Presenting Miss Katie Starr!!

Wow..what a day it was! GWCA received the final 26 referrals on Friday at 11:30 am. Marc and I had always hoped and dreamed that we would look at our daughters face for the first time together but it wasn't meant to be that way. It seems that there have been many twists and turns on our path and this day would be no different.

Several days ago, we had informed our referral counselor that Marc had to leave by Friday at 3:00 for a large corporate event where he was entertaining. I, also was receiving an award at the same event that evening, so I had to leave soon after he did. As the clock ticked away Marc began to get more and more upset as others in our group were receiving their pictures and we still had not. We had been assured that we would have the picture before 3:00. Finally, Marc called and found out that the computer server was having problems and it may take some time to work it out. After 3 weeks and 2 false labors, this was the final straw for us!  I just sat there and cried and Marc looked absolutely despondent. Expectations were dashed again!! Marc then left and my Mom and I stayed there looking for the e-mail; willing it to come through. Finally, one of the other employees tried again and the picture came through. Marc said before he left, that if the picture came through, then to open it and bring it to him at the event.

My Mom and I sat in front of the computer and I said "Are you ready?" She said "Yes!"  I clicked and in an instant all of the pain of the last 3 weeks melted away. I felt all of the things that I had prayed I would feel when I saw my daughter's image for the first time. It was a good thing that my Mom was there; she held me while I cried with happiness. Katie Starr's face brought me such joy. I felt like she was mine immediately and I was thrilled with the light and happiness that I saw in her eyes. I then rushed to bring the picture to Marc and my son, who was at the event as well. We met in a private area to view Katie's picture and there it was again...Instant love!

Even though it was not the way we planned at all; seeing Katie for the first time was one of the most awesome moments of our lives and worth every minute of the wait.
Of course, now we cannot wait to go get our daughter!!  I am also very happy to report that Justin has told us that he wants to come and experience this with us. I cannot express the happiness that this has brought us. Our family will be together when Katie Starr joins us. As far as I am concerned, it doesn't get any better than this!!