[shoshanna]

What was "Gotcha day" like for you? How did you feel when you finally had your adopted child in your arms? Did you fall in love right away or were you one of the people who took a while to bond with and feel comfortable with your child? Was that first meeting what you expected? What do you wish you had known?

[marty419]

Hi Rachel! Both of our 'Gotcha' days' were amazing. I feel in love with both my children as soon as I saw their referal pictures. I immediately felt that they were meant to be my children. When we were in Guatemala on our visit trips and I was able to hold them in my arms that feeling of love grew tenfold. It just amazed me that I could love someone that much, I just couldn't get enough of them, the way the felt, smelled, sounded......it still brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it. When we finally got the call and returned to Guatemala for our pick-up trips I was in shock. Once they placed my children in my arms I knew they were MINE and no one could take them away from me. I couldn't stop crying. The feeling is almost indescribable.............I was finally their MOMMY...we were a FAMILY! Our two adoptions were about 2 years apart and I felt the same way for both. God placed these children in our lives for a reason, they were meant to be with us. My dh and I have been blessed with the opportunity to spend everyday with these two angels, loving them and caring for them. Not a day goes by that I don't thank Him for these two amazing gifts. I will remember both of their gotcha' days as two of the happiest days in my life..............the two days I became MOMMY to both of them.

Now we are seeking God's guidance on whether we should start this whole process again. I feel called to do so and am praying that God will make a way, just as He did the first two times, for this to happen again, if it is His will.

Rachel, the day you hold your sweet Erick in your arms and know that he is YOURS will be one of the most amazing days in your life. I pray that happens soon for you.

Here are my two Guat angels, Tyler Ross and Taylor Riana.
God Bless

[shoshanna]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! Your little ones are just beautiful!