Two full years!

Two years ago today we entered an orphanage outside Beijing and changed a little girl's life forever. We scooped up our little Emma Hope, the one we had been longing and praying for a very, very long time.  The following day she became our daughter legally and officially. She joined our family and we are forever grateful for this gift God has entrusted to our care. 

Emma, you are beautiful and fun and smart and silly. You love passionately and with such emotion.  You often say with a satisfied smile, "this is our family!" You tell us multiple times a day that you love us. You even tell me I'm the best mommy, even though I lose my cool and raise my voice way more often than I should. You are quick to forgive and to apologize. It's been such a joy to watch you blossom the past two years. You have learned and grown so much! I can't wait to see what the coming year brings! 

Your mommy and daddy love you so much, sweetheart! Happy Gotcha Day! 

She wore this shirt the day we brought her home. I thought I would just take her picture in it, but she wore it all day. 

We celebrated with new shoes and ice cream!