Emme- one year ago

On October 15, 2007, I met Emme Indira for the first time. She was brought into the music room by one of her caregivers and placed in my arms. One year ago today, Emme became mine.

What a year it has been. I can hardly believe that last year at this time I was in Kazakhstan starting the bonding process with Emme. I can't believe that she has been a part of our lives for only a year. Although I know that children grow, I can't believe how far she has come since the baby house in Ecik.

Gone is the rolly-polly baby who was unable to support herself in sitting and could barely commando crawl. Today she is a very active toddler who like to run, dance, climb, jump and attempt to do everything her sister does.

Gone is the passive, quite, meek baby who was content to be held all day. Now I have a loud, babbling, laughing, screeching (as her sister would say) child, who even though is not yet talking, makes her point across very clearly. She also is a very independent, stubborn, inquisitive little girl who still likes to be held, but only on her terms.

What has stayed the same is her smile that warms your heart and lights up the room. She uses that smile when happy and as a way of saying "Mom, I know I am causing trouble, but I'm so cute so I can get away with anything." (Which she doesn't, but that does not stop her from trying.)

Life goes by so fast. Although I can't say that raising 2 girls is just as easy as raising 1. Life is much more hectic than it was one year ago., however, I would not have it any other way. See how much she as grown!