Milestones to Celebrate and Reflect Upon

33 years ago, I was born to wonderful, and loving parents. Not a birthday goes by that I don't think of my mom. She went to be with the Lord almost 6 years ago now. It's hard to believe that I celebrated every milestone of my life with my mom. From my first words, my first steps, my first cartwheel, to my first ballet shoes, and my last pointe shoes. She would cheer me on at every dance recital, attended every game, home and away, that I've ever cheered at, every choir performance, every piano recital, and even the few flute and violin performances I had in between.

The funny things I'll never forget.
Mother's Chocolate Chip cookies and Dorito's as part of breakfast are okay, in fact anything "every once in a while" is fine. If you dress up for your doctor's appointments, you'll get better service. Don't just smile, but smile with your eyes too. (Yes, she made me practice before school photos.) You can get really good deals if you shop at Macy's and take advantage of the Early Bird specials, use your card, and get the additional 20% off.

What I won't carry on by way of tradition. . .
I won't make Gracyn or any other daughter I may be blessed with wear those funny circle hats that look like the cap to a water bottle for Easter. I won't make them wear dresses with empire waistlines at the age of 12. I won't make them wear ruffle socks ever. And hair does not have to be curled ALL the time to be pretty.

6 months ago, I met Gracyn for the very first time. She was so cute, so scared, so mad, just downright angry, but she was mine. We celebrated many firsts together in her birth country. Her first walk in a stroller, her first train ride, her first cab ride, her first bath with me, her first American PINK sandals, I think her first Cheerio's, her first skyping experience, and her first flight!

The last six months have been incredible. Incredibly challenging, filled with frustration and tears from both of us. Incredibly sweet, watching Gracyn open up and showing her true happiness. She now smiles a lot, and she laughs, and even pretend laughs if she thinks it's supposed to be funny. She runs around after her brother around the kitchen island, and helps me get ready for my day. Hands me my lotion, my makeup, even helps me put my pants on! Gracyn is still only saying a few words, signing a few others, has had her hair cut twice, is still just over 25 lbs, but her face has really filled out. I can't wait to see what the next 6 months will hold for us!

Six long months ago, my dad and I went to Taiwan to meet Gracyn. . .

 

What's bitter sweet. . .
I've celebrated my wedding day, the birth of my first child, the adoption of my second, the pregnancy of my third, and she wasn't here for any of these milestones. Here in my heart yes, but not here for my children to know her. Not here to read them stories, or to help me give them baths. I miss my mom, especially today, as I reflect on my 30-something years of life, and our 6 month anniversary with Gracyn.

A photo I created for my dad, although my mom has never met Peyton. . .

 

Gracyn has been home for 6 months and is settling in. . .

 

 

Gracyn - We are so blessed to call you our daughter and sister. You were so worth the wait! I know the last 6 months have not been easy for you. Leaving behind all that you know. Familiar faces, familiar foods, familiar sounds and smells. . .all that you knew for the first two years of your life suddenly disappeared. You have grown so much and I think you actually love all of us now, as your family. You and your brother sure do behave like siblings! You know what you want, that's for sure, and you love to eat! From veggies to mint chocolate, your taste buds are just like Mommy! Your eyes are so big and beautiful. Daddy thinks you're the cutest thing!! We pray that you become the young lady He always intended for you to become. We pray that you continue to be at peace in your new home with us, your forever family. We love you fancy pants!