Proud Mama

Today is such a great day. As I sit in the quiet of this house, I think of my many blessings. It about to turn midnight, and everyone is asleep. Have you ever been so thankful that you smile all by yourself ? I am actually tearing up thinking of my many blessings. Not to get all sappy on you, but, wow - 12 years ago I was a scared 20 year old in the hospital not knowing how a wonderful choice could change me in such a profound way. Alli has been the greatest joy in my life. I grew up in the very morning of her birth. Granted, there are still some days where I wonder how in the world someone has me raising a child, when I still feel young. Will that feeling ever completely go away? Now to think that I am about to start all over again. I worry. I guess adopting is just like any expectant mother, the feelings must be the same. I know that my daughter will never know the ways she has changed me. It was like being on a sailboat and the wind picking up and taking me in a better direction. I never thought that I could look into any other child's face and love them as much as I loved her instantly. Is that the way it is for everyone? The concern that there is just not possibly enough love in your heart for another child because your heart is bursting for the first one. Well, my cup runneth over today. I came up here to check email, check Alli and turn off the computer only to find a gift for Alli. Photos of her brother looking healthy, smiling at us. 2 months, 10 pounds. The pictures were earlier than we had expected. Those are the best gifts, the ones you don't expect.

We are ready for you, Mario. Even if your room is not, our hearts are ready. There is room for you here.