Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Home 6 months...

It feels like I just wrote about being home for 5 months and now we have been home with Vera for 6 months!

Vera is a firecracker and about as polar opposite from the little girl we met in an orphanage in Russia in November 2008! We thought she was a quiet child who liked to observe, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I think she might be louder than Kiara, if that is possible! She knows how to turn on the charm and catch everyone's attention. She is a sweetheart. I love it when she pulls me in for a hug and will just let me rock her as long as I want. 6 months ago, I didn't think that would happen. I didn't know if the way she spent her first year of life would keep her from wanting to be held close and snuggled. It brings tears to my eyes to remember how different things are now even from a couple of months ago.

When I look at her, it is hard to fathom that she didn't come from my body. It just doesn't seem possible that she was born in another country and didn't spend the first year of her life with us. God has truly blessed us with a beautiful child. I praise Him for leading us on this journey. When so many times we wondered if we were on the right path, He was there leading us to our daughter.

I never thought my kids would be so far apart in age. They are almost exactly 4 years apart. Both Ryan and I have siblings that are 2 years or less apart in age from ourselves. As the adoption process was taking longer and longer, I worried my children wouldn't be able to connect with one another. I am happy to say that I worried for nothing. Kiara and Vera already have fun together and enjoy each other's company. So, if that is the case before Vera can even form sentences, I am sure they will only get closer as they get older.
Vera continues to add words to her vocabulary. Her newest word is baby, which she says through clenched teeth. Also, now when she waves she also says "bye bye" very clearly. She is still exhausting because the girl doesn't stop. Even when she is watching her show on TV, she is usually standing and slowly moving around. Her feet just can't stay still!
Vera LOVES to play Patty Cake. Actually, she likes to take your hands and make them do the motions. You can't just do it once, you get to do it over and over and...
Adoption brings such a joy to my heart. Today, Kiara was looking over my shoulder as I was looking at some adoption blogs. This blog had pictures of 2 little boys. One a biological son and one adopted from Ethiopia. She asked me if they were brothers, I said yes. She then asked if they were twins! Not only is there a major height difference between the boys, but one has light skin and one has dark skin. It just warms my heart that Kiara really doesn't see much of a difference from someone biologically having a child and someone adopting a child. I wish everyone saw it that way.

8 comments:

Heidi Klopfenstein said...

:)

Dani said...

I love seeing these pictures. Somehow, we have seen her less than a month ago and her hair looks a lot longer already! I miss you all...can't wait to see everyone again! I always think about Vera when I see something in a movie or on a show that reminds me of the life she may have been dealt if she was never adopted...on the streets doing who knows what. She is so lucky to have a family now and not have a life that includes streets, drugs, etc...but she got even luckier that it is your family. Seriously...she has no idea. I love you all...and miss you!

Amanda said...

WOW she has changed a lot! She is beautiful for sure. It has been so fun to watch her blossom in the love that a family brings!

Amy said...

Such a beautiful girl! I love watching her change!

Jennifer said...

What a beauty! I'm amazed by the almost constant progress we see here, too! It's so neat to watch! So glad you guys are doing so well, Nichole!

www.russiansweetbaby.blogspot.com said...

Vera is just beautiful! I know it was a rough start when you made the first trip and you had a lot of questions (who doesn't?). I'm so happy that things have gone so well!!!
I know what you mean about feeling like they are your bio-child. Also, about the age difference. Kai is about 5 yrs. older than Cassi but they play so well. I'm so happy that Vera found her way to your family and has been the joy you had hoped for! :)

Holly

abby said...

Kiara is just an amazing girl, I love that we get to learn so much from her....Nikki and Ryan you have done such a wonderful job parenting. I am so glad to have you guys as family and role models! Love you guys!

Holli said...

HAPPY 6 MONTHS!!!