You Have Come A Long Way, Baby!

Legacy of An Adopted Child

Once there were three women,
Who barely knew each other.
One is in your heart forever,
The other two you’ll call mother.

Three different lives,
Shaped to make yours one.
Two became your guiding star,
The other became your sun.

The first gave you life,
And the second taught you how to live it.
The third gave you a need for love,
And was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality,
The others gave you a name.

One gave you the seed of talent,
The others gave you an aim.

One gave you emotions,
One calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile,
The other dried your tears.

One gave you a family,
It was what God intended for her to do.
The other prayed for a child,
And God led her straight to you.

And now you ask me
Through your tears,
The age old question through the years.
Heredity or environment…
Which are you a product of?
Neither, my darling… neither,
Just different kinds of love.

Dear Kelli,

You have had three mothers in your first 5 years of life, but without the first set of mothers, you would have never came to us. One mother gave birth to you in far away China and another adopted you and brought you to California. Both mothers knew a better home awaited for you and November 4, 2007 you came 'home' to us. Happy Gotcha Day Kelli Marie! You have finally found your forever family.

Kelli in China 4 months old

Kelli waiting for her 1st family to take her to California.

Kelli weeks after coming home to us in Florida.

Kelli early 2008

Kelli spring of 08

Kelli this summer!

Thank you everyone who helped us through our adoption journey, those who have seen Kelli grow with us this first year and my friends and family who are here everyday sharing with us.