IT HAS BEEN A YEAR.

It amazes me how much has happened in just this past year since we met our beautiful daughter, Nika in Arkalyk, Kazakhstan. She has come so far and delights us everyday with her exuberance and joy. She has retained a few Russian words that we continue to use so she is familiar with the language. We talk about her Kazak home as Albina dom (the director of the orphanage was Albina), but what she loves to talk about is Brooklyn the home we first took her to when we returned to the States and now after 4 months in a new home in a new town Nika still refers to our house (every time we pull into the driveway) as Nika's new house. She loves her home, her family, her school, new friends and food. We have learned a lot from one another this past year and what I know most is that we are all so special and with a little work and a lot of love we can grow and flourish in the most surprising ways. I love my daughter and am thrilled this past year is behind us and will remember what we once were as we move forward and grow.

CoolKazMoms

I just wanted to add that I wish there was more time for all of us to have together getting to know one another. I especially loved meeting all four planners and their families. I had spent so much time getting to know them a few months back that I really enjoyed finally meeting them.

Kazapalooza

We had such a great time in Chicago this past weekend at Kazapalooza 2008.

We finally got to meet in person some of the many families that we have become familiar with via their blogs about their adoption process in Kazakhstan and current lives back home.
I hardly make the time to continue our blog but thought for this occasion I must post some photos of our new friends. There were so many people to talk to we hardly got around to everyone but we all shared some special moments and a lot of love and fun.

Special thanks to Muriel, Michelle, Gretchen and Kristan for taking so much time and making the effort to pull this very successful event off. Good job girls, great to meet you all and will look forward to staying in touch and seeing you all again next year if not sooner. To everyone else who attended - I hope we can share in each others blogs and watch our beautiful children develop and thrive.

Birthday Girl

Nika is 3 years old today and it also happens to be 6 months today that we are home with her. I thought I would keep the day simple with her and we would celebrate with just the family this evening together, but when I took her to her favorite music class this morning and everyone sang Happy Birthday to her I got completely emotional and realized what a big day this is.

We have come so far together and our beautiful daughter, Nika is so loved and happy with her life I was taken by the moment and decided I must go out and get an ice cream cake and invite a few friends over to celebrate after school. We had a great party and I am so glad Nika got to feel the love from all of her new friends and family. We all had a great day. I am just so moved by how far we've come. I read my friends blogs who are in the process of adopting and hear their stories and recall myself being in a difficult place and uncertain times of not knowing how things were going to play out. Finally I can truly say I don't worry so much any more - I am confident we are on track and moving right along.
Speaking of which - we move in 1 month from today.
Ouch that means I have a lot to do between now and then.

April

It is almost five months that Nika has been home in NYC and I can finally say she is a very happy girl. It was a difficult few months getting settled into life and family but she is doing so well adjusting and loving her home and environment. All of a sudden her language is coming together and just this week she is speaking and greeting Tom at the door with whole sentences that can actually be understood.
There is no doubt this child is full of energy, but she seems a bit calmer then before. We also notice her display of love has surfaced and she wakes up and gives Aidan a good morning kiss and hug that just fills me with joy.
So there you have it - we are all truly in love and growing every day in every way.
Life is good.
xxxA

12 weeks later

I realized tomorrow will be 12 weeks since we have been home. It has been a very hectic time for us and I do not want to go into too much detail, mainly because I speak to most of you.
We are well, yes still tired but working on that. Nika is so happy in her new home. The two sisters are great together and I get such joy knowing they have each other. If I said much more it would become epic so I keep it short and sweet.
Let the pictures speak for how we are and maybe I will come around to bloggging again sometime soon.