Well, I'm Movin' On Up!

This past Friday was a tough day - it was Kristina's last day at her Pre-School.  This was the first non-family who we entrusted with the care of our daughter when we came home over 3 years ago...and now she is ready to move on and leave the people who have taught her and taken care of her for years.

The night before, our little Picasa artist spent time making cards for her teachers and best friend, Gaby.  Gaby is going to a different school so the sentimental side of me is really sad for Kristina as she has talked about Gaby since the week after we came home...Gaby is Kristina's first friend.  But change is good and playdates are on the horizon for the girls.

Kristina's special card for her BFF, Gaby. 

It's rough work drawing and writing out all these cards!

 Jon had a migrane that morning and couldn't go to work and I had a later start time so we were able to go together and drop her off.  Kristina was excited but I'm sure she didn't understand that after today, we wouldn't be returning except for special events (like the Octoberfest, etc.).  We brought cupcakes for the kids and a large fruit basket from Edible Arrangements sporting Kristina's favorite character as a glass containor:  SpongeBob Squarepants, for the teachers and staff.  Words do not adequately express our appreciation for all they did for Kristina to help her flourish into the outgoing, smart, and "usually" well-behaved little girl she is.

Heading out for her last day at Pre-School

SpongeBob Fruit Basket for the Teachers and Staff

Must have a picture with boyfriend, Michael.

Kristina giving her card to her special teacher, Mrs. Maurine.

Mommy's off to work and gets one more hug...and then another hug.
Note:  "Baby Jacen" is in the background - Kristina's little friend who is also from Russia!

My most memorable moment each morning:  Kristina waving from the window and yelling "I love you, Mommy!"  (K used to stand at the window sill held up by her teachers...when she was a "baby".)

When we picked Kristina up that late afternoon, we did all the "lasts":
* cleaned out her cubby
* cleaned out her name pocket which is always stuffed with hairbands and artwork
* she got to swing on the swings and go down the slides on the playground
* take down the flag with Ms. Erin
* say good-bye to all the staff and friends
* take our last picture in front of the deer that Kristina has grown up with

Our little monkey LOVES to climb - no fear of heights!

Kristina LOVES the swings, as well.

Watch out, Auto Show Models!!!

Kristina became quite proficient at taking down the flag and respecting it.

I have photos of Kristina growing up standing next to these deers for 3 years!

Kristina always had fun with Miss Erin.

Ms. Misty, Kristina's teacher for the 3-4 y.o. class

Ms. Toke, Pre-School Director, always had a lollipop for the kids on Fridays...
and this Friday was no different!

A huge surprise was a good-bye card she received from her classmates and teachers -- made with love!  Definitely a keeper and means alot to each of us.

Lots of drawings and messages from all her friends adorn the front and back of this huge heart card.

And then she walked out the doors of her Pre-School with Valerie ready for the next big step in life....2 weeks of day camp!!!  Stay tuned!

Kristina used to be known as the Rainbow Greeter...as she would greet all parents, kids and teachers with a hug.  She later learned to reserve hugs for special people...but was still known to the staff as the Rainbow Greeter!  Bye, bye Pre-School

You Can't Judge...

...a child by their picture!  This is what we were saying 4 years ago when we received the first glimpse of what our daughter may look like.  As I sat at the computer with Jon directly behind me, it seemed forever for the photo -- which was sent that afternoon from our Adoption Agency -- to load.  Loading.  Loading.  Loading.  Then we saw her!

Our first glimps of our Russian Angel, July 23, 2008
Age 18 months, approximately

There was silence.  A good silence --- so many thoughts racing through our heads.  We remarked that she had white hair like Jon did when he was little and that she looked healthy (hey, there's 10 fingers) -- albeit not a smile to be seen, a distant stare and a brow which appeared to be a tad furrowed.  Was she mad?  Confused about why someone was taking her photo?  The accompanying laundry list of "medical issues" made us pause (one reason I was up all night Googling every medical term provided to us), but something felt....right.  Really right.  Divine intervention?  I'd like to think so --- we have some special angels in Heaven who were looking down upon us.

Four Years Later

There is no distant stare - unless she's looking deep into our eyes as if reading into our soul, and Kristina is always smiling for a camera - unless it's one of the countless nights I creep into her room to capture a moment of her peacefully slumbering.  And those medical issues?  Yeah, she did and still does have a hemangioma on her back (birthmark) -- but otherwise, "she's sdrong as bool" as I would say in my best Russian accent.

So here she is, at the age of 5 1/2:  she loves to be in front of the camera and I always seem to have it on me -- thus, I'll share.

We love you, Kristina DeAnn!!  xoxox

My big girl "signing in" at school.

Our little bathtub scuba diver!

My personal pedicurist - who took a juice break in the middle of my session and then had the nerve to charge me $40 per toe!
Yes, I left a good tip...

Such a girly-girl.
Loves to get her nails done when Mommy gets her hair done.

One of Kristina's favorite dresses...which is now a top.
I think it's a size 3T and Kristina wears a 5/6!

Kristina loves to take her baby (and reindeer) out.  We went to "Donalds" this evening for an ice cream to commemorate the day we were matched.

"It's ok, baby -- mommy's here."
Just an example of the tender, loving little girl
we are so blessed to call our daughter.

Not So Little Anymore...

As Jon reclined in the "barcalounger" chair tonight, Kristina crawled into his lap carrying her new "kitty" and "doggy" stuffed animals.  Within a few minutes, she was rocking herself to sleep --- swinging her shoulders left, then right, left, then right, and so on.  As I sat in front of the computer, I noticed a gradual lull in noise levels, taking note that our little one had passed out in daddy's arms.

When I went to check on them, both were sound asleep but I let them be.  About 30 minutes later, Jon called me over to pick her up and put her to bed.  As I reached down and lifted her up, her arms draped around my shoulders as her long legs dangled.  A moment of realization came over me as I carried her to her room...I won't be able to do this much longer...and this really saddens me.  Kristina is about 44" tall and weighs around 42 lbs.  I want her little just awhile longer.

Our baby is growing up.

Kristina made "brownie/cookies" for dad last month.
Yes, it reads "I Love DAD"!

Our sleeping angel tonight with "Cobbler" the kitty and "Slush" the doggy.

I suspect that in several hours, Kristina will be gathering up her new friends, blanket, pillow and crawl into bed with us.  Really...we don't mind.  She'll be too big before we know it and we'll be looking back on these days and smile.   :)