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One year ago today, a mommy held her baby girl for the very first time, the baby girl she had prayed for and dreamed about for seven long years.
One year ago today, a daddy bought his new Princess her very own shoes and she took his hand and stole his heart. 
One year ago today, two big brothers played with their little sister for the first time and fell head over heels in love. 
One year ago today, Liang Xiao Long became Lily Mei Carter and the missing piece of a family fell into place. 
One year ago today, a family…our family…became complete. One year ago today, God blessed us with the most amazing gift…an angel straight from heaven. One year ago today….
My Precious Lily Mei,
I can’t believe it’s been one whole year since you became ours. Sometimes it seems as though you have always been here and then in the same instant it feels like only yesterday we were sitting in that Civil Affairs office in China waiting to see your sweet face. I knew it was you the moment I saw you come into the room…the same big brown eyes, rosebud lips, and those cheeks…oh those kissable cheeks….just like the picture I had stared at for the past six months. I had memorized every detail in fear that I wouldn’t recognize you, but I looked up and there you were….my baby at last…my beautiful Lily Mei.
I thank God for you everyday, Lily Mei. You have brought us so much joy this past year. You fill our days with sunshine, our home with laughter, our hearts with love. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined a more perfect child for our family. You are the best part of each of us: you love music, like David; you are funny, like Landon; you are smart, like Daddy; and Daddy says you are stubborn and have a little bit of a spicy temper, like me! You are, quite simply, a miracle…our miracle.. and we love you more than you will ever know! You are my heart, Lily Mei, and somewhere along the way, I must have done something right for God to allow me to be your mother.
I love you, my precious girl…bigger than the sky….bigger than the stars…I love you to the moon…and back!
Forever and always,
Your mommy
21 comments:
To Our Precious Lily Mei
A wonderful year of smiles and pure joy.
You are one beautiful Blessing from God!
You make your Auntie so happy when you kiss Joy and try so hard to always help.
You help us all believe in the sweet miracle of LOVE!
Auntie, Nunk and Jo
Happy Gotcha Day to a true Princess! We love you- Tina & Tim
Lily Mei.....I can still remember the day that I seen your face. I was at work and Ms. Connie Cried like a big old baby. I thanked God right then that Lily Mei was coming home to the most precious family. You are our little miracle and we love you.
I cant wait to see you tomorrow and happy Gotcha Day.....give that sweet Mommy a big hug from us!
Green Party of FIVE!!!
It is SO hard to believe it has been a year ago!! WOW!! Time flies!! In one way...it seems like yesterday, and in another way...it seems like you've had her FOREVER!!! It's amazing to see the difference in her!! Her eyes are full of life and love now!! You guys have been a blessing to her...and I KNOW she has been a blessing to you!!! Thanks for reminding us that it is your year anniversary!! Ours is coming up too!!! :) Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Buffi
Congratulations on your first anniversary of a true miracle. She is so beautiful and your family fits her like a glove. Such a blessing. It makes me so happy to see your happiness, knowing that ours can't be far away.
Thank you so much for making me part of your private life.
Much love to you all,
Linda
What a simply beautiful post monica!!!! Congratulations on one year!!! Your happiness has been such an inspiration to me and so many I am sure. You are like sunshine with your daughter!!
much LOVE,
Sharon
PS what is up with every one going private????
Fantastic. Happy Anniversary!!
OH, Steve did a great job on the video!!! I've got to go watch it again.....
Happy One year. I love all the photos! Great to see you Tuesday. AC got her summer pal gift. She absolutely loves it. I will be mailing hers from the beach. I have it together. I ran out of time today trying to pack us up for the beach. LOL
Oh Monica...I am sitting here wiping the tears! What a precious post for your daughter...she will treasure this one day! You are such a sweet sweet Mommy!
I pray many blessings upon your precious family!
Love you sweet friend!
Denise
Monica,
Happy One Year with your precious Lily Mei!! I love all of your gotcha day pictures and what a great couch photo! I love Liyl Mei's bows already, even in China. How precious!!
Isn't it incredible these diferent children whose pictures call out to us and whose joining our family adds so much more than just another person in our house. They add to our own established personalities, our own way of life, they change it, add to it and make it way better than the sum of it's parts.
We were called to different kids, to different needs, and the amount they add makes all the fuss and paperwork totally worth it. the time and fuss we spent beforehand is like pennies to the dollars worth of love they give.
We are so blessed.
Heather BT
Awww...Monica, This post needs a tissue warning. Love the gotcha video and I love, love, love that top picture of you with Lily Mei in your arms for the first time!
Beautiful, beautiful post! Love and hugs to Lily Mei!! Happy Forever Family Day to all of you!!!!
p.s. I didn't realize you traveled just a few weeks before we did when we traveled for Sophie.
Lily Mei,
Happy Forever Family Day sweet girl! I was honored to see your beautiful little face in person for a brief few minutes one year ago. You were (and are) stunning!
Your family is blessed to have you and I know that you are so very blessed to have them.
Many hugs and much love,
Ohilda
The video is beautiful and so is your sweet family! We hope that you had a wonderful Gotcha Day anniversary. We're so thankful that we met along our journey. It has been a joy to watch Lily Mei change and grow over this past year. Thank goodness for blogs so that we can keep in touch.
May God continue to bless your family!
Love,
Angela, Jay & Laney
This made me cry! I love the change in Lily's coloring from the nanny and then with you. She really blossomed.
What a sweet, sweet post.
Hope you had a great day... I long for the day when I am doing this with Shauna... love to you all...
That one brought me to tears, Monica...beautiful words. (and I can relate so well! We are so very blessed!!!)
Happy one year!!!!
Monica, you know I have tears running down my face. The boys don't even ask anymore when I cry at the computer. Congratulations on your One Year Gotcha Day!!!
What a sweet baby girl and her wonderful, loving family! God Bless You all.
Jean
Happy Family Day! Doesn't it seem like more than a year?? I always felt that way with the girls. God is good.
what a beautiful post. That first anniversary is so extra special...
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