1 Year Home

This weekend marks one year of being a family of 4 at Our Coffey House. One year since we arrived home with our SJ from Ethiopia. She arrived here a lonely, scared, confused little girl. One year later, she is confident (loud!), active, and loved by so many.

During our travels, we were so enamoured with our girl. We still are, I'm amazed at her resilience, beauty and smarts. We are head over heels in love! When we arrived home, our son ran to meet us and I collapsed in sobs. I was overwhelmed with joy and relief at the answer to our prayers. Our family was finally whole.

During this past year, we have grown to fit together. The practicalities of having 2 kids feels normal and easy now. B and SJ have a typical sibling relationship, and I smile watching them play and interact. I like that they have each other, now and in the future.

Our 3 favorite things about our 3 1/2 yr old girl:

*her sense of humor, she knows how to get laughs and keep 'em coming.

*her willingness to help out and work together. She likes to tell Daddy when his coffee is ready, and likes to help Mommy clear the table after meals.

*her love for music. She loves to listen to music, sing and dance. She holds a pretend microphone, sings every word of songs, and dances!

To celebrate our "Famiversary", we're going on a quick trip to North Carolina. We'll get to introduce SJ to SuperDaddy's extended family (hi Jeep!) and take her to see her favorite band, Donna the Buffalo. She is so excited to meet everyone and see DTB play!

We also remember SJ's First Mother, that every year we enjoy with our daughter, is another year she misses her. I often think of how proud and amazed she would be of SJ. We all are.

PICTURES: Cuddling with Granny for the first time (May 08).

Going to see Dora Live with cousin Jelly (March 09).