One year with Chloe Jewel

Today marks one year since we were handed blessing number 2. I can still remember it as if it was yesterday. The same feelings come flooding back and I can feel the same butterflies in my stomach. Chloe was in the last group to arrive at the Civil Affairs office and I was getting nervous. The extra 10 - 15 minutes of waiting seemed like hours. But then she appeared in her nanny's arms outside the window. Then disappeared quickly as they were walking fast due to the cold weather. Then in a instant she appeared in the doorway. This tiny little 19 month old girl in a white snowsuit. The look on her face was of confusion -- who the heck were all these people. Then the hand off -- another moment etched in my heart forever. Sonny actually captured the picture perfectly -- me anxiously reaching out for her as her nanny reluctantly handed her over to me. Just thinking about it now makes me cry. Oh, how I long to go back and visit China and her nanny. I want to show the world what a special little girl Chloe has become. I want the acceptance of Chloe's nanny who spent a little over 14 months caring for Chloe. I want her nanny to tell me how much Chloe has changed but remains the same. Those are the things I dream of for myself and for Chloe. I want her to grow, learn, take the world on head first but still remain the same inside. She has the biggest heart and truly loves with it all. She tells us everyday that she loves mama, dada, He-He (Cassie), kitty, butterscotch, God and Jesus. And I know that she does. She's just the sweetest little thing ever. Chloe can be a snot face too -- who gets into everything -- but I'm glad she's so curious about the world and things around her. And when she smiles it lights up the whole room. He-He is her very best friend in the whole world and her baby animals are a close second. But if He-He asks for one of her favorite baby animals Chloe will give it up with a smile. She's just that generous. Chloe might have lived in a orphanage for 19 months and 10 days but God protected her heart and kept it safe with His love while she waited for us. There is really no other explanation for it.

Gotcha day - February 1, 2010





Our baby now - January 2011