No Face Like a Snow Face

Water's Edge

Dear Cheng-Yu,

Today...really for the first time, I looked at you and saw a boy.  It is amazing how it happens, like magic.  I watched you play at the water's edge.  A place where I would sit and pray for you and dream about the day I would hold you in my arms.  It was so peaceful to watch you in that place at the water's edge.  Your Dad and I spent countless hours there talking about you and longing to meet you.  I would toss rocks into the water, just passing the time.  I could soak up the beauty of the lake, mountains and sky all from one little spot at the water's edge.  Beauty for my eyes to see, while my mind held visions of you. 

Shortly after we brought you home, we took you down to the water's edge.  We held you and threw rocks in the lake so you could see them make a splash.  The nature around us was an incredible backdrop for the wonder of you.  By the end of your first summer, you were able to drop rocks into the water from the dock as I held you in my lap.  It was different now, at the water's edge.  

Today, you are 19 months old and I am amazed at how quickly time flies.  I don't throw rocks in the lake to pass the time anymore.  I am busy watching you.  I try to soak up each moment in hopes that time won't slip by too quickly.  Although I am with you almost every minute of each day, somehow...you grow up without me seeing it.  At the water's edge today, I saw a boy.  You didn't need me to hold you in my lap, or help you find rocks to toss in the lake.  You didn't even need me to keep you from tumbling into the water.  I watched as you would squat down to selected just the right rocks and then you would carefully walk to the water's edge.  With your toes just inches from the water, you would swing your little arm back and then throw that perfect rock into the water.  With each splash, you exploded with applause.  The beauty in the nature around us couldn't hold my attention, as my eyes were on you.  It is different now, at the water's edge.

I love you so much and am grateful to be your mother.  You are a masterpiece created by our Heavenly Father and to Him I give ALL praise.  I thank him, for each time...He meets me at the water's edge.

Happy 19 Months, Cheng-Yu

From every angle, you are beautiful...and LOVED!  

The Night Before Christmas

It is Christmas Eve and as I rock Cheng-Yu, I tearfully reflect on our Christmas last year.  Wow, what a difference a year can make.  

Christmas 2008:  By the window, there stands a little pencil tree with only 3 ornaments. One is a small photo of a baby boy in Taiwan.  Although we already love him, we have never held him. Hanging nearby, there are two little airplane ornaments which remind us that the time will soon come.  Two stockings are hanging above a cozy fire.  It is quiet.  Empty suitcases are on deck in a nearby room...should we start packing yet?    

I carry him to his crib and take a moment to relish in "The Night Before Christmas"

Christmas 2009:  By the window, there stands a tree adorned with ornaments holding images of Cheng-Yu.  Presents are wrapped and arranged underneath the tree...from: Mommy & Daddy. There are cookies and milk awaiting the arrival of Santa.  A new stocking has joined ours and is hanging above a cozy fire.  It is raining outside, so I sit and listen to the peaceful sound.  It is quiet.  A baby boy with red and white striped pajamas is sleeping soundly in a nearby room...has Santa been here yet?