6 Months Ago Today

6 months ago today a little after 9:00 a.m. (China time), I was handed one of the most precious gifts from God. It was on this day that dreams were filled, prayers were answered, and wishes were granted when Mylee was placed in my arms for the very first time. It is so hard to believe that she has only been with us for 6 months, and in some ways, it's like she has been with us since the day she was born.
On May 12, 2008 Yan Zhao Lu was placed in my arms without a single tear (those came later). She was brought to the Civil Affairs Office by her doctor and nurse, and it was evident that they loved her very much and were going to miss her immensely.
She was a happy, curious, spunky little girl who seemed to have such a zest for life. As she toddles around the room I remember thinking that as one journey was ending for her, another was just beginning. She had no idea what awaited her half way around the world.
Today that little girl is know as Mylee Zhao Lu-Ann. We have gone from strangers to her parents, her protectors. When she sees us she greets us with open arms and a wide smile. When she is scared or hurt, it is us she turns to for comfort and safety. When she is proud of herself (for bending her knees), it us us she can't wait to show. Mylee went from a dream She has gone from being a dream, to our daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend in 6 short months.
She is a true delight and a blessing. She is still happy, curious, and spunky. She is extremely smart and is very persistent. She has picked up English much faster than we expected. The sad part is she is losing some of her Chinese. We are hoping to get her enrolled into a local Chinese school soon. She has a need to accomplish anything regardless of how hard she may have to struggle. We are so amazed at how well she "fits" into our family.
I know for some of you it is hard to understand, but she is as much ours as are Blake, Emma, and Gabe. Although she was not born to us in the traditional sense, she was born in our hearts. She is loved just the same as the others.
I believe she was meant for family just as Matt and I were meant to get married and Blake, Emma, and Gabe were meant for us. I truly believe that years ago, (before Matt and I knew each other) she was hand picked for our family and He was waiting for the perfect time to introduce her to us.
Mylee is the missing piece to our puzzle. She has brought so much joy and laughter to our family. She is an amazing little girl who I am blessed to call my daughter.

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Thanks Stefanie over at Ni Hao Yall for helping me figure out how to upload my video to blogger. I really appreciate it.