Well, it is that time of year for me to be extremely nostalgic. Two years ago today I was in Uralsk visiting with Abby twice a day. Two years ago I was surrounded by people speaking in a language I did not understand. Two years ago I was surrounded by more snow than I had ever seen in my life. Two years ago I spent days and nights largely alone. Two years ago I met the most amazing baby who was meant to be my daughter.
The things Abby has learned and taught me in the last two years are too many to list. Yes, this list includes the basics of walking, talking, eating solid food, drinking from a cup, potty training, and sleeping in a big girl bed. But this list also includes learning to do flips, blow bubbles, show compassion, tell a joke, and face a fear. I am so incredibly proud of Abby that mere words can not describe. Each day I see a bit more of the person she will grow to be. Not a day goes by that I don't think of the people who helped us become a family. My time in Kazakhstan was but a month of my life. At the time that it sometimes seemed an eternity, but now I realize how brief it really was.
Last year I did something that I have continued this year. Each day in the month of January, I read out loud to Abby what I wrote in my journal for each given day. Last year she was still too young (not even 2 at the time) and she just played while I read but this year Abby actually sits and listens and comments on what I say. It is a way for me to relive my trip and a way for Abby to hear about it (without me forgetting something). She loves hearing about when she was a baby and can readily tell that she was born in Kazakhstan and that mommy came on the airplane to bring her home.
So, this post is all about the nostalgia. I think a lot of parenthood is that way but when you adopt internationally, you leave a part of yourself in your child's birth country. A large part of my heart is in Kazakhstan. And that is as it should be.
I leave you with some pictures of Abby at the baby house. I took these our first days together. I took the last one when we arrived in Almaty. I will post again in a day or two with lots of updates and Abby stories so please check back!
