GOTCHA Day and Homecoming Memories

This past week and a half brought everything full circle for our family.

On May 13th, we celebrated GOTCHA Day -- the anniversary of the day that we traveled to Orphanage #6 out in the countryside of Ekaterinburg, went up the stairs to Kristina's Grupa's room, and found her playing with 4 other kids. All the kids looked at us with such excitement as our translator and Kristina's caregiver rattled off something to Kristina in Russian.

Everything happened so fast as we changed Kristina out of her clothing and into her going away outfit. We also asked the Orphanage Director to bring out one of Kristina's friends so we could take some photos and video of her for our friends, Trish and Tony, who were home anxiously awaiting their court date. Kids were coming up the stairs from their playground outing and it was hectic. We took a few family pictures and then we were out the door. We both have vivid memories of that moment when we left a part of our heart at Kristina's former "home" and with her former "family".

We commemorated GOTCHA Day 2010 (which someone penned God's Ordained This Child's Happy Adoption Day so we decided to keep the title) by having Borscht Soup for dinner. I made it by scratch and had the red-stained hands to prove it! We also gave Kristina two Russian gifts: a painted Crucifix pendant placed it in a black lacquer painted box. On the box, an image of a girl looking back at her village reminds me of Kristina leaving behind her homeland...and going home. Definitely not toys so we put them away in her memory box for future use -- when a lot older.

Kristina didn't really go for the Borscht soup...we had a good ol' American hot dog on standby which she readily enjoyed!

Happy Gotcha Day, sweetie! Life is good...a gift and cupcake with chocolate!

Kristina holding up her Crucifix (Russian Finift, which is intricate painting on enamel with silver). On the back of the crucifix, it says "Save and Protect" in Russian.

Black laquer box from Russia which now holds the Crucifix pendant we got Kristina.

Then on May 16th, we marked the one-year anniversary of Kristina's homecoming with us here in the USA. Arriving at the airport to our family and best friend, Laura, was incredible. All the rules say "Keep it low key, you don't want to overwhelm the child, etc." but we felt it was so important to have our family there since they stood by us since day 1 of this journey. Laura captured our arrival at LAX on video and for your viewing enjoyment I figured I'd include it here (finally!). This is one of my fondest precious moments...

Our family's first "Kristina sighting" at Los Angeles' International Airport on May 16, 2009. Get a load of all that luggage!

Our first family picture upon arriving home in May 2009.

This year, we spent the morning at a kids' Indoor Playland with friends visiting from GA. (Hey, Jen and Danya!) Then we took a family nap. That's a rare event and I think the first time all three of us crashed together mid-day! We had leftovers for dinner and then went out for ice cream as a family. Kristina LOVES ice cream!

While we enjoyed leftover Borscht soup, Kristina indulged in her favorite soup: Chicken Noodle

The Deary Family, May 16, 2010

Kristina Facts:

* She is now 3 years and 4 months old

* Currently weighs 31.5 lbs., up 4.2 lbs. since coming home

* Stands 37 1/2 inches tall, up 6 1/2 inches in one year!!!!!!!!!

* Came home wearing 18 mo. clothing and now is transitioning from 3T to 4T

* Only uses one remaining Russian word: Baka (short for "sebaka" which is "dog" in Russian) -- and the word is quickly being replaced by dog and doggie

* Loves to eat hot dogs, chicken noodle soup, scrambled eggs, cold cereal, yogurt, peanut butter, butter, toast, English Muffins, apples (in moderation...), Cheetos, and anything with chocolate (yes ~ in moderation!). We're working hard on the veggies and fruits...

* She sleeps approx. 11 hours per night on weekends and about 9 1/2 during the week (has to be up at 6:10 each morning for school ~ ugh)

* Prefers to crawl into bed with mommy and daddy vs. staying in her own bed (and gets no resistance at all from either mommy or daddy ~ we love having her with us...for now!)

* Loves to wear sunglasses, high-heeled shoes, carry her purse, dance, look at herself in the mirror, talking on the phone, taking care of her baby dolls, and using mommy's iPhone to access ABC songs on YouTube (independent with this task...)

* Kristina says "God Bless You" when someone sneezes, pats us on the back when we cough, and wipes away our tears followed with hugs when we cry.

* Kristina is fluent in English (we get asked this a lot). She understands everything but does have a hearing/comprehension problem when we say "Kristina, come here!" or "Kristina, get down from there NOW!"...

Overall, life is grand. Exhaustion is the norm for me getting about 5 hours of sleep a night as there just aren't enough hours in the day. As for Kristina, she still exhibits a few institutional behaviors but nothing that is of concern. She has adapted beautifully and we thank God daily knowing how blessed we are.

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To our dearest Kristina:

I have to let you know that it is impossible to describe the joy you bring daddy and me every single day. There were years when I questioned God "Why? Why can't I be a mom?". I cried many tears through the years but I think I may have cried more this past year from shear happiness. God had a plan only we didn't know it. You hadn't yet been born so we had to wait. And wait. Then we attended our first Adoption 101 Seminar in January 2007 and on that very same day, a girl in Russia brought you into this world. Yes, God had a plan.

We are home one year as a family. I love waking up with you saying "My mommy." Daddy loves it when you run down the front path to greet him at the car as you squeal "Daddyyyyyy". Both daddy and I are in awe everyday with each new look, phrase, gesture that you show off.

You are our angel, sweetheart, and long after we are gone I want you to know that you have completed our lives. We never imagined such an overwhelming love both from you and for you.

With all our heart and soul, we love you, Tina.
Mommy & Daddy xoxoxoxo

Our angel on May 16, 2010.