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Five years ago today

Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Dearest Kate Emerson Ru,

It was exactly 5 years ago today that we saw your sweet face for the very first time (in her referral photo; not in person).  Five years ago today my heart began to grow in ways I never could have imagined.  On that special day, God revealed to us who had been chosen for our family. What a blessing that day and every single day since has been.

You have brought such laughter and joy to our household.  You make us laugh so hard at the dinner table (and you always have).  You have softened the boys and you have taught us all things about ourselves that we needed to learn.  We all love you fiercely.

As I have blogged about before, when I saw your referral photo standing in the streets of China, I had so many questions. I wanted to know everything about you. I could not wait to get to know that little (BIG) personality inside of you.  Today, we are such buddies.  I know you better than anyone in the world.  I am your biggest cheerleader.  You are my snuggle bunny.  You are my sunshine.

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For our mini shoot today...Kate started out kinda serious.  But in true Kate style, she got fun and silly.  She thought it would be fun to turn the photo sideways:)

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{For those of you new to 3 peanuts, you can read about the first time we ever saw Kate's referral photos here (it is a good story) and here.  Every year on February 1st, I take a photo of Kate holding her referral photo.  You can see all of the years here . }

My sweet dumpling just said, "Mama, I was wondering if you'd like to watch Miss Spider's sunny patch kids with me?"  And guess what---- I cannot think of one thing I'd rather do right now.  So, I am off to cuddle and watch with her:)  I am so blessed.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11.

22 comments:

  1. Kim, I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed watching Kate grow into such a lovely girl, all the way from here in Scotland.

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  2. Happy family day my friend:) There can be no bigger blessing than this precious child being added to your family. I love it that she is a snuggle bug:)

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  3. Kate looks SO old (and BEAUTIFUL) today! I cannot believe it has been five years Kim! I started reading your blog four years ago (one of the very first ones I ever read) and have read your February 1st posts every year since. Kate is SO blessed to have been placed in your family and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you all!

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  4. I agree with Hopsy that Kate looks so grown up! xo!

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  5. Kate is really growing up! Congratulations on five blessed years for your family.

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  6. Happy 5 years!! I love every single picture of your Katie Ru!! I followed you from the day you got your referral and it has been so fun to watch Kate blossom! I really wish I would have started the referral picture tradition, I love seeing yours! xoxo

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  7. Kate is such a beautiful and special little girl. Hers are some of the best referral photos I've seen yet! Thanks for allowing us to watch her grow and blossom. Happy Referral Day!

    Gin =)

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  8. Happy Referral Day!! I love this photo shoot - red is Kate's color!! And I LOVe the tradition of taking a picture with the referral picture :) It is so, so fun to see how Kate has changed over the years!! Beautiful girl!!

    HUGS!!!!
    Sara

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  9. I can't believe it's been five years! I think you should stand her in the street with her referral photo one of these times! I still would absolutely LOVE to know what they were thinking when they put her in the road to take her photo. Maybe one of her nannies thought it would give her referral photos a cool urban grunge look!

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  10. What a sweet post! Kate was the perfect addition to your family! She is just adorable!

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  11. Happy Referral Day! Beautiful post and a beautiful girl:)

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  12. What a sweet girl! I love the pictures from each year.

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  13. I loved being a part of that special time as you waited for Kate to come home!!! Those dimples continue to make me smile.. She is so beautiful!!!! Happy Referral Day Kate Emerson Ru!!!

    Love,
    Miss Di

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  14. You are both so lucky to have each other to love!

    And that passage is something I needed to read just now...thanks!

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  15. She is too cute!! You are lucky to have found each other for as much as shes been a blessing in your life, I know she has found the pot of gold as famlies go in finding you!

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  16. Happy referral anniversary! We just celebrated our 9th!! Wow -- time is flying. Kate is so darling -- what a sweet girl and Mom!


    janet

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  17. so sweet! my (2 year)referral day for molly is tomorrow. i'm looking forward to it!

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  18. Happy referral day! (I left a comment yesterday, but I don't think it saved) Kate looks gorgeous in these pictures and I love how you are able to capture her sunny personality!

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  19. Kim,
    I have loved watching Kate blossom with the love of your family -- five years -- wow!

    I have to tell you that her referral picture came to my mind yesterday -- since she was in front of a van, and all. And I remembering her asking you about that. Clearly, it was National Kate Day.

    And as a Longhorn in Boston -- I LOVE her dress!

    Here's to many more wonder years and snuggles.
    Melissa

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  20. Congratulations on this very special day. I've said this before...Kate always stood out to me as I checked around on adoption blogs! She was the girl who could stop traffic! A referral picture in the middle of the street, go Kate.

    Blessing on this day.

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  21. Kate is such a princess, time really flies!!!God may bless her and your family , by the loving , the commitment , the kindness that we can feel among you is divine and inspiring. God bless you !!

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Thank you for your kindness.