Happy "A" Day, Christine

I can't believe that it's been 15 years

since you filled our home and our hearts with your presence. I still remember how I had to head off for the store to buy you clothes in between the Saturday sessions of General Conference. You came so fast, and without much warning. We had a crib with sheets, but no extra clothes. I remember trying to fall asleep, the night before we were supposed to pick you up. It was raining, and I couldn't sleep. I was too busy trying to imagine what you would look like, and if you would bond with me, and if I would be an okay mother. I remember holding you for the first time. I lifted you out of the crib there at the agency, and held you - feeling overjoyed at your beauty, and the motherly stirrings that were happening inside of me. I sat in a rocking chair there, and fed you your bottle, as I gazed into your beautiful brown eyes, and marveled at the little miracle bundled in my arms.

I loved you instantly,

and I've never stopped. We've had our moments, every mother and daughter do, but overall I have been proud of you, and amazed at your talents. I am so grateful for your birth mother, for the love that she showed in giving you life, and the chance to grow up in our family. Someday I will wrap her in my arms, and thank her profusely, but until that day I'll wrap YOU in my arms, and love and cherish you. Thanks for being our daughter, Christine. Thanks for making me a Mother, and thanks for opening the door for the rest of your siblings to join our family. Happy "A" Day! (Maybe it's NOT your birthday, but it is definitely the birthday of our family! )