Dear Baby Girl

Dear Baby Girl:

On this day one year ago, our lives changed forever. We waited so long for you, we almost gave up hope. The last few years were the hardest. The disappointments were almost too much for us to bear. There were so many nights we spent crying out to God to hear our prayers. And then you came home to us.

From the moment we met you on October 11, 2011, we knew you and you knew us. You reached for us in those first moments, your big brown eyes searching, and we were overcome. You laughed and played and sang with us. The few hours we spent with you that day changed everything. All those years, all those prayers came crashing back like waves on a shore, the anguished words now a peaceful hush. How do you prepare for answered prayers?

On this day one year ago, we waited for your arrival. The day was warm and bright, the leaves turning golden- red despite the stifling heat of early fall in Georgia. The ticking of the clock was never so loud.

And then you were here, clinging to us, our arms around your tiny body, your arms around our necks, our hearts so full. You cried out for Tristan and hugged him, loving him instantly. He warmed up eventually. You both fell asleep in Daddy’s arms. Suddenly, all the pieces came together.

What a year! What an adventure! You are so smart, so kind, so sweet, so funny, and so fiercely independent. You are a beautiful girl with a beautiful soul. You bring us happiness like we’ve never known. We are overjoyed and humbled we get to be your Mama and Daddy. We are so thankful. We are so blessed.

On this day one year ago, we became a family.

You were worth the wait.

We love you baby girl,

Mama and Daddy