One Year

Wow, it's been one year. One year today since we met and adopted Sera. I still remember how that was the longest day. We did some last minute paperwork that morning and then we had to wait. Our appointment wasn't until 3:30 in the afternoon. I'd never seen a clock move so slowly. Then time speeded up and the rest of the afternoon and evening just flew past. I remember standing by Sera's crib that first night watching her sleep and feeling as if it were a very surreal moment. I looked at Jim and marvelled over the fact that we were now parents. That we were looking at the sleeping face of our child. It was the most amazing experience.

And the first of many, many more. Each day with Sera has been a dream. Now don't get me wrong, some days are very tough. Holding a screaming child when you don't know what's wrong. Some of those days last spring and summer when I counted the minutes to nap time, so that I could nap, too. Realizing that I hadn't left the house except to go to work for weeks because Sera was slightly under the weather every weekend and thinking I'd go insane if I didn't go somewhere, anywhere. But I wouldn't trade one single second of time with her.

Raising a child is hard. Some days I think how much easier it would be if I were 20 years younger. Other times I realize how those 20 years have given me a level of patience I never would have had back then. It also helps me to stop and enjoy the moments. I know that these days are going quickly, and I want to treasure each and every one.

We've known our girl for one year now. She has blossomed and grown so much. She's independent and funny and smart. I love seeing her personality bloom. Each rough patch is followed by some amazing changes. Last week, our little girl was more clingy and whiny than usual, but that's par for the course when you're having a fever all week. This week, she's so happy to back at school and feeling good again that the laughter just bubbles out every day. I need to video her laugh. It's the most wonderful sound you can imagine.

I know how tough this wait can be. It was awful for us and has grown so much longer. Friends who were logged in just a 2-3 months after us are still waiting. Nothing can ease your pain now, and nothing will ever make you forget it. But I can tell you that when you hold your child in your arms, you realize you'd do anything to have this child...even wait again.

Daddy's first kiss.

First moments back in our room.

Sera's first smile.

Getting ready for bed on our first night.

One year home. Yes, that's chocolate on her face.

Sera still has that great smile!