Megan Emily-Mei: Gotcha Day Anniversary!!

Oh my goodness! As I was preparing to write this blog entry I kept thinking that this would be quite long; but now that I sit down it may be quite short. I am at a loss for words on what to say... I am sure you are all tired of reading how much we love the little Chicklet and how totally awesome she is... Ah who cares, it's my blog ; ) I can't begin to tell you all how much Jeffrey and I sit in total awe when we watch or listen to Megan. It is so hard to explain words. One year ago today we were sitting in our incredible hotel room in Jinan besides ourselves wondering when Megan was going to arrive and if she'd be as wonderful as we both had dreamed her to be. It was 10:12 am June 17, 2013 ( 10:12 pm June 16 -Father's day here in the US), when our door bell rang. We have watched the video a thousand times and I could watch it a million more and never get sick of it. 10:11 am we were just a family of 4 and one minute later that all changed. All for the better!! She has changed the 4 of us - it is amazing. I remember that moment like it just happened. We waited 6 very long years for her and this is the 1st time I have said it, but it was worth it. It was the hardest thing we have ever done. Filling out the endless stacks of paperwork, waiting for this approval and that approval or just plain 'ol waiting, for what seemed like no apparent reason - only to have her walk in the room at the most perfect time. God is amazing!!!

Has Megan changed from when from that 1st day we received her? Ummmm, no! I went back and reread our China blog entries (I have read them quite a few times over the last yr but who's counting?) and had to giggle when I read what we wrote about Megan. We were dead on accurate. She still is so incredibly funny and has a million faces to show. She is still sassy and incredibly stubborn. Holy Moses, I wish the stubbornness would die down some - geesh. The only difference from then until now is that she has gained 6 lbs and has grown 3 inches. Oh, and she has a bit more hair on her head. She was shaved right before we got her and she's slowly working on growing her hair out. : )

Health wise she is fantastic! The cardiologist has given her a glowing review. We will go back in 1 yr for a follow up. Megan has been assessed by 2 speech therapist. Both of them said she is very smart but just needs a bit of help pronouncing her words better. She will begin once a week sessions when schools begins. August 4th Megan is getting her tonsils and adenoids out. Both therapists think this could be hampering her speaking. The ENT wasn't thrilled with taking them out as he really didn't have any medical issue but said if we really thought it would help her speech, he is going to do it.

Jacob and Alex are doing fantastic. Jacob is 16 and going to be a senior. Alex is 13 and going in to 8th grade. They both are amazing students - we couldn't be more proud of them and the people they are. They love their sister but both know exactly what to do to push her buttons... Ugh!!! Megan does get back at them or should I say Jacob. Ha! When he wants a kiss, she will tell him yucky and covers her mouth. She doesn't like when Jacob doesn't shave. Hee hee!!!!

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog and for all your prayers.

PS - this wasn't short... ; )