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Thursday, February 22, 2007

Brag Book #3




This Favorite Photo Friday is dedicated to my precious Emily Rui. I will start by saying that I could have never dreamed how wonderful she is. Instead of sharing a labor story, I will say that the 9 months leading up to her arrival was painful, exciting, heart wrenching, filled with impatient tears, and many sleepless nights followed by an 18 hour plane ride, a sleepless night in a hotel, and then another 2 hour plane ride to finally have her placed in my arms in Changsha, China. It was the most spiritual day of my life, and to watch her eyes go from hollow to sparkling was a true miracle. She is 2 1/2, smart, beautiful, outgoing, and can shake her booty better than any little tot I have ever seen. She amazes me daily with her survivor skills and capacity to love. When she wraps her arms around my neck to hug me and says "I love you mommy" or falls down and hurts herself and I get to cuddle her and soothe her hurt, I am stopped dead in my tracks at the thought that I could have missed all this had I not listen to the Father's Calling to adopt. Thank you Lord for my "one of a kind" first daughter, who will forever be a reminder of your love for us. I know one day Emily will do big things for your kingdom. She may be small, but she is my LIGHT and she can brighten any place she walks into.

9 kind words.:

Nikki said...

That was wonderful!
She is a huge miracle (wrapped up in a cute, little package)...

Steffie B. said...

Your posts are so beautiful and from the heart.....you always bring tears to my eyes.
Hugs to you girlfriend.....

Carrie said...

I love how you describe your children Gwen. I see what you mean in Emily's smile through the pictures and I can't wait to see her again soon! We are all so blessed!

Verna said...

Great pix and very wonderful post. What else can I say!

Laura said...

Loved reading about Emily since I haven't actually met her. She's a cutie that's for sure!!!

Tiffany said...

Great site, beautiful pictures! We miss you guys! Hope to see you soon.

Love, Steve and Tiffany

gretchen said...

Mia loves "watching Emily" on the computer! Emily is a true blessing and is blessed to have a wonderful family! We love to read about your sweet family.

Gwen Oatsvall said...

Tiffany great to hear from you. What is your blog site ?? We miss FBC also..

Tiffany said...

Gwen,
Our blog site is invite only for security reasons. If you e-mail us at stlkvandyke@tds.net, we will send you an invite. You'll see why then. Hope to hear from you.

Steve and Tiffany

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