Lainey, do you know what today is??
Lainey lived here, in this room (her crib is the one closest to the door) for the first 19 months and 14 days of her life. Exactly 19 months and 14 days.Â
We have very few pictures of her life in the orphanage, and she’s only slightly smiling in one of them. Here, she’s definitely not a happy camper. (Her face still does that pitiful little scrunch-up when she cries.)
Today marks Lainey’s 19th month, 14th day with US. Get it? She’s been with us for the same length of time that she was in the orphanage. Which means tomorrow is the “longer here than there” day (as a fellow adoptive mom called it). Many adoptive parents have told me that this was a turning point for their child. Their children visibly changed, became more relaxed, attached. Somehow sensing that they were truly home.
Yes, Lainey, this is your home. Forever and ever. We cannot even begin to imagine our lives without you. You bring us such joy and laughter…just like our other children were born to us, you were meant to be ours. We’re sorry it took us so long to find you.Â
We’ll never know about your family in China. But, your Forever Family is big! You have 2 brothers and 2 sisters who love you dearly.Â
Happy 19 months and 14 days, Lainey! We love you.
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:10 pm
I think Lainey reached her “turning point” quite some time ago. I remember seeing the pictures of the babies in those cribs and sitting here and crying because I knew my granddaughter was somewhere like that. Lainey has known nothing but love from the day you and Randy first held her. From that day forward this large family of hers has loved her. Lainey’s siblings wanted her, loved her and have helped her so very much. I am so proud of them. To look back at the early pictures of Lainey and then to see her today is a miracle that only God could have performed. The trust, happiness and love Lainey has in you and Randy is amazing. No… Lainey will never know who carried her and gave birth to her, but she will always know who her Mother and Daddy are because they are the ones that followed God’s leading and opened their hearts, their family, their home and their love to bring her “home” to America. Lainey couldn’t have any better parents than the ones that God chose for her to have in you and Randy.
Tell Lainey that “Am” said she loves her.
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Yea!!! What a special day! Sadie was 19 months and five days when we first held her in our arms. She and Lainey have lots in common! ;)
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:15 am
Simply beautiful.
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:12 am
What a beautiful post! Lainey has grown so much and it is so easy to see how happy she is now. She was definitely … without a doubt … meant to be in your family!
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:20 am
What a beautiful thing adoption is. Yay for Lainey!
October 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Beautifully said, also the pictures…wonderful. Made this proud granma cry!! Love her picture on the steps…cute little tootsie toes!!
I love how you figured it out…she’s been with our family just as long as she’s been in China…but TODAY, she’s been with us longer…YAY!!
If there were thousands of little girls in that orphanage, you would have HAD to select Lainey cuz she just BELONGS in the Clark family (West, too!! :)
Congrats, Lainey Q!!!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Well, I know this is an old post. BUT I saw this and loved it! I remember praying for Lainey years before you got her. It’s amazing. She’s awesome. And I love all yall. :)