A quick recap of my first meeting with Ellie

Dearest family and friends, I thought I (Stacia) would take a little time to share my first experience of meeting Ellie with you all. When my family went to China, I was not able to go with because I was/am studying in La Roca en Guadalajara, Mx. It was horribly hard for both Steph and I, after all these years, not to be able to go with. I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans of peace and not of evil, plans to give you a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11). Like the rest of you, I had to rely intensely on this web-site to be able to see pictures and know what was going on. Everytime I saw updates and pictures, I cried. I became so attached to little Ellie without ever even getting to hold her and kiss her. Just looking at the pictures and praying for her; I loved her and longed for the day when I would get to meet her and hold her for the first time. One day I was talking to my small group at school and sharing how I felt about Ellie and it dawned on me- That is how God feels about each one of us. He knows us before we are born and wants each one of us. Same as we have wanted Ellie since before she was born! We prayed for her and loved her and thought about her before she was born! Then, as we got pictures of her, we had a longing to know her, to hold her and to express our love for her. Again a picture of God's love for each one of us. While I was in Mexico it was hard to explain to people the intense love I felt for Ellie even though I did not know her I loved her and couldn't wait to meet her. Two days before I left I went to the Mexican version of build a bear and picked out and made her a bunny named Bella (which in spanish means beautiful). It turned out to be quite a funny experience because normally little kids get to pick out and make their animals. So after I finished stuffing my bunny, I was told to pick out a heart to put in it and then I was told I need to close my eyes make a wish, spin around two times, jump up and down twice and give it a kiss while they sprinkled glitter on me. I looked at the girl and was like, "Are you serious, I am 21 years old and I am making this for my little sister." But sure enough I had to do the whole routine;) Anyways, I made the bunny to give to Ellie as I got off the plan because I knew I was going to be a little emotional when I met her and I thought it would be a good distraction. Finally the day came for me to come home to meet Ellie for the first time. It was the most horrible plane ride that seemed to never end! I just wanted to meet my little sister. It was snowing that night and my flight was delayed leaving and then we had to hold over Minneapolis before they would let us land and as we were finally coming in for a landing when we were only a couple hundred feet off the runway we pulled up. Needless to say I was about ready to rush the cabin and demand that they give me a parashoot so I could just jump out. They just didn't understand what it was doing to my emotions knowing that I my little sister and my family were waiting in the airport and we came within a few hundred feet of it and then went back up. It was horrible. I did finally land and as I came down the escalators, I spotted Kaitlyn with an adorable pink little bundle in her hands. And I began to cry, when I made it over to them I couldn't get any words out I just looked at her for the first time handed her the bunny and then turned to grandma Janine who was also crying and hugged her and sobbed for a few minutes. After waiting so long she is finally here and a part of our family. I find myself very emotional at times (which is not normal for me) when I think about last Christmas and her not being here and now we have her. She is an absolute joy! She warmed up to me and Steph immediately and we have had a hard time putting her down. The day after I got in, was my birthday. I have to say it was one of my favorite birthdays ever. Steph and Jeremy came in late the same night as me, but Ellie was asleep when they got in. We all got up on my birthday and dad stayed home from work and we just all hung out as a family and enjoyed Ellie all morning. It was absolutely amazing. She is so much fun and such a happy baby you can't help but falling in love with her. I hope each and everyone of you gets a chance to meet her and to see for yourself how much of a blessing she is. Merry Christmas everyone! Love Stacia