just call me auntie.

Look at this little lovely.

Her name is Shayla Jane.

She is Carly's very first cousin.

~

Shay was born on Tuesday.

Her adoption was finalized yesterday.

~

I'm not going to pretend I understand the emotions of this week,
the joy of finally having her home.

I do know we sent endless streams of prayers on behalf of her parents.

On behalf of Shay.

On behalf of her birthmother.

I know my heart pounded all day waiting to hear it was official.

I know I loved little Shay the first time I saw her little picture on my phone.

I know she was always supposed to be in our family.

I know she belongs with my brother Michael and his wife Camie.

~

We are so grateful Shay is here.

So happy for Michael and Camie.

They will be the most fabulous parents.

~

And Carly is seriously excited to have a cousin.

The first time she saw Shay's picture on my phone,

she pointed at her and said "doggy!"

{We are working on "baby"}

But that's a real term of endearment from her.

As my mother texted me the night Shay was born:

"Its a good day for girl cousins."

~

We are grateful for the miracle that is adoption.

~

Congratulations to Michael, Camie, and Miss Shayla.