Sorry it's been so long since I've posted! Anyone who tells you transitioning from one child to two is the toughest transition - don't listen to them. Two to three is way more challenging!! Especially if the third one enters your family as an almost two year old! Needless to say, keeping up with blog updates, email replies, etc. is much more challenging.
We have been busy as a family of 5! Each day I'm so taken with how God sets families into place. Samara is just a perfect addition to our family, it is just so fun to be a part of. She is beautiful. She is spunky! She is mischievous! She is smart. She is sweet. She is silly! She is my daughter! And I love her so much!
I remember the tumultuous waiting we were enduring at this time last year. We had already met Samara and were waiting to go pick her up from half way across the world who knows when. It was the longest 4 months of my life. I don't think a day went by that I didn't cry. There were days I found it hard to get out of bed. I would just stare at her picture and try to remember what she smelled like and felt like in my arms. . . It was almost impossible to get through those four months.
I was texting with a friend the other day that brought home twin girls from Ethiopia during our second trip. We were in contact frequently before both trips and I feel blessed to be able to have gotten to travel with them for the second trip. Amazing family. Anyway, I texted her the other day asking her if her girls were as much of trouble makers as Samara is. We enjoyed some modern day 'text laughter' and then we were recalling "the wait." She reminded me that, during that wait, we were so close to God. Right on, friend! There were many days where I was relying on Him to hold me up as I went through the day. I can't remember a time when I cried out to Him more - for Samara's health, safety, well being, affection, etc. All of which I could do nothing about. But I knew He could (and did). And it was so comforting to have Him with me during "the wait." Anyway, I'm SO grateful the wait is over an she is here!!!!
Parenting an adopted child is far different from parenting a biological child (especially if you are a by-the-book rule follower like me). It comes with its fair amount of challenges, but at the same time, it's so rewarding. I really feel like Samara is learning what love is. We went out for a night and got our first non-family babysitter recently. I kept reiterating to her that "mommy will be back" throughout the day. It totally stuck with her, as she kept telling the babysitter, "mommy come back." It broke my heart to think that she would ever question if mommy is coming back. Some of you are thinking, she is too young. She doesn't remember the tragic loss of her first mommy. And you are right - she probably doesn't remember it - in her head. But let me tell you, she does in her heart. I would have questioned it too - about a year ago - but now, I can assure you, no matter how young a child is when the loss of one or more parents takes place, it effects them for their lifetime. I now know that and there is no denying it. I can assure you. But we are healing here. We are moving past the hurt and loss and starting to look like a somewhat normal family!! God gave me three SPECIAL children. Each one chosen just for me. I am so grateful. Words can't even say. I am in love with each of them and they are such precious gifts.
Here are a few pics from the past few months. They have flown by! Mid April we will be celebrating one year of being home with Samara! I can't wait!!
Gena - Ethiopian Christmas. We ate Ethiopian food, had coffee, danced, it was a blast!
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