We're busy preparing Charlotte's room--of course, I chose the hottest time of the year to paint her room. I can't wait to finally take things out of their boxes (some things I've had for 8+ years when we were going through infertility treatments) and make it a real child's room.
It seems so surreal—I can't adequately express in words how my heart feels. This journey has taken us on a very windy road to Charlotte--we were in China's queque for 4 years, 1 month, and 13 days.
I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I just wish I knew the master plan many years ago. However, I know that I have grown from our many experiences--good and bad. Through our most difficult times, my mantra was "that which doesn't kill me will make me stronger." I have to believe that I am the person I am today because of these experiences. I think I'm prepared to handle the challenges that a toddler will bring naturally.
Charlotte has stolen a huge part of both of our hearts. I can't help but play over and over in my mind the great anticipated moment of when our daughter is presented to us in the government office in the capital of Hunan province (August 16--"family day"). I can't help but get a huge lump in my throat and teary-eyed just thinking about it.
We can't wait to share the joy with friends and family once we're home with our precious little girl.
I am beyond thrilled for you that you are SOCLOSE to meeting Charlotte! I find myself reliving this week with you - the packing, anticipation and soon travel both to Beijing and then Hunan.
ReplyDeleteYou are on the journey of a lifetime after 8 years of dreaming and preparation. Enjoy every moment of it friend. I'm so glad we've met through the wonderful blessing of international adoption.