January 25, 2008

One Year Ago Today




One year ago today, we woke in the pre-dawn hours in a hotel room halfway around the world, excitedly showered and dressed, plugged in our hair dryer ... and shorted the power in half of the rooms' outlets (and killed the dryer).

One year ago today, we met up with Rada, climbed into Vladimir's Toyota, drove to the Ministry of Education building ... and waited anxiously in a hallway with our fellow parents-to-be while Oleg took care of more (mysterious) paperwork.

One year ago today, we finally climbed the stairs at the Kokshetau Children's Hospital, entered a small, white tiled room and hurried to the crib to find ... the "wrong" baby looking up at us.

One year ago today, the caregivers quickly realized the mistake and hustled the waiting baby to his waiting parents, and brought us, finally, thankfully ... Owen.

One year ago today, we laughed and cried and celebrated as we held our son. One year ago today still seems like just yesterday to me. For the rest of my life I will remember the sights, sounds, smells and smiles of that day.

Yes, one year ago today our life changed forever. And every day since has been a good day.

Congratulations and happy anniversary to our fellow Kokshetau "hamster" parents and their children - Sean, Maureen and James Powers; and Darryl, Jenny and Garrett Kurtz (you too Bill, Jill, Lauren and Ryan!).

4 comments:

Susan C. said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes. Happy 1 year!! I'm so thrilled for you.

Jennifer said...

Congratulations and happy 1 year anniversary!

Anonymous said...

So happy for you girlfriend, I know this year has been one of the best years of your life.

Shut your eyes and trun around and he will be grown.

Enjoy every second of every year with Owen, he is pretty darn special....

Hugs,

Sherry aka Owen GiGi

Anonymous said...

Jodi and Bob...your perseverance and devotion to the dream you actually turned into a reality gives encouragement to each of us to follow our hearts and make those dreams come true.Here's wishing you a lifetime of happiness...much love to the four of you. Pam