GREAT LAKES LIVING: Gotcha Day! 1 Year Anniversary

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Gotcha Day! 1 Year Anniversary

One year ago today, I walked into a back room of a nondescript government building. The air was warm and sticky. There were sounds of Mandarin words swirling around me, but all I heard was,

"There she is. This is Li Ya. Li Ya."

And there you were, sitting on your nanny's lap, a discarded bottle beside you and a look of bewilderment on your face.

I leaned down to you and said," Hi." as your nanny stood and let me take you into my arms. I tried to remain calm, as I didn't want to startle you or concern you. But the minute I saw you, tears started to stream down my face.

You let me hold you and didn't cry. You were curious, stoic and aloof. We could hold you, but your hands were held back, a non-verbal "Don't touch. Don't come near".

Ever so slowly, those little hands came down. The trust began to be built.

We moved forward, we came home, we started a new routine, in a new country with a new language, shared with new siblings.

You had no idea what was happening on that day, one year ago.

But today, you know that you are loved. That you are a daughter and a sister. You are a niece and a granddaughter.

You are a Fedell.

You've changed so much in the last year.

You went from barely sitting to crawling, walking, running and now you even dance!

You heard English for the first time one year ago and now your receptive understanding of English is flawless. You surprise us every single day with what you understand and what you know.

You are working hard in speech and have increased your words from 0 to around 35!

You went from never having solids, only a bottle, to now you can use a spoon and a fork without much help.

You were under 18 pounds when we got you and now you put on a solid 7 pounds, growing strong and healthy.

You are stronger than you appear, with a grit and determination that will serve you well in life.

We are SO proud that we were chosen to be your parents.

God has blessed us.

Happy Gotcha Day, Margaret Li Ya.

We can't imagine life without you.

You are LOVED.