ONE YEAR AGO......

March 29th, 2006 was the best day of my entire life- the day I became a Mommy- the day my beautiful Emilee Madison Jin Xiu joined my family! She has changed so much since that day. The 9 month old, 17 pound baby with 4 teeth who couldn't sit herself up, roll over, or even hold a cheerio has grown into a beautiful 24 pound little girl with a smile full of teeth who walks, runs, dances, sings, laughs, and who lights up the room when ever she enters it. She is growing up so fast, but she is still my sweet baby girl. She is more snuggly than ever and holds on tight to me with all four limbs until she falls into a deep sleep- and sometimes even then, she'll tighten her grasp if I try to move. Mornings are still my favorite, though- waking up to her sweet smile, soft kisses, and "Good morning" babble whispers... And there is still nothing better than hearing her call me Mommy or receiving unsolicited Xiu Xiu kisses and hugs. It's no wonder my heart is so full. I know how lucky I am to be able be her mommy and watch her grow into something wonderful, and I wouldn't trade that for the world. I get to witness all of her firsts and every new discovery; she is such a child of wonder and is amazed by just about everything. I love spending all of my time with her, and I actually miss her when she is asleep. Yes, my daughter has changed in the past year- but I have changed too. (I think my heart has doubled in size. ) I am so grateful, and I thank God every day for blessing me with my loving daughter- everything about her is a miracle to me. Happy one year anniversary, Emilee! I love you so dearly~

HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Celebration of You

Black haired beauty

With eyes of coal

Beautiful smile

That touches your soul

Delicate hands

That touch my face

0, how I thank GodFor His amazing grace

Kisses and hugs andI love yous

Every day's an adventure

Never know what you'll do

You imitate all

That I do and say

Keep me up on my toes

Make me change my ways

Whose the teacher

You or me

Each day that changes

By what I see

For through your eyes

I see things new

Each day you teach me

What's real, what's true

From then to now

What a difference I see

Never knew how greatLife could be

Each day I pray

That I will beThe mom you deserve

The mom you need

I celebrate my year with you

And look forward to the future too

I love you, forever,

My baby you'll be

I thank God each day

For giving you to me

LOVE ALWAYS,MOM

The magic of a year

EMILEE WITH GRANDMA AND POPPY

You're my life's one Miracle,

Everything I've done that's good

And you break my heart with tenderness,

And I confess it's true

I never knew a love like this till you....

You're the reason I was born

Now I finally know for sure

And I'm overwhelmed with happiness

So blessed to hold you close

The one that I love most

With all the future has so much for you in store

Who could ever love you more?

The nearest thing to heaven,

You're my angel from above

Only God creates such perfect love

When you smile at me,

I cryAnd to save your life I'll die

With a romance that is pure heart,

You are my dearest part

Whatever it requires,

I live for your desires

Forget my own, your needs will come before

Who could ever love you more?

Well there is nothing you could ever do,

To make me stop, loving you

And every breath I take,

Is always for your sake

You sleep inside my dreams and know for sure

Who could ever love you more?

_Miracle byCeline Dion

Natalie's 5th Birthday Party

LADY IN RED

As many of you know my adoption was not typical. It was filled with a lot of road blocks and many disappointments. But I have to say I have the child that is right for me. I cannot imagine any other child in my life but Emilee. She is my destined child.I started with China in 2002, and I will not get into it, But after a completed dossier, a LID and a very long wait I was taken.When I could not get another spot for China I switched everything to Vietnam. Again after a long wait and days away from a referral, anther roadblock was thrown at me. Vietnam closed to international adoption. As a single I has limited choices and put my mane on every list for China and began perusing other counties. At one point I was beginning to think it was me. Counties were closing, laws were changing and disappointment came at me with the intensity if a category 4 storm.In 2005 I finally received my long awaited spot for China with GWCA. After holding Emilee in my harms, I finally understood the reason I had to wait.
OK, back to the picture above:When I started with Vietnam, I asked my agency to supply me with references of theirs clients that had completed their adoptions. I wanted to make sure that this agency was legit. I was not going through this again.They supplied me with three mane. Two in New York and one from Ohio. Again, I understand why I had to go down this road even if it did not lead to my child. It was to meet these three amazing women. I consider them my guardian angels. Through out the rest of my adoption journey they were there to help me and guide me along the way.The above picture was taken in 2002 at a Vietnam picnic while I was waiting for my referral. Every year we have taken the same picture in the home of adding Emilee. In 2006 this dream came true.

Andrew and Emilee Drawing

Sofias 2nd Birthday

Look I can do tricks

Cake by Stacey

Sofia getting ready for her cake
What a great time we all had. Emilee fell asleep the moment we left