I can't believe I almost missed this.

Those thoughts seem to go through my mind frequently. I just left Stacie's room--after tucking into her crib for a nap I lingered at her side holding her hand. She sighed and smiled at me and I told her that I loved her. She again smiled and slowly drifted off to sleep. To watch her sleep is one of the many joys of being her mother. I easily could have put her in her crib, told her I love her and then walk out of the room. This time, however, I was so glad that I stayed just a little while longer. I wonder how am I the one who is so blessed to be her mother?

Earlier today as we were leaving the YMCA Stacie pulled my hand to go toward some flowers. She put her face next to the flower and sniffed the fragrance--again...if I was in a hurry I would have missed it. She literally stopped to smell the roses (flowers).

It is thrilling to hear her say "mommy!" with such enthusiasm when I come into our home after being gone to the grocery store. Just yesterday she emphatically said "daddy's home!" as Gord walked into our home. It's these little things that make our lives so enriched.

Today is the one year anniversary of coming home from China with Stacie. My life is one that has changed so much in the past year. There is so much laughter and joy in our home--and to think...I could have missed it if I did not listen to God's directing us to adopt. I pray that I slow down enough in my life so that I don't miss the awe and wonder that is around me every day.

It's hard to believe that it has been one year since the evening before the arrival of Stacie. I remember last year, August 14, 2005, not being able to sleep much because I couldn't wait to have her in my arms. I remember so vividly the feelings, sights, and even smells of the days leading up to this incredible moment in time when I would become her mother.

I frankly don't know what our family would be like without her. She is such an amazing child. Stacie adds so much joy and laughter to our family. She is certainly a ray of sunshine.

Last month we took a vacation to New York and part of the time we spent with another family whose daughter (Allie) is from the same orphanage as Stacie. Allie and Stacie had so much fun together. Stacie was such a great trouper going all over New York City and also traveling for over 2000 miles in the van.

We spent this past weekend with another family whose daughter (Paige) is from the same orphanage as well. Paige and Stacie had a great time getting reaquainted.

Even through there are so many miles between Stacie and her friends from Hunan I pray that she will grow up knowing as many of the girls as possible. It will be so worth it!

Sue