Happy one year Family Day!!!!

We had a small celebration today after dinner to acknowledge this very special day. We are waiting to officially celebrate this weekend when Daddy comes home from Italy. Can't wait!

One year ago today...........

One year ago today 46 families were crowded in a sweltering hot, loud, chaotic room in Guangzhou, China waiting to meet their child for the first time.....

The nannies and children were waiting behind this curtained off room for their name to be called to come out and meet their families.....

We were all trying to catch a glimpse of our child in that room, waiting not so patiently.......

(Lily is in the back on the right).

Our stomachs were doing flip flops with butterflies until we finally got to have our moment.

Many tears were shed for different reasons. Us as parents, for the shear joy of holding and touching OUR child for the first time. Much like giving birth with the anticipation of first holding your child and looking into their eyes. Promising to love and protect forever.

Lily crying for a much different reason, fear. Not knowing who these people were holding and kissing her. Not knowing where she was. Not knowing where she was going. Not knowing where her Ayi (nanny) was going, leaving her behind. My heart breaks remembering that day. We were so happy to finally physically see and hold her. She was so sad leaving her life as she knew it behind.

Fast forward one year. This little girl melts my heart each and every day. I truly love her with all my being. Our love for her has come easy. She always felt like she was ours from the moment we laid eyes on her. If I had to choose one word to describe her it would be amazing. She is happy, silly, funny, thankful, easy, helpful, independent, cuddly, resilient, and best of all, ours!

She has come so far in the last year. We have had our share of struggles and know there will be more to come. We can't wait though to see our Lily blossom even more!

Lollipop, lollipop, oh la la lollipop.........

This photo shoot took a little bribery.........

Win win situation.

She was happy. I was happy.

A few licks here.

A few smiles there.

Couldn't be happier.

On top of the world.

Until..................

Oh boy!

Lollipop accidentally hits the counter.

So sad. Things were going so good..........

Just for laughs..........

Gavin is so goofy!!