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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

happy gotcha day lily!

Dear Lily,

Six years ago today you joined our family- making us a complete family of six. I will never forget that day as long as I live. The moment you were placed in my arms, I melted. You see, you were born in my heart years before you were physically born in China. I know it's hard for you to understand all that now. But one day, I trust you will.

I do apologize for dressing you in head to toe pink for the first 2 years of your life with us. This picture is a perfect example of that. But what can I say? I was only allowed to do blue and other boy colors on your three brothers. Except for one of them. I did dress one of them in pink pajamas when they were a baby. I did it only once, but I can't tell you which one it was for fear that your brothers will never let him live it down. In my defense, I am from the south and southern mamas dress their boy babies in pink or in lace collars if they feel like it.

Each of my children bring something special to the family and you are no different. You bring a passion and a zeal for sucking every ounce of life out of a day. You love life. You live life. I am trying to keep up with you. You are creative and energetic. And yes, at times you are a tad dramatic. But I'm so crazy about you.

You are my daughter. You needed me. But I, also needed you. I love you with all my heart. And today I celebrate you!

Love,
Mommy

PS. I don't care what you say, your hat in this picture is fabulous.

18 comments:

Just Mom said...

She is an absolute doll!

Lily said...

Oh, Michelle, you are the sweetest mom and Lily is so blessed...I love Lily and can't wait to meet her...maybe one day she will be a globetrotting attorney devoted to humanitarian efforts that glorify God in the process ;) as we both seem to share energetic enthusiasm for all things dramatic as well as our name. Hugs and shoves from Africa! Lily

Gayla said...

Beautiful, Michelle. Just so very lovely and beautiful. Crying, in case you can't tell.

So looking forward to having a Gotcha day of my own soon!

Danielle Payne Michael said...

Happy Gotcha Day Lily and the Arnold family! And I have to say, pink just cannot be avoided for little girls. Even if Mama has determined in her heart to diversify the Baby Girl's closet, you always have well meaning family and friends that JUST HAVE TO BUY PINK. Might as well embrace it! :)

Heidi Jo Comes said...

she is fabulous as is the family who made her their own.

Teresa said...

What a special day and a special little girl! We are all so happy that she is a part of the family. What a blessing you are Lily!

Elizabeth said...

She's adorable. Happy Birthday, Lily.

Anonymous said...

As a mommy of three boys hoping to adopt a girl (probably from Africa) soon, I'm so enjoying your blog. Happy Gotcha Day to Lily!

Sohailah said...

Love it! Absolutely! What a gift - you, her and the post! (And the hat is darling)

+

Tarina said...

Happy Gotcha Day! To Lily and her fabulous family!

Kellee said...

What a great post! You are such an incredible mom, Michelle. I have really learned a lot from you. Happy Gotcha Day to Miss Lily!
Love,
~Kellee

Anonymous said...

That's like the sweetest thing I've read in a long, long time! Wow. Tears in my eyes. Suzie

Anonymous said...

The hat is FABULOUS! Lily was my first introduction to your family. It makes me smile to remember. I've loved getting to know her through your blogging Michelle!
She's blessed to be yours and you are blessed to be hers!!!

Shana said...

What a lucky family. AND what a fab hat.

Barbie Henderson said...

LOVE it, Michelle! And I love Gotcha Day!! You're such an amazing Mama!!

Jen said...

I can't believe I missed this post yesterday! Lily is so fun to have in the family. I still chuckle about the day at the cabin when she sat in mud and kept crying "my buns are dirty!!!" It was so cute and I know that she was devastated! She is a fun girl and I wish we got to see you guys more! Happy Gotcha Day.......a day late!

Alicia said...

Aw! I love this. The posts about Lily always make me laugh, she definitely seems to be full of life and energy! I remember when you first brought her home and how precious and adorable she was. We were all excited to finally meet her.

Jisoo said...

awesome post! especially love how you said she's born out of your heart. I have a guatemala nephew and ethiopian niece on the way.

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