Happy Birthday Reagan

Today is Reagan's birthday. It is so hard to believe that she has been with us for four years. We didn't actually meet Reagan until February 6, 2006. She was already 18 days olds when we saw her for the first time at Lifeline Children Services in Birmingham. We found out about her arrival on January 25, and we knew that we had a baby girl. For legal reasons, we had to wait 2 weeks before we could meet her and bring her home. Those days were very difficult for me. I had wanted a baby for so long and to wait 2 more weeks was like a death sentence. I felt like I was missing so much of her little life. Reagan was with a foster mom, who I was talking with on the phone, and I was so scared that she would bond with her. That seems like a lifetime ago now....but yet, looking at pictures makes it seem like it was yesterday.

Here are just a few shots of that first meeting with Reagan.

When we first saw her, she was laying in a bassinet at the adoption agency in this little white outfit that I had picked out for her. Gene went over and immediately scooped her up. I looked over at the social worker and asked if that was OK and she laughed and said, "She is your baby."
I was dumbfounded.

This is a picture I took right after Gene picked her up for the first time. She fit perfectly.

This is me feeding her for the first time. I could hardly even "see" her for my tears.

Here we are together on the couch at Lifeline. It took a while for her to eat.

And here she is all ready to get into the car. I could hardly wait to bring her home. The nursery had been ready for over a year.

What a happy, happy day that was!!!!

1 Samuel 1:27 "For this child I have prayed...."

***Below is a short little birthday note to Reagan.

Happy Birthday Reagan!

I simply cannot believe that you are four years old. You have brought so much joy to our lives. You are so special and your Daddy and I love you so much. For eight years we wanted a baby to love, hold and care for. God gave us the greatest desire of our hearts when He gave us you, the most perfect baby to be a part of our family. Out of all the babies in the world, He hand picked you and delivered you to us. You made us a family. You made me a Mommy. This time four years ago, my mourning was over and my heart was so full of joy that I literally thought it would burst out of my chest.

You have taught me much over the last four years. You have brought me joy and tested my patience. I love so many things about you....

I love your curly, thick hair.

I love your bright blue eyes.

I love your perfect little smile.

I love your little dimple in your chin.

I love your personality.

I love your quick wit.

I love your loud laugh....your real laugh and your fake laugh.

I love your complete joy for life.

I love that you have no fear.

I love your amazing ability to remember all things.

I love your intelligence.

I love every single thing about you and wouldn't change a thing.

You completed me in so many ways, the perfect addition to my life...to our lives. I pray for you everyday. My prayer for you above all things is that you come to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. You will find no lasting worth or satisfaction in this life apart from Him. We hope you see Jesus in us as we raise you by His strength and wisdom. I am still humbled that God chose me to be your mommy. We will love you always and support you in all things. I hope 2010 is a wonderful year for you.

Love,

Mommy