Happy Birthday Bella!

Referral Picture

Bella on her 1 yr. Birthday

One year ago today, at around 8 pm, Dave, the boys and I gathered around my computer to capture the first glimpse of our daughter....Elisabella. We waited 9 months to receive our referral...funny....pregnancy is 9 months. I remember sitting down at the computer after receiving the call from our case worker and being nervous to open the email. Dave and the boys were anxious and saying "hurry up, open it"....and I said "this is it". The second I opened it, I burst in to tears. Not only did we wait 9 months for the referral, but we waited 7 months to come up with the initial payment to start the process. And in all that waiting, I would pray daily "may she beautiful to our eye's". In that very moment, I seen my daughter for the very first time, and like the boys, she took my breath away. I couldn't stop the tears, the boys were squeeling "she's so cute" and my husband said "yup, she looks like one of our's".

As I look back at the last 2 years and 4 months....I am amazed at our God. I am always amazed by Him. I stand in awe of everything, even the little things. I miss the quiet physical dependence and closeness I had with him through the process waiting for Bella and bringing her home. But I rest in my spirit knowing that we have never been closer.

Bella's birthday was August 28th, and of course, we will always celebrate that as her birthday. But quietly or with a loud bang or even in my quiet time with God, I will always celebrate this day as her birthday. This is "our gotcha day" as they say in the adoption world. Most would say that's the Embassy Apt day, but not for me. This was when I gave birth, this is when the Lord revealed His promise to us. This "was the day the Lord had made". And we absolutely "rejoice and are glad".

We love you sweet girl, you are a joy, delight, and gift to all of us and we celebrate in the gift of you.

P.S. Slide show of her birthday to come...I'm working on it.