We had originally planned to meet Helen (our birthmom) and her family at Emily's first birthday. But as time went on we all realized that that was way too long; babies just change too much in the first year! So we took the opportunity to meet halfway when Emily was almost 6 months old.

Emily and Helen (10/30/98)

Helen's first comment was, "She's so BIG!" Granted, Emily was a little small when she was born, but she still seemed pretty small to us. Helen's mother Mary and son, Benjamin (aka Bugsy) came along as well, which was great since we missed them as well. We have real ties to these folks, and three-year-olds grow a lot in six months too ;)

Emily definitely connected with Helen and it was clear to me that she recognized her, which I found very moving. Bugsy was quiet most of the time, maybe a little apprehensive I think about meeting the sister that he'd seen only once or twice, but after a while he was playing with her happily. Mary was a crack-up as usual watching the two of us being new parents. Unfortunately we had to call it short rather early so they could start their five-hour drive home (!).

Even though it was only for a day, we had a wonderful time, and kenw we'd see each other again at Disneyland!