Six months, three weeks and one day after meeting Tallula in Wuhan China, she uttered these words for the first time, unsolicited.
“I luh yooo, mama.” she exhaled as she wrapped her arms around my leg.
Adoption confounds that thing that comes so naturally between mothers and children: love. Love takes time. And patience. And lots and lots of grace. From both ends. Daily.
And love isn’t always guaranteed.
So when love descends, it is especially sweet.
Happy day.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. — 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Leslie @ Body Won't Break says
I haven’t adopted yet, but I work with kids who are in foster care. So I know just how long it takes. And I know how painful it can be to wait but oh the wait is worth it. So, so worth it.
VERY happy day.
Mona says
You made me cry happy tears ♥ What a precious moment. I’m so happy for both of you!
Emily says
LOVE LOVE LOOOOVE!!!!!!!!
Nancy says
Awwww. She’s a treasure. With a *huge* personality.
Roberta says
Ahhh! So true, Lukai too, after about the same length of time, said the same to me, and stopped me in my tracks! Moments that are forever etched in stone on our hearts and minds. Thanks for sharing! Their little Love is such a gift to our tired momma’s hearts.
Lisa Murphy says
Well that sure put a smile on my face!!! Just beautiful, Stefanie:) You must have totally melted.
Lacie says
As an adoptive mama..
SWOON! My heart is a flutter for you!
elisabeth says
Love!
Amy says
My Little says “I lub you, Mom” on a pretty regular basis now–1 year, 2 months, and 17 days after joining our family.
I make sure to acknowledge her expression of love to me every.single.time.
amy
amy says
Simply beautiful…know that your heart if FULL today :)) Love that picture of the two of you…beyond words!
kristi says
Absolutely the sweetest ~ and truest ~ thing I’ve read in a while!
love, Love, LOVE!
Dana says
That’s the best isn’t it? Love takes time, but it’s so worth the wait.
Amy says
I still remember the first freely given kisses, hugs and especially the “wuva you”. Rejoicing with you today!
Heather says
We’ve been home with our daughter – who is also from Wuhan! – for almost four months now (she’ll be 2 in December). I was wondering when I might be blessed to hear those precious words. Not yet, but I know it’s coming. Thank you for the post!
maureen wagner says
so sweet!
Kim says
Tears. What a beautiful reminder!
nancy says
That’s THE BEST stuff ever!!!!! And the photo is divine! Makes me smile and smile and smile!
nancy
Lisa says
So touching. What a beautiful moment.
Jodi says
Magical words! That is awesome!
Jill says
tears from me too. love is the most beautiful thing in the world, and this picture speaks love to me.
wonderful
oh happy day is right.
Jill