One Year Ago Today

Exactly one year ago, my school was closed for a snow day.  I was just sitting at home, relaxing, watching the snow, and not expecting anything life-changing to happen.  In the afternoon, I decided to turn on my computer and check my email. I found an email that I had to read multiple times to really believe. I had received a referral from China after almost five years of waiting. I was told by my adoption agency that they had been very surprised to receive the referrals. They usually had a couple of days notice.  I was also told that I'd be receiving a phone call later that day to get more details.

As the news began to sink in, time moved slowly as I waited for my call. Eventually I got another email that my agency was having a difficult time reaching my phone. I re-sent my phone number and waited some more. In the meantime, I was able to share the news with my mom and my sister, Jennifer. We all continued to wait.

Finally the phone call came. I found out that the baby was named Fu Jing Tian, and she wasn't quite 6 months old and was one of the youngest referrals to the agency. I was told she was healthy, and I was taught how to say the name of her province, Jiangxi, and her orphanage, Fuzhou Social Welfare Instititute.  Lastly, I was told that I'd be emailed a copy of her pictures very soon.

My mom, sister, and I waited some more. Finally the email came. I opened the pictures, and found a beautiful baby girl. We continued to celebrate throughout the night. Later in the night, my mind that loves to play with numbers started to think…the date was 2/24. I added the digits 2+2+4 and realized that 8 was a lucky number in China.  It was a lucky number for me!

A few days later, I was sent further information about Katie. I was told a little about her personality.
* Active - still is
* Fond of music - still is
* Shy around strangers - still is
* Likes being clean - still does
* Likes colorful toys - still does but also likes less colorful ones
* Likes being held - not so much since she learned to crawl and walk, but does when she's tired
* Likes outdoor activity - still does

Referral Picture 

Referral Picture 

Referral Picture 

A Year Later 

Growing Up Fast