Thankful Thursday

Happy Thankful Thursday! I know it seems like this has turned into the birthday blog lately but TODAY is Lindy Li-Xiao's 3rd birthday! I really can't believe it. This weekend I held a baby that was exactly the same age as Lindy when she was placed into my arms the first time (five days shy of 11 months). As I carefully (and kind of nervously) held Briggs, I had a hard time remembering that I ever held Lindy when she was that little. This morning, I am sitting here pondering where time has gone and feeling thankful for so many things:

I am thankful for God who heard my prayers, watched me cry, knew my pain, and after many years answered me with a, "yes, you are meant to be a mother" when He pointed us to the road of adoption.

I am very thankful for my beautiful little girl. Lindy lights up my life with her beautiful smile, her contagious laugh, her dark eyes, and her vivacious personality. She is truly filled with joy most of the time and I just marvel at how she flits to and fro with so much energy and spirit. When she wakes up in the morning or after her nap she says in the cutest voice, "I made some more sugars for you. Do you want some?" When I tuck her in and close the door behind me she yells (yes, yells), "I love you soooo much!" It is hard not to be thankful after that. Money just can't buy the kind of happiness that brings me. I am also so thankful she's so healthy. We've really been so blessed in this area. I am so proud of what she has learned and accomplished in two years and can't wait to see what this new year brings for her.

I am thankful for the unknown man and woman in China who are Lindy's birth parents. There are over 1.3 billion people in China and out of all of them, I consider these two the most special. I am grateful for their courage and love and pray in some way they know the daughter they gave life to is loved and treasured more than words can say.

I am thankful for the foster family who took Lindy into their home at two months and lovingly cared for her until she was placed with us. I feel certain it was more than a paid job for them. It gives me such peace knowing our Lindy was in good hands.

I am thankful for all those who love Lindy and the different ways they show love. Even though I'm not a fan of the one who coined this phrase, it truly does "take a village." Whether you are far away, have never met Lindy, or see her all the time, your love for Lindy means a lot. We do our best to let her know how much she is loved and so far she doesn't seem to have a self-esteem problem; self control on the other hand is a completely different story. :o)

On a special day like today, I could go on and on. However, there are presents to wrap and other things waiting to be done before the birthday girl awakes from a long night of manufacturing sugars.

What are you thankful for today?