"Gotcha Day" One Year Ago Today

Aidens "finding spot"



















One year ago today, our lives were changed forever. Adoption is just such an amazing journey. All the hardwork of the paperwork, the trials and tribulations we have faced, fade away when I look at our happy boy Aiden. He is such a delight. To say Aiden has fit right into our family would be an understatement. He is all about letting us know who is boss and what he wants. The things is with him, he does everything with a smile. He is one of those kids that if are not in the greatest mode he can make you smile. I love now that he can say, "Mom, I give a big hug"... it is music to my ears. He really is blossoming more and more everyday.

I can hardly believe that we have had this little boy who was once called, "Gong Gong" in our lives for a year today. It seems as though it was a lifetime ago, and then on the other hand not really. Our time in China was so great, I just loved it. It is so amazing how far these little ones come in a year. When we first saw Aiden he was just so weak, meek and mild. But yet he had this happy little spirit about him.

I will never forget the day we showed up in the civil affairs building and saw Aiden for the first time. We had no idea he was there as we were expecting a big group of people... he walked out and Chad goes, "There he is". I turned around and just couldn't believe it. All the years of planning to adopt, things that happened and then joy of what was happening. It really was a surreal moment. An awesome moment. I wanted to cry, but I didn't want to scare him as he looked so innocent and scared, but did yet he did not shed a tear. He walked over to us, took the ball and backpack and hung onto it for dear life.

Aiden, is just such a blessing to all who meet him. I truly believe God had a hand in choosen this child for us. He is just so happy all of the time. I know he just loves so many of our extended family and friends. He gets excited seeing everyone's pictures on our screensavers. Especially his "poppy". I would have never guessed they would have the relationship they have even being this far apart. Thanks to poppy, "Aiden, growls all the time".



Aiden had his heart checkup today and he is doing great. When I was sitting there listening to the doctor talk about what "could" happen years from now (if he would need another surgery), it started to sink in like, "Oh my goodness I can't even think of life without this little guy". - I just felt at that moment how truly connected I feel to my little sunshine. The great thing is, he has a normal life ahead of him and we are just so very blessed.

Sorry if my pictures are a little off on here. I loaded them from different computers and it isn't exactly like I wanted but hey... I just had to show where he has come in a year with us. I can't say enough good things about our little guy from China.