An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break

An Ancient Chinese Belief

Today signifies a very important day for our Family.  For as of one year ago today, all the way across the world in China, God allowed Ji AoSheng to be placed into my arms and officially tightened up the slack in our Red Thread so we could become one family.  That day was a dream of mine for so many years and to see it become true was a miracle of all miracles.

You see, I started the journey of adopting Maggie in December, 2005.  I researched and chose an Agency; filled out the application along with a fee; was accepted by Lifeline Agency; began the overwhelming amount of paperwork which included background research, fingerprints both local and federal, blood tests galore, medical tests, shots, certifications of all and authentication of those certifications; and everything cost a lot of money!  Whew.  Once I was logged in with China, the wait began, and went on one year, two years, three years and nearing four years with each year our government requiring additional money to retake my fingerprints and keep my paperwork up to date.

In October, 2009, Mom and I decided to take a once-in-a-lifetime cruise, at least for me J, to the Middle East.  We flew to Greece, met up with some friends, boarded a ship and sailed to Israel, Turkey, Egypt and Italy.  It was an incredible trip, one which I will never forget.  After coming home, I received a phone call from my social worker, Karla, indicating that she had a little girl for me to look at.  Well, the rest is history, turbo style, and on December 7, 2009, Margaret Ann Sheng Thompson and I became a family!

This first year as a mom has been one that far exceeded my wildest dreams.  You read of those stories of people adopting where what they pictured in their head of the Family Day and what really happened were really far apart.  I have to say that my experience was JUST what I had dreamed about and more - it was perfect.  I guess after four years of waiting what else do you have to do but research, prepare and shop!  Well, the latter I got really good at!  LOL 

I never knew that it would be so easy to change my life so drastically.  I really enjoyed life pre-Maggie, but can't really remember what life was like then.  I do remember that I read a lot and I still miss that!!!  But what did I do with the extra hours I had, oh yeah, I slept.  Like who is single with no kids and gets up at 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays?  Me now…..  LOL  I love the long days and short nights because I get lots of hugs, spontaneous "kisses", invitations to "hold chu" and invitations to dance, color and "sit".  I dare to say that there is NOTHING in this world more appealing than a slobbery kiss and sticky hands on my face while hearing the words "Maggie wuvs Momma"!  My love tank is completely overflowing.

Mags, the first time I laid my eyes on you, a surprise encounter in the Civil Affairs elevator, was the most memorable moment of my lifetime.  I will never forget Rebecca, our guide, rushing your GeKe and I into the elevator only to realize you were in there - thank you Rebecca!  You were so tiny, as was your nanny holding you.  With that somber face, you looked at me, your nanny said something to you and I believe you recognized me from all the pictures I sent.  At that moment I just knew that we were going to be okay.  You were whisked away to "get ready" to meet me.  Mom and I just stood there in awe that I was able to see you so soon.

When I was able to "meet" you officially, they had changed your clothes to the traditional red silk jacket, yellow shirt and black pants.  You looked so small in all the layers of clothes.  You were handed to me and your silly mommy just bawled like a baby - you on the other hand, just stared at me!  At that one moment, God had showered me with His blessings and answered my prayers of a lifetime to be a mom.  The tears were of joy and much admiration of you, so small, so young, so innocent, persevering thru 22 months in an orphanage with no toys and not much food.  It took a few days for you to show us your personality but when you finally did, boy was it fun, lively, and fast paced!  One of my most memorable times in China is when you were scared or unsure, you would wrap your arm around my neck and play with my hair.  You still do that to this day.  You still only let me hold you on my left side.  You still LOVE shoes, both squeaky and regular.  You still love music which is our 102 Kids Bible Songs CD.  You still do not like fruit.  You still love eggs.  You still love your bath.  You still love bubbles.  You still love to snuggle - my favorite!

You amaze me little one to have had the strength, trust and desire to love another person the way you show me love every day.  The way you have grown physically yet still remain my little mighty one; the way you have learned English; the way you have learned to play; the way you have learned how a mother is different from a caregiver; the way you have learned to laugh belly laughs and sing our Bible songs just amaze me.  You are my joy and my life and I want to celebrate this day, our first ever Family Day. 

I love you Maggie (a.k.a. Mags, LuLu, Magster, Magpie)!

Your Mommy (a.k.a. Mommy, Momma, EEEEEEE - when she sees me at daycare J - melt my heart)



One Year Ago Today:

  The first moment we saw each other

  Here is the first moment I held her.

  Her look here cracks me up!  Who is this lady with blonde hair, blue eyes and is crying?????  What have I done?  Where is my nanny?

And here is my little bundle of energy now - one year later! 







  Back atcha little one!