Do you remember that moment you first held your child? Can you recall that new-baby smell or those tiny fingers that griped your own?

Entering parenthood is a beautiful and special thing. There are few sweeter moments on this earth than when a mother and father see their precious little one for the first time - an incandescent moment frozen in their memories forever.

Adoption is no less powerful. When you finally see the miracle child you get to call your own, there's an overwhelming love you physically feel from head to toe for the woman who gave up her child to make you a parent. Instant happiness fills your heart and the tears of joy flow down your cheeks.

After that moment, your life changes forever. You begin an indescribable adventure as a father and mother. Enjoy these sweet quotes and pictures from mothers, fathers and family members as they first meet their children for the first time.

"There was no question about it - this baby was created just for us... I wouldn't have wanted to get her any other way."

"Birth moms are the most courageous people I've ever met... Adoption is an amazing example of love for a child."

"I have never been more in love!!!"

"[We] are also blessed to be a part of this family as God adds to it, and stretches all of us in it, and gives us so much more than we thought possible."

"The emotion in the room that day was indescribable. Happiness, healing, love, joy, relief, and so many more just out pouring from everyone around."

"This was the moment [our son's] birth mother placed him in my arms. It was an indescribable moment full of love. You can see the tears running down by my nose."

"Do you remember those moments just before and just after you meet your child for the first time??"

"How could this be? 10 days ago I was still aching for a child not knowing when it would ever happen for us. But here we were watching our daughter get her first bath. It was our first moments as a family of 3!"

"Best day ever!"

"[His adoptive mother] actually got to be in the room when he was born. She cut the cord and was the first to hold him. So it was extra special."

"I love how adoption is shaping our family's story and for God's perfect timing, allowing us to walk through it together."

Love has the ability to heal all wounds and heartbreak and replace it with joy and relief. Women who long to be mothers but can't bear their own children give all of the love they possess to children placed in their arms for adoption. In return, those parents feel the amazing effects of love.

To those mothers who gave birth so another person could become a parents, thank you for your sacrifice. To those mothers who have adopted, cherish you little ones forever. And to those women who worry about never being a mother, don't give up hope - your turn will come.

*Editor's note: Some quotations were given directly to FamilyShare and did not wish to be attributed for privacy reasons.