She’s here! An Open Letter to Our Daughter
She’s here!, originally uploaded by Kate Chan.
Dear Sweet Zoe,
As I write this I am waiting to hear the date/time of your flight to us. I’m so overwhelmed by the tons of emotions – excitement, anxiety, joy, elation, relief, concern for you and your foster mom, gratitude for Carol who will be escorting you, confusion about what lies ahead of us as a family, and an unbelievable amount of love. I also have thoughts racing around in my head that make me wonder about your trip, your thoughts, your losses, your needs and what you will ask about these days when you are older and we talk together. Oh, life is a wondrous and glorious thing. It is something that will amaze you and give you joy. It is something that challenges us all through it’s ups and downs, but remains is some strange way, consistent with love and light.
Your dad and I dreamed of you for years before this process ever began. There was never a moment in our partnership that we didn’t talk about adopting when we could. You were never an afterthought, not a result of what could not have been; but rather you have always been exactly what we hope for – what COULD BE! You have been you. In that basic sense, the basic tenets of agreeing as a soul to become who you are in this lifetime is all that we have ever hoped. You. As you are. Nothing more, nothing less.
We talked for weeks, months and even years about what name you would have. We didn’t worry about the name – we wanted a name that would fit you. When we chose the name Zoe, it was as though there was no longer a need for discussion or debate. It was you. We were satisfied. So why did we chose Zoe?
Zoe means life.
It is the beginning of all things.
Even though we come in to life alone, we do not do so by ourselves.
YOU are loved by the many people who have been touched by your life.
The washing of our lives upon the shores and over the shoulders and backs of each other is what makes us who we are.
Life is like the waves on the ocean.
They begin beyond our vision and never cease.
Some days they rise high over our heads
and some days they gently rock and splash at our toes.
We as humanity gather together at the shore for play, for sustenance and in moments of awe.
We share in the gifts of life together.
We celebrate, we mourn, we learn and we grow.
We ride out the waves as they are given to us.
We are altered by the movements of the ocean around us and molded by not only the waves, but our reactions to them.
Life is beautiful.
Some people may think that we have named you Zoe because you are the gift of life in to our lives.
But really, you are so much more than that.
You are the gift of life, not for us,
but rather from your wonderful, strong birth mother.
She gave you strength and courage.
She gave you the chance to live and seize the moments of Life around you.
She granted you the dreams and the possibilities.
She knows the beauty of Life.
She knows the beauty of You.
And then those dreams and possibilities were supported and nurtured by your omma.
She cared for you as you learned about our world and comfort.
She rocked you, sang to you, danced with you,
watched you crawling, heard you laughing and comforted you.
Your omma knows the beauty of Life.
She knows the beauty of You.
And your Dad and I?
We wish to give those dreams wings.
We wish to give you the music of life.
We wish to carry on with you like waves on an ocean.
Another pair to love Life and You.
To support your dreams and Life.
We know the beauty of Life.
We know the beauty of You.
And that is why we chose to name you Zoe.
The name means Life.
It is You.
And we are honored to know and love You.
Welcome Home, Little Girl.
With all our hearts, we love you so -
-Your Mom & Dad
Congrats!
Kerrie
April 9, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I am so happy for you! Welcome Zoe! I cant wait to see more pictures of her.
Holly Varner
April 9, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Wow! God bless!
mb
April 9, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Oh, wow, trying to type through tears … I am so extremely happy for you all. Zoe is beautiful, even snuggled into your love.
All the best to the three of you … see you when life settles into a bit of a routine,
Shirley
gfe-gluten free easily
April 9, 2009 at 3:37 pm
That’s so beautiful!! Congrats to you and your newly expanded family!!!
xoxo-
Anna
Gluten Free Anna
April 9, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Oh, I am so happy for you both (ok, you three)! Enjoy your beautiful daughter — the wonderful adventure is only beginning!
Kim Fera
April 9, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Congrats! She’s beautiful!!
Devildogwife
April 9, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I knew I’d need a tissue before I began to read this.
CONGRATULATIONS! Much love and joy from me to you today! Oh, I’m thrilled for you three!
Penny
April 9, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Oh, how you must be bursting right now. Don’t worry about the house, the food, the errands. Sit and wallow together in these precious moments as a new family. Thinking of you! Thank you for sharing this beautiful/painful/amazing journey.
Julialuli
April 9, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Congratulations!!! She is gorgeous!
Holly
April 9, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Congratulations on the addition of your beautiful daughter Zoe! I am so thrilled for you all. All the best!!!
Jessica
April 9, 2009 at 5:57 pm
FINALLY! Congratulations so much, what a beautiful letter, a beautiful name, beautiful picture, and beautiful perfect little girl!!! I’m soooo happy for you!
jillelise
April 9, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Yay! Congratulations!
Tracy
April 9, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Congratulations. She’s beautiful. Your post made me want to go pick my sleeping son out of his crib and hug him.
Erika
April 9, 2009 at 6:47 pm
oh i have tears in my eyes now, i am so very happy for the three of you! What a lucky lucky child to have you for parents, and what a beatiful tribute to this little girl who has com into your lives. Thrilled for you, completely!
gaile
April 9, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Congratulations on your beautiful daughter!
jen
April 9, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Awwww, I am so happy for you and your family. I got tears in my eyes when I saw the picture of your husband with your daughter sleeping in his arms. That for sure pulled on the heart strings. She is so comfortable and comforted in his arms, so sweet.
Congratulations on your new addition to your family! Very exciting.
Best wishes,
Sarah
April 9, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
Janet
April 9, 2009 at 9:09 pm
There is nothing more beautiful than love. God Bless.
Crunchy
April 10, 2009 at 2:04 am
Congrats ! I guess we won’t be seeing much of you the next couple of days – no doubt you’ll be too busy enjoying the new girl in town !
Friedl
April 10, 2009 at 3:54 am
Congrats!!! That picture is too cute. You will make really awesome parents:)
Kimberly
April 10, 2009 at 5:50 am
Congrats to the three of you!! What a beautiful picture, and what a beautiful child! Your joy is being spread around the world, with this website. How beautiful of you to share such an amazing time in your lives. Blessing to the three of you, may you all continue this incredible journey with much joy and love!
Ina, from the Westcoast, B.C. Canada
Ina Gawne
April 10, 2009 at 6:21 am
Weeping!!!
Please give Zoe all my love from Auntie Ging! XOXOX
I am SO happy for you all.
XOXOXO
Ginger Carter Miller
April 10, 2009 at 7:29 am
Congrats. Enjoy!
Meg
April 10, 2009 at 8:00 am
Congratulations! That is such a sweet picture! We’ll be thinking of you as you all get settled in and find the new rhythms of your life together.
Mary Frances
April 10, 2009 at 11:06 am
I wish you pure enjoyment and delight with your new little baby.
Cathy
April 10, 2009 at 11:11 am
Congratulations! The picture is breathtaking. I am very happy for you and wish the three of you great lives.
Dana
April 10, 2009 at 11:11 am
That picture, and your open letter, brought tears to my eyes. I can’t wait for all the updates!
Joan
April 10, 2009 at 1:52 pm
A beautiful tribute, and a moving welcome home message to your daughter. Sending your family warmth, health, joy and peace. Happy Spring, Kate!
Karina
April 10, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Beautiful!
Melanie
April 10, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Congratulations to the three of you!!!!!
Esther
April 11, 2009 at 1:06 am
Congratulations, enjoy your family! Yes its official you’re no longer a couple you’re a family
Delldgm
April 11, 2009 at 2:01 am
I’m so happy for you. Congratulations!
Tasha
April 11, 2009 at 5:36 am
That sweet little nugget is here!!! Give her a hug and kiss from the Artist and I!
glutenfreesteve
April 11, 2009 at 5:46 am
congratulations to you and your love – oh, I guess you have two loves now! I wish all three of you the best
Lauren Denneson
April 11, 2009 at 6:18 am
That gave me goosebumps. I can’t even begin to imagine the excitement.
Meghan Telpner
April 11, 2009 at 8:02 am
Happy Easter to the Chan Clan !. Your letter and the photo of your love and precious Zoe made my day. Much happiness and love to you all.
Taichinutq
April 12, 2009 at 4:47 am
she looks absolutely amazing. Congratulations.
becky
April 13, 2009 at 6:36 am
Here from LFCA…
Congratulations on Zoe’s arrival!
She will really appreciate your beautiful letter someday, but I’m sure she is already enjoying the love behind it.
babysmiling
April 13, 2009 at 7:47 am
Welcome Zoe! You could not have better parents.
Thomas
April 13, 2009 at 8:23 am
Welcome baby Zoe! Your arrival has been MUCH anticipated! I am so happy for you and your parents! Your daddy looks like he has the perfect shoulder to snuggle against! Snuggle often! Be happy! Be family!
Gina
April 13, 2009 at 8:30 am
I am sooooooo happy for all of you – I’m sat at my desk at work with tears of happiness running down my face – that photograph is the perfect expression of love
Violetsrose
April 14, 2009 at 4:06 am
Oh Kate! I am speechless! What a journey this has been for you! I am SO excited for Zoe and for the future you have with her!! Thank you for sharing this!! Much love dear friend!!
XOXO — Carrie
carrie
April 14, 2009 at 6:21 am
What a sweet blessing! Congratulations!!!
Kimberly
April 14, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Congrats. Words can’t express how happy I am for your family at this time. Beautiful.
Enjoy.
Mrs. G. F.
April 14, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Uh oh! I have tears in my eyes at work….
What a beautiful letter. I am sure she will cherish it for many, many years. I am so happy for you both! What a blessing!
I adore the photo as well: so sweet
Liz
April 15, 2009 at 8:20 am
Aw, how beautiful she is! You made me get all choked up, I hate that. I am happy for you three!
Ginger
April 15, 2009 at 9:28 am
What a beautiful blessed event for your family! You may not have as much time for the blog after Zoe arrives (and your readers will understand even while missing you) but please, please do not forget to have your gluten-free necessities on hand to care for yourself just as you will always provide the necessities for Zoe. One of the most important things that she needs is for you to be your very healthiest self!!!
Mom & Rita
April 15, 2009 at 11:03 am
Congratulations to you! SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!
Love,
Another gluten free momma
xx
Laurie
Laurie
April 15, 2009 at 11:12 am
what a special time for you and your family!
enjoy every minute!
Erin
April 16, 2009 at 2:28 pm
One of the most beautiful writings I have read. I would like to share with my young students who are considering the future of their unborn child.
debbi
April 18, 2009 at 9:41 am
Congratulations! She is beautiful, and you will both make wonderful parents. Best wishes and thinking of you and your family as you get to know and love each other!!!
*hugs*
-Sea
seamaiden
April 20, 2009 at 4:02 pm
I’m so happy for you. I remember both days we brought our boys home. I was overwhelmed with joy and so many other emotions. Keep all the visitors at bay for awhile-this time passes so quickly. Enjoy one another and getting to know one another.
God Bless You!
Debbie
Debbie
April 20, 2009 at 4:59 pm
What a sweet girl.
Jen
April 20, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Congratulations! She is precious, and she belongs with you and your husband.
Gloria
April 23, 2009 at 8:28 am
I have been MIA from the blogosphere so I managed to miss this development! CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy to see that this new addition to your family has finally arrived. Health and happiness to your family.
Tovah @ Gluten-Free Bay
May 4, 2009 at 10:02 am
I’m behind—haven’t been reading blogs very often lately—so now I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my face!
Sally Parrott Ashbrook
June 25, 2009 at 11:08 am