Time doesn't always fly.

One year ago today we received initial information about our sweet India boy, V. I've shared this before, but we first learned about him via Rainbow Kids. Even the brief snippet of information posted was enough to make us think he could be a Stum, but when we saw the first photo of him, it was clear our family would not be complete without him. The photos came as we were driving to Florida to enjoy a free condo with our friends from Kentucky escaping an ice storm, so all we had to view the pics was Jake's Blackberry. I bet I asked him to find the email and open the attachments 20 different times (while we were driving--sorry Oprah). At a random gas station along the drive Jake confessed, "I think he's ours."

One of the reasons our process is taking what feels like FOREVER is our own fault. We didn't fully dive in until late March 2009. This adoption was a huge decision for us... as if not all adoptions would be. The thought of fundraising was exhausting (we're almost done, btw!). Our little family unit of 4 is operating flawlessly. Our house is small. Our vehicle is inconvenient even with a 3rd row. Yeah, I could list a good dozen more stupid reasons we tried on for size, but none fit. Vee, however, fit.

Lots of people assume we've met him since we have many pictures and talk about him as if he's just at an extended stay at the dentist. We've never met him. He is a special needs child with what will likely be a long road of catch up developmentally. He's lived in an institutional setting his entire life. Yep, this thing could get messy in a hurry, but we've signed on for whatever may come. I like to spend most days living in the fairy tale of miraculous adjustment and bonding, but even when I allow myself to tip toe around in worst case scenarios, I'm not swayed. He's my boy.

So, I suppose this is an anniversary of sorts. I'll confess that I thought we'd have him home by now. I fear he's thinking his nannies were playing a mean joke on him when they shared our photos, but we are asking God to fill his little heart with hope that we are coming soon.

Thanks for indulging me. It makes it better somehow to retell our journey to V thus far. And on a lighter note, enjoy a few photos of our family Valentine's Day gift to one another--Simply Love t's...

Are normal faces really too much to ask?

Yes, they liked the shirts, but what they REALLY liked was getting to wear a t-shirt and jeans to church!