Happy First Birthday!

I know this isn't much of a cake - Mom just isn't up to a personalized "special" one this year, but promises to make up for it next year!! We have decided to have a fairly low-key celebration at Beau Jo's pizza tonight, just big sis and Grandpa, John and Geny and Mom and Dad. Maybe once we are more into a set routine we can have a real party, but for now we are still pretty sleep deprived and easily over stimulated so we will just stick to the basics and have a good time! Besides, I think we all have had enough excitement the past couple of weeks to last quite a while.

While I have a chance to type for a few minutes, I just want to express my gratitude to all of you that have supported us throughout this amazing journey. As I am pacing the halls in the wee hours of the night trying to soothe Meredith and coax her into Mountain Daylight Time, I have been reflecting on all of the wonderful people in our lives and how each of you play such an important role - whether you realize it, or not. To our families that are there for us day in and day out - - (especially you, Lindsay). Our co-workers that have taken on extra responsibilities so that we can devote much needed time with our new daughter. Our friends that call and give us that extra "boost" and let us know that they care. Our travel companions from G1357 - -your patience and support were beyond reproach. Even the kindness of strangers touched my heart - - the immigration officer at the SFO airport that called us to the front of the line so that we didn't have to wait with a newly adopted baby (turns out he was a Chinese -American also) and the housekeeping matron in the Hong Kong airport that helped set up the changing table for Meredith. Hopefully as our busy lives return to "normal", we will remember these kind deeds and take the time to pass on a little kindness ourselves.
Blessings to all.