Gotcha Day Anniversary

Then ...


Now ...


Today is another milestone for us, as it's our offical "Gotcha Day"! One year ago a stern looking judge listened to Bob and I profess our love for this little boy then known as Adil, and after a few questions and some nervous moments in the hall (for us, not her), she called us back into the courtroom to officially - and forever - declare that Owen Edward Mechem was our son.

It was a dizzying moment, a bit unbelieveable but ultimately one of relief and joy. We rushed back to our apartment to change from our court clothes, gathered our gifts of appreciation for the doctors and caregivers, and made the journey one final time to the Kokshetau children's hospital. We shared a tradional piece of cake and tea with Dr. Victoria, Rada and the representative from the Ministry of Education, then buddled Owen in his snowsuit, wrapped a scarf around (and around) his little face, and carried him outside to Oleg's waiting van.

I remember the bliss of having him - really having him - all to ourselves. I remember calling my mom and smiling ear to ear when I told her he was finally ours. Bob and I held him, played with him, feed him, changed him, and for the first of many times to come - tucked him in bed for the night with a kiss and a soft "I love you Owen".

A whole year has passed; that's hard for me to believe. But I'm grateful for these milestones because they make me pause in the hustle bustle of everyday life and remember how incredible our journey has been. When Owen is older we'll ask him how he wants to celebrate this day - some families do elaborate dinners with Kazakh recipes and presents; some mark it in a more low key fashion - but for Bob and I it will always be a very special day, along with (of course) his birthday, the day we met him, and the day we brought him home to Maryland.

Then and now. Yes, in one year Owen has grown so much, and our love for him has grown even more. Thanks for celebrating with us!