Our good fortune (the cookies got it right)

Who doesn't open a fortune cookie with at least a little hope that it will contain some prophetic or meaningful message? Usually, though, as with horoscopes, you can count on some vague piece of advice. Or a proverb. For the past three years, everytime I opened a fortune cookie, I hoped it would say something non-specific and optimistic so I could save it to put in our second child's baby book. For 2 1/2 years, no luck. If it wasn't a warning about a new business venture, it was a tired saying that could not be applied to adoption or children such as "a stitch in time saves nine". They all went in the trash.
Until this, the Year of the Ox, that is. We celebrated Chinese New Year by having our South African friends over for Chinese food. Each of us took a fortune cookie. (Yes, I know that fortune cookies are not a true Chinese tradition but in fact were invented by Chinese-American immigrants less than a century ago--but I digress.) The other couple's respective "fortunes" were meaningless or strange. But mine and Jon's read as follows:
"The current year will bring you much happiness." AND
"A long term goal will soon be achieved."

Yes, I realize they are rather vague. But they both could easily be interpreted as predictors that we would soon be matched with our child. Sure enough, the call came about 8 weeks later. These two fortunes will definitely go in Guy's baby book!

Now, here's the strangest and best one of all. Last week, Jon had Chinese food for lunch. His fortune cookie contained the following message, "Your fortune is on its way!" He turned the paper over and on the back was the word "Son" and its translation in Mandarin (pinyin: er zi). That one really blew us away. I don't really believe in this stuff, but COME ON!!! And, yes, it will be in Guy's baby book. Those who know me well have often heard me say that waiting to be matched with your child is like knowing you are going to win the lottery sometime in the next few months or years but not knowing exactly on which day. And Jon and I both know that we hit the jackpot with Gemma. Guy is our "fortune" and he's on his way! We're stinking, filthy RICH!