5 Year Metcha You Day

How does this precious tiny baby become... 

this beautiful, grown, up gorgeous girl in a flash.

5 years ago we landed in Guatemala City.  A world unknown was before us.  We stepped off the plane into a bustling airport and found our driver.  We were taken through the streets to Zona Viva, Zone 10 to the Clarion Suites.  We settled in and then breathlessly waited for our baby to arrive.  OUR BABY!  A woman we did not know was taking care of our daughter while we mazed through the myriad of paperwork and red tape of two governments until we could take her home.  This was a first visit trip.  A whirlwind, way too short week.  With our heart beating, a taxi cab drives up and a dark haired woman gets out with a baby wrapped in many pink blankets.  We know it is her.  We meet her at the door with tears in our eyes and love in our hearts.  We exchange hugs and words through our language barrier.  We have an interpreter, but it doesn't seem like we really need her.  Some things don't need to be spoken.  Just felt with the heart.  The inerpreter helps us with some logistically questions and we make a time to meet the following week when we will depart back to the United States and leave our daughter in this person's care.  I cannot even tell you what that feels like.  Something I don't want to remember, but will never forget.

Onto happier things.  Meeting your child for the first time is the most amazing feeling.  It is like this gift was placed in your arms.  There is nothing like it.  We unwrapped her in the 80 degree heat and in the 3 blankets, a blanket sleeper, and a onesie.  We freshened her up, put her in comfy clothes and gave her a bottle.  All was right with the world.  We were a family of three, like we were suppose to be (way before Seth of course).  She was our daughter and we were her parents.  She was the most precious little love ever.  6lbs and 12 lbs and all our own for a week.  It was the most fantastic week of love and bonding and we knew she was meant to be ours whatever laid ahead and what rollar coaster we would ride to get her home. 

8 months later and 1 more visit trip and me staying in Guatemala for 88 days and she was ours forever.  We will never forget Metcha Day though on April 15th.  That is no longer tax day in our mind.  It is you had us at wah day, the unwrapping day, and we love you day all in one.  Savannah you are our forever sweetheart, up all night girl, and the light of our lives.  You are our daughter and we will always love you unconditionally.