We have been home for eight months now. That’s hard to believe because it’s hard to remember a time before Livi. My life has so drastically changed and altered the day we stepped off the plane and arrived home ready to begin this journey. Many people celebrate Gotcha day/Family day and while that day is equally special. I like to celebrate coming home and that was March 30th 2006. Oh how we longed to just come home after spending nearly a month in another country. I no longer can easily recall how many months we have been home. I have to stop and think. I mean I know it was March but that seems like a lifetime ago. I try my best to retain my Russia memories, the smell, the people the aura of it all but as days turn into weeks and weeks into months. As new memories are created. Russia is slipping from my memory banks and going to that area that all memories go as we make room for the new ones.

The Good-

Our daughter is securely attached… I have no doubt about it.All of our hard work has paid off and I know my daughter feels secure and firmly rooted to her Mama & Papa. It’s a great feeling to see her check in with me at the mall play area… to look for me now & then. The spontaneous affection and improved eye contact shows me that she is building trust. The Mommy shopping has diminished. We have found our niche Livi & I.
I enjoy our days together. Because of our adoption I was offered this blogging gig, which is a great outlet for me and helps with the bills a little. Our family has been supportive and has welcomed Livi with open arms. Seeing our daughter blossom, get healthy, gain weight and flourish before our eyes has been really good.

The Bad-

Our marriage went through some major adjustment issues… but we are getting better.We were not as prepared as we could have been for the attachment issues that came up. Despite the books & online classes we had much to learn.

The Ugly-

The control issues & tantrums- typical of most toddlers. Attempting to figure out what is typical and what are possible attachment issues is no easy task. Those certain family members who are not supportive, who don’t acknowledge and show love towards our daughter. That’s difficult for me to handle and you bet your bottom I take it very personally. I love her enough for a thousand people.


Image