GOTCHA DAY!!!

Today is Isaac's "Gotcha Day". The day that we actually met our son. After two emotional and tiring days of travelling to Texas, we were now ready to meet Isaac. In Texas, the BM must wait 48 hours after birth before she can sign over her parental rights, and while we were in contact with T during these two days, we were still very cautious. We always wanted her to know that we would support her if she decided to not relinquish her rights. We were on pins and needles constantly (though in hind sight, we had nothing to worry about).

We spent that morning wandering around Houston, not sure when everything would start happening. Isaac was jaundiced and was having some sucking issues, so we weren't sure when he would be released from the hospital.

One of things that kept us going was knowing just how many people were praying for us. Our friends that work at Family Life ministries had the entire staff there praying, and our church had been praying for us during their staff meeting that morning, not to mention all of our friends and family.

Finally we decided to go get some lunch, though eating was out of the question. Just as we sat down at Subway, our phone rang and it was the SW calling to tell us to come to the hospital...of course we were not dressed yet!!! We raced back to the hotel, got cleaned up and drove the 20 minute drive to the hospital. We were soooooooooooooooooooooooooo nervous. When we got ther I ran to the bathroom, scared to go up to the room and meet our BM and her family. I just could not believe that this was finally happening, our time had come.

When we got to the hospital room, we were greeted by our BM mom with big hug and smiles. I will never forget all that went on in that room. T was so glad to meet us. I was so focused on her, I have to admit I barely remember holding Isaac for the first time. I do remember a special moment when T and I were both standing over Isaac in his bassinet and I told her how we were forever linked as the mother of this precious little boy. It is not a title that I would ever take from her, but that I share with her. From the moment we met her we were forever family. She is like our little sister and we love her with the bottom of our heart.

When we left the hospital, we were at a loss as we all travelled down to the enterance together and eveyone drove off leaving Chris and I with Isaac. We stood there trying to figure out how do you get a 6 pound baby in such a big car seat! It took us at least 10 minutes to realize that he could not be swaddled and in the car seat at the same time. The rest of the night is a blur as I just could not believe that we had a little baby!!! I kept looking at him and thinking, wow! he is my son.


We went to Red Lobster that night for dinner, and everyone there was amazed that we had a two day old baby out for dinner, but when you are living in a hotel, dinner is limited and you have to eat somehow! He was the star of the restraunt!

We now have a "Gotcha Day" tradition of going to Red Lobster for dinner every year on Isaac's Gotcha Day to celebrate.

This really was the day that it all started and one that I will forever remember as the day I met two angels, Isaac and his BM!