three glorious years since gotcha day

Like a complete dork,
I went through almost the entire day before I realized that
today is Lucy's 3 year Gotcha Day anniversary.

I thought of it while driving down the road this afternoon and I said,
"Lucy!! Do you know what today is??"

She didn't.

And when I told her, she was like,
"What are you talking about??"

I actually had to explain to this child (for the millionth time)
that she was adopted from China.
I mean, she really does know that...but I think it's so
hard for her to comprehend because she
has no memory of it.
And probably now that she's seen three siblings come home
from China, she has an even harder time imagining that she was ever
in their shoes.

In a way it makes me sad that she is so distant from her
humble beginning in life.
But at the same time, having now adopted two older kids,
who have China fresh in their memories constantly,
I can see how life is just easier to have forgotten
all that.

I hope that doesn't sound cold or indifferent about her
birth country and where her roots are,
but there is just a lot to sift through when you are adopted older.

Anyway,
I had a little deeper conversation with her later,
reminding her of her pictures in her scrapbook for her foster family
and how she came to us.
She seemed to recall her story...but only as it has been told to her,
not from her own recollection.

She is such a glorious little girl with a personality
that lights up a room.
She's growing up way too fast for our liking and
we couldn't be more proud of the beautiful young lady she
is blossoming into.

Thank goodness K-man saved the day (as he often does),
with a special balloon, just for her...on this very special day.

Lucy-bug...you are such a beaming light in our lives.

God knew exactly what He was doing
when He orchestrated with great meticulous detail His plan
to bring you into our family...forever.

I am so grateful for you, my sweetie girl.