Last week we received word that birthday pictures taken in Korea had arrived at our agency and they were going to forward the DVD to us via mail. SAY WHAT?? I had been pouting and having a pity party for myself because we were previously told that the agency in Korea had not taken any pictures when Em and foster mom came to pick up her birthday package.
After checking the mail incessantly for days, we finally got the dvd. We were hoping for two, and if lucky, possibly three pictures from that day. But instead we received about 20 of our birthday girl celebrating with smiles, hugs, cake, and even a mini tol celebration at her home! It was more than we imagined or hoped for on her birthday. During Em's birthday weekend when we were celebrating here, I looked at the clock constantly, wondering just what was going on halfway around the world. I wondered if we'd ever know. And now thanks to her amazing foster family, we do.
Emerson wearing the outfit we sent.
The top says "I'm the birthday girl."
They got her a hanbok!! I was so moved.
This is actually one of, if not my favorite picture. That smile!
And I love that foster mom is "hiding" in the back as she props up
Emerson for the birthday candle shot!
For her foster family to share personal pictures taken inside their home... For them to include photos of them holding her, playing with her, feeding her... To see how relaxed and happy she is with all of them... I am simply overwhelmed. Love was emanating from the pictures. We clearly saw it and felt it. They are not only her caregivers, but are her family. We vowed that even when Emerson comes home to us, we will keep them in her and our lives.
Our sweet and precious Emerson,
Thanks to your wonderful foster family, we were able to share a part of your first birthday. It looks like you had so much fun! You looked so beautiful and adorable in that lovely hanbok foster family got you. They were so nice to also dress you in the outfit we sent and even put a pretty matching hairbow on you to complete the look. While looking at the pictures on our computer, there were a couple times my breath stopped, and once I even reached out my hand to stroke your face on the screen. Daddy and I both cried happy tears as we spent hours the first night just looking at each picture over and over.
It goes without saying that we miss you to the point of heartache, and cannot wait to hold you in our arms. But now we have another reason to look forward to that day when we all come together. I can't wait to meet foster family. I want to thank them until my words run out and then I want to hear all about the stories they have of you. I know that when the time comes for us to bring you home, you will miss them so much and your little heart will ache for them. I promise to share all the wonderful stories they shared with me with you. I also promise that we will visit them again as a family one day.
We love you.
Mommy & Daddy
