Eight-years ago...

I first saw and held my dear little Abby eight years ago today. Some memories of that day are so vivid to me, so imprinted on my mind. I hope to never forget.

She was born on the 3rd, but we were completely unaware that it had happened. It was a Sunday, and so we didn't even know until the next day that she had been born. They called the next day and told us to bring our car seat and come up to Farmington.

It was a very nervous day for us. We arrived there pretty early, not knowing if it was going to be a short or long day. For the first couple of hours we just sat there. As time went on, we got more and more worried, simply because we didn't know what was going on.

I don't recall the series of events entirely. I remember that the Snelgroves came and we spent a lot of time with their family. I think they brought Arbys. We got to know their family more, which was a real blessing. Who could have imagined that we would become such close friends.

The Craig's came too, and we learned about their family, traditions, etc. Bonnie brought a number of things to help them remember their family. Books, songs, and gifts for Abby. It was a harder day for them, and us, in return.

I remember next that their car pulled up, the one carrying Abby, Katie, Kyle, and their case worker. We went into our room, and they went down the hall. They weren't ready to see us.

The first time I ever heard Abby was in that LDS Family Services building. She was crying down the hall...a faint, sweet cry. I think they were putting her dress on. Katie and Kyle spent a lot of time with her, saying their good-byes. They weren't sure they'd see her again. I'm so glad they have, and will forever.

We were probably there 6 or 8 hours before the door opened and they came in. There stood Katie and Kyle, holding little Abby. She was so little and petite, and was wearing an adorable purple flower dress. Katie put her in Melanie's arms, and she cried and I cried, and we all started crying. Abby was so beautiful and perfect, it was impossible that she was ours.

We chatted for a while, but once this started happening I was mentally gone. I was focused only on Abby. My baby.

When the time came to leave, we tried to buckle Abby into the car seat but I didn't know how. I've been around kids my whole life, but I was not myself. I was totally and completely overcome by the experience. So their case worker, Robin, helped us get her in.

We were driving our Green Mazda 626.

I called Mom, and she cried and I cried as I told her about Abby. I don't remember what we said. When we got home, we sat there on the couch looking at her. Because Mel didn't give birth to her, we were both able to help which was great.

As I said, that was eight years ago. I don't think of that day; I don't even remember that she was adopted. In every way she is my baby.