One year ago today...

was Gotcha Day.

Grandma Julianne and I arrived in Ethiopia and picked Fiori up on August 18, 2008.

I remember on the way over thinking I might leave her at the transition house and visit a few times since I didn't want to shock her system. I figured I would play it by ear and see how she was with me. That all went out the window as soon as I arrived and she was placed into my arms. No way was I leaving without my daughter.

Today I picked her up from day care and it was so cool that she was sitting looking out the window and yelled "mommy" at the top of her lungs as soon as she saw me. Then she met me at the door telling everyone "it's mommy" with a big smile on her face. I almost cried.

America's Next Top (Ethiopian) Model

After being told over and over by random folks on the street that Fiori should be in commercials, I started sending out her photos. A first round 6 months ago didn't draw any response but Matt took some new pix and Laurie sent me one with a killer smile so I decided to try again.

Success.

Over the next week, Fiori has two appointments with modeling agencies in SF. Well, one appointment and one open call audition but we were invited to attend after the agent saw her pictures. One of the agencies is Ford Models which is pretty big.

I can't say I'm big into the fashion industry but I've heard it is pretty cool for kids.

Wish us luck. We've got to figure out some way to pay for her college education. :-)