Best Summer Ever!!!

I can honestly say that this summer has been the most amazing summer of my life.  I thank my lucky stars every day that I was chosen to be "mama" to this beautiful child from China.  She is so much more than I ever dreamed she would be and she has shown me happiness and love like I've never known before.

Many times over the six years that I waited for her people would say "she will be worth the wait" or "once you get her you will forget how long and how painful the wait was".   Truth is, I have not forgotten how long and painful the wait was.   It was horrible and more than once I was ready to throw in the towel.  If someone had told me when I started the paperwork that it would be six years before I was matched with a child, I know for sure that I would never have gone forward.  And what a mistake that would have been!!  This sweet baby girl has rocked my world in the best possible way and I would wait sixty years for her if I had to!!

It's hard to believe that Maggie and I have been together for three months.  I look back at the photos from the first week we were together and she looks like a completely different child than she does today.  She was so tiny, malnourished, scared and fragile.  Fortunately, we began to see changes within the first 24 hours and she has continued to blossom ever since.  I look at her today and can't believe she is the same girl that was placed in my arms three months ago.  She has gained weight, is walking more than crawling and is the happiest child I know.  It's a rare sight to see her unhappy or crying.  I can't help but be happy when I'm with her.

Although I was fortunate to have the summer off to spend with her, tomorrow I must return to work.  I'm not going to lie...I am dreading it.  The thought of not being with her all day, of someone else tending to her needs, holding her and loving on her, makes me so sad.    We did a few trial runs with the sitter and the daycare this week and although at times it was hard for her, I know that I cried more than she did.  I love this child with my heart & soul and every ounce of my being and I don't want her to think for even one second that I'm not coming back for her.

Our summer in photos -

 

Swimming with Uncle Tim

Chillaxin with Aunt Beth

 Quiet time with cousin Jill

 Lots of fun with Uncle KC and Aunt Jodi

 Getting some good advice about our crazy family from cousin Liam

Snuggle time with Aunt Sue and Aunt Mary

 Hangin poolside with our favorite friends and neighbors

 Play dates with with my favorite red head and her adorable cousin

 

Big and Little R's from Florida (who I miss so much) came to meet my girl!

 CT Dragon Boat Festival 

 NYC for some yummy miniature cupcakes

 

The American Girl Doll store - yes, I bought her one :-)

The Central Park Zoo

 We visited family at the Jersey Shore and sat on the bench 

that was placed in honor of our amazing Poppy

 Maggie LOVED the carousel (once we got off the horse and sat on the bench)

 We went to the park and discovered that she LOVES the swings!!

 Back to the Jersey Shore for some R&R on the beach

  

Dipped her feet in the ocean for the first time!

 Walks on the beach with cousin Jill and Aunt Katie

 Watched the Labor Day Parade in the front yard of our new house :-)

 I love the USA!

 More swinging

First day at daycare :-(

Best. Summer. Ever!!!