Reunions and "Happy Tears"

It was two years ago last week (really?  already?) that Jon and I reunited with Kristina on our second, and FINAL, trip to Russia.  I remember the anticipation as we stood in the large playroom for Kristina's caregiver to bring her in when all of a sudden we heard a little girl's voice behind the door ask "Mama?". What a way to spend our 15th wedding anniversary!

One of our first family photos together - reunited after 7 months apart.

You couldn't wipe the smile off our faces when playing with our little girl again!

It took 3 days to get smiles on Trip #1.  But here on Trip #2, we all fell into our comfort zone instantaneously and smiles were plentiful.

And here she is TWO years later...not quite our little baby anymore!

Two years later to the day, and I was boarding a plane to Philadelphia to spend a week at the national Occupational Therapy Conference.  This was the first time I was separated from Kristina for more than 48 hours since being her mommy.  I was missing her terribly even before leaving the house!  I tried to prepare Kristina for the week but hearing her say "Mommy, don't go" only made my heart ache more.

It was a long 6 days (fun...but LOTS of work) and I thought of Kristina and daddy a lot. I had left some gifts for Kristina to open every day so she'd know I was thinking of her. (Nahhh, she's not spoiled....) She counted down the days on a sign I left on the fridge.

Alittle something for my little girl every day of the week.  (Thank you, Target, "dollar aisle"!)

We talked on the phone every day and even got to Skype a few times!  One highlight was my chance to visit Rich and Carol and family in NJ -- only 15 min. from Philadelphia.  Rich and Carol brought their 3 children home from Russia, and two of them are from Ekaterinburg!  We shared many laughs that evening and Skyped Kristina so the kids could all "meet".  You'd think we had been friends our entire lives and one would never know that we had just met in person that night for the first time..  Oh, and the added benefit....ate some Jersey pizza.  YUM!!!

The highlight of my night....Skyping Jon and Kristina!

When Sunday finally arrived, I was exhausted, surviving on 3-4 hours of sleep a night.  I was also sad knowing that I had been away for our 17th wedding anniversary.  But knowing the reunion with my little girl and husband was awaiting me at the end of the long 6-hour flight had my adrenaline going.  I wish we had captured this moment on video or camera but we didn't.  As I approached Baggage Claim on the escalator along with friends/co-workers Joan and Ethel, I saw Jon standing there with a big grin on his face.  A lady was blocking Kristina but I knew she was there.  I immediately began to cry as she squeeled "Mama, Mama" jumping into my arms and wrapping her little legs around me.  I'm not sure I've ever held her so tight.  "Mommy, you sad?" Kristina asked as we faced each other nose to nose and she saw my tears.  "No, honey, these are happy tears."

About an hour after arriving in Los Angeles...not letting go!

You guessed right if you figured I won't be leaving the two loves of my life any time soon. (And I'm sure that pleases Mr. Mom Jon, also!)