Julia – It’s been almost one year since we first met you in Changsha, China on February 22, 2010.  You were scared but brave to have met us three for the first time.  I still remember exactly how our first moment together happened – as soon as we got off the elevator in the administrative building approximately after 3:00 PM – we walked to the right toward the waiting room ahead of us, and, there you were!  Your two nannies and the director of your orphanage were waiting with you.  As we approached you, your mother mouthed these words, “she’s beautiful”, to me.  Your mother was absolutely right!  Your new name, Julia, was the perfect one for you.  At that moment, Emma became your sister.  Immediately, Emma was so good with you, teased you with your gray cat, and played with your pink blanket.    You were no so keen with us yet, though.  You were cautiously watching us and looking at the family pictures that we had previously sent you in our two care packages.  That moment – you became our daughter and sister.  Even though you were subdued, you played with Emma with a smile and you two were running around the conference table while we signed off paperwork.  I still remember the ride from the administrative building back to our hotel with you in Mom’s arms, feeding you, playing games with you, figuring out the stroller, running around in the hallway with your sister, and falling asleep in our arms and in the crib in our room.   From that moment on, we promise to raise you the best way we know how.  We love you dearly, Julia! 

Love always,

Dad