Although we only had three days to get acquainted before we had to leave her, it was three of the best days of my life. Until we had to leave.
Having to hand her back over to her caregivers was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Even though I knew we'd be back for her within a couple months, it didn't matter.I was now her Mommy and Kyle was now her Daddy. And we wanted to have our baby with us. Here is some of what I was feeling that day (taken from my adoption blog) ...
We got to spend just two hours with Addison this morning. I was a mess going into it ... and Kyle and I both were messes going out of it. We both cried and tried not to look at each other so as to not make the other cry more. The caregiver quickly took Addison from us {to make it easier, I suppose} and told us {translated from Russian} not to cry, that we would be back before we know it. While we know that is true, it is still so very hard.
I never imagined in my entire life that we would make this kind of connection with a child after just three days. I think it is because she reminds us so much of Payton ... and obviously our love for Payton it so strong it makes our hearts hurt. Many people are afraid of adoption because they are not sure if they could love a child that isn't theirs the same way that they do their own. I have been curious as to how I would feel once we were put in the situation, but I now know that we are living proof that it is one in the same. Becoming the parents of a child that has no mommy or daddy ... a child that just wants to be loved by a family ... being able to do that is an incredible feeling.
Nika has grown so much over this past year, not so much physically, but developmentally. She was such a baby when we met her ... and now, she is such a little girl. It is so amazing to me. More on this to come at her one year anniversary of being home.Oh.my.gosh ... these pictures bring back so many great memories for me ... I want to relive that moment in time!
What a beautiful story! Glad you all got a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteOh Bethany my tears just started to flow, when I read more on this later. I cant wait she is so precious and I’m so happy for your family.
ReplyDeleteWow! I can't believe a year has passed already! I was following along way back then . . . I remember your posts and how wrecked you were to be leaving her. Such a sweetie, she is!
ReplyDeleteI'm crying so much! I remember those days and that post so clearly! We are so happy she has you and you have her! Give her an extra hug for me today!!
ReplyDeleteI am bawling! (Hormones, lol!) I can't believe it's been a year...amazing.
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful! You guys have done an amazing thing!
ReplyDeleteHappy One Year! I loved reading about your adventure last year....and crying every day. She has really grown over the year. What a sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteAmazing....truly amazing. She did look like such a baby in those pictures and now looks like such a big girl! What a gift she is to your family and your family to her. The difference between what her life was then versus what it is now is astounding. Happy one year!
ReplyDeleteGosh I can't believe it's been a year!!! Amazing!!!!
ReplyDeletewhat emotions it must bring back! I can't imagine what that was like to meet her for 3 short days only to have to leave without her :( So glad she is a part of your family now!
ReplyDeleteWow..a year. I remember checking your site MANY times a day when we knew you were over there just so we could all meet Nika. She is so blessed to have such a wonderful family. Do you ever call her Addison or will she always be Nika? Hopefully the next year won't go so fast. They all grow up too quickly.
ReplyDeleteI remember that day too. Thanks for the walk down memory lane. :)
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