Five years

On 2/28/2006 our paperwork was logged in with the CCAA in China.
Five years ago. Today.
For years I lived and breathed that date. Cursed that date. Cried about that date.
Olivia was 8, five years ago. Jackson was 5.
And now five years later it is just a memory.
In a couple of months we will be home with Makenna for two years. So long and really it has flown by. The thing is, some people with log in dates just a few months after ours are. still. waiting. Unimaginable.
I was just thinking how lucky we are to have Makenna in all of our lives today. Each of my children add such a unique piece to our family puzzle. We all fit together.
My thoughts are with all the families in the world hoping, praying, waiting, and dreaming of their future. I hope you find some peace and joy in each day and that soon you can look back at this time and feel thankful that it brought you where you are now.

My baby is 3!

Today Makenna turns 3 years old. Hard to believe she is not a baby anymore. She has been so excited about this day! We had a little party with just our family of five. Cake, ice cream, and presents that came in the mail from her family in KY. She got a Dora guitar (from us), a baby doll w/ a little pig (Nana & Papa), handmade doll blanket/pillow, hopper ball (Nana &Papa), big doll and finger paints (Granny), cards and money (Grandpa). Pretty great day all around.

My wish today is that I could somehow let her birthfamily in China know what an amazing little person she is. How full of love and giggles she can be. How much she is loved. How thankful we are every day that we get to be her family. It is so hard to reconcile the fact that their horrible loss brings our family so much joy. So on this day, even though I can't be sure they are thinking of her, I am thinking of them.