Just One Year Ago...

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As I reflect on the mountain of paperwork, the red tape (not the red thread), the hoops we skipped through, the wait for referral, then the 10 long weeks we waited to leave for China, I marvel that we actually made that journey that culminated in the adoption of our little lovebug, Mikayla.

Some days that seems like just yesterday, but then I pull out photos of Mikayla in China on her placement day and look at how she has changed in just 365 days and realize it has been a wonderful and fast first year. She has grown and changed so much. Her little giggle that at times escalates to a guffaw and a snort is such a joyous sound to these ears. This little girl that didn't know what to do in a high chair and never made a sound when she awoke in her crib now runs around the house playing hide and seek and definitely holds her own in the eating department. She embraces each new day with discovery and a zest which is infectious.

We have been blessed to be able to stay in contact with 9 of the 10 families we traveled to China with last year. To see their beautiful daughters change and grow and to be a part of their extended families has been a blessing and a gift that is precious and priceless. I so long in my heart to hug each of these amazing people today. I am sure I will feel this longing even more urgently on Tuesday, November 14th as this is the anniversary of when each of us met our daughters in person for the very first time.

I thought it would be neat to revisit how much little Mikayla has changed in her first year hanging out with this crazy clan that has totally been captivated by this little girl.