Wednesday, January 19, 2011

It's a wonderful life

One year ago today I was sitting in a court room in Russia and was nervous as all get out because my future life depended on what the judge would say. She finally said "Yes--I grant your petition and you are now the girl's mother". I remember that moment as if it was yesterday. My knees went weak and I had to sit down as soon as I walked out of the courtroom. It was so amazing. Then 11 days later, the orphanage director brought Hannah to my hotel, handed her to me, and we have not spent a night apart since.
When I look at Hannah every day I am amazed that she is really my daughter. How can I be so blessed? What would my life be without her? As I look back on our last year I know there were some difficult times and some were very recent but quite frankly I can't remember the details of them. I just remember how much better my life has been, how much fuller, and how much more enjoyable.
To celebrate our day, I left work at noon and picked Hannah up from daycare. We went to "Yogi Bear"in 3D, then went swimming at a little waterpark for a couple hours, and then out to eat--complete with ice cream. Hannah probably thought I was crazy because I kept telling her it was our special day--just Mama and Hannah--and I was pretty mushy sometimes but she did great. She told me "That was really fun" and about three diffent times she would hold my face in her hands and say "You are my Mommy" and then give me a kiss--she was so sweet.
At night she usually picks out some books for me to read but tonight I picked the books and read three adoption related story books to her and she fell asleep on my lap as soon as we were done.
A perfect ending to a perfect year.
I love you my Hannah!

4 comments:

Irishdrums said...

Love this! Sounds like you and Hannah are pretty in tune with each other and the love/bond between you is strong and mutual. How amazing life is, and how good God is!

Lou Ann said...

I can't believe it's been a year already Mary. You said it so well. They make your life fuller, richer and everything simply more special. I'm so glad your first year was so wonderful. I can say 3 1/2 years later I'm still feeling so blessed and I'm sure you'll both feel the same.

Blessing to you both for the coming years of joy!
Lou Ann & Lexie too

Tammy said...

What a wonderful day you two had together! Congratulations on a full year. How time flies!! It's so wonderful to hear how well she is doing and how happy you both are. Keep up the good work mama!

Kimberly said...

Happy one year anniversary Mary and Hannah - that is absolutely wonderful! I am so happy to hear how much happier and fuller your life is! It is encouraging to hear!