[ocracoke]

One year ago today I had survived a very long cramped flight to Ethiopia. I made it, stunned, through customs and getting my visa. I exchanged money and collected my bags. I met our lawyer and then waited in the airport parking lot for a few hours while they tried desparately to fix the van. I threw my bags in my room at the guesthouse, ate a quick lunch, and took the short ride over to the orphanage. After feeling like what might turn into an eternity but in fact may have just been a few minutes, the orphanage nanny came over to me with a little girl (almost 21 months) in a cordoroy pink jumpsuit and placed her in my arms. I officially was a mama one year ago today. She was very unsure of this new arrangement and was a little like a caged animal, and of course the next day she tried to run away from me, but we have made it through the bumps of adjustment. This morning at 4am she crawled in bed with me, curled up in my arms, put her head on my shoulder, and placed her little hand on my cheek before falling back to sleep. Everything that it took to get here was worth it.

Samantha

[linda512]

That is so sweet! Happy anniversary. Isn't motherhood the best? Can you post pics?

[ocracoke]

Here are some photos taken about a month ago.

[MicheleB]

WOW - has it already been a year?? Time sure flies!

What great photos - she is beautiful!!!

Thanks for sharing!

[07hopeful]

What a gorgeous girl!! I'm all teary reading your story! Happy Anniversary!

[amyfk]

Wow. I remember talking with you on chat about your upcoming adoption. The year flew by! Congratulations on your first anniversary. May this be the first of many happy healthy years together.
Amy K, NJ

[jaenelle]

She's beautiful! Congratulations.

[Quesita]

Thank you so much for sharing. My eyes were tearing up reading your description of the chaos that brought you to the moment of motherhood. And then, seeing the pictures of your beautiful daughter.....oh my.