Michelle Smiles

Teaching my children to question authority, except mine.

Referral-versary

September13

Tonight marks the 1 year anniversary of the phone call and email that changed our world.

Steve and I were just sitting on the back porch and I reminded him that right about that time (10:15pm) we were getting The Call last year.  Hard to believe it has already been a year…and hard to believe it has only been a year.  The referral wait was so hard – toward the end I had a bit of a meltdown.  The initial elation was greater than I ever anticipated.  Then we watched her get bigger in the photos and worried about what we were missing.  We planned our visits and kept guessing when she might be home.  I packed up and moved to Guatemala for the last 2 months.  She finally came home on June 5th.  What a wild ride the process was.  I met some wonderful women and made some amazing friends along the way.  Was it worth it?  Of course!  She is the light of my days.  Would I do it again?  If money wasn’t an issue and Guatemala wasn’t in such turmoil?  You bet.  But for now, I’m not worrying too much about #2…I’m just enjoying every day I get to spend with my daughter and hoping she doesn’t grow up too fast.

2 weeks old – Sept 06

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3 months old – Dec 06; first meeting

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Feb 07, 2nd visit trip, 5 months old

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Antigua, May 07 – 7 months old

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One year old – home Sept 07

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posted under adoption
13 Comments to

“Referral-versary”

  1. On September 14th, 2007 at 4:57 am carla Says:

    for some reason I love those “over dads shoulder pictures” so that final one is my fave (that and she’s HOME).
    cant believe Ill be home a YEAR tomorrow.
    time flies, huh?

    signed,
    a mom who accidentally let her daughter outgrow her Rothlisberger jersey w/out a replacement

  2. On September 14th, 2007 at 6:45 am Kerri Says:

    We’re just behind you in timeline of birthday and referral and I feel a lot of the same things you do about the birthday and I can’t believe it’s been a year and it’s only been a year.

    Congratulations!!!

    Kerri and Ruby

  3. On September 14th, 2007 at 6:57 am Bobbi Says:

    Oh, I just posted our one year ann. the other night. (I was a bit late). Hard to believe how the time flies.

    Michelle, she is just the most beautiful baby. Her referal photo is gorgeous. But, my favorite is the elation on your face at first meeting. And, the 7 month photo. What a ham!

    I am with you, I would do it again–well, at least I say that now. Ask me about noon!

    Happy one year anniversary!!

  4. On September 14th, 2007 at 8:22 am Angie Says:

    Isn’t it crazy Michelle! A whole year! I am with you that it is hard to believe it has been a year and hard to believe it has only been a year. Happy referral anniversary to you, me, and Ashley!

  5. On September 14th, 2007 at 9:02 am Tessie Says:

    Oh, congratulations! Every time you post a picture I think to myself what a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL baby she is!

  6. On September 14th, 2007 at 9:18 am Laurie Says:

    I remember Sabrina’s referral post. She was one of the most sensationally beautiful newborns I have ever seen, and she is a dynamo of a beauty now.

    Congratulations

  7. On September 14th, 2007 at 9:44 am Lori Says:

    So Awesome!!!

  8. On September 14th, 2007 at 10:47 am Tera Says:

    Happy referral anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    God bless, Tera

  9. On September 14th, 2007 at 12:13 pm starfish Says:

    I remember being so excited for you when you posted your referral news. She is as cute as ever.

  10. On September 14th, 2007 at 12:47 pm Melany (in TN) Says:

    I love that you can look at her referral picture and totally see the little Sabrina of the future peaking out – kwim? She is so sweet and you guys are such a perfect fit.

    Congratulations on a wonderful year!

  11. On September 14th, 2007 at 2:22 pm Alleen Says:

    Awwwww, LOVE that last photo – contentment!

  12. On September 14th, 2007 at 3:02 pm Ashley Says:

    I cannot believe that I let the day totally pass ( okay so I admit I had a serious migraine last night) BUT WOW… one year since I fell in love with a computer screen picture… WOW! ( Now I have to go blog about it)

  13. On September 14th, 2007 at 8:11 pm AUTUMN Says:

    Hey Michelle:

    I am sorry, I have been a bad blogger buddy. I have had some trouble getting on your blog. I have to say you crack me up. Tonight, I had a bit of an issue at mcdonalds and you have given me the courage to blog about it. Thank you. Nashville is not too far from us, and I have been wanting an excuse to go, so maybe after my busy toy season this winter we can finally meet. Sabrina is a sweet and lovely child.

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