Three Years Ago Today. . .

We saw our Asian angel's picture for the first time...

Which paved the way to meeting our blessing for the first time on January 21, 2008.

Even though her eating/speech issues really put this mom and dad outside their "comfort zone, "
we knew that God had blessed us with the little girl who was meant just for our family. He gave us the determination to help Tori through all the therapy appointments and the fortitude and patience to continue the therapy at home. (A big "Thank you" to her speech and occupational therapists from Methodist Medical Center and her pediatrician who supported us through this time of change and growth!)

We delight in seeing her smile and laugh, and we couldn't imagine life without our little "sugar and spice!" We love you, Victoria Leighanna Xiang!

Looking back on the adoption process, (and I can't believe I am saying this with all the frustration and heartache during our wait), I am thankful for the starts and stops we endured along the way. God had His plan for us and our little "Xu Xiang," and so we had to follow this certain path in order for her to be ours and for us to be hers.

November is a time to be thankful, but it is also a time in which we celebrate adoption. This month is Adoption Awareness Month. I am so thankful for Bethany Christian Services and other agencies who bring families together. Also, I am so thankful to all the families who have opened their hearts and homes to all the children around the world. . .We are so blessed to call some of these families our friends! Thank you to all of them who have shared their experience with us in order to make a difference in ours.

As usual, we do have some special things planned for this month (like sending "Thank you" letters to our agency and lighting a candle for Tori's birth parents and saying a prayer for them). But, if you are one of our readers and have some ideas, this is a good time to leave a comment. (Please do because I love getting messages!)

Much love to all and have a happy weekend!