Almost 3 years....

It's been almost 3 years since we finalized Emma's adoption. Her Gotcha Day is coming up next week on the 31st, and I'm feeling extremely sentimental now. As I sit here, I am tearing up thinking about how incredibly lucky Shawn & I are for the blessing of Emma. I still remember being so nervous to go in the judge's chambers that day, and bawling my eyes out when I got questioned about my love for Emma. The attorney asked, "How do you know Emma is bonded to you?" How can I not know? She is my daughter, she is my life, she is my love. She was mine from the second I laid eyes on her in the hallway at St. Ann's. She was mine the second I heard "It's an Emma" in labor and delivery. She was always mine, and always will be. I can't believe it's been 3 years since she officially became Shawn & I's daughter. We are so blessed. Although we struggle with the daily life with a very stubborn 3 year old, I wouldn't trade any of it. The best thing I have ever been in my life is a Mommy, Emma's Mommy.

Emma tells me all the time that I am her best friend. I hope it stays that way. I hope we continue to share this bond throughout the years as Mother and Daughter. I still think I am living a dream some days. I used to think that I would never be a Mother, in my darkest hours, for those of you that knew of our struggles to have a baby. Emma's birthmom gave us the best gift ever in Emma. She is and always will be our Angel. She is an amazing part of our lives and we are blessed to have met her.

On her Gotcha day, I am going to post pics of the last 3 years on that day. It'll be amazing to see the changes in her. Shawn & I always take her to do something special, just the 3 of us that day. Her 1st Gotcha day we went to Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton. Last year we went to COSI. I'm not sure what we are going to do this year. We also have a Gotcha Day dinner with the family. This year is going to be the first year with Jacen not being able to be there. That makes me tremendously sad. He said last year on her Gotcha day that he was so happy for that day because it was that day that made him have a sister. He is such a sweet kid...when he wants to be ;)

Anyway, thanks for listening to my rambling at 4am. I promise I will post some pics tomorrow. I still have pics to post from before Emma's field trip. Until then....