19 years ago today a mother-to-be was anxious and nervous and functioning on about 2 hours sleep.
19 years ago today they stopped for dinner at Applebee’s because they didn’t care where they ate and they weren’t really hungry. They poked at their food. They couldn’t concentrate. They just wanted to go already.
19 years ago today they missed the exit and would have been panicked that they would be late but they were already 2 hours early. No worries. Two anxious, about to be first time parents had planned for a wrong turn.
19 years ago today they were not at a hospital. They were at the airport. Because their baby had flown over 24 hours from Seoul, Korea to be a part of their family.
19 years ago today they met an amazing woman, a birthmother who wanted to be part of their homecoming so she could experience the joy she had brought to another family.
19 years ago today people coming off the plane smiled and congratulated the new parents who looked past their heads, trying to get a glimpse of their baby girl. And the passengers waited to see the baby meet her parents for the first time.
19 years ago today two new parents, some of the passengers and one baby cried (for different reasons) and then the passengers clapped, congratulating this new family.
19 years ago today the most precious little bundle of joy was placed in my arms.
And I will never let her go.
Ever.
Happy Gotcha Day, Sweetie! You will always be my sweet, adorable angel!
Theycallmejane's Blog 
So sweet! She’s beautiful.
What a wonderful tribute to your daughter and her forever family!
Are you familiar with a story called “The Red Thread: An Adoption Fairy Tale” by Grace Lin? It is a wonderful story for adoptive families. (I am adopted as well, and I love the idea that my parents were drawn to me by a red thread that joined us as a family)
No, but I will absolutely check it out! Thanks for the recommendation!
Love this Jane. Beautiful reflection. Happy Gotcha Day to the both of you.
Oh I remember how this feels!
Happy Gotcha day to you all. What a wonderful day that was too. 🙂
The Red Thread is based on a Chinese proverb. Love reading adoption stories. Parts of our story is at http://omega57.wordpress.com/2010/09/02/daughters-of-the-king/
Know your day is a happy one! Linda
This is beautiful! What a wonderful memory and a lovely gift. 🙂
She is stunning!
A lovely post about a memorable day in your lives. I think celebrating a “Gotcha” day is such a terrific idea. Congratulations to all three of you, and to the brothers of the Gotcha Girl.
A very touching story. Happy, happy! Love chooses you.
Oh, you made me cry, Jane!
Beautiful words, for the most precious of all gifts. Happy Gotcha Day to all of you.
Beautiful post. Happy Gotcha Day all around.
Crying happy, happy tears!!!! Happy Gotcha Day!!!!
What a beautiful, joyous term! I love that one. Happy Gotcha Day. And what a beautiful tribute to your stunning daughter, such a beautiful, precious gift. (Did I use the word ‘beautiful’ too many times there?!) 🙂
Beautiful. You’re an amazing writer. I’m so glad you have an amazing daughter and that amazing daughter has an amazing mother.