We Are Yours

Dear Mia, 

The sun is rising in Wuhan, and it is rising on a new day for all of us. You are still sound asleep, but in a little bit, you will wake up to something you have never known: a mommy and daddy. 

Several months ago I was awakened by a dream of what your Gotcha Day would be like. We were waiting in a room and in you walked, very timidly. Mommy knelt down, took you in her arms, and said in her most loving mommy voice — a voice you will get to know very well — "We are yours."

Now it really didn't happen that way at all. Our driver was expecting traffic, so we left at 2:15pm for our 3pm appointment. We got there very early and even the staff was still out to lunch. We were waiting outside in the lobby when we heard the elevator doors open, and in you came, being held by one of your nannies. The nanny handed you to our guide, Jeffrey, and they all started telling you in Chinese that we were your mama and papa. After a few moments, Jeffrey handed you to your mommy. There was no orchestral soundtrack; no poetic words spoken; only the sound of anxious heartbeats wondering what was to be next. 

We finished the work we had to do there at the office, had plenty of pictures taken, and we were off for the next phase of our adventure together. At first you were timid, but we tried something we learned in our adoption training and gave you a snack. You loooove banana puffs! After mommy and I each had a chance to give you some puffs, we saw the smile emerge that melted our hearts all that time ago. 

You were only told the day before that you had a new mama and papa and were going to a new family. We were told they weren't even sure how much you comprehended. Who knows what was running through your mind when you saw us? But I know what was running through mine: we are yours. 

Sure, we haven't signed all the forms yet, and we haven't taken our oath, but those are legalities and formalities we will gladly do as the next two weeks unfold. In the meantime, you can know that mommy and I are trying our ever living best to show you that you belong, that you are loved, that you can trust us, and yes, we are yours. You have been in our hearts since we saw those pictures, and even more so when we got the letter generated on Christmas

Day that we could claim you as our own. That was an astounding gift!

I have to admit, I hardly slept last night. I got up many many times to look in your crib to make sure you were there, sleeping, comfortable, and secure. And you slept well. In fact, you still are. It makes me wonder what you would dream about on your first night in your new family. Are you dreaming about what was? Are you dreaming about what will be? A combination of the two? Neither? 

Like I said, I hardly slept a bit last night, so I can't say I recall any dreams I might have had. But that's ok. Wanna know why? It's because I've been dreaming about this time infinitely longer that your 3-year-old frame of reference can fathom. 

She is your mama. 

I am your papa. 

We are yours.