One Year Ago Today...

It is astonishing to me that one year ago today I was in Taiwan and met Holly for the very first time. I had promised myself that I wouldn't cry, but of course I did. It was both a joyful and a sad day last year and I feel the same way this year. I think about Holly's birth mother very often, but on days like today, it is especially sad and painful for me. As Holly gets older, I am sure that she will think of her birth mother a lot and I hope that she will understand how much I love her birth mother and think that she was a courageous woman to make such a difficult decision.

Then:

Every day I still feel so lucky to be Holly's Mama and to have her in my life. She was so tiny and scared that day. She had no idea what was going on, but attached to me beautifully. Today, she is such a big girl, brave, cuddly, full of fun, and has oodles of personality. She knows who her Mama is and when she wants Mama, there isn't anyone who is an acceptable substitute! I cannot imagine my life without her. She has brought such joy into my world.

Now:
We didn't do anything different on this Family Day. I had a meeting all day, and Holly went to bed an hour earlier than usual. I guess I don't really have anything spectacular to say about this special day, so I will just show you pictures so you can see what a funny, independent girl she is.She loves the smell of playdoh and has finally decided that playing with it is fun. She loves shoes (watch out future husband!) and plays with any of them that she finds laying around the house. They are never where you left them!

Everyone loves a sleeping baby and I am no different. I snuck into her room the other night to take this picture. She has to have all of her things with her in bed (bear, giraffe, book, bunny, binky, blankets...).
More than anything, I just want to say that this girl makes me so darned happy to get up every single morning. I love to be with her, laugh with her, watch her, and love her. She truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me! I sometimes wonder if life can get any better than being a parent.

I love you, Holly! Today, tomorrow, and forever!