"I think you're going to like her."

"Why can't we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn't work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos." -Charles M. Schulz

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"I think you're going to like her." That's what my mom said to me seven months ago yesterday as she drove home from the hospital with Halle in the back seat. It was a Wednesday. She went on to tell me how this new baby had the most shrill little scream she'd ever heard, and, as if on cue, I heard Halle tune up in the background. I was working that day and couldn't go with Mom to the hospital, but I sent my camera in my place. Mom, our social worker Claire, and her coworker Jesse went to meet Halle and bring her home. It was an exciting day. And seven months ago today, I blogged about it. Looking at these pictures, it's hard to believe this is even the same baby! We didn't even know her then, but I'm so glad we took the time to get to know her. Here are some pictures of our hellos.

She can still wear this dress. In fact, it's what she wore for her last photoshoot here.

I made Mom stop by my hospital on her way home so I could meet her! She had wet through her dress and blanket. I didn't care.

Jamal and Tekia were so excited to get to love on this sweet baby!

Yesterday, exactly seven months to the day after we first said hello to Halle, we told her goodbye. We knew it had been a long time coming, but, as previously posted, that didn't make it any easier. It was a day we'd prayed for for Halle and her family and a day we'd dreaded for ourselves. Here are some pictures of our goodbyes.

We smiled for the camera and, most importantly, smiled for Halle. Tears came later. Though it was a sad day for us, we hope it will be one of the happiest in Halle's lifetime. We feel so blessed to have gotten to spend these past seven months with Halle and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. We pray God's richest blessings upon her and her new family, and we hope to get to be a part of her life in the future.