a year of firsts

Charlie

A year ago we bought tickets. We knew a date we would go to the embassy to bring you home. It has almost been a year since you were placed back into our arms. Almost a year. Crazy.

{Charlie, at Hannah's Hope, March 3, 2012}

 
I have loved this year of firsts with you. There are the obvious ones:

diaper; plane ride; air port restaurant; doctor's appointment; car seat experience; meeting the rest of the fam; solid food; sippy cup; sleeping through the night; steps; drop off at the sitter; trip to the ER; walking; running

You get the picture. There have been a lot of first this year. Here are some of my favorites:

The first time. . .

-we heard your voice, outside of screaming. You began babbling on the way back to the hotel from our Embassy appointment.
-we went a day without screaming in fear/terror/despair/unknown
-your hug was real. You put pressure into wrapping your arms around me.
-your body didn't stiffen in anger as I held you.
-you called me Mama. Followed by the first time you called me Mama and knew I was your Mama.
-you woke up in the night and you were not searching, wondering where you were.
-you gave a kiss.
-you felt safe enough to sleep through the night.
-your face lit up when you heard Dada coming home from work.
-you smiled when you saw Dada or myself in your room in the morning.
-you reached for one of us for comfort.

Charlie, there have been so many sweet, as well as bittersweet, firsts this year. I cherish these firsts. I cannot wait for all of the firsts yet to come.

Love
Mama