One year Ago...

we saw this precious face in a grainy photograph from across the world. We soaked up every detail of her, lurked on forums and blogs looking for people who knew more about her, and proudly showed her picture to everyone we passed. Waiting for a referral was difficult, but the pain vanished with her smile.

Since that day, we dreamed of our meeting, prayed for her continuously, prepared her big brother, decorated her room and stocked it with little girl things. We were so excited to finally meet SJ, to hold her and be her forever family.
Becoming SJ's mother has been better than any of those daydreams. She is somehow more perfect than I imagined and fits with her forever family seamlessly. Even the difficult first months with SJ forged us together. She trusts us and knows she is loved. I still look at her and can't believe she is here and that I get to be her mom.
SJ is funny, she retells funny stories to get another laugh. She is smart, this girl has a gift for music and loves to hear music, play music, & go to concerts and shows. SJ is stubborn, she stands up for herself. She has the cutest smile, with a dimple on her right cheek and a freckle on her top lip. SJ is loud! She sings at top volume, shrieks while playing and will quiet down for a moment when she's asked. But she's right back at top volume in minutes, singing her heart out! SJ loves her brother and cousins deeply. She looks out for them, asks often about them, and loves to be B's "Little Mother". God matched this amazing girl to us, He planned for us to be a family.
Getting to know SJ has been a great joy. We are so blessed to be her mom and dad. God is so good!