Thursday, January 6, 2011

One year ago today...

.."Our life with Clara" began.

It would have been impossible to predict the chain of events that January 6, 2010 set off for our family, but it is safe to say we have never been more blessed. We can't imagine a world without our sweet daughter. In only one year she has made us better people, strengthened our marriage and brought our extended family together in ways we could have never imagined.

Who could believe that this tiny little creature, barely 5 pounds, could change so much and so fast? This past year feels like both the longest and the shortest period of time in our lives. That picture seems like it was taken yesterday, but Clara's presence in our family is so strong that we can't remember what it was like before she was here.

Since that special whirlwind trip to Louisiana one year ago, Clara has gained 15 pounds, a cousin and a brother! But we all feel that even though we didn't meet her until 5 weeks later, the moment she was born she had a Mom, a Dad, two sets of grandparents, 4 aunts, 4 uncles and a cousin who couldn't wait to meet her!

Happy Adoption Day, Clara Therese! Thank you for making our lives complete.