Four Years Ago

Four years ago today, April 20, 2004, Brian and I were sitting in a large reception room at the Civil Affiars Bureau in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Six other families sat there too, nervously chatting, double-checking cameras, clutching stuffed toys, bottles, sippy cups and snacks, knowing that within minutes we would all hold our new daughters for the first time.

Ellie's Referral Photo

And suddenly there she was!! Our beautiful Nathalie Tess QianYu. Peering nervously through the door to the room, clutching the bottle that rarely left her hands for the next two years. She was scooped up by an orphange worker and brought to us when our names were called. We were completely overcome with joy to finally have our daughter in our arms but the feeling was definitely NOT mutual! She screamed, she kicked, she struggled to get away from these strangers who looked funny, smelled funny, and spoke a language she couldn't understand.

Our first glimpse

Finally in our arms forever!

That scared and sad little baby that we first held in our arms four years ago is today a strong, vibrant, compassionate, confident little girl. She wakes up every morning with a smile on her face and love in her heart. Ellie's Chinese name means “beautiful”, and that is exactly what she is both inside and out!

Ellie, two years old

Ellie, three years old

Ellie, four years old

Ellie today on her special day

Happy Forever Family Day sweet Ellie! We love you more than words will ever be able to express.