One year ago today, we met this girl. Since then, well… words just don’t seem adequate. She’s amazing.
She has learned to crawl (sort of), pull to stand, climb, walk and dance.
She had tubes placed and adenoids removed. She had a CT and 6 sedated bronchoscopies. She had tracheal-slide surgery and open-heart surgery, which required a two week hospital stay.
She has gained over 6 pounds and grown 4 inches. She’s gone from 0 teeth to 16. And her hair has gone from buzz cut to bob.
She can drink from a cup and feed herself finger foods. She can draw circles and lines with a crayon. She can pretend to eat and talk on the phone. She has over 60 signs. And she has the best fake cry, ever.
And as much as she has changed, so have we. Because of her.
I asked my kids to share their thoughts on Clementine, the year since she’s been home and how she’s changed our family. And I think they pretty much sum it up, and much better than I ever could.
Tinie hugs people when they cry. It’s cute because she’s so adorable. We play with the Little People together and she pretends like she’s one of the Little People. – Tallula 
She makes our family funnier because she’s says stuff like, “Ajujujujuuu!” She likes to play with bubbles and pop them. I love her. – Poppy
She’s a great sister. She is learning a lot, like saying words and signing words like cracker. And she’s learning to ride her bike. I’m glad she’s my sister because she’s cute. – Vivienne
She gives us a big smile even on the darkest day. I can just look at her and tell that she’s going to grow up and be a smart girl. – Shepherd
Tinie has changed our family by making us more happier and making our family funnier. Especially when she dances. – Jude
When she was little she couldn’t walk at all but now she can. And back then our family was not very silly but then Tinie came home and our lives got funnier. She loves to be funny and she makes everyone laugh. – Isabelle
She’s changed our family a lot, now our family is a lot sillier because Tinie’s very silly, like when she makes silly noises and does silly dances. – Sophie
It’s hard to imagine her not being here. Whenever we’re sad or bored she does something to make things happy. And she’ll come over to give a big hug and laugh – she’s the cutest person ever. – Dalton
There’s never a dull moment with Clementine. And she happens to be the most adorable thing in the whole wide world. I’m so thankful that I have such an awesome little sister. – Asher