Wednesday, June 03, 2009







"Gotcha Day!" "Forever Day!"


What's the difference? That was the question someone asked me just the other day. It's not a big difference in either David's or my mind. It really is one & the same; but it isn't.


Gotcha Day was June 2, 2003. It sort of speaks for itself. This was the day that 15 families sat in a very hot, very un-air conditioned room in the Guangdong Provincial Civil Affairs building for what seemed like years. We waited, & we waited & we waited. Only to find out that the Yangchun babies were arriving later than expected because of traffic delays. I even have a picture of my friend Gary pointing at his watch in impatience. After what seemed like ages, they arrived. I was so busy taking pictures of everyone receiving their baby & videoing our friends' Susan & Art receiving their daughter, that I actually missed hearing our name. In the background I finally heard David yell at me "Hey Tammie! Go get our daughter!" And they handed me the sweetest, quietest little baby who in no way weighed what they told us she weighed as far back as her referral picture was taken. David let me take Erin first & hold her & cry & check that she had 10 fingers & 10 toes. And then I handed David his daughter. And fell in love all over again.


Forever Family Day was June 3, 2003. This was the day that Chun Hua Xu became our daughter Erin Chelsie. We signed the papers, & I started crying. (I know that's a shock.) I looked at David & can remember saying we have to call our parents & tell them she's ours forever & no one can take her from us. When we did finally get back to the hotel, David told me to call my dad first. "Daddy, she's ours. No one can take her from us." And I heard my dad & stepmother cry tears of joy. I think it was about 2:00 am where they live.


We don't make a huge deal over these days. We want Erin to know that they are special, but that just having her in our lives is special. Each year we try to do something a little special. This year it was a pedicure & special dinner followed up with a yummy cake.

10 comments:

Gretchen said...

We do family day, the day Elise and I landed in the St. Louis airport and our family was together for the first time. Hard to believe it's been 6 years already, isn't it? Hard to remember life before yet it seems like yesterday. Happy Day to your family! (And I'll never forget meeting you in person in China!)

Candy said...

Congratulations! Your day sounds like it was just perfect.

Super Mommy said...

Great distinction! We call it Family Day or Jade Day, Jasmine Day.

Sounds like you celebrating like I would - a little pampering!!

dawn said...

I'm bawling my eyes out over here. I might not have that tootsie roll bond with you but oh do I ever have that tears over anything bond with you.
Off to find some tissues. Sniff sniff.

Vivian M said...

Happy Gotcha and Forever Family Day!
In our house, we celebrate every excuse we can find - but that's just because we love to party.

Leah Mei said...

Tammie, What a beautiful post. I love reading them and reliving our own experience. I hope your family has a wonderful day.

Daisy

Brownie Troop 157 said...

Congrats on both very momentous days! Glad you guys had a great day, and I think the new do looks fab!

Kind regards,

Carol and Taylor

Sandra said...

Look what you did; you made me cry! That was a beautiful and heartfelt post. It is hard to believe that it has been six years and that we have gone through some up and downs together for the past 8 years!!!! Is that really possible?

Sherri said...

What a great day it is!! Happy Gotcha and Forever Family Day.

Sherri

Lisa said...

Happy EVERY Day! Cuz every day as a family is a good excuse to celebrate!