Metcha Day

One year ago today I met my daughter. The day ended drastically different than it started. In the morning, I was scared, frustrated, excited - everything. I was told when I landed in Russia that my referral was "not good". I had flown a long way and was wondering how I'd ever be able to do the crazy trip #1 again if I had to decline a referral and there was no other child to see.

It's amazing how fate works. My friend Joy said the other day that Tatiana and I were like a pair of mittens - we just fit together. My mother told Tatiana a few months ago that she was the best idea I ever had.

I can't agree more...

I have a hard time remembering life before Tatiana. I used to be a TV junkie. I love pop culture - and TV fits into that so well. These days, I am lucky to get caught up on Glee and Grey's Anatomy. I have 5 full episodes (the max my DVR keeps of a show) of Project Runway, Saturday Night Live and Monk waiting for me - that I may never get to. I haven't watched my Netflix movie that's been waiting here for me for a month when I used to schedule it so I could get two movies in a week. Watch Saturday or Sunday - in the mail Monday, new movie received and watched Wednesday - in the mail Thursday - new movie for the weekend. Repeat.

I still find the occasional moment to blog and check in with facebook but it's typically at night after the little one is asleep. I used to stay awake almost nightly until midnight, now I am lucky to see 10:30 - 11pm. I used to never miss a party/shower/happening if I could avoid it -- and now, I RSVP'd no to my cousin's baby shower because it's adults only and I can't imagine choosing to spend another 6 hours away from her on a weekend, when I am already away from her enough!

Looking back 1 year ago, after declining my first referral and waiting to see if I could meet the 2nd one that day, I spied a little girl with a red hat on and brown curls tumbling out the back. I said "I wish I could have a little girl JUST like her - she's perfect".

I was right!

Ok maybe perfect is too ideal of a word, but she's perfect for me and yes, mom. She IS the best idea I ever had! My life changed a year ago today, and I wouldn't change it back for all the money in the world.

October 21, 2008