Fu Le Wen, One Year

Today, one year ago, at 2:00 pm local time (Chongqing, China), darling Emi was placed in our arms. While the wait was so hard (so very hard), nothing prepared me for the feelings that just swamped me when we walked into the room at the Civil Affairs building and saw her sweet sleeping face. And then, when her nanny gave her to me, the first time to hold my baby girl I just could not hold back the tears of joy. Thank goodness she was sleeping, because I seriously could not hold them back. Even now, writing this, the tears come. I could not believe this perfect little person was ours. Ours to love, ours to care for, ours to raise. Forever. I looked at her in awe, and just could not stop watching her sleep. It was so hard to hand her to Jeff to hold, I am sure I finally did but much of that time is a blur. I remember the nanny waking Emi while I held her and Emi just looking at both Jeff and I with huge eyes. No tears, and didn't really seem to be upset. Just absorbing all around her. She still pretty much likes to do that, look around first and then run head-long into what new experience is there waiting for her.

It's been a year of changes for this sweet little girl. From a baby who could barely sit, and who would topple over and not be able to right herself to a child who runs full tilt at the world. Very little scares her (although scares me all the time!), climbing to new heights almost daily. Emi still isn't talking, something that we have some concerns about but in all other areas she is either right on track or a bit ahead. She was and still is a very happy child, ready with a smile and a laugh. Her full belly laughs are contagious! She eats like a truck driver, has the energy of a locomotive and can brighten the room like a little fairy sprite. Think I am a bit in love with this little gal?

We couldn't be happier, and we are now a family complete.

P.S. For those new to our blog who might be interested in our trip to China:
October 29, October 31, November 1, November 4, November 8. And of course, there's more in the archives. :)

November 2007 ~~~~~~~~~~~ October 2008
Oh, and she has a bit more hair. ;)