so special. My Mom has a deep connection to both of my girls and I think a lot has to do with the fact that she was in the "delivery room" with me both times. The road to Emily was very bumpy and almost didn't happen because of HUGE problems with my adoption agency. I thank God every single day that Kathy and Wasatch Adoption Agency stepped in and promised to help us complete our adoptions. I was so very close to not having Emily in my life......that I cannot even think about.....

Emily, you are my life, you are my love, you are my daughter. Today, tomorrow and always. I love you so much my sweet girl!!!!

Today as we celebrate Easter and 5 years as a family. We say a prayer for Emily's birth family. May they feel the peace and comfort that we send them across the ocean. Emily is happy and safe and we cannot thank you enough for the gift that you have given us.