Happy Family Day, Alexander!!

One year ago today, we awoke in a hotel in Zhengzhou, China, a bit awestruck that the day had finally arrived when we could hold you, the little boy who had stolen our hearts four months earlier.

And what a day it was.

We walked to the Civil Affairs office with our guides and waited in a crowded hallway with several other families whom we had met just days before (but with whom we now share such an incredible bond). There were knowing glances and smiles ... and some quiet, nervous laughter. We weren’t sure what would happen next. And, then, we heard your name. Xu Han Bo. And there you were, in your nanny’s arms, checking out what must have been a very strange scene. You were dressed in a leopard print shirt and quilted red pants and some black corduroy shoes that were at least five sizes too big. Your hair had grown out a bit. Your eye had healed. You were adorable. And you looked so small. And then, before we could catch our breath, your nanny handed you to us. You came without complaint. You were dressed in so many layers, we feared that we might not be able to hold on to you. And, so, we knelt in the hallway for a few minutes, whispering “Ni hao, Bo Bo” in your ear, completely oblivious to the other families being united all around us. We braced ourselves for the moment that you would start to cry, but the tears never came.

Soon, we were escorted to an adjoining room. We talked briefly with your nanny. We thanked her for bringing a photo album with pictures of you as a baby and a camera that we had sent to your orphanage weeks earlier. We watched you tentatively play with stacking cups and eat cheerios and watch with curiosity as we repeatedly pointed to your new “ge ge” and “ma ma” and “ba ba”.

And then you smiled.

And the uncertainties of all of those months spent waiting and wondering and worrying were eclipsed by joy and relief and awe.

Happy Family Day, Alexander!! Happy Family Day, Owen!! We love you both so very much.