A picture from our first day
A couple weeks ago at the beach
Last weekend at the Aquarium
A year ago today, I became a mother in the most unconventional way: not after becoming pregnant-but after months of paperwork; not after labor and delivery-but after a 12 hours on an airplane; not in a hospital-but in a hotel on the 29th floor in a city of 30 million people.
A year ago today, a little boy walked into our hotel room and became our son. In some ways it feels like yesterday, and in some ways, it feels like he's just always been with us. It still feels surreal. Sometimes, late at night when I'm finally alone with my thoughts, I still can't quite believe that it all came together and I have a little boy asleep in the next room.
It has been the most amazing year. I have watched my little boy grow in so many ways: He is getting bigger and stronger every day; seeing his language skills develop has shed new light on my career of working with language delayed children. With his fludent English skills, he expresses his feelings and his silly sense of humor. He talks about what he remembers in China and we have had conversations about his birth mother. He is truly resilient.
In this year, I have learned so much about myself. A year ago, I knew I was ready for "motherhood." I knew I was ready to love my son unconditionally. But motherhood is so much more...I'm not sure I was ready for "so much more"! I learned that motherhood is completely different than "working motherhood." I had to come to terms with my career as well as defining my role as a mother. I learned that I'm very Type A, obsessive, compulsive, and controlling. To "lighten up", to "not stress out", and to "let it go" and skills I continue to work on! I learned that I'm NOT superwoman--even though I try really hard! I also learned what to do when heads get bumped on the coffee table, or when throwing up happens in the car.
It's been a year of firsts, lasts (hopefully), fun times, and abundant blessings.
One thing is for sure:
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Matthew 6:21
