Happy Hannah Day

One year. One year ago we were too excited to sleep. We were the first people at breakfast in the Kunming Hotel, nervously watching the sunrise over the city of Kunming. One year ago Xiulan started banging on our door a full 30 minutes before we were supposed to leave, hurrying us along and rushing us out the door of the hotel. One year ago we piled into a van and drove across Kunming, not knowing where we were going, but realizing that this was the exact ride we had been waiting to take for nearly five years. One year ago we sat in the Civil Affairs Office in Kunming, showing our IDs, looking over the last bits of paperwork, and trying to contain our nerves and excitement. One year ago I caught a glimpse of Hannah as she was being brought into the office and started to cry. One year ago Hannah was placed into our arms and we became a family.

It's hard to believe it's been a year. It feels like just yesterday that we were in Kunming. I get choked up thinking of those first few hours and how scared we all were. And then I think of the first smiles we saw back in our hotel room and knowing that this was where we were all supposed to be.

Looking at Hannah today it's hard to believe she's the same kid. She's so full of life and energy and joy. In fact, she's attempting to tickle my toes as I type this. Being her parent is a million times harder and a million times better than we ever could have imagined. Happy Hannah Day to everyone.

This photo collage generated with Smilebox