Friday, March 2, 2012
Two Years of Forever with Sienna Grace!
I will be honest.. I almost forgot that yesterday was the Anniversary of "Sienna Day" in China two years ago! Thanks to a call from her Daddy, I was able to make up for it when she got home from school!!! At first I wanted to beat myself up about almost missing this special date.. But, then a wise friend reminded me that maybe to just give myself a break and take it as a positive sign of just how much a part of my world she is now... Since I am all about giving grace, I will go with that! I used to pride myself on not ever forgetting things, having birthday cards in the mail, going the extra mile.. But, I guess I had to let go of that Type-A perfection 2 kids ago!
So, back to Sienna... Today is actually her official adoption day. I will never forget how anxious I felt walking back into that Civil Affairs office with the child who had lit it up the day before.. But, who showed up with us that morning was a happy, silly four year old... It was our first glimpse of this side of her. That day, the Civil Affairs Officer told Jeff how lucky he was... What would she say now seeing this amazing little girl.. The word blessed comes to mind!
I feel like I can breathe a great big sigh out loud when I write about Sienna Grace now. She by far has stretched me more than any other child I have raised. Perhaps that is one of the reasons God chose her for me. He knew I was the one that needed to grow!
I read a poster once.. "Lord, please grant me the patience to deal with my blessings today!" There were days when I prayed that prayer. Ok, who am I kidding.. I still do some days. But overall, I am in awe of Sienna Grace. She has come so far in just two years! Spiritually and physically, she is our little miracle!
I will always describe our Hunan girl as tough and tender. But, she is also smart and beautiful. Funny and happy. Extroverted and Introverted. Compassionate and strong. She can be sweet, she can be spicy. She is girly!! My money is still on her being a doctor one day. She would be fabulous!
Just the other day, out of no where, Sienna said to me... "Mama, thank you for adopting me!" The magnitude of that single statement from our 6 year old is hard to put into words. I think it put all of the frustrating days and nights into perspective. God has used Sienna Grace to refine me... He has taught me what love can do. He has shown me that I can do hard. He has shown me I can make mistakes and be forgiven. He has shown me that sometimes the greatest rewards are small victories. He has given me a priceless gift.. A little girl that just last night squeezed me tight when I told her "Thank you for trusting me Sienna. I will forever be your Mama and I am so blessed!"
It's only fitting that she chose to watch Mulan on her special day.. I had to choke back the tears during the scene when her father points to the plum blossom bud that is late to bloom..
And, he says.. "My My.. what beautiful blossoms we have this year. But, look.. this one is late. But, I'll bet when it blooms, it will be the most beautiful of all!"
Sienna Grace, Happy Forever Day! You are beautiful... Inside and out!
And we are blessed because you are ours... forever!
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20 comments:
What a wonderful blessing.
I teared up reading this.
Hugs,
Robin
Happy Family Day! We just had ours too. :)
Sofie & I were just looking at the photos and she asked "why is she so sad?"...then we scrolled to the current photo and she laughed and said "she is happy because she has a family and loves her Mom". Ah...from the mouths of babes.
Oh my goodness... cannot imagine the weight of that moment when she thanked you for adopting her!
LOVE hearing about ALL the changes for your girl in these last 2 years, all at His hand! He is SO GOOD!!
Sending BIG ol' hugs to your family on this special day :)
oxoxox,
Stefanie
Indeed she is beautiful!
So beautiful, I love " tough and tender" , that is so my sweet Madeline as well. Happy 2 years sweet Sienna Grace!
Happy Happy Sienna Grace day!!!
Sienna is such a sweet blessing and these two years seem to have flown by. She seems so full of JOY!
I completely know what you mean about letting go of that Type A stuff. I think I forgot or almost forgot Kate's last year. I have changed SO much since having 3 kids (I cannot imagine 4 or 5). I am messier and so much more scatter brained about everything. Someone who adopted before me told me that the longer our kids are home the less important it becomes HOW they got there. I have to agree. They are our family and that is what matters.
What a very sweet post! I love the line about patience and blessings. I need to pray that line! Happy Sienna day!
Such a beautiful girl!!!
Happy forever family day!!!!
Such sweet and honest words! Thanks for sharing. Sienna is such a beautiful girl. Happy Forever Day!!!
Happy Sienna Day!! It's so amazing how she has blossomed being in such a loving family! What a great post about your sweet girl!
No.... seriously.... already? I cannot believe it has been two years. She has become such a little Lady!
That child is literally blooming! She keeps getting more and more beautiful every time you post pictures of her. I still can't get over how beautiful her teeth are and how precious she is with that toothless smile!
Happy Sienna Day! I love looking at all of the sweet pictures. I remember each one being posted for the first time two years ago. Your sweet girl has come a long way in a short time! I have loved watching her become a true "R" girl! Give her a big hug from me and her buddies! We love you Sienna!
I have a hunan baby...I recognized Changsha right away :) Sienna is beautiful! Our 2 year family day is coming up at the end of March. And we are praying for our next family day with daughter number 2 from China to arrive SOON!!!
Such a beautiful post of your beautiful Sienna~ I LOVED watching your journey to her. What a sweet story. Such an amazing each blessing is that we are gifted with. I too have days I need much patience but you are SO wise to realize WE are the ones that are growing. Thank you for the reminder! Blessings and love! XO
Diane,
She is just a beautiful girl. god always knows just what gifts we need in our life. Parenting is one of the most sanctifying and refining things I think God uses. I hope yall had a wonderful day. Oh.........and we are going to China. Yeah. Hope to leave on the 15th. Praying we get our Consulate Appoinment. Happy gotcha Day.
Happy Gotcha Day. Sienna you have been a wonderful blessing from God. From this Mama to yours, blessed to have best buddies from Hunan.
What a blessing to read your post. And see all the beautiful photos of Sienna.
Thank you.
Jane k
Oh Diana! This post just has me all choked up! I have learned so much from listening to your story to Sienna, and about your journey with her. It all warms my heart (on this cold, cold morning)!
I can't believe it's been 2 years since I followed your journey to Sienna! Happy adoption day Sienna!