The Day Our Dreams Came True

Today marks the one year anniversary of the day we met Ruby. The precious little girl we would meet and take into our lives and hearts forever. Of course, she was already in our hearts LONG before we got there. I look back on this picture and see how scared she was. Yet so brave! Such a strong girl and such a loving heart. I also look back on this shot and see I am clutching her for dear life as if to say she's MINE and I will never ever ever let her go..ever! haha. And yes, of course she is OURS, but you know what I mean. I was ten shades of crazy emotion that day...

Excitement. Joy. Nervousness. Exhaustion. LOVE. So many things we were feeling that morning. So many emotions going through our head and hearts. We made the long drive to the babies home with Anna. We didn't expect a lot from our baby. With knew she would be scared, wary of us, maybe cry a lot. I longed to scoop her up and hold her so tight but I didn't dare believe it would happen that day. I dreamed of the fairy tale but I knew better. We had to take it slow. Jeff agreed to do all the photography and let me bond with her first since I would be the one home with her all the time. He was so amazing. We both were just ready to burst when we got there but they said, sorry, she is sleeping! So our first view was through the window where her crib was. Then we quietly crept inside.

Oh, the site! I touched her face and hair. I gently touched her tiny little hand. I didn't want to wake her... and yet really I DID so badly! It was so surreal just being there - in the same room - with this child we only dreamed of for so long. We left for a couple hours to go shopping while she rested. We bought tons of clothes and supplies for the babies home and then headed right back.

And there she was. Sweet. Beautiful. This perfect little human being meant to be our daughter. A little shy and I'm sure a bit scared, but she didn't cry at all. Our first visit was like magic. We approached and said hello in Thai. The nanny and Anna explained that we were Mai and Pa and she said it back. Oh how sweet her soft little voice was! I wasn't sure if I should try to hold her yet but Anna picked her up and then put her in my arms. I'm glad she did! I can't describe the feeling. All the kids were getting curious and other nannies were there now so I sat back from them all in a little chair against the wall so we could have a moment. I sat her on my lap - facing me - staring in awe at those big brown eyes, cute little nose, and big pouty lips.

She looked at me sweetly, slightly unsure, but like hey, she seems alright. I think I might like her! It was all so unbelievable. After awhile - and I have no idea how long cause time just stood still right then and there! - we joined the others. Of course, Daddy was right there the whole time, saying hello and touching her gently and taking pics and video. The nannies started doing little songs and had her singing and acting out all the little parts. This was too cute for words - see the video and pics below.

Something amazing happened. While doing it I tried to watch the nanny and join in. And she looked at me and smiled. Then she kept doing it. Watching them, doing the parts, then looking at me... Both surprised that I seemed to know it and also looked at me as if for approval and/or praise. It was the sweetest thing! The bonding was almost instant. Every dream, every prayer, every hope I ever had was fulfilled in those moments. Of course, the real bonding and trust developed and grew slowly, over months. But the seed was planted on that day. In a way we never really expected - especially on that first visit.

Daddy was incredibly strong. While he did interact with us the whole time, he hung back a bit and took tons of pics and video. Finally, he held her.

They were so sweet together. Again, she looked unsure at first, but shed no tears. Of course, Jeff was his sweet and funny self and got a smile and some laughs out of her within minutes. It was beautiful! Then we pulled out the goody bag. Tons of Dora's, Diegos, and stuffed animals for the kids. It was a bit crazy. I tried to sing to them as they all pulled and prodded for more. More toys,  more attention, someone to love them. It was heartbreaking to know we'd be leaving them behind. How beautiful all these children were! Some we knew were going to a great home (like our friends Ellie & Eric) but others we would never know. Anna continues to visit all the children and take them gifts and give them love. Thank God for that.

Today- a year later - we reflect on this amazing year. So many incredible moments. It's hard to believe there was a time when she wasn't part of our life. She fits like a glove. Like a heartbeat that was always supposed to be there joined with ours. Today she is a happy, smiling, dream of a girl who lights up a room and makes us laugh with her silly faces and things she says. She has a kind heart and the sweetest disposition. We are most grateful to have you in our life, Ruby. You are a gift from God. To this world. And to us.