Another year with our girl

November 20th marks 3 years that Anju has been home with us.  As she runs around the house talking about what kind of cake she wants for "her day", it's hard not to reflect on how far we've come.  Not only has she blossomed and grown and developed into quite a little lady, but as days turned into months turned into years, the difference in how she joined our family has also faded into the background.

Certainly, we have not forgotten her adoption.  Every November, I get out my Mysore Sandalwood soap and enjoy the "smell of India" as I remember it.  Each time I hear of children in need or read someone's adoption journey I immediately remember the struggle, emotion and elation of our long process to get our little princess.  And, she talks openly and often about being a baby in India, being adopted, her "India" mama and all her brown friends across the U. S. who have peach moms and dads like she does.

But this year's Gotcha Day finds itself not so much as a destination, but as a passing milestone.  This weekend is full of other commitments- visits with friends, birthday parties, church activities and a sibling's skating lessons.  There's a Thanksgiving dinner to plan, and a trip to the grandparents to pack for.  She is fully immersed in family life- our family life.

So, Anju will be celebrating her Gotcha Day this year by attending church with her family and then going to a friend's birthday tea party.  The cake will have to wait, as I haven't had time to bake it yet.  And it just might be the best Gotcha Day yet.