Wednesday, March 4, 2009

A daughter is . . .


"A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future." -- Author Unknown

Six years ago today, we met our daughter in a warm room at the adoption registry center in Guangzhou, China. All of the little girls in our group were dressed alike in little sweatsuits, except for the twins. They wore a different outfit but matched each other, of course. We were the second or third parents called and presented with our daughter. She was sucking furiously on her finger, but otherwise was very quiet, just taking it all in.

I had been thinking about her for years and what she might be like. She would be petite and dainty with beautiful straight (unlike me) black hair. She would be bright and sweet and have an amazing sense of humor. She would have a killer smile… one that could charm anyone and everyone who met her. She would be the soul of kindness and generosity. She would be a true friend and would approach life with enthusiasm and optimism. She would be loving and affectionate – it would never bother her to kiss and hug her family in public! She is all of these things and so much more!

For the last six years, she has brought the greatest joy into my life and that of our family every single day. She has gone from a quiet bewildered 14-month-old baby to a sweet, confident first-grader. I can't wait to watch her unfold yet further and to see her become the beautiful young woman she is destined to be.

29 comments:

fleur de lis cottage said...

What a beautiful post and quote. How wonderful to imagine what she'd be like and the dream to unfold and be true.

Jodee said...

Happy Gotcha Day Anniversary! I think your dreams definitely came true with Miss M. She is all of that and more! She was the perfect addition to your family and you are soooo blessed to be her Mommy!

Lucy said...

Happy Family Day! You're the luckiest Mom around to have Maddy, she is an obvious blessing to you and your family!!!

Gail said...

Happy Forever Family Day! I'm sure it's hard to believe sometimes that it's been 6 years. Our 6th is coming up with Grace in Sept. Enjoy the day with your wonderful little girl!

Kerry said...

Oh tears this early in the morning! Happy Happy Family Day, Jan and big hugs to your sweet Maddy.

I know that she fills your life with joy everyday. Enjoy.

I so love your description of her!
Hugs and Happy Celebration.

Kate said...

Happy Family Day to you!!! Maddy sure is all of those things and more. How blesed you all are!!!

Lovely post!!

a Tonggu Momma said...

Congratulations on your Family Day! I always love reading these anniversary posts. Thank you.

Kim said...

Happy Forever Family Day! Maddy is so beautiful; inside & out! What a special blessing! Enjoy your day!

Lisa said...

That brought tears to my eyes. Congratulations and happy celebrating!!

Kim said...

Happy Maddy Day!!

The Lord has blessed Miss Maddy with a wonderful family that loves her so much and He blessed your family with such a precious and beautiful little girl that is the PERFECT fit...isn't GOD AWESOME!

Maddy I hope your day is wonderful!

This post is beautiful!

Kim

Super Mommy said...

Beautiful post! Happy Family Day to you all. S i x years? Where does the time go? We are coming up on our 7th - eee gads!!

Enjoy your special day!

Rachel said...

Happy family day! It seems as though your hopes for your daughter have come true. You got the perfect daughter for your family!

Rachel

Kim said...

It sounds like you wished Maddy into existence! What a beautful story and a very cute picture!

Steffie B. said...

What a beautiful post....and a sweet memory....one that we never forget! ;)

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Happy 6 years......I know she is more than you ever dreamed she would be......you are certainly blessed with such a special little girl!! Beautiful post Jan.....hope you have fun celebrating the big day!!

OH MY #6 said...

I love your BLOG. Thank you, so much for stopping by.

It seems we have lots in common. Do you mind if I add you to my sidebar?

Lea
xo

Lisa said...

Congratulations! Once again I got a little teary eyed reading one of your posts. Wow, 6 years!? Congrats again! So happy for you all!

Jennifer said...

What a beautiful post about your daughter. Happy Gotcha Day!!!

Love the baby picture of Maddie. So sweet.

Jen

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

That is so beautiful and such a fun memory! Happy Family Day to all of you!!
Carrie

Shell in your Pocket said...

What a sweet and touching post...I love that last picture.
sandy toe

Kam said...

Thanks so much for the sweet comment and for following along! I just love Jodee...what a sweet heart. And Jen...she's a doll! I see that she designed your blog. We met in January when she was in ATL for a photography weekend.

Your daughter is beautiful!

Michelle R Photography said...

Happy Forever Family Day!! What a beautiful post for your sweet girl.

Lots of celebrations this week. Happy Belated 24th to your son, too!

Lori said...

Happy six years together, her referral picture is so sweet! :)

Monique said...

Hi there,
Just wanted to let you know that I love your blog and have an award for you on my blog, please visit me to get it.
Hugs,
Monique

Donna said...

Happy Family Day...I love seeing the photo of Maddy as a baby. I know she is your pride and joy!

Margaret M said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I love your beautiful daughter's toothless grin. The pics give me a glimpse into Lily Wen's future~

Kristin said...

How beautiful! I am getting caught up on my blog reading and just saw this post. Blessings for many happy years.....

Julia said...

I think this is the first time I've seen one of her referral photos. She was and is soooo beautiful, and sounds like she's as lovely on the inside as she is outside. How lucky we are to be the mom's to these incredible children!

Bridget said...

Janet-
Such a sweet post! Happy family day to you and your family! I can always tell what joy and love that sweet Maddy brings to your family. She was as cute 6 years ago as she is today! May you always find happiness with your sweet girl!

Bridget