Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share one of the most defining moments of my life—the day I became a mother.

November 14th is our Gotcha Day, the anniversary of the day my husband and I brought our daughters home from Romania. Adoption is a journey filled with hope, uncertainty, and profound love, and ours was no exception. From navigating infertility treatments to facing the complexities of the adoption process, every step led us to the moment we met our daughters for the first time.

In this episode, I recount the challenges, surprises, and emotions that shaped our adoption story. I reflect on the obstacles we faced in the U.S. adoption system, the unexpected turn that led us to Romania, and the incredible series of events that made it all possible—including a flood of letters from senators and representatives that helped us secure approval.

Join me as I revisit the day our family truly began, the joy of welcoming our daughters into our home, and the lasting impact of Gotcha Day—a celebration of love, resilience, and the beautiful journey of adoption.