Today is the day...

Where do I begin? I am a bag of emotions today. Happy. Excited.
Nervous. I cannot imagine how Madi must be feeling. In a little over 7
hours I will meet her again, this time as her forever Mama. I knew when
I traveled to Jinjiang last February that my life had changed, I just
didn't realize to what extent.

When I adopted Emily over 8 years ago, I would never have imagined that
I would make this trip 3 times to grow my family. Emily quietly slipped
into my arms on that day in March 2003 and immediately smiled and
adjusted to her new life. A lot easier than I did as I first time Mom.
We had an instant connection…soul mates destined to meet for sure. Love
at first sight.

Alyssa's transition was not as smooth. When I tell people she cried for
two straight YEARS (no that is not a typo), they think I am
exaggerating. Just ask those who were beside me, they will agree. But,
like the first time I was in China, when she was placed in my arms on
that December afternoon in 2005, it was love at first sight. For me
that it is. It took some convincing to get Alyssa to believe that life
with us would be good. But, she and I are in sync. We get each other
and again…my life is so much richer and better because my sweet girl is
in it. I have no doubt that we were the perfect match. We have taught
each other that the pay-off is HUGE if one is patient, loving and
flexible.

I really don't have any idea how Madison will adjust or react to being
placed with me today. This experience is so different…adopting an older
child. She has been through a lot. I have a glimpse into her past 11
months, but beyond that I don't have much. I hope that in time she will
feel comfortable sharing her past 6 years with me. It breaks my heart
that she has had to wait so long for her forever family. But the time
has come at last. I will give her time. I will be patient. I will be
flexible in my parenting. I will love her to the moon and back. And I
pray that along the way she realizes that if I could have come sooner, I
would have. That she is safe with us now.

I am all ready. The next post will be sure to have some pictures of my
beautiful daughter. I was able to skype (with video---thank Kate!!!)
with my Mom and the girls this morning and they are so excited to
finally skype with Madi. I cannot wait!!! Thanks for all of the love
and support that each of you have given me. I have said it before and I
will say it again. I couldn't have asked for a better "Village" of
people to help me raise and love my family. Let's get this show on the
road……