Five months ago today

It seems like a lifetime ago, but five months ago TODAY I stepped off the plane with my little RP. The trek from Russia to the US had us traveling for 18 some-odd hours through Switzerland, and my little RP screamed the majority of the way. I was tired, overwhelmed, and even a bit frightened of what was to come and could not imagine what life would be like once we were settled in - and I kept asking myself, "did I do the right thing - for her and for me?"

It hasn't been easy but I can say without a single doubt that "YES" I did the right thing. RP has blossomed from a seemingly distant, almost angry child (definitely very timid) to a lovable little goofball who loves to run, play, climb, and read stories. She is into everything and sometimes drives me bonkers with her incessant need to be on the go, but when she wraps those chubby little arms around my neck and squeezes tight, then plants a kiss on my lips, all of that goes out the window.

It has been the longest, yet the shortest five months of my life - and I've loved every minute of it!

RP and a friend at his birthday party over the weekend - her first American birthday party (not counting her own!). She had a blast and even though she was half the size of the other kids in the jumpy, once she tried it out she LOVED it - I had a hard time getting her out when it was time to go and enjoy some cupcakes with the birthday boy!

The terrible two's (and other random updates)

When I last posted we were getting ready for the 4th of July and I am happy to say that RP absolutely LOVED the fireworks! She "ooo'd" and "ahhh'd" over a lot of them, although, truth be told, she was so tired at that point that she pretty much remained motionless in my arms during most of the display!

We had our 6-month post-placement social worker visit and it seems to have gone well, although I'm not really sure what I should be expecting of those visits. I go crazy cleaning the house and making sure that RP is dressed cutely and refrains from ripping the bow from her hair until AFTER the social worker leaves, only for her to sit in my kitchen for about 20 minutes, ask me how things are going, take notes on what I tell her, and then leaves. Oh yeah, I also have to provide a dozen or so random photos of RP (alone and with family) to attach to the report - considering I've now taken almost 2000 photos of my little RP the pictures aren't a problem, I just don't get how this is different from the monthly reports I give to the agency, which also include photos. Hmmm...

It seems that after that visit from the social worker the terrible two's kicked into high gear. RP has become increasingly "sassy" (I say that based on tone, since much of what she is sassing about I still can't understand) and throws absolute fits when she doesn't get her way. The past three nights she has gone absolutely crazy at bedtime - screaming, crying, biting herself, hitting at me, shaking the bars of the crib, you name it - as she is insistent that she needs to sleep in Mommy's bed. We have never co-slept so I'm not sure where this is coming from, and I'm starting to wonder if this is a sign that she is ready to move into a big-girl bed. I can say that I am not ready for that move, as I like the security of her still being in the crib, especially with the tantrums that have occurred this week! While the bulk of her terrible "two-ness" has occurred at night, she has certainly been testing her boundaries during the day as well - sassiness, throwing toys or not listening to directions until I start the dreaded counting (she is usually pretty good about listening by the time I get to "2" but I'm already tired of doing it!), and most recently spitting at school and hitting another child because he had the car on the playground that she wanted to play with.

When she ISN'T in the throes of her terrible two's, RP is doing fantastically at home - she, for the most part, is a sweet little girl who loves to laugh, play outside (especially in the water!), and adores her Papa and puppies. While I am treasuring every moment of her being so little, I am more than ready for this "phase" to be over!!!

The Road to my Russian Princess

Hope you enjoy the pictures from my adoption journey!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

First Fourth of July!

I can hardly believe that is is already July 1st - where has the time gone? We are gearing up for RP's first fourth of July, and it's looking like it's going to be a pretty low-key celebration. All the crazies in my neighborhood come out and party like there's no tomorrow (literally - it drives me beyond crazy!) so we'll be headed over to Grandma and Papa's house for some peace and quiet! RP is still too little to understand what the Fourth of July really is, but I'm hoping that she is able to stay awake for the fireworks, and I can't wait to see her reaction (hopefully she loves them!).

We have now officially spent four full months at home and things are getting better every day, although I still worry incessantly about attachment. Is she truly attached to me? Does she understand how much I love her? These are truly questions that wake me up in the middle of the night, and I don't know why. This morning when I dropped her off at daycare RP's "teacher" was there so I chatted with her for a few minutes to see how she was doing, and once again got rave reviews. She is eating more everyday she is there, sleeps fantastically, and is more vocal every day. Apparently, though, there are a few times during every day where she starts to cry and call for "Mommy" which just breaks my heart, but I'm trying not to dwell on it and focus on the fact that she is happy and well-adjusted.