Look who's 3!

We've had so much fun this year celebrating E's 3rd birthday--her first birthday with us!  Since it was her first birthday with our family, we thought we'd make a big deal out of it and have a party at a great Chinese restaurant with our entire extended family.  We are so lucky to have such a wonderful family who has embraced E with wide open arms and lots of love and affection.  E was a little shy at first being the center of so much attention, but she soon warmed right up and was soaking it all right up!  It was a great day with lots of love and laughter and yummy food!

Giving Thanks

P and I have always felt very thankful for all of the wonderful things in our lives, most importantly our family and each other.  But, like with everything else since January 9, this Thanksgiving is so much different.  E is the pinnacle of everything we have to be thankful for.  Every turn we took, decision we made, and sign we followed led us right to her.  So today, like every day, we are thankful for our beautiful daughter who has brought so much to our lives, even more than we could have ever imagined.

Last Thanksgiving we were thankful that our long wait to meet E was finally moving towards the home stretch.  This year, I am so thankful for the sounds of giggly laughter, joyous squeals, and not-so-light-on-her-feet footsteps ringing through our house.  I am thankful that during our nighttime cuddle, even though our noses are touching, E says, "Closer, Mama."  I am thankful for the excellent medical care E is receiving.  I am thankful to be married to a man who followed my dream and made it his own, knowing that adoption is an equally wonderful way to make a family.  I am thankful to watch P and E's relationship blossom, and that P is E's favorite playmate.  I am thankful to the family and friends who lifted us up on our journey, one that has not been for the faint of heart.  I am thankful for each tantrum E throws, because it shows me that she has let her guard down, and that she can be herself without fearing that we'll turn away from her.  We are thankful to be called Mama and Baba (even if it's 1498 times a day) and to know a love that is absolutely like no other.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!