What a Difference a Year Makes!

July 16, 2012:  We wait anxiously in a large room for a little girl we've never met to come out from behind a curtain.  She's carried out by her caretaker and they call our names.  We don't know what to expect, but she comes to Heather immediately.  She's so tired from the 5+ hour trip to get to Guangzhou that day that she falls asleep in Heather's arms.

July 16, 2013:  It's impossible for us to believe that just a year ago, we met a little child that changed our lives forever.  The transition back home was extremely hard; in fact, it was the most challenging time we've gone through together.  But now, we've adjusted and found our new normal.  We don't even remember what it felt like to only have two children running around.  A year ago we wondered if this docile little girl would ever say anything.  Today, we often wonder when this energetic little girl will tire out!

See this little one's transformation for yourself...

Pics from before we met her:

The first time we met:

The first weeks back home:

Getting used to the "new normal":

And today:

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Helen Joy Songxiang Adolphs, we thank God for bringing you into our family.  We and your siblings could not imagine life without you or all of the joy you bring to the rest of us in this house.  Happy Gotcha Day, little girl.

To Ella & Myles, you are both wonderful siblings.  Thank you for welcoming her into our family with open arms and showing her all of your love in your own little ways.  We thank God just as much for bringing the two of you to us.