Five years ago today we became a forever family. I close my eyes and can still see the hotel ballroom in China where Phil and I, along with a few other families, were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our baby girls. Suddenly, there she was! Bundled up in layers of clothes, her cheeks bright red, Emily came to us easily and seemed to be fascinated by our every move.  She loved cuddling, her first taste of cereal, watermelon, eggs, bath time, playing with her toes and the soft toys we’d brought for her. Especially a little rattle shaped like a rabbit and a set of toy keys.

Now just weeks away from turning six-years-old, Emily still loves bath time and playing “Little Mermaid”.  Pink and blue are the colors of choice, FOR EVERYTHING. Ham and mac & cheese are her favorite foods. Though, thankfully she’s an apple-a-day kinda girl, will eat grapes like they are m&m’s and has developed a craving for baby carrots. Give her a packet of construction paper and a pair of scissors and she’s on a mission to cut out as many hearts as she possibly can. The pink and blue first, of course. She loves school, reading and doing math, and seems to always have a smile on her face when she bounces off the bus every day. She will change into her swimming suit hours before we have to leave for class and ask me repeatedly how much time is left before we can go. Gymnastics is also a favorite, the hula hoop and the movie “Moana”.

She’s lost three baby teeth.

And she really, really, really wants a kitty cat.

Happy Gotcha Day to our sweet and sassy, smart, funny, and fabulous Emily!