born from the heart.

November is a month that reminds me of how much I 
love, 
adore, 
cherish, 
admire, 
appreciate,
& look up to 
my family.

November is also national adoption month.

Let me tell you how these two things relate.

6 years ago I saw the first picture of a sweet little Guatemalan baby and heard my mom say "meet your cousin" for the first time.

2 years later I was meeting Melia Evelyn Jane Silvey for the first time in my entire life and falling in love. Hard.

Four years later and I am still just as infatuated as ever.

From the first time I laid eyes on her I had no doubt in my mind that she belonged with us. 

I believe with 100 percent certainty that she has our blood running through her veins. 

Call me crazy, but I believe it.

Melia is one of the biggest blessings in my life and I don't even remember life without her. Adoption completely changed our family--for the better--and allowed it to expand in a beautiful and perfect way.

"Pure and genuine religion 

in the sight 

of God the Father means 

caring for orphans 

and widows in their 

distress and refusing 

to let the world corrupt you."

James 1:27

Melia,

You are the best gift I have ever received. 

The greatest person I have ever met. 

The sweetest girl I have ever known. 

I thank God every day for the sunshine you have brought into our family and into my life. 

You are my little sidekick, 

my sister, 

my favorite cousin, 

and the love of my life. 

I adore everything you are and everything you are growing up to be.

You crack me up. 

You are the funniest little human I have ever been around. 

You are such a good shopping partner and your sass and spunk impress me. 

It is amazing how much you act like me. 

It reminds me that adoption is just a way for kids to be placed into the family they were meant to be in from the beginning.

You see, you were born in another country, but 

you were always ours.

From the moment God thought you into existence it was in His plan that you would be in our family. 

And that is such a 

phenomenal, 

sweet, 

beautiful gift. 

Thank you for letting us choose you and for filling your place so well.

You are the perfect fit.

All my heart,

Your big cousin.