~ HAPPY FAMILY DAY MIA HOPE YUDAN ~

This moment can only be described as a birth ~ having giving birth to my two boys, I know the exhilarating, anxious, nervous and surreal feelings involved~ even though both boys were delivered via c-section ~ this moment with Mia was a birth like the others.

No different (except this wasn't painful!), no different in the deep, emotional feeling you have for your newborn. No different at all ~ some may wonder if you feel that same bond when you adopt a child ~ Yes! There is no difference at all- at least not for us! Mia is my child through and through ~ meant to be with us ~ from the beginning of time. He knew what He was doing ~ for sure!

Mia, Family Day Sept. 3, 2007

Mia, Family Day Sept 3, 2008!

2007

2008

2007

I had been curious to see how Mia's Family Day outfit would fit her; and I had seen other do this too ~ so I dressed her in her yellow outfit with the plastic sandals she'd worn that day in 2007. The outfit fit - it was a bit tight and short - I smiled, she has grown physically as well as emotionally. She was around 17 lbs. at 19 months old; and now she is 24+ lbs at 2 1/2 yrs!

Mia tried her hardest to get these sandals on her foot. She is so persistent and willful - she struggled and pushed and pulled!

Her foot has grown considerably - she was so mad! She wanted these shoes on in a bad way!

"Mommy, please help!"

Mia had finally had it and threw the shoes across the room! This child was described by her SWI as being "docile and quiet" and "afraid of loud noises"; well, Mia has come into her own and is the least "docile" child I have ever seen! I just love her zest and love for life!

The toddler we adopted was more like an infant; eating and sleeping throughout the day. She had a tough beginning and I'm sure it will always "be" with her; however, now she has a family to help her through the tough times and the glorious times!

Mia we adore you and thank you for completing us!

"Have faith in your dreams and someday

Your rainbow will come smiling thru

No matter how your heart is grieving

If you keep on believing

the dream that you wish will come true."

~ Disney's Cinderella movie

* We will celebrate as a family tonight and have a delicious Chinese dinner. The boys have both left for their first days of school. Anthony had "butterflies" and Eddie "just wants to go!" - his first day of kindergarten is going on as I write. Since we missed their first day of school last year - this day was extra special and so nice to see for myself and kiss them myself; and wish them a wonderful day. I miss them.