Today was Gotcha Day, and wait until you see what a beautiful baby we have. We went to the Hubei Center for Intercountry Adoption Affairs at 2:30PM. After we got off the bus, everyone was escorted into the main waiting area where there were lots of couches. All of us anxious new parents armed with photo and video cameras sat down on these couches as we awaited the arrival of the moment we had all be waiting for: our gotcha moment!
As we sat down, we heard cries in the other room, and knew that on the other side of that wall was our baby! One mother got so anxious when her baby’s name was called only for the purpose of doing paperwork, that she rushed past the orphanage director and other officials, and grabbed her baby from the nannies who were in the other room keeping the babies quiet and occupied until their moment came! The anxious mama then had to hand her back to prevent possible mutiny from the rest of us, because everyone then got this “let’s go get ’em” look in their eye! 🙂 Do ya blame us!
Our name was the first called after paperwork was finished! We wasted no time, and ran excited to get our baby yelling, “That’s us!”
She is just adorable! An answer to eight years of prayer! God really knows how to knock your socks off! For those of you who awaiting DTC or I-171 or Referral or are anywhere in the process of international adoption, when you begin the journey, you think you know what Gotcha Day will be like! Multiply the feeling you imagine by millions, and you barely touch the surface of the amazing moment! It’s all worth it!
Just look below at what God has done!
She the prettiest baby in the whole group! Pardon the understandable prejudice! After all, she’s ours!
Grandmas and Grandpas we can’t to introduce her to you in person!
Sorry this post took so long to materialize, but we have been a busy Mommy and Daddy the last couple of days!
Here are the Gotcha Day Photos!
Sign we saw upon entering the Waiting Area on Gotcha Day!:
“That’s us!”
Our family photo!:
On bus after Gotcha:
Happy Mama with her sleepy baby!:
More soon! Isn’t she just beautiful!
Dearest Brandon, Sarah and Rebecca Catherine Jiayi! I am so happy, I am so thrilled to be your grandma! Yesterday I kept searching your web site all day waiting eagerly and anxiously to find a picture of you three together..to know that you have your baby. This morning when I woke up the thought just came to me …God’s timing. I looked at your web sight and there sure enough was the most beautiful pictures of our darling grandbaby and her precious parents. I was so happy for you I just started to cry for joy! I can hardly wait until we come to Houston and see you all when you get home. Jesus bless you today all everyday and watch over you while you travel. WE love you all very much. Mom, Dad and Tony
Dear Brandon, Sarah, and Rebecca Jiayi,
We wore the computer out yesterday checking the web site. What a joy this morning when we saw the words “Gotcha Day”! What a gorgeous little girl….just like her mama! We love you, Rebecca Jiayi,and we can’t wait to hold you! Now we are counting down to “Houston Gotcha Day”! Much love, Grandpa and Grandma Battle
Dear Brandon Sarah & Rebecca
I was looking at the smiles on your faces and it seemed to tell it all! I am real happy for the three of you. That Gotcha day is here. I have been praying for 3 of you. Now I can’t wait to see when you get back home.
Love you all and God Be With You!
Mike Bronkema
Hi Brandon, Sarah, and Rebecca,
You have no idea who I am. I am a fellow AWAA parent-to-be and I’ve been following your story. It was so exciting to see you with your new baby girl. Yes, she is absolutely beautiful!! We are just in the beginning stages, but after watching your story I am very anxious. Good luck to you all and God bless!!
Allyson Bobbitt
New Bern, NC
Hello, I continue to follow your story from Kansas City. Your daughter is sooooo very beautiful. Congratulations!! We are paperchasing, so I am very interested in your story. I wish you all the best!!
Take care!!
Kathryn Heflin
Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful. We’re Nov DTC so hopefully in just a few more months this will be us. 🙂 Enjoy every moment in China getting to know your new daughter.
Sharing in your joy,
Kristi Tolman
Dear Baby Rebecca,
Mommy showed us your picture today and we think you are so cute. We can’t wait to see you so we can give you lots of hugs and kisses.
Your cousins,
Andrew and Caroline
Praise Him for Rebecca Jiayi is fearfully and wonderfully made! I continue to follow your journey each day! Thank you for blessing me with sharing the most important day in your life! We too are a AWAA family from San Antonio, Texas and are awaiting to receive our I-171 so we can begin the certification process. I truly believe that your website link was the Lord’s pat on my back saying “it will all happen …. in my perfect timing”. Congratulations and enjoy this amazing time together!
Cristie Martine
San Antonio, Texas
Hello Family!
I am an AWAA family member that has been following your website. What a beautiful little girl you have! I love her pink cheeks in that little pink hat and coat!
Mom and Dad looks as if they might explode from pride! That is a wonderful thing!
Many blessings to you…I can’t wait to see more pictures and read your story. Enjoy the rest of your trip and your new life together!
Much love,
dawn