Thursday, January 21, 2010

Three Years Ago Today...




... I sat in a conference room, nervously awaiting my name to be called. Our travel group had arrived at the hotel from Hong Kong less than two hours before. We all nervously awaited the arrival of the babies. Of the group, two of the families already had children; the rest of us were newbies. There were two other single women. I was, by far, the oldest mother-to-be in the bunch. We filled out paperwork and half listened to what the guides were telling us. At one point, I heard some babies crying and though my back was to the door, I saw a flash of red.

Our names were called alphabetically and I was second. I waited to see you in person… to hold you in my arms after waiting 46 long years... to become, in that moment, your mother. You were waiting in the doorway, in the arms of the orphanage director. You were observant and somewhat intrigued by all that was going on. I heard my name called, and then yours, Ling Wan Qing. Our IDs were checked and then, in a moment that both lasted an eternity and flashed by in a blink of an eye, you and I were mother and daughter. You wimpered a little bit and then checked me out. I apparently met your approval, for, within seconds, you were smiling, touching my face and putting your finger in my mouth. You laughed that night and played peek-a-boo. It was the beginning of a love that I never knew possible. You have brought such love and laughter and energy into my life.

You just turned four and have grown so much from that little baby put in my arms three years ago today. You love books, traveling, the beach, dancing, music and chocolate. You are bright, fiercely independent, competitive and generous. I love your infectious sense of humor. You have a tender heart and a tough spirit. You are everything I ever dreamed of in a daughter. How blessed am I to be called your mother.

Happy Third Gotcha Anniversary, Sweet Isabel.


Gotcha Day ~ January 21, 2007


Gotcha Day First Anniversary ~ January 21, 2008


Gotcha Day Second Anniversary ~ January 21, 2009


Gotcha Day Third Anniversary ~ January 21, 2010

6 comments:

Mama said...

Congratulations. It is such a wonderful occasion to think back and remember your fist moment together. Of course I am in tears watcing the video. You are perfect together.

Briana's Mom said...

Happy Gotcha Day Anniversary! I love her amazing smile!

Wanda said...

Happy 3rd Anniversary. A moment never to forget!

Love the jacket that still (almost) fits. And the look of pure glee on her sweet face.

park it said...

Happy Happy Gotcha Day - and in the blink of an eye - time has flown - Enjoy - it moves so fast!

Kristy said...

I have seen that first picture several times in the last couple of years and it always give me the same wonderful feeling, I just love it, what a treasured memory!!!

Love and blessings, Kristy

Debbie said...

I found your blog a while ago and just have been a lurker...today, I had to post. I too am a single mother and I too celebrated a third Gotcha day with my daughter on 1/21/10. Congratulations to you...your daughter is beautiful!