Celebrating One Year With Emma!!!

Emma, September 2009

Emma on September 22, 2009
holding her picture taken September 22, 2008,

Cheesing it up!

Emma and Nana.

Jennifer and Greg

Eric and Mitzi

Cathy and Bethany

Emma's cousin Sidney.

Aunt Julie and Cousin Rachel

Kelly and Abby

Celebrating this special day.

Emma's Gotchya Day cake.

The family.

Emma and her friend Laci

Emma and Dad with Eric and Laci.

PC North Freshman FB game.

Yesterday, one year ago in Vietnam we held Emma for the first time. For five long months we looked at her picture and dreamed of what it would be like to finally meet her. We remember that day so well. Waking up early at the Somerset Ho Chi Minh City, anxiously awaiting to be picked up, the ridiculous humidity that morning, the ride to Binh Duong, pulling up to the orphanage, nervously going inside and seeing Sam and Alex, but no Emma. Finally a door opens, and in walks a caregiver holding our little angel, so much smaller than we expected and with a nervous, scared look on her tiny face. Cathy had her back to the door and I said, "look who's here". I am so thankful I captured that first moment on video and with a picture. The look on Cathy's face when Emma is given to her is priceless. What an amazing journey the past year has been. We can't imagine life without her. She has grown in body and mind so much. She is talking up a storm and smart as a whip! We treasure every moment with her as we know she will grow up fast. We hope you enjoy these recent pictures of her and our one year celebration! Thank you family and friends for following our journey with our daughter.