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