|
|
||
|
Three years ago, our lives changed forever. We met our little angel and it’s been the most amazing experience. Here is my little cutie back in 2008.
And, today!
Dear Dagny, We love you so much! Love, Mommy In the past three months it seems Dagny has grown so much. I realize I have been hypocritical when it comes to Dagny and hitting milestones. I am always so excited when she hits a new milestone and then at the same time I get sad that she is growing up so fast. At this point she has lost everything baby about her and is officially a little girl. Bummer, but awesome. I give up. I remember when Dagny sat on my lap for more then 30 seconds, and holding our hands as we walk. These are huge milestones when your child comes from an orphanage. Sensory issues and trust were the milestones that I was most excited about. Even though she was so young (11 months old ) when we met these were very real issues. She didn’t like her hands touched and she didn’t like to sit in our laps. None of these are issues any longer.  holding on
 snuggling There are times when I let my mind wonder to the time before and I feel guilty that she had to be without us for 11 months of her life, as if somehow it’s our fault. I don’t know if other adoptive parents feel the same way, but I do. I know it’s ridiculous. Even back then Dagny seemed all together. I remember thinking that we needed to gain her trust, but she isn’t fighting us. It’s as if she was really getting that we loved her and would never let her down or at least try our very best not to. We were mommy and daddy and she would no longer be without those figures in her life. It’s so hard to explain, but I know we are one of the lucky ones. For this we are extremely grateful for. So much has changed recently with her, it’s hard to even keep track. That is the only reason I am keeping this blog going. For my Dagny! We went out on President’s Day weekend and bought Dagny a mattress (isn’t that when you’re suppose to go?) for her BIG girl bed. Seriously, when did mattresses get so expensive? I mean really. Here is her new bed, new duvet, and everything else that comes with becoming a big girl.  The new bed She really transitioned wonderfully. Sometime I catch her in bed “reading” (which by the way I don’t think she is that far away from) her new favorite book, Skippyjon Jones. The best part is we can now lay on the bed with her and read a bedtime story or two and having her fall asleep before we finish. Those are the best nights. It’s not always the case, sometimes she fights going to bed, especially if she has a nap during the day.  D in bed  Reading Skippyjon Jones For about a few months now Dagny has been randomly asking me how to spell things. So far I can manage the words she’s asking, but I am grateful for my iPhone when the words get more challenging. Seriously though, she knows how to spell her name, dog, cat, hat, and a few more. She’s not even 3 1/2. She loves to watch WordWorlds on PBS. Actually, she found this show all by herself on my iPhone using the Netflix app. We don’t have her DVD in the car, only when we go on longer trips. But, sometimes when we are out and about, she asks for my iPhone and I admit I give it to her. On her own, in the back seat while I am driving, she navigates to a game that we downloaded for her or to Netflix and she picks out something to watch. I am sure she isn’t the only 3 year old that does this, but I am still super proud of her. Now, that she is older and really can enjoy them, we have gone on a couple of play dates and have more already scheduled. She has made friends with one of the girls in her dance class and we were all invited to their house a couple of weekends ago. It was so much fun seeing Dagny out of her element and handling it so well. They played dress up and made jewelery to name a couple of things. The bonus is that we really like the little girls parents too and had just as much fun talking with them. Then last week Dagny and I met up with her best friend from her class at preschool at Jump Club. We had taken Dagny there once a few months ago and she didn’t like it all. I think she got intimated by all the bigger kids and not to mention the place was packed. This time the place was empty and the girls had the place all to themselves. Having her friend there helped her come out of her shell and for two hours they did not stop moving. By the end she looked like she just stepped out of a shower, she was all wet. That night she went to bed at 7:00 pm, by far the earliest she has ever gone down.
 bounce, bounce, and more bounce ‘Tis the season for doctor visits. She had her annual eye doctor visit a couple of weeks ago. Her pediatric ophthalmologist moved to a different practice and this was our first visit with him since he moved. We just love him, where he goes we go. After her eyes were dilated we were called back in by her doctor. This was the highlight of the visit. He said “Dagny, Dagny, Dagny. When I look at the list of patients for the day and I see your name I know who you are.” Craig and I just looked at each other. He said he loves her name and loves how unique it is. I told him that is one of the reason we picked the name. I don’t want her to go to class and have the same name as five other girls. I want her to standout. He said he understood, when his daughter was in preschool she was Sara M, because there were five other girls named Sara. The fact that he sees tons of kids every year and he remembers our little girl proves my point. WOOT. Here she is rocking her awesome paper glasses she got afterward.
 cool kid Next on our list was Dagny’s six month check-up with her dentist. Because her teeth are so close together, when her permanent ones come in most likely there wont be enough room for them. I see braces in the future and that’s OK. Otherwise all is great with her. We have a great regiment going on everyday with brushing and flossing.
 getting ready This week we signed up Dagny for gymnastics. It’s something I never thought I would do. It just doesn’t appeal to me. But, Dagny has been asking to go because her best friend goes. We decided to sign her up for the Spring session and let her experience it with her friend. This summer we are planning on signing her up for soccer. I can’t wait for that. She loves the idea of playing it. So, the activities have started. But, it’s all good. Dagny brought this painting home that she did at preschool and I just absolutely love it. I love it so much I went out the next day and got a frame and framed it.
 My little artist Other then all of these activities its been all about hanging out with each other and having fun. Here is the Johnson Duo playing in your local attic.
 The Johnson Duo Dagny found the boxes that I put a lot of her “first” items away in. She found her first Christmas dress and she decided to put it on. When I turned around this is what I found. I was quite surprised that it still fit, with the size being 12 months.  look at me Then she found her first Halloween costume. Who am I to stand in the way of some good old dress up fun?
 My little ladybug Shoveling the driveway is a family act. We all chip in.
 shoveling But, we also know how to have a good old snowball fight.
 family fun It’s been an amazing few months, busy but fun! Barbara I am so happy some people decided to delurk and share their stories with me. It really makes me feel great to know that our blog has inspired others through their adoption process. I have decided to keep this blog going for now. When we first started this blog, it was back in 2002 when Craig and I were getting married. (Has it really been nine years?!) It was meant for our families. Both our families are not from the area. Craig’s parents are from Ohio, my brother and his family from Long Island, and at the time my parents were living in Hungary. Then late 2007 for about a year we (I) took a hiatus from the blog. That’s when we were going through the adoption process. I decided against keeping an online journal, instead I kept a paper journal for the daughter that I hadn’t met yet. I envied other people that were going through the process and could share everything. I really wished at the time I could do that, but that’s just not me. That’s when I realized that I am in fact a very private person. It wasn’t a secret, we told our families and friends when we decided to move forward with the adoption. But, when you put things online I feel you lose some control, and believe me when I say during an International adoption you hold on to whatever you can, because so much is out of your hands. When we knew we were getting close to going to Russia, it was time once again to get online and keep our families up to date from far away. And, now I keep it going for Dagny. I like to capture as many milestones as I can for her. I am cautions as to what I share. I just hope I don’t embarrass her too much, perhaps when she is a tween I will make the website less about her. But, probably not. Keep the comments coming. Barbara
Dearest Dagny, One year ago today, your Dad and I stood in a Russian courtroom and heard the most beautiful words we have ever heard; that we were your parents and you were our daughter. That day only rivaled our first meeting when it came to our emotions. I remember waking up that morning and thinking that this day forever will change our roles in the world. Nerves weren’t an issue for me at that point, that came later in the day. I was as calm as a nail, which is out of character for me. I am usually the nervous type. But, I knew that you were our daughter and the Judge would see it that way too. As we waited to be called into the courtroom, one of our team members, Vlad, wrote up a request in Russian to the Orphanage Deputy Director requesting permission to have custody of you for the 10-day waiting period. I remember your Dad and I signing it and thinking, “WOW, she might be in our arms today forever.” That was very emotional. While we were in the courtroom and we were waiting for the Judge to come to a decision, I was sitting next to your Father holding his hand and looking forward. If I would of looked at him, I think I would of lost it. The Judge came back and we stood up, and she made her ruling that we were your parents. There was a big lump in my throat and tears rolling down my checks. It was the happiest moment in my life, Dagny. After court we drove back to the Orphanage to see you and to drop off the Deputy Director. At this point we still didn’t know if were taking you back to the apartment with us. When we got there you were taking a nap and all we knew was they were getting you up. The next thing we knew they were asking for the clothes we brought along just in case. As they were dressing you, your Dad and I were watching. You were so tiny and all ours. That is when the nervousness kicked in for me. I was a Mom and I was now responsible for another human being. It can be a little overwhelming. Up until then our mind was about the adoption process and how to bring you home. When we got through court and all worries were done the reality that we were now parents set in. When I looked at you, all I kept thinking was how lucky I was to have such a beautiful daughter and you were put on this earth for us to be your parents. After they bundled you all up, we walked out of the orphanage with you in our arms. You were closing that chapter of your life and we were doing the same. We were now beginning the most beautiful thing, a family, our family. This first year went by in a blink of an eye and I realize the years are going to continue go by that way. Everyday I try and take a moment and just look at you and soak it all in. You have grown so much in one year it’s unbelievable. Just know how much me love you and how much happiness you have brought into our lives. We love you very much. December 1 2008 
Riding away
With Mommy
December 1 2009 
Today with your buddies
one more
Love, Mommy and Daddy Dear Dagny, A year ago today we met each other and a love affair started. I remember having all sorts of emotions that day, from nervousness to total calmness. I was nervous about the process but totally calm about meeting you. I had this feeling deep inside that without a doubt I was meeting my daughter. Max, our driver, came to pick us up and drove us to the Ministry of Education (MOE) to get our official referral for you. Masha, our translator, met us there. I remember standing in the hallway waiting to be called into the room. We were called in to the room; we were the first of the day. There were two ladies in the room. Imagine the room where there was a desk that the head lady sat at and another table attached off it forming the letter T. Dad and I sat at one side of the rectangle table, Masha to the left of us, across from us was the Assistant, and the head lady to the right of us. They asked us some basic questions and then the head lady pulled out a file and in the file was this little black and white photo of this little girl. I remember feeling a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I finally saw my daughter. After giving a brief history about your background, the head lady asked us if we would like to meet you, Dad and I looked at each other and very loudly said “DA, DA, YES!”. The ladies cracked a smile and out we went. From there we went straight to Orphanage #14. We were told that this was one of the best in the city. When we pulled up to the orphanage, my heart started to beat faster than ever. I was so excited to be meeting you. We were taken into the dance room, where Masha got your medical information and we went over it. You weren’t quite ready to meet us, you were busy having lunch. When we were done with Masha she went to get you. Your Dad and I were pacing the room back and forth. We both were so excited, we knew that our lives will forever be changed. Then the door opened and there you were in Masha’s arms. You were wearing a pink sweater. I remember your dark hair and your beautiful eyes looking around. Both your Dad and I teared up. I turned to your dad and said “I now believe in love at first sight!” I fell in love with you that moment. I really did. When Masha put you in my arms, I knew that you were my daughter forever. My dearest Dagny you have made your father and I so happy and we hope we have done the same for you. You are our light, our heart, and our everything. We promise the very best for you. We hope to show you the world through books, travel, fun, and by being a family. We love you so much, now and forever! Here you are the day we met you. 
1st day
Here you are today, one year later. 
1 Year Later
What a difference a year makes. Love, Mom and Dad Six months ago today the courts in Moscow City ruled that Craig, Dagny and I were a family of three. This day is also special because we got physical custody of Dagny. We were able to be all together for the 10-day waiting period. December 1 st 
in our arms
June 1 st 
today
I can’t believe how fast time is flying by and how much Dagny has grown. I catch myself staring at her in amazement and having to snap myself out of it. I just can’t put it into words how much my life and outlook on life has changed due to this little girl. Being Dagny’s mom is the most amazing experience and I wouldn’t change it for anything. She is the reason I want to be a better person. *Edit: I forgot to mention that the US Government also celebrated with us, Dagny got her US Passport! We are so ready to hop on a plane and show her the world. Love, Barbara 
… we met our beautiful daughter.
We have been home for just over a week and today is the first moment I have to update all of you. It has been such a jam pack week I am not even sure on the details but I will do my best and hope to make this post speak through all the photos I have posted. We arrived into JFK on 12/19 to a big snow storm. Our plane got in early ironically. Dagny did well on the flight over, considering it all. She slept a total of an hour and a half and the rest of the time we were able to occupy her. I am not sure how, but we did it. We did decide no more flight with a baby thou. It’s not that she was bad, because honestly I can’t remember her crying. It just was the stress that she might that took a toll on us. Anyway, we survived and she was a champ. My brother, Emeric, and sister-in-law, Edit, were waiting for us. Edit’s mother was flying in from Hungary and was scheduled to get in an hour after our plane landed. So, the plan was to wait around. But, since our plane got in early and her plane was delayed three hours we decided the best thing for all of us was to take us to their house and they would turn back to pick her up. The trip on a good day would take around 30 – 40 minutes, that day it took about two hours. That’s how bad the weather and traffic was. Poor little Dagny was so exhausted, she was not to happy in her car seat. Edit was awesome she brought some food and juice for her and we feed her in the car, that seemed to help a little, but she was still not a happy baby. When we finally got to their house, my Mother, Erika and Emerson were waiting to meet her but Dagny at this point had been up for close to 19 hours and she wasn’t having any of it. I quickly gave her a bath, put her in her PJ’s and put her to bed. She was out like a log until the middle of the night. Craig and I went shortly too. Dagny didn’t sleep well that night she kept getting up. At 6:00 am I gave up and went downstairs, where Eva neni, Edit mother, was up too (jet lag people hang out together). Not much later everyone else got up and couldn’t wait to hang out with Dagny. She was in such a great mood. I think she knew this was her family because she took to them right away. 
Aunt Edit and Uncle Emeric
Playing with Aunt Edit
Cousin Erika
Cousin Emerson
Dagny loves Emerson’s hair too
I just love this photo!
Around 10:30 am we headed out on the long ride to Rochester. We knew that Dagny might not like the long ride in her new car seat and we were right. The first couple of hours were good because she fell asleep but when she got up she was not so happy. My mom and I both sat in the back and tried our best to occupy her, that only worked so much. We stopped a couple of times on the Thurway to change her diaper and to get her out of the car. She loved that. We made it though and we had Craig’s parents and brother, Tim waiting for us. Tim flew up from Texas what a great uncle. It was so nice to see our house, Lily and Maxie. 
Uncle Tim and Grandpa Johnson
Enjoying Uncle Tim
Craig and I took Dagny to see Santa. 
Ummm… Who are you?
Then on Christmas Eve my family came up to spend Christmas with us. Both of our families were here enjoying Dagny and the holidays. 
Dagny opening up some gifts with Lily watching to see if anything is hers
Dagny playing with the Globe from Grandma and Grandpa Johnson
Dagny with the piggy bank from Uncle Tim
Cool rocking chair from Uncle Emeric and Aunt Edit
My two girls
Lily, the greatest doggy in the world!
Our beautiful daughter
All dressed up for the party
Since we were not able to be with Dagny on her first birthday we decided to have her blow out her candle while the entire family was here and celebrate that as well. 
Blowing out her birthday candle
Yummy
We had a wonderful time with our families and are so grateful to have Dagny in our lives. She is our joy. She is such a wonderful little girl. We are so excited for 2009! We wish you all a wonderful New Year! 
The Johnson’s
I couldn’t resist
Today we went to the US Embassy for our interview and to get Dagny’s Visa. Dagny has her US Visa and all the official paperwork we need when we enter the US. We can now come home! We come home tomorrow and end this part of our journey and are about to embark on a new part. We have had such a wonderful experience throughout the entire stay here in Moscow. This is a wonderful country not only because they have united us with our daughter but also for the wonderful people we had the pleasure of working with. We are so very grateful to our Team (V, M, M and O) that have taken care of us from day one. We never had to worry about anything. Our job was to just to sit around and wait to go home. We also want to say thank you to our agency, About a Child, back home if it wasn’t for Victoria we would not be here. Thank you so much for leading us to our little girl. You are a wonderful person with a big heart. We will always be eternity grateful to you. Both Craig and I are so ready to get home with our daughter. We can’t wait to be in our home with Dagny and introduce her to her doggy, Lily, and her kitty, Maxie and to start our lives. Farewell and Thank you for our little girl. 
Our little bunny
How cute
  Thank you, Barbara & Craig I know, I know where have we been? As I mentioned in my last post I have a cold. It has really taken until now where I can say I feel better. I can’t remember the last time I was this sick. Thank goodness for Craig, he ventured out and found some medicine for me, which helped greatly during the day. Nights are still tough but getting better everyday. With that said I was simply not in the mood to post. I am sorry. Craig has been busy working throughout the day and into the evening and I know the last thing he really wanted to do is write something. But, guilt finally over took us and we co-wrote this post. Craig Something new that we have experienced with Dagny… She has started to reach up for us to pick her up. It’s the most cutest and beautiful site to see. To see that she has started to rely and trust in us is wonderful. We have made such great strides in getting close with this little girl. But you know… our time here is starting to get to us all a bit. There is just so many things that can be done in an apartment in Moscow. And with the weather not cooperating there isn’t much outside that we can do as well. But, we are a family which is the greatest. Barbara The new thing we found out about our daughter is that she LOVES music and loves to dance, well baby dancing. She will be sitting and if she likes what she hears she starts moving left to right and giggling up a storm. We are so happy that she is a music lover since we are too. Dagny loves to stand and walk with assistants and not necessary ours. She will use anything that she can reach and walk around holding on. She has been blossoming in her motor skills far faster then we thought she would be. We think she will be walking in the next couple of months. :-O My baby is growing up so fast. Sigh. Today Craig ran to the grocery store to get some more diapers while Dagny and I were finishing up lunch. When she was done I let her our of her stroller and she sat down in front of the washing machine while I was doing dishes. We have a bag that we use to collect the clothes that needs to be washed. Well, Dagny tipped it over and pulled out her little pants and shirt and then no joke she looked at me and pointed to the washing machine, I swear saying with her eyes “Mama, can we wash these?” So, I got all the clothes together while she watched and put it in the machine and started it up. She looked at it and was excited to see it spin. Then she crawled away. Lets hope she will be this eager to do laundry when she is a teenager. I hope this makes up for the lack of posts and if in case it doesn’t then here are some photos. You can’t stay mad at the parents of this adorable baby! 
Dagny watching cartoons
Dagny and Daddy
Dagny and Mommy having some fun
Dagny and Mommy laughing
Dagny and Mommy
Dagny and some of her toys
Someone’s ready for bed!
|
     |
|
|
Copyright © 2012 Johnson Household - All Rights Reserved |
||
Another reason why this child is meant to be ours. The list grows everyday.
Comments