Thankful Thursday (A little late)

I fully intended on having this posted first thing this morning, but things got pretty hectic around here (no need for details). Anyway, today I am thankful that God spoke to me years ago by planting the seed that after years of hope, prayers, determination, love, and a huge leap of faith lead up to the beautiful flower we now call Mylee. Today marks the 6 month anniversary of the day that Yan Zhao Lu became Mylee Zhao Lu-Ann. 6 months ago today I sat across from several Chinese officials and answered their questions, "Do you promise to never abandon, abuse, or neglect this child? Are you aware that this child has special needs?" Why do you want to adopt from China?" And several more questions. I answered with a very positive "YES" to each question. The last one was a bit more complicated. "Why did I want to adopt from China?" I simply answered the best way I could, "Adopting from China has been a dream of mine since I was a teenager and with the support of my husband, family, and friends, my dream is finally coming true today." The man that sat across from me smiled, and then said "Thank you for willing to open your home to one of our children. Bless you." That was it, Mylee was officially ours to love, and call our daughter. Unknowingly to her, this was the last day that she would cry a tear without someone there to wipe it away, or the last day she would have to go hungry, or be cold. This was the last day that she would ever be alone again because she was being taken HOME to a daddy, a sister, two brothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and many other friends who would make sure that she would never have to worry about anything again. In my mind, May 13, 2008 was the first day of the rest of her life. Enjoy the pictures.


Officially our daughter.


Mother and daughter at last.