05 February 2008



Our little Aitugan turns 10 months old today. I know that before long we'll go from counting months to counting years but for now, we continue to marvel at the changes that present themselves on a daily basis.

Incredulously I revisit the seemingly distant memory of our first day in the baby house playroom with Aitugan and remember that it was just three months ago. Three months ago - how can that be true.

I continue to check in on the Kazak Adoption online forums - as we have for nearly a year now - though the topics and jargon ring out like the names of bands I knew in high school - relics and placeholders of a time long since past.

The I-600's - yeah I saw them back in the day. MFA - didn't they do that song from that John Hughes movie. Dossier sounds familiar, but I was never really into metal.

Our life as a family has moved forward at speeds I never knew existed. I know our passports might proclaim otherwise, but I feel I could convince a lie detector that we have been together all of our lives. How could it not be so? She is our daughter as surely as anything I know to be true.

Take Care.

12 comments:

TanyaLea said...

Greetings Steve and Kj~

I have followed your blog for quite sometime now, and figured it was time to say "hello", as I am beginning to feel like a stalker sitting quietly by. I just want to thank you for keeping such an enchanting log of your adoption journey to Aitugan... she is as beautiful as they come! Steve, your journaling skills are simply amazing. I find myself completely captured by every word you write. Your depth of character shines through in your words, and if you ever need a new career...writing is most definately a gift you hold! I feel as though I know your family on a personal level, and traveled right along side you on your journey. We have been looking into International Adoption, and in recent months, have been drawn to Kazakhstan. I have read at least 50 hours worth of blogs, and have bookmarked yours as a favorite. It has been great to see how Aitugan is adjusting to life in Maine. Even to an outsider,
it seems as though she has always been a part of your family. Clearly, she was meant to be your daughter! Thanks again for the continued postings and the wonderful photos you continue to add. I pray that Kj and Aitugan adjust well with her return to work. I can only imagine how difficult that must be in the beginning, but all will feel normal again in time. God bless you all and thank you for sharing your story. I feel now as though I could go to Kazakhstan and know exactly what to expect. Though each story is unique and full of its own surprizes, I know!

Best Wishes!
~Tanya~ (from MN)

Anonymous said...

Happy B-Day Aitugan

Our Family of Bloggers said...

I could not agree with those sentiments more. Isn't it really hard to believe just two months ago we were couped up in that playroom? Those Saturday visits seem like ages ago.... Happy 10 months Aitugan!

Susan said...

i love the picture. She is a yoga baby, doing the "COBRA" pose.
She is just adorable and so awesome to read such a wonderful story. You really make the rest of us whose life still entails words like "dossier left the mfa" before we embark on our own journey.
Thanks to awesome honest people like your family, we can know somewhat what we can expect, and love seeing the updates once you are home. THANK YOU.

marsrob said...

Happy 10 months little one! We love all of you!

Kristan and Mark said...

I could have written your last paragraph myself!

She grows more adorable with every photo!

I can't wait to meet her and the both of you at Kazapalooza, you are still coming, right?

Anonymous said...

Hello tugie woogie happy birthday and hello KJ and unkill steve. love emma:-)

Anonymous said...

Steve,
I have heard about your adorable daughter first through Pat Slater. I have unsuccessfully bugged Kelly for your address but today I talked to your mother and was thrilled to finally see pictures of your precious little Aitugan and read much of your blog. I am so happy for you and KJ. Your blog was most amazing to read and the love you feel for Aitugan totally jumped out of the computer. I will continue to check out your updates and of course, watch the growth of Aitugan. Enjoy every special moment as you appear to be doing. Stay well and take care. I can tell what incredible parents you are and will continue to be. Fondly, Bobbie Menter

McMary said...

Happy 10 minth Birthday Aitugan. You are absolutely one of the most adorable little girls I have ever seen--your parents seem pretty cool too.

This message is to Tanya from MN--if you read this, I am also from MN and am adopting from Kazakhstan--you can email me at mcnab.mary@mayo.edu--I would love to hear from you.

Sam said...

Its so reassuring to know that those terms will eventually be a part of the past and will seem insignificant when right now they seem SO important. ah there is a light at the end of the tunnel

John & Jenny Morgan said...

Your daughter, words, and pictures are beautiful. Wow!

Anonymous said...

Hello, Uncle Steve & Aunt Kj,
It's Annie! I'm super-duper glad Aitugan's doing well. You three make a great family. She looks like she's in great shape, and so cute, too! If you ever want to e-mail me, my new adress is anniemo922.
Love,
Annie; D