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.