A Five Year Milestone

Five years ago today, I became a mother for the first time. It wasn't in the traditional sense. I didn't go through labor pains or spend any time in a hospital. Nevertheless, it was a long and arduous process that resulted in a sweet 14 month old Chinese baby girl being placed in my arms, forever.

Those early months were very challenging for Pete and I as parents. We kept trying to train her like a dog. I just thought if you said "No" several times, she would eventually get it. Not Chloe. She was a very stubborn baby and she liked to grab everything and put it in her mouth. Now, 5 years later, she still likes to grab stuff and she still puts some of it in her mouth. I gave up on "No" a long time ago.

As a baby, Chloe didn't seem to care for being cuddled or kissed. She wanted to be held all the time, but only if you were standing up and walking. Anything else was total frustration for her. It made going places a challenging experience, and forget about going to a restaurant!

Now she is the cuddliest little sweetie-pie that ever was. She can snuggle in your arms until she falls asleep. She is sensitive, thoughtful, caring, supportive and a problem-solver. I am so lucky to be called her mother. Sometimes she is so mature, I think that she acts like the mother and I act like the child. She even reminds me to call my mother or give my husband a hug and kiss. I could go on forever, but that's why I have this blog. I can spread it out in little bits for as long as I desire.