One look at his referral picture and we were smitten. Those eyes! Those cheeks! Technically, you are supposed to look at the file before the picture. Has anyone ever done that?
One year ago, our lives changed. We still had mountains of anxiety and a long way to go. But it was the beginning of a wonderful journey to our family.
We have so much to be thankful for.
The road to adoption is incredibly hard--at least, it was for us. Yet in the end, we get to tuck this little boy into bed each night.
And introduce him to the wonders of the holidays.
Sleep can be hard. Separation is tough, as are language barriers. It's not perfect but it's perfect for us. And it's worth it--oh, boy, is it worth it.
Happy holidays from our family to yours.
Happy holidays to you too! What a year for you guys. Gives me hope that things will continue how they are and we will be in the same place next Christmas.
ReplyDelete--A
He is adorable! Happy Christmas to you and your family! Shannon
ReplyDeleteOh how that warms my heart!! We're coming up on our 1 year anniversary of our referral, too. What a wonderful time of year! Congrats :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so great! Happy one year anniversary. Each day brings a new wonder and opportunity to celebrate..life. Hope your holidays are beautiful and super fun. Thinking of you with all joy.
ReplyDelete(once upon a time, when I adopted Miss A, there was NO picture....ever. I saw her the day got her....but the anniversary of that phone call is imprinted on my heart forever)
Love! Love! Love! I have enjoyed reading through your archives. Merry Christmas to you, Cory and Luke.
ReplyDeleteMegan and Paxton
You summed it up so nicely--it is not perfect, it is HARD, but it is so very worth it. Here's hoping to another happy year full of great memories!
ReplyDeletePS We have very close referral-verasaries!
Yes it is worth it. That sums it up perfectly.
ReplyDeleteIt is the hardest, most excruciating, pain wrenching thing ever but in the end when you look at that little face - it is so worth it.
Merry Christmas!
One year - WOW! You are right, as incredibly difficult as it all is, it is SO worth it. Nothing could be more worth it. Happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteAwesome that it's been a year since PA. Congratulations to you all!
ReplyDeletemerry christmas friend! this is so so beautiful. warms my heart.
ReplyDeleteHe was, and is, so very very beautiful. May you have a wonderfully merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAgain, thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures. What a series of holidays you have had since he came! I know this will be an especially fabulous Christmas for all of your extended family with the addition of your little guy. A couple of your mother's Clark 80+ year old cousins ask about him when I call and are so pleased you have him. (My mom and your mother's dad were the youngest of a large family so many of our cousins could be nearer our parents' ages.) Merry Christmas and a great 2013 to you and yours. Judy
ReplyDeleteWhat a road you guys have walked! Luke is ADORABLE, and yes it seems like forever since we were in China together! Many blessings on your and your family... Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteStephanie (& Trevor and all the kiddos)